DE202018101524U1 - Game Controllers with Reconfigurable Analog Stick Sensitivity Modification Keys - Google Patents

Abstract

A game controller comprising: an analog stick; one or more keys; anda control chip configured to, in response to user input, assign a first key to the one or more keys as a sensitivity modification key that, when activated or deactivated, adjusts a sensitivity setting of the analog stick.

Description

Technical area

Various embodiments generally relate to game controllers having reconfigurable analog stick sensitivity modification keys.

background

Computer game systems generally use peripheral game controllers to enable users to interact with a virtual gaming environment. Many different types of peripheral gaming controllers have been developed and supported for such computer game use, including game pads, keyboards, mice, joysticks and specialized controllers, and steering wheels and lightguns.

Hand-held controllers and gamepads are particularly popular with users of console game systems. These gamepads are typically hand-held devices formed from a housing on which various different buttons, analog sticks, direction pads and other input mechanisms are located. A control circuit included in the housing may register a mechanical user interaction with the input mechanisms and convert such user input to electronic control signals. The control circuit may then process the electronic control signals to obtain digital data representing the mechanical user interaction and the control circuitry to the computer game system (eg, a home console, a personal computer, an arcade console, etc.). , which houses the virtual gaming environment, report. The computer game system may then manipulate virtual gaming environment according to the control report received by the control circuitry to trigger or control virtual character movement and action within the virtual gaming environment.

list of figures

• 1A und 1B exemplarische externe Diagramme einer Spiele-Steuereinrichtung zeigen;
• 2 eine exemplarische interne Konfiguration einer Spiele-Steuereinrichtung und eines Host-Spielesystems zeigt;
• 3 ein exemplarisches Diagramm zeigt, dass die Erzeugung von Berichtsdaten für einen Analog-Stick zeigt;
• 4 ein exemplarisches Diagramm zeigt, dass die Erzeugung von Berichtsdaten für einen Analog-Stick unter Verwendung einer Fokus-Empfindlichkeits-Einstellung zeigt;
• 5 ein exemplarisches Diagramm zeigt, dass die Erzeugung von Berichtsdaten für einen Analog-Stick unter Verwendung einer agilen Empfindlichkeits-Einstellung zeigt;
• 6 ein exemplarisches Diagramm zeigt, dass die Erzeugung von Berichtsdaten für einen Analog-Stick unter Verwendung einer Fokus-Empfindlichkeits-Einstellung zeigt;
• 7 ein exemplarisches Nachrichtenablaufdiagramm zeigt, dass die Kommunikation zwischen einem Host-Spiel-System und einer Spiele-Steuereinrichtung zum Aktualisieren von Programmierbare-Tasten-Einstellungen veranschaulicht;
• 8A und 8B eine exemplarische Tabellen- und Graphen Darstellung einer festen Menge von Empfindlichkeits-Einstellungen für einen Analog-Stick zeigen,
• 9 ein exemplarisches Zustandsdiagramm, das den Betrieb einer Steuerung einer Spiele-Steuereinrichtung ausdrückt, zeigt;
• 10 einen exemplarischen Prozessfluss für ein Konfigurations-Software-Steuerprogramm, wie es von einem Steuer-Chip einer Spiele-Steuereinrichtung ausgeführt wird, zeigt;
• 11 einen exemplarischen Prozessfluss für eine Verarbeitung einer digitalen Eingangszustandsänderung, wie er von einem Steuerchip einer Spiele-Steuereinrichtung ausgeführt wird, zeigt; und
• 12 einen exemplarischen Prozessfluss für eine Verarbeitung einer analogen Eingangszustandsänderung, wie er von einem Steuerchip einer Spiele-Steuer Einrichtung ausgeführt wird, zeigt.

In the drawings, like reference numbers generally refer to the same parts throughout the several views. The drawings are not intended to necessarily reflect proportions, but instead the emphasis is generally on illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

• 1A and 1B show exemplary external diagrams of a game controller;
• 2 shows an exemplary internal configuration of a game controller and a host game system;
• 3 an exemplary diagram showing the generation of report data for an analog stick;
• 4 an exemplary diagram showing the generation of report data for an analog stick using a focus sensitivity setting;
• 5 an exemplary diagram showing the generation of report data for an analog stick using an Agile Sensitivity setting;
• 6 an exemplary diagram showing the generation of report data for an analog stick using a focus sensitivity setting;
• 7 an exemplary message flow diagram illustrating communication between a host game system and a game controller for updating programmable button settings;
• 8A and 8B show an exemplary table and graph representation of a fixed set of sensitivity settings for an analog stick,
• 9 an exemplary state diagram that expresses the operation of a controller of a game controller shows;
• 10 show an exemplary process flow for a configuration software control program as executed by a control chip of a game controller;
• 11 show an exemplary process flow for digital input state change processing as executed by a control chip of a game controller; and
• 12 an exemplary process flow for processing an analog input state change, as it is executed by a control chip of a game control device shows.

description

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

The word "exemplary" is used herein in the sense of "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or design referred to herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily considered to be preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

The words "plural" and "plural" in the specification or claims explicitly refer to a number of more than the terms "group (of)", "quantity (of)", "collection (of)", "series (" from) "," order (from) "," grouping (from) "etc. and the like in the specification or in the claims refer to a number equal to or more than one, i. one or more. Each term that is expressed in plural terms and that does not explicitly name "plural" or "plural" also refers to a number equal to or more than one. The terms "true subset," "reduced subset," and "smaller subset" refer to a subset of an amount that is not equal to the amount, i. a subset of a set containing fewer elements than the set.

A "circuit" as used herein is understood to be any type of logic implementing entity, which may include specialized hardware or a processor executing software. A circuit may include analog circuitry, digital circuitry, mixed signal circuitry, logic circuitry, a processor, microprocessor, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP), field programmable Gate array (FPGA), an integrated circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. or any combination thereof include. Any other type of implementation of the respective functions described in more detail below may also be understood as a "circuit". It will be understood that any two (or more) of the circuits described in detail herein may be implemented as a single circuit of substantially equivalent functionality and, conversely, each individual circuit described in detail herein as having two (or more) separate circuits Substantially equivalent functionality can be realized. In addition, references to a "circuit" may refer to two or more circuits that together form a single circuit. The term "circuitry" may refer to a single circuit, a collection of circuits, and / or an electronic device composed of one or more circuits.

