Operating device for game machine

• US 6,887,158 B2
• Filed: 10/16/2003
• Issued: 05/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Incorporated (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Incorporated (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Goto, Teiyu, Ogata, Hiroki
• Primary Examiner(s): BROCKETTI, JULIE K
• Application Number:
  US10/687,372
• Publication Number:
  US 20040082382A1
• Time in Patent Office: 565 Days
• Field of Search: 463/37, 463/38, 463/36, 273/148.B
• US Class Current: 463/37
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/28 responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light controlling the output signals based on the game progress A63F13/50
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/98 Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1037 being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/302 specially adapted for receiving control signals not targeted to a display device or game input means, e.g. vibrating driver's seat, scent dispenser
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 2009/0474 characterised by means converting mechanical movement into electric signals
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 9/047 the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks for switches H01H25/04
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 9/04788 comprising additional control elements

Abstract

An operating device used in a game machine for playing a television game includes a main body portion and first and second grip portions protruding from one side of the main body portion. A first operating unit is mounted on one end of the main body portion and a second operating unit is mounted on the opposite end of the main body portion. The first and second operating units are each provided with at least one signal input element operable to generate a signal. A third operating unit and a fourth operating unit are mounted to the main body portion adjacent the first and second grip portions. Each of the third and fourth operating units has at least one signal input element operable to generate a signal. When the first and second grip portions are gripped, the third and fourth operating units can be manipulated by the thumb of the hand gripping the first or second grip portion, respectively. The operating device further includes a vibration imparting mechanism for imparting vibrations to the user'"'"'s hands.

Claims

1. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said first operating unit and having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said second operating unit and having a rotation member and an input element operable to generate a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in at least one of said first and second grips.

2. The operating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main body has front and rear sides, said first and second grips protruding from said rear side of said main body, said operating device further comprising fifth and sixth operating units arranged on said front side of said main body, each of said fifth and sixth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal.

3. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body so as to be positioned between said first and second grips, said third operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit having a rotation member and an input element operable to generate a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in at least one of said first and second grips.

4. The operating device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said main body has front and rear sides, said first and second grips protruding from said rear side of said main body, said operating device further comprising fifth and sixth operating units arranged on said front side of said main body, each of said fifth and sixth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal.

5. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said one of said spaced positions and having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said another one of said spaced positions and having a rotation member and an input element operable to generate a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in at least one of said first and second grips.

6. The operating device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said main body has front and rear sides, said first and second grips protruding from said rear side of said main body, said operating device further comprising fifth and sixth operating units arranged on said front side of said main body, each of said fifth and sixth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal.

7. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body having front and rear sides;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said rear side of said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit having a rotation member and an input element operable to generate a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member, said third and fourth operating units projecting from said main body between said first and second grips; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in at least one of said first and second grips.

8. The operating device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising fifth and sixth operating units arranged on said front side of said main body, each of said fifth and sixth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal.

9. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a third operating unit projecting from said first operating unit to a position between said first and second grips, said third operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a fourth operating unit projecting from said second operating unit to a position between said first and second grips, said fourth operating unit having a rotation member and an input element operable to generate a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in at least one of said first and second grips.

10. The operating device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said main body has front and rear sides, said first and second grips protruding from said rear side of said main body, said operating device further comprising fifth and sixth operating units arranged on said front side of said main body, each of said fifth and sixth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal.

11. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said first grip and having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said second grip and having a rotation member and an input element operable to generate a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in at least one of said first and second grips.

12. The operating device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said main body has front and rear sides, said first and second grips protruding from said rear side of said main body, said operating device further comprising fifth and sixth operating units arranged on said front side of said main body, each of said fifth and sixth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal.

13. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including;

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said first operating unit and having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said second operating unit and having a rotation member and an input element operable to generate a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in at least one of said first and second grips.

14. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including;

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body so as to be positioned between said first and second grips, said third operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit having a rotation member and an input element operable to generate a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in at least one of said first and second grips.

15. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program;

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including;

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

the first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said one of said spaced positions and having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said another one of said spaced positions and having a rotation member and an input element operable to generate a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in at least one of said first and second grips.

16. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including;

a main body having front and rear sides;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said rear side of said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit having a rotation member and an input element operable to generate a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member, said third and fourth operating units projecting from said main body between said first and second grips; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in at least one of said first and second grips.

17. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including;

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a third operating unit projecting from said first operating unit to a position between said first and second grips, said third operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a fourth operating unit projecting from said second operating unit to a position between said first and second grips, said fourth operating unit having a rotation member and an input element operable to generate a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in at least one of said first and second grips.

18. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including;

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said first grip and having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said second grip and having a rotation member and an input element operable to generate a signal in response to an operation of said rotation member; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in at least one of said first and second grips.

19. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said first operating unit and having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said second operating unit and having an input element operable to generate a signal; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in each of said first and second grips.

20. The operating device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said main body has front and rear sides, said first and second grips protruding from said rear side of said main body, said operating device further comprising fifth and sixth operating units arranged on said front side of said main body, each of said fifth and sixth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal.

21. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body so as to be positioned between said first and second grips, each of said third and fourth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in each of said first and second grips.

22. The operating device as claimed in claim 21, wherein said main body has front and rear sides, said first and second grips protruding from said rear side of said main body, said operating device further comprising fifth and sixth operating units arranged on said front side of said main body, each of said fifth and sixth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal.

23. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said one of said spaced positions and having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said another one of said spaced positions and having an input element operable to generate a signal; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in each of said first and second grips.

24. The operating device as claimed in claim 23, wherein said main body has front and rear sides, said first and second grips protruding from said rear side of said main body, said operating device further comprising fifth and sixth operating units arranged on said front side of said main body, each of said fifth and sixth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal.

25. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body having front and rear sides;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said rear side of said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, each of said third and fourth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal, said third and fourth operating units projecting from said main body between said first and second grips; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in each of said first and second grips.

26. The operating device as claimed in claim 25, further comprising fifth and sixth operating units arranged on said front side of said main body, each of said fifth and sixth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal.

27. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a third operating unit projecting from said first operating unit to a position between said first and second grips, said third operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a fourth operating unit projecting from said second operating unit to a position between said first and second grips, said fourth operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in each of said first and second grips.

28. The operating device as claimed in claim 27, wherein said main body has front and rear sides, said first and second grips protruding from said rear side of said main body, said operating device further comprising fifth and sixth operating units arranged on said front side of said main body, each of said fifth and sixth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal.

29. An operating device for a game machine, comprising:

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said first grip and having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said second grip and having an input element operable to generate a signal; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in each of said first and second grips.

30. The operating device as claimed in claim 29, wherein said main body has front and rear sides, said first and second grips protruding from said rear side of said main body, said operating device further comprising fifth and sixth operating units arranged on said front side of said main body, each of said fifth and sixth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal.

31. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including;

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said first operating unit and having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said second operating unit and having an input element operable to generate a signal; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in each of said first and second grips.

32. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including;

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body so as to be positioned between said first and second grips, each of said third and fourth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in each of said first and second grips.

33. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program;

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including;

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

the first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said one of said spaced positions and having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said another one of said spaced positions and having an input element operable to generate a signal; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in each of said first and second grips.

34. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including;

a main body having front and rear sides;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said rear side of said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, each of said third and fourth operating units having an input element operable to generate a signal, said third and fourth operating units projecting from said main body between said first and second grips; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in each of said first and second grips.

35. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including;

a main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a third operating unit projecting from said first operating unit to a position between said first and second grips, said third operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a fourth operating unit projecting from said second operating unit to a position between said first and second grips, said fourth operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in each of said first and second grips.

36. A game machine, comprising:

a main unit for reading a game program; and

an operating device interconnected with said main unit, said operating device including;

main body;

first and second grips protruding at spaced positions from said main body;

a first operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent one of said spaced positions, said first operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

a second operating unit mounted to said main body adjacent another one of said spaced positions, said second operating unit having an input element operable to generate a signal;

third and fourth operating units mounted to said main body, said third operating unit being positioned adjacent said first grip and having an input element operable to generate a signal, and said fourth operating unit being positioned adjacent said second grip and having an input element operable to generate a signal; and

a vibration-imparting unit arranged in each of said first and second grips.