As used herein, "memory" may be understood as a persistent computer-readable medium in which data or information for retrieval may be stored. References to "memory" contained herein may thus be understood to refer to volatile or non-volatile memory including random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, Solid state memory, magnetic tape, hard disk drive, optical drive, etc., or any combination thereof. Furthermore, registers, shift registers, processor registers, data buffers, etc. are also encompassed by the term memory. It will be appreciated that a single component, referred to as a "memory" or "a memory," may be composed of more than one type of memory and, therefore, may relate to a collective component having one or more types of memory , It is immediately understood that any single memory component may be divided into a plurality of collective equivalent memory components and vice versa. Further, while a memory may be illustrated as being separate from one or more other components (as in the figures, for example), it is understood that the memory may be integrated with another component, such as a common integrated chip.

Unless explicitly specified, the terms "transmit" and "transmit" include both direct (not passing between points) and indirect (over one or more points). Similarly, the term "receiving" includes both direct and indirect reception. The term "communicating" includes one or both of transmitting and receiving, that is, unidirectional or bidirectional communication in one or both of a walking and an outgoing Direction. The term "compute" includes both 'direct' computations over a mathematical expression / formula / relationship and 'indirect' computations through lookup or hash tables and other field indexing or operations.

The 1A and 1B show a basic diagram of a game controller 100 , As in the 1A and 1B 1, the game controller 100 may be structurally wrapped around a housing 102 be arranged. Various input mechanisms including analog sticks 104a and 104b , Directional pas 106 , Release buttons 108a and 108b , primary buttons 110a - 110d and secondary keys 112a and 112b can on the outer surface of the case 102 be provided. Various additional aspects of the game controller 100 may have other types, positioning, and number of input mechanisms that are external to the housing 102 are provided, including other buttons, analog sticks and / or touchpads. In some aspects, the game controller may 100 also have input mechanisms internally within the housing 102 are provided, such as motion sensors, microphones, or cameras. In some aspects, the game controller may 100 also issue mechanisms that are internal or external to the case 102 are included, such as speakers, visual displays or 'rumble' systems. Although the game controller 100 in the 1A and 1B As a hand-held gamepad, the aspects of this disclosure are not so limited and may be implemented in any type of peripheral gaming controller. In various aspects, the housing 102 be designed in various different shapes and sizes. As the game controller 100 In general, designed for use by a user in the hand, in some aspects, the housing 102 be configured with angles, recesses and projections, the housing 102 give a shape that can be easily grasped and used by the user.

The game controller 100 can connect to a host game system via a connection interface 112 connect. In some aspects, the connection interface 112 a wired interface like in the 1A and 1B be shown. In other aspects, the connection interface 112 a wireless interface that may be composed of a wireless transceiver and a supporting wireless modem that can transmit and receive wireless data with a corresponding wireless receiver and modem provided in the computer game system.

2 shows an exemplary block diagram illustrating a game controller 101 and a host game system 200 represents. As in 2 shown, the game controller may be 100 with the host game system 200 via the connection interface 112 connect. The host game system 200 can be any type of computer game system, such as a home game console, a personal computer or an arcade game console. The host game system 200 can be a game processor 202 and a host hardware interface 202 exhibit.

The central game processor 202 may be a processing component configured to execute software-defined program code that implements a virtual gaming environment in the form of audiovisual output data. The software-defined program code provided by the central game processor 202 for generating the audiovisual output data may be source code that defines a game engine specifically for the virtual game environment. The game engine may thus specify parameters, constraints, and / or rules that define the underlying logic and control data of the virtual gaming environment in addition to the way the virtual gaming environment is audiovisually represented. The central game processor 202 can therefore run software modules of the game engine that control the general logic of the game environment, digital graphics rendering, digital audio generation, virtual physics and animation and / or artificial intelligence. In some aspects, the central game processor 202 may execute the various modules of the game engine on a single processor core or on multiple processor cores integrated into a single processing component or provided as separate processing components. In some aspects, the central game processor 202 have separate dedicated subcomponents responsible for executing different software modules. For example, in some aspects, the central game processor 202 have a dedicated graphics rendering subcomponent, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) or other type of graphics chip, configured to execute a game engine digital graphics rendering module to generate graphics data that visually represent the virtual gaming environment. In some aspects, the central game processor 202 additionally or alternatively, have a dedicated audio-generating sub-component, such as a sound card or other type and digital audio generation chip that is set up, a digital one Execute audio engine module of the game engine to generate audio data that audibly represent the virtual game environment.

The execution of the software-defined program code of the game engine by the central game processor 202 can therefore generate audiovisual output data that graphically and audibly represents the virtual gaming environment. As in 2 represented can be the central game processor 202 the audiovisual output data to the output display 206 output. The output indicator 206 For example, a display device having a visual output component, such as a monitor, a television, a projector, or a virtual reality display, may have the graphics data included in the output from the central game processor 202 audiovisual output data provided. The output display 206 For example, an audio output may include components such as one or more speakers that are audible to those in the central game processor 202 generated audiovisual output data can reproduce sound data provided. The output indicator 206 can thus be that of the central game processor 202 presented audio-visual output data and thus a user of the host game system 200 allow you to see and respond to the virtual game environment. In various aspects, the visual and audio output components of the output display 206 be directly physically integrated, for example as a television with built-in speakers or can be provided separately, for example as a display monitor, which is connected to separate speakers.

A user of the host game system 200 Can with the virtual games environment through the games controller 100 to interact. As in 2 the connection interface can be represented 112 the host hardware interface 204 of the host game system 200 with the device hardware interface 114 the game controller 100 connect. The host game system 200 and the game controller 100 can be information such as from the game controller 100 in response to user interaction with the various input mechanisms 118 the game controller 100 exchange generated controller reports. As stated previously, the connection interface 112 a wired or wireless interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB), WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wired or wireless interface. The hardware interface 204 and the device hardware interface 114 may be for exchanging data in a wired or wireless manner according to the wired or wireless implementation of the connection interface 112 be configured. In various aspects, the host hardware interface 204 and the device hardware interface 114 have wired or wireless communication modems configured to receive data via the connection interface 112 in addition to sending and receiving various coding / decoding and modulation / demodulation operations.

As in 2 the game controller can be represented 100 also a control chip 116 , Input hardware layer 118 and input mechanisms 120 exhibit. The input mechanisms 120 may include individual input mechanisms 120a-120e, the input mechanisms 104a to 112b as previously referred to 1A and 1B can and should therefore correspond to the outer peripheral housing 102 the game controller 100 be arranged. In an exemplary aspect, the input mechanisms 120a-120c may be keys, while the input mechanisms may be 120d and 120e analog sticks.

A user can therefore mechanically manipulate the input mechanisms 120 enable, disable and / or adjust, such as by pressing and releasing keys 120a - 120c and by moving the analog sticks 120d and 120e using his fingers. Each of the input mechanisms 120 can be electrically connected to the input hardware layer 118 be adapted, which may be adapted to mechanical operation, including activation, the activation and / or adjustment of input mechanisms 120 to convert into digital control signals. In some aspects, the input may be hardware layer 118 mechanical movement of input mechanisms 120 convert to electronic voltage values. The input hardware layer 118 may then provide such electronic voltage values to the control chip 116 which generates a controller report (eg, digital data indicating the actuation of input mechanisms 120 represent). The control chip 116 can then send the controller report to the central game processor 202 via the device hardware interface 114 , the connection interface 112 and the host hardware interface 204 transfer. The controller report may have a predefined format that allows the central game processor 202 allows you to correctly interpret the data contained in the Controller Report. The central game processor 202 can then customize the virtual gaming environment according to the controller report, such as by triggering and controlling virtual character movement and actions based on report data in the controller report specifying analog stick and button actuation.

The control chip 116 may comprise a processing circuit, such as a processor configured to execute firmware, which controls the overall functionality of the game controller 100 sets. In some aspects, the tax, chip 116 include or may be a microcontroller unit (MCU). The tax chip 116 may also include a memory, such as a flash memory component, for local information of the game controller 100 save. This local information stored in memory may be settings for input mechanisms 120a - 120e such as programmable key settings (for example, for keys 120a - 120c ) and sensitivity settings (for example for analog sticks 120d - 120e ) contain.

The input hardware layer 118 can be a hardware circuit that deals electronically with the input mechanisms 120a - 120e combines. The input hardware layer 118 may include switches and other detection circuits, the mechanical actuation of input mechanisms 120a - 120e transmits to analog voltages. For example, input mechanisms that are digital input mechanisms, such as keys and direction pads, can produce a digital output (eg, a digital voltage in a high or low state) during input mechanisms that are analog input mechanisms, such as analogue input. Sticks, trigger or motors generate an analog output (for example, an analog voltage in a continuous range). Accordingly, the input hardware layer 118 General input / output (GPIO) pins have a digital output from digital input mechanisms of input mechanisms 120a - 120e generate it to the control chip 116 (for example, an MCU of the control chip 116). The input hardware layer 118 Also, internal analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) pins or external ADC chips can be used to generate analog output from analog input mechanisms of the input mechanisms 120a to 120e show them to the control chip 116 (for example, an MCU of the control chip 116 ). The tax chip 116 can deal with the input hardware layer 118 connect to these GPIO pins, internal ADC pins, and external ADC pins.

The general interaction between the game controller 100 and the central game processor 202 controlled at one end by mechanical user interaction with input mechanisms 120 and at the other end, mirrored by the modification of the virtual gaming environment by the central game processor 202 Therefore, it may allow a user to interact with and control the virtual gaming environment. The provision of audiovisual output data to the output display 206 The central game processor 202 may therefore provide the user with a feedback loop that allows the user to graphically and audibly follow and respond to the virtual gaming environment. Since there may be a predetermined relationship between the mechanical actuation of input mechanisms 120, a user may interact with the virtual game environment in a controllable manner.

The keys, such as the keys 120a - 120c can work in a digital fashion, ie, can be either enabled or disabled at one time (although certain keys may work based on the degree to which they are pressed). Accordingly, the input hardware layer 118 to convert mechanical actuation (eg, activation by pressing or de-activating) to analog voltage signals that register, for example, a high voltage level when a given key is pressed and a low voltage level when a given key is not pressed , The tax chip 116 can capture the analog voltage signal from the input hardware layer 118 receive and convert the analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal. The tax chip 116 can then evaluate the digital voltage signal to determine whether the key is pressed or not, for example by interpreting a digital voltage signal that is high (eg logic "1") as being pressed (activated) and interpreting a digital voltage signal that is low (for example, logic "0") rather than being pressed (not activated). If it is determined that the button is pressed, the control chip can 116 identify a numeric key sample code, which is mapped to the key according to a predetermined mapping, and then the numeric key sample code to the central game processor 202 in a tax report.

Each button can be used in the virtual game environment provided by the central game processor 202 is supported, can be mapped to a given action. Accordingly, the central game processor 202 Control reports identifying numeric key sample codes identifying activated keys from the game controller 100 received and the default actions for disabled buttons in the trigger virtual game environment. For example, if key 120a pictured on a 'shoot' action that unloads a virtual firearm in the direction of a crosshair may be the central game processor 202 trigger the 'shooting' action in the virtual games environment when a controller report from the control chip 116 is received, indicating that this key 120a has been activated (for example, by specifying the numeric key strobe code of key 120a). The central game processor 202 can similarly trigger various other actions in the virtual game environment based on the key of the game controller 100 is pressed on a respective action is shown.

While many buttons such as the buttons 120a - 120c In this binary or discrete way can work analog sticks, such as analog sticks 120d and 120e work in a continuous area. For example, a user may move an analog stick in any direction relative to its central rest position and may be able to move the analog stick any distance within a maximum radius of its central rest position. The various degrees and directions of actuation can give a user a great deal of control over the virtual action associated with the movement of the analog stick.

Many virtual game environments that provide virtual characters or "avatars" combine the operation of analog sticks with character movement. This character movement can have both geographic character movement and character vision. For example, some gaming environments may control geographic character movement via analog stick actuation or, in other words, control motion of a virtual character between different locations based on a user's mechanical movement of an analog stick. Some gaming environments, in particular, ego perspective game environments, may also control the character 'view' via the actuation of an analog stick, or in other words, the ego perspective view of a virtual character based on the mechanical motion of an analog stick controlled by a user.

In the case of geographical character movement, a user of a game controller 100 In general, control the movement of a virtual character depending on the direction and degree of actuation of an analog stick. For example, the virtual game environment created by the output display 206 and the central game processor 202 is displayed to represent a virtual character, such as from a third-person perspective or an ego perspective. For third-person perspectives, the direction of the movement of the analog stick, such as analog stick 120d by the user of a game controller 100 in general, control the virtual character, in a similar direction in the output display 206 presented virtual games environment to move. For ego perspectives, the direction of movement of the analog stick 120 by the user may generally control the virtual character to move in a direction relative to the ego perspective of the virtual character.

In the case of ego perspectives, a second analog stick, such as the analog stick 120e be linked with the character view. Accordingly, a user of a game controller 100 be able to control the direction in which the virtual character looks, in analogous way to turning the head, by moving the analog stick 120e in the desired direction. The combined coupling of the analog stick 120d with the geographical character movement and the analog stick 120e with the character view, it may be a user of the game controller 100 allow both to move a virtual character to different locations in the virtual game environment and to 'look around' in the virtual game environment from an ego perspective.

While the direction of actuation of the analog sticks 120d and 120e Control the movement and line of sight, the degree of actuation (ie how far in the radial direction the analog stick is moved from its central rest position), the analog stick 120d and 120e controlling the 'speed' of movement and visibility. The analog sticks 120d and 120e may be arranged to move within a certain radial distance from their central positions and thus a user may be capable of the analog sticks 120d and 120e with varying degrees of operation, ie varying radial distances to move from the central resting point. Therefore, a user can control the speed with which a virtual character moves in the virtual game environment and looks over the level of activity with which the analog sticks 120d respectively. 120e be moved, steer.

As indicated previously, the input hardware layer may be 118 be set up the mechanical actuation of input mechanisms 120 translate into electronic voltage signals and the electronic voltage signals the control chip 116 provide. The tax chip 116 can then the process electronic voltage signals to obtain report data that the control chip 116 to the central game processor 202 as a controller report via the connection interface 112 can send. 3 illustrates this conversion of mechanical actuation into report data by the game controller 100 , 3 shows in particular the horizontal operation of the analog stick 120e ie the mechanical movement of the analog stick 120d along the X-axis relative to the central rest point located at (X _center , Y _center ).

As it is in 3 shown for horizontal joystick movement can be the analog stick 120e are moved mechanically at positions between X _Min and X _Max along the X axis, where X _Min is generally equal to - X _Max . The mechanical movement distance range along the X-axis can thus be limited by [X _Min , X _Max ]. The input hardware layer 118 may therefore be a mechanical actuation of the analog stick 120e as the analog voltage signal within the range [-V _Min , V _Max ] and the hardware layer voltage to the control chip 116 provide. The tax chip 116 can do an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) to that of the input hardware layer 118 Apply the supplied analog voltage signal to obtain a digital voltage signal within the range of [ADC _Min , ADC _Max ] and then convert the digital voltage signal to a numeric stick actuation degree within the range [Report _Min , Report _Max ] (with example values for report _Min and report _Max in 3 given as -32768 and +32767). Alternatively, in some aspects, the input hardware layer may be 118 (or another between component that is between the input hardware layer 118 and the control chip 116 is placed) apply an ADC to the analog voltage signal to obtain the digital voltage signal and then the digital voltage signal to the control chip 116 provide.

• Standard: V_Bericht = 0
• Falls (V_ADC > ADC_Mitte) $$V_{Bericht}=\left(\frac{{\text{V}}_{\text{ADC}}-{\text{ADC}}_{\text{Min}}}{AD{C}_{Mitte}-AD{C}_{Min}}\right)\ast Berich{t}_{Min}$$
  
• sonst falls (V_ADC < ADC_Mitte) $$V_{Bericht}=\left(\frac{{\text{V}}_{\text{ADC}}}{AD{C}_{Max}-AD{C}_{Mitte}}\right)\ast Berich{t}_{Max}$$
  
• Ende

For example, the control chip 116 sample the digital voltage signal to obtain a sampled digital voltage V _ADC and convert the sampled digital voltage V _ADC to a numeric stick-actuation degree V _report which may be a signed value between [Report _Min , Report _Max ]. In some aspects, the control chip 116 use a linear relationship to convert the sampled digital voltage V _ADC to the numeric stick actuation degree V _report . For example, the control chip 116 have a prior knowledge of ADC _Min , ADC _Max , ADC _middle , _Min report and _Max report and can calculate based on a linear application of these parameters to V _ADC V _report . Equation (1) shown below describes exemplary algorithmic logic through which the control chip 116 can calculate from:

• Default: V _Report = 0
• If (V _ADC > ADC _center ) $$V_{BericHt}=\left(\frac{{\text{V}}_{\text{ADC}}-{\text{ADC}}_{\text{min}}}{AD{C}_{Mitte}-AD{C}_{Min}}\right)*BericH{t}_{Min}$$
  
• else if (V _ADC <ADC _center) $$V_{BericHt}=\left(\frac{{\text{V}}_{\text{ADC}}}{AD{C}_{Max}-AD{C}_{Mitte}}\right)*BericH{t}_{Max}$$
  
• The End

The tax chip 116 can use the algorithmic logic of equation (1) (for example, as executable code that is in the control chip 116 executed firmware) or other similar algorithmic logic to compute V _report from V _ADC . Other non-Lin years of algorithmic logic is also within the scope of this disclosure.

The input hardware layer 118 and the control chip 116 can be similar to a mechanical actuation of the analog stick 120e along the Y-axis (limited by [Y _Min , Y _Max ]) to a numeric stick-actuation degree and thus numerical stick-actuation degrees, which are both the horizontal and the vertical movement of the analog stick 120e within the circular radius surrounding (X _center , Y _center ) represent. While certain aspects herein may primarily refer to individual numerical actuation levels, the control chip may 116 also generate pairs of numerical actuation degrees, for example with an X and Y axis motion value. It will therefore Recognized that the descriptions herein also refer to the generation of paired numerical degrees of motion representing a two-dimensional analog stick movement.

The tax chip 116 Can the numeric stick actuation degrees to the central game processor 202 Report, potentially along with other report data including stick actuation direction data and key actuation data. The central game processor 202 may then receive the stick-actuation numeric level and then trigger virtual character movement (or other appropriate virtual game environment response) in response. In some aspects, the control chip 116 be configured to report a numeric stick-actuation degree according to a reporting period (for example, to report a stick-actuation numerical value every T _s seconds), for example, by providing a controller report indicating numerical stick-actuation degrees (e.g. in both the X and Y directions) in addition to other report data such as key actuation data.

In various aspects, the control chip 116 on a sensitivity setting for the analog stick 120d Refer to it when taking a numeric stick-actuation degree from the digital voltage signal for reporting to the central game processor 202 Generated (Report Numeric Stick Actuation Degree). The sensitivity setting can have a directly proportional relationship between that of the control chip 116 The obtained Digital Voltage Signal and the Report Numeric Stick Actuation Level. In other words, higher sensitivity settings may result in a higher report numeric stick actuation level (ie closer to report _max if the digital voltage signal is positive and closer to report _min if the digital voltage signal is negative) than lower sensitivity settings , In a basic example using a linear relationship, a first sensitivity setting may be 0.5 (eg 50%) and a second sensitivity setting may be 1.0 (eg 100%). Accordingly, for the same sampled digital voltage V _ADC, the control chip 116 calculate a Report Numeric Stick Actuation Grade V ' _report when using the second Sensitivity setting, which is twice the Report Numeric Stick Actuation Grade V' _report when it detects the first Sensitivity Setting used. In some aspects, the control chip 116 may locally store the sensitivity setting (for example, in the local memory of the control chip 116 ) and then retrieve the stored sensitivity setting when generating Report Numeric Stick Actuation degrees. Other uses of sensitivity settings to generate report numerical stick actuation levels are also applicable without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The ability of the user to easily and accurately control the virtual character movement may be important to the success and enjoyment of computer gaming. This may be particularly relevant to game genres such as ego-perspective shooting games, which are based on extremely fast response times and precise movement and precise aiming while playing. While ego-perspective shooting games are relatively popular for game-pad controlled console systems, many players consider the use of analog stick to be sub-optimal for character movement, especially when compared to keyboard and mouse-controlled motion which is used for playing on personal computers.

A particular disadvantage that is often noticed by gamers is that the sensitivity of analog sticks is often poorly suited for both high precision requirements and high speed gameplay requirements of ego perspective shooting games. For example, the same analog stick (namely, the one associated with the 'character view', conventionally the right analog stick) can be used both for aiming (for example, aligning a crosshair with an object on the screen) and for rotating (for example, rotating the ego perspective view, for example, looking behind). Since aiming requires a high degree of precision, a player attempting to aim and shoot an object on the screen may not be able to accurately aim if the stick sensitivity is too high. However, the opposite can happen when players try to spin, as a stick sensitivity that is too low can not allow a player to react fast enough to look around (for example, to look behind them). Accordingly, while a particular stick sensitivity may be suitable for the "character-sighted" analog stick for high precision aiming, the same stick sensitivity may be poorly suited for high speed turning over.

Accordingly, various aspects of this disclosure may provide a system in which the sensitivity adjustment of an analog stick can be dynamically adjusted by a user during play by the operation of a special button (or other suitable mechanism). This sensitivity modification button adjusts the sensitivity setting dynamically may be configurable via configuration software that may allow a user to both select a button of his choice and / or specify the modified sensitivity setting.

In various aspects, at least one sensitivity modification key may be provided, wherein actuation of the sensitivity modification key (eg, one-fingered fingering) may set the sensitivity setting of an analogue stick to a modified sensitivity setting and activation of the sensitivity adjustment key Sensitivity modification key (for example, releasing the gag) can set the sensitivity setting of the analog stick back to a basic sensitivity setting. In some aspects, two or more sensitivity modification buttons may be provided, wherein actuation of a first sensitivity modification button may set the sensitivity setting of the analogue stick to a first modified sensitivity setting, the activation of a second sensitivity modification step. Button can set the sensitivity setting of the analog stick to a second modified sensitivity setting, and disabling both the first and second sensitivity modification buttons will reset the sensitivity setting of the analog stick back to a basic sensitivity setting can.

In addition, various aspects may provide a mechanism for selectively assigning keys to a user's choice as a sensitivity modification key and / or selecting a modified sensitivity setting for assigning to a sensitivity modification key.

Applying these aspects can provide numerous benefits to users of hand-held gamepads. For example, a user who is actively engaged in games can control a virtual character (geographic movement or view, eg, in first-person view or third-person perspective) with an analog stick set to a basic sensitivity setting deactivating the sensitivity modification key (eg, by omitting to press the sensitivity modification key). If the user wants to dynamically adjust the sensitivity setting to a different sensitivity setting, the user may activate the sensitivity modification key (eg, by pressing the sensitivity modification key). The game controller may then register the activation of the sensitivity modification key and set the analog stick to a modified sensitivity setting, thereby allowing the user to control the virtual character with the modified sensitivity setting.

The modified sensitivity setting may be higher or lower than the basic sensitivity setting. With respect to the above example regarding ego perspective shooting games, it may be advantageous for a user to use a lower sensitivity setting when aiming with an analog stick (eg, positioning a crosshair on a virtual object) and Use a higher sensitivity setting when rotating with the analog stick (for example, when turning a virtual character to face or back). Accordingly, the modified sensitivity setting may be lower than the basic sensitivity setting, and as a result, a user may activate the sensitivity modification key when aiming with the analogue stick and may at other times, if not aiming, activate the sensitivity modification key Disable Sensitivity Modification Key (or hold it off). The game controller may then set the analog stick to the modified sensitivity setting (which is lower) when the user is aiming, thus allowing the user to precisely and accurately aim with the lower sensitivity. Conversely, the game controller can set the analog stick to the basic sensitivity setting (which is higher) when the user is not aiming, allowing the user to spin and look around with higher sensitivity. Similar examples are described in more detail below with reference to two or more sensitivity modification buttons, where, for example, a user may choose between a higher modified sensitivity setting, a lower modified sensitivity setting and an intermediate base sensitivity setting via activation and Deactivation of two sensitivity modification buttons can switch back and forth.

With reference to the diagram of 2 may be the functionality of various aspects of this disclosure in the control chip 116 be performed. As before with reference to 2 and 3 can describe the control chip 116 for receiving analog voltage signals from the input hardware layer 118 be responsible for the mechanical operation of the analog sticks 120d - 120e and then generate controller reports with numerical stick-actuation degrees that quantitatively specify how far an analog stick is moved from its center-of-rest point.

4 shows a diagram similar to that of 3 in that it shows the change of the numerical stick actuation degrees resulting from the adjustment of the sensitivity setting via the actuation of a sensitivity modification key. The diagram 410 shows the case where the sensitivity modification key is activated (and thus the modified sensitivity setting is used) while the graph 420 shows the case where the sensitivity modification key is not activated (and thus the basic sensitivity setting is used). In the exemplary context of 4 For example, the modified sensitivity setting may be 50% or, in other words, 50% may be the base sensitivity setting. Accordingly, when the sensitivity modification key is activated, the control chip 116 calculate the numeric stick actuation degree with a modified sensitivity setting that is 50% of the base sensitivity setting.

As previously described, the control chip 116 register the activation of keys by evaluating digital voltage signals to determine if the digital voltage is high or low. The control chip 116 can therefore determine in the same way whether the sensitivity modification key is activated or not activated and can use the basic or modified sensitivity setting accordingly. In the case of diagram 420 if the sensitivity modification button is not activated, the control chip can 116 an analogue voltage signal from the input hardware layer 118 (in the range of [V _Min , V _Max ]), convert the analogue voltage signal to a digital voltage signal (in the range [ADC _Min , ADC _Max ]), recall the basic sensitivity setting and set the numeric embroidery Actuation degree (in the range [Report _Min , Report _Max ], eg [-32768, 32767]) using the digital voltage signal and the base sensitivity setting.

In the case of the diagram 410 can the control chip 116 detect the activation of the sensitivity modification key and, as a consequence, set the sensitivity setting to the modified sensitivity setting, for example 50% of the basic sensitivity setting. Since the sensitivity setting has been adjusted to the modified sensitivity setting, the control chip generates 116 Report numeric-stick-actuation degrees using the modified sensitivity setting, so that it also allows the report-numeric-stick-actuation degrees that the control chip 116 to the central game processor 202 reports, adapts. In the particular example where the modified sensitivity setting is 50%, the control chip may 116 Calculate the report numeric stick actuation degree to be half of the report numeric stick actuation level that would have been calculated if the sensitivity modification key was not activated (for example, in the case of chart 420 ).

For example, the control chip 116 First, calculate a numeric stick-actuation degree V _report as previously described, such as according to the algorithmic logic of equation (1). If the sensitivity modification button is not activated, the control chip may 116 Use the numeric stick-actuation degree V _report to the central game processor 202 in a controller report (or equivalent to apply a base sensitivity setting of 100%). When the sensitivity modification button is activated, the control chip can 116 modifying _modifies the numerical stick actuation degree V _report according to the modified gain setting V to obtain a report-Numeric-stick actuation degree V _'report. For example, the control chip 116 Calculate Report Numeric Stick Actuation Grade V ' _report as $${\text{V '}}_{\text{report}}={\text{V}}_{\text{report}}*{\text{V}}_{\text{modified}}$$

The tax chip 116 can therefore apply the modified sensitivity setting V _modified to the numerical stick-actuation degree V _report to obtain a report numerical-stick-actuation degree V ' _report . For example, if the modified sensitivity setting V _modifies 50%, as in the context of 4 , therefore, can the control chip 116 Calculate V ' _Report = V _Report * 0.5 and, accordingly, can receive the report numeric-stick-actuation-grade V' _report , which is half the numeric stick-activation degree. After calculating the report numerical-stick-actuation degree V ' _report , the control chip 116 Prepare a controller report containing V ' _report (optionally in addition to other report data such as key presses) and then send the controller report to the central game processor 202 via the connection interface 112 send (for example, according to a specific reporting period). This example with modified sensitivity setting V _modified from 50% is exemplary and can be applied in an analogous way with other modified sensitivity settings.

As stated previously, a lower modified sensitivity setting may be particularly beneficial for first person perspective shooting games when the user is aiming. Accordingly, in some aspects, the lower modified sensitivity setting may be in the manner disclosed in U.S. Pat 4 is described as a "focus" sensitivity setting in which the lower modified sensitivity setting can make it easier for a user to make a virtual reticle (for example, by the central game processor 202 displayed output display 206 ) to precisely and accurately aim at objects on the screen with an analog stick. Therefore, a user who is actively engaged in the game can activate the assigned Focus Sensitivity Modify key (for example, by pressing with a finger) when attempting to aim, and thus to the lower Focus Sensitivity setting instead of the higher Base As a consequence, it can be able to align the virtual crosshair more accurately and precisely using the analogue stick. The user may then deactivate the focus sensitivity modification key (eg, by letting go with the finger) when he is finished aiming, and may at any other time not aim the focus sensitivity modification key (or perform other character movements that are similarly based on precision and accuracy) in a disabled state.

Conversely, in other aspects of this disclosure, the sensitivity modification key may be assigned a higher modified sensitivity setting than the basic sensitivity setting. While other uses are also within the scope of this disclosure, these aspects may be particularly beneficial for ego perspective shooting games when a user turns or moves the perspective view in a fast manner. Accordingly, if a user wants to turn around quickly or move the perspective character view, then the sensitivity modification button can be activated, which allows the use of a higher modified sensitivity setting in the control chip 116 while calculating report numeric stick actuation degrees. As a result of the higher modified sensitivity setting, the user is able to turn the virtual character more quickly (for example, from the perspective view of the character displayed on the output display 206 through the central game processor 202 is displayed) compared to the alternative case when the sensitivity modification key is not depressed and the basic sensitivity setting is used.

5 shows diagrams 510 and 520 Using a higher modified sensitivity setting in a manner similar to the lower modified sensitivity setting, illustrated in the diagram 410 and 420 from 4 , represents. The diagram 510 shows the case where the sensitivity modification key is not activated (and thus the basic sensitivity setting is used) while the graph is in progress 520 shows the case in which the sensitivity modification key is activated (and thus the modified sensitivity setting is used). Accordingly, when the sensitivity modification key is activated, the control chip 116 Compute higher report numeric stick actuation degrees compared to the Sensitivity Modification key being disabled. In the exemplary context of 5 the modified sensitivity setting V _{modified may be set} such that when the analog stick 120e 70% of the maximum radial distance (X _Max ) moves, the control chip 116 The Report Numeric Stick Actuation Grade V ' _report calculates 100% of the maximum numeric stick actuation degree report _Max . In other words, the modified sensitivity setting may be set to 142.86% (equal to 1/70%) with the report numeric stick actuation level still limited by [Report _Min , Report _Max ]. Algorithmically speaking, the control chip 116 Calculate the Report Numeric Stick Actuation Grade V ' _report using the modified Sensitivity Setting V _modified (equal to 1/70%) in the same way as expressed in Equation (2), namely V' _Report = V _Report * V _modified . This can be equivalently expressed by _modifying V = 70% and calculating $${\text{V '}}_{\text{report}}={\text{V}}_{\text{report}}*\left(\frac{1}{{\text{V}}_{\text{modified}}}\right){\text{V}}_{\text{modified}}$$

Accordingly, a user of a game controller 100 who actively plays an ego-perspective shooting game will be able to turn faster if he activates the sensitivity modification button (and thus the use of the higher modified sensitivity setting) since the control chip 116 higher report numeric stick actuation degrees compared to the case where the sensitivity modification key is not activated (and thus the lower baseline Sensitivity setting is triggered). Accordingly, in some aspects, the modified sensitivity setting described with reference to FIG 5 can be an 'agile' sensitivity setting and the sensitivity modification key can be used as an 'agile' sensitivity modification key, where the activation of the agile sensitivity modification key can make it easier for a user to do so quickly to turn and the perspective view of nature, as displayed on the output 206 is displayed, adjust. A user who is actively engaged in the game can therefore activate the assigned Agile Sensitivity Modification key (for example, by pushing with a finger) when spinning fast, and thus the higher agile sensitivity setting instead of the lower basic sensitivity Setting to 'on' and as a consequence be able to turn the perspective view more quickly and quickly. The user may then deactivate the Agile Sensitivity Modification key (eg, by letting go with the finger) when he is done spinning, and may leave the Agile Sensitivity Modification key in a disabled state at all times unless he is spinning fast (or perform other character movements that rely similarly on fast spinning).

In some aspects, only one of the focus and agile sensitivity modification keys may be on the game controller 100 be used. For example, the key 120a be assigned to the Focus Sensitivity Modification key (the key 120a on the case 102 in any way similar to the one in 1 may be provided shown). Accordingly, when a user presses the key 120a activates (for example by pressing) the control chip 116 the focus sensitivity setting (which is lower than the basic sensitivity setting), which allows the user to more accurately target with the analog stick 120e to control. Conversely, when a user presses the key 120a deactivated (eg by releasing) and / or the key 120a disabled leaves the control chip 116 the basic sensitivity setting (which is higher than the focus sensitivity setting).

Alternatively, the button 120a assigned to the Agile Sensitivity Modification key. Accordingly, when a user activates key 120a (for example, by pressing), the control chip is used 116 The Agile Sensitivity setting (which is higher than the Basic Sensitivity setting) allows the user to get up to speed faster with the Analog Stick 120e to turn. Conversely, when a user presses the key 120a (By releasing the example page) and / or the button 120a disabled leaves the control chip 116 the basic sensitivity setting (which is less than the agile sensitivity setting).

In some aspects, both the focus and the agile sensitivity modification keys may be simultaneously displayed on the game controller 100 be used. For example, the key 120a assigned to the Focus Sensitivity Modification key while the key 120b assigned to the Agile Sensitivity Modification key. Accordingly, the activation of the focus sensitivity modification key 120a the control chip 116 make it to use the Focus Sensitivity setting when reading the Report Numeric Stick Actuation levels for the Analog Stick 120e calculated while activating the agile sensitivity modification button 120b the control chip 116 can use to use the Agile Sensitivity setting when reporting report-stick-actuation levels for the analog stick 120e calculated. The activation of neither the focus sensitivity modification button 120a still the agile sensitivity modification button 120b can the control chip 116 Bring up a basic sensitivity setting to calculate the numeric-stick actuation degrees for the analog stick 120e where the focus sensitivity setting may be lower than the base sensitivity setting and the agile sensitivity setting may be higher than the base sensitivity setting. Activation of both the focus sensitivity modification button 120a as well as the Agile Sensitivity Modification key 120b can the control chip 116 to use the Basic Sensitivity setting, default to use the Focus Sensitivity setting or the Agile Sensitivity setting based on a default default action, or to use a fourth Sensitivity setting.

6 shows diagrams 610 . 620 and 630 FIG. 12 shows the operation of a control chip 116 for calculating report-numeric-stick-actuation levels with the focus-sensitivity setting in 610, the base-sensitivity setting in 620, and the agile-sensitivity settings in 630. A user can therefore switch between the different sensitivity settings for the analog stick 120e via activation and deactivation of the focus sensitivity modification key 120a and the Agile Sensitivity Modification button 120b switch back and forth. In the manner described immediately above, the control chip 116 the focus sensitivity setting, the base sensitivity setting or the agile one Use Sensitivity Setup to calculate report numeric stick actuation degrees based on the mechanical actuation of the analog stick 120e.

In various aspects of this disclosure, the control chip 116 therefore, be configured to identify when a sensitivity modification key is activated or deactivated and adjust the sensitivity setting of an analog stick accordingly. The tax chip 116 may then calculate report numeric-stick actuation degrees with the appropriate sensitivity setting (eg, by applying the appropriate sensitivity setting to a numeric stick actuation degree) and the numeric stick actuation degrees to a central game processor 202 in a controller report. The tax chip 116 may also provide numeric key strobe codes for other keys that have been activated in the controller report. In some aspects, the sensitivity modification keys may therefore be unique because the control chip 116 can not provide a numeric key sample code for the sensitivity modification keys in the controller report when the sensitivity modification keys are pressed. Instead, the control chip 116 use the sensitivity modification buttons 'internally' by adjusting the sensitivity setting used to generate report-numeric-stick-actuation levels. Accordingly, while the control chip 116 can not explicitly identify the actuation of the sensitivity modification keys in the controller report, the actuation of the sensitivity modification keys are modified in the report numeric stick actuation levels modified via the sensitivity setting adjustment; reflect.

One or more keys of the game controller 100 may therefore be assigned as a sensitivity modification key. For example, therefore, with reference to 2 one or more of the buttons 120a . 120b or 120c assigned as sensitivity modification keys (or more specifically, as the 'focus' key in this particular example), the various keys of the game controller 100 at different locations of the outer surface of the housing 102 as before in 1 may be provided discussed.

In an advantageous aspect of the disclosure, the sensitivity modification key may be re-assignable, or in other words, a user may be able to control a button of the game controller 100 after his selection as a sensitivity modification key. A user may therefore be able to select a preferred button of the game controller 100 as a sensitivity modification button, such as a button that is easily or quickly reachable when a user attempts to aim.

The assignment and reassignment of the sensitivity modification key may be done by configuration software stored in the central game processor 202 is executed and via a user input to the game controller 100 is controlled. 7 shows a message flow diagram 700 which illustrates an exemplary process for assigning a sensitivity modification key (or keys). As in 7 In the process of assigning a sensitivity modification key, the central game processor 202, the control chip, can be represented 116 and the input hardware layer 118 be involved. The central game processor 202 can run configuration software that can be defined as program code. The central game processor 202 can be a user interface for the configuration software on the output display 206 then it can enable the user to graphically interact with the configuration software. As before, in terms of communication between the central game processor 202 and the game controller 100 can describe the control chip 116 a user input to various input mechanisms of the game controller 100 and register a game controller report with report data representing the user input via the connection interface 112 to the central game processor 202 provide. In various aspects, that of the central game processor 202 Configuration software implemented allows a user to assign a specific key (or keys) of his choice as a sensitivity modification key. In various aspects, the configuration software may also enable a user to select the sensitivity setting modified with a sensitivity modification key. In various aspects, the configuration software may allow a user to select which analog stick to associate with each sensitivity modification key.

As in 7 a user may first display the game controller 100 in step 702 Provide user input representing the input hardware layer 118 can register and to the control chip 116 for subsequent delivery to the central game processor 202 as a controller report can report. Based on this user input can be the control chip 116 the configuration software in the central game processor 202 in step 704 trigger. For example, the user may be presented through a virtual menu (graphically displayed by the central game processor 202 on the output display 206 ) navigate with key presses and analog stick or direction pads movement and select that the configuration software is initiated. The input hardware layer 118 may continue to receive user input and the user input the control chip 116 in this way throughout the message flowchart process 700 to provide what may allow the user to use the configuration software via user input in the game controller 100 to control.

Below to step 702 can be the central game processor 202 open the configuration software. This may include retrieving program code from a memory defining the configuration software and then executing the program code to execute the configuration software. In addition to the local execution of the configuration software, the central game processor 202 may also provide a graphical display to the output display 202 which visually represents the configuration software. The user may then be able to use the configuration software by providing user input to the game controller 100 interact and navigate through the graphical display.

The central game processor 202 can then under the control of the configuration software request that the control chip 116 in step 706 enters the software configuration mode. The tax chip 116 can then enter the software configuration mode and in step 708 with the confirmation reply that the control chip 116 successful in step 708 entered the software configuration mode.

After entering the software configuration mode, the control chip 116 Be able to programmable-button settings via interaction with the central game processor 202 to manage and adapt. In particular, one or more buttons 120a - 120c from 2 be programmable keys or, in other words, can be assigned to different functions. For example, in the context of this disclosure, one or more of the keys 120a-120c may be assigned as the sensitivity modification key. The tax chip 116 These programmable-button settings can be stored in a memory of the control chip 116 store, which may be, for example, a flash memory component. The programmable key settings may indicate which keys are assigned to which functions. The programmable key settings may also specify other parameters of the keys, such as the modified sensitivity setting associated with an assigned sensitivity modification key.

The central game processor 202 can then request in 710 that the control chip 116 the current programmable button settings provides. The tax chip 116 Can then be obtained by retrieving the current programable button settings from the memory in step 710 and sending the current programmable key settings to the central game processor 202 in step 712 reply.

After the central game processor 202 the current programmable button settings from the control chip 116 the user may be able to change the programmable key settings via the configuration software. For example, the user may be able to select a key to assign as a sensitivity modification key, select an analog stick to associate with a sensitivity modification key, another key (currently selected according to the current programmable key) Key assignments) as a sensitivity modification key and / or to set or adjust a modified sensitivity setting assigned to a sensitivity modification key. Accordingly, the user in step 714 interact with the configuration software to select a programmable button setting to change. For example, the central game processor 202 a graphical display of the current programmable button settings on the output display 206 such as by identifying the available programmable keys, identifying which programmable keys are currently assigned as sensitivity-modification keys, and / or identifying the modified sensitivity settings associated with any sensitivity-modification keys currently assigned are.

The user can then step in 714 navigate through the graphical display to specify a change to a programmable key setting, such as selecting a key to assign as a sensitivity modification key, reassigning a sensitivity modification key, and / or setting a modified sensitivity setting containing a sensitivity modification Key is assigned. The central game processor 202 may identify the updated programmable key setting that the user wants to assign, and then in step 716 request that the control chip 116 assign the updated programmable key setting. For example, the central game processor 202 specify a numeric key sample code identifying a key to be assigned as a sensitivity modification key; a numeric identification for an analog stick to which a sensitivity modification key is to be linked specifies a numeric key A key sample code identifying a key whose assignment is to be removed as a sensitivity modification key specifies and / or specifies a modified sensitivity setting (for example, numerically expressed) for a sensitivity modification key.

The tax chip 116 can then download the updated programmable key settings from the central game processor 202 receive and update the current Programmable Button Settings with the updated Programmable Button Settings. Accordingly, the control chip 116 access the memory and update the current programmable button settings stored in memory with the updated programmable button settings. For example, the control chip 116 store a numeric key sample code in the memory containing a key of the game controller 100 identified as a sensitivity modification key. The tax chip 116 may also store a modified sensitivity setting associated with the numeric key sample code in the memory. The tax chip 116 may also store a numeric identification for an analog stick that identifies which analog stick each sensitivity modification key is associated with (ie which analog stick adjusts the activation and deactivation of each sensitivity modification key).

After updating the memory with the updated programmable button settings, the control chip can 116 in step 718 to the central game processor 202 respond with the confirmation that the updated programmable button settings have been accepted. The central game processor 202 can then continue to close the configuration software by going to step 720 requests that the control chip 116 leaves the software configuration mode. The tax chip 116 can then exit the software configuration mode and in step 722 Confirm that the control chip 116 has left the software configuration mode.

Accordingly, a user may be able to edit the sensitivity modification buttons and associated modified sensitivity settings via the message flowchart process 700 to update. For example, the user may be using the configuration software 714 interact to assign a button of its choice as the sensitivity modification button and select a specific modified sensitivity setting for the sensitivity modification button. With respect to the aspects introduced above regarding the focus and agile sensitivity modification keys, therefore, the user may be able to provide focus and / or agile sensitivity modification keys in addition to selecting a particular focus and / or agility sensitivity level. Assign setting. For example, the user in step 714 interact with the configuration software to a button of the game controller 100 to select it as the focus sensitivity modification button and select a modified sensitivity setting (for example, lower than the basic sensitivity setting) to use as the focus sensitivity setting. The user can step in a similar way 714 interact with the configuration software to re-assign the focus sensitivity modification key from a currently assigned key to an updated key and / or adjust an currently assigned focus sensitivity setting to an updated focus sensitivity setting. The user may additionally or alternatively interact with the configuration software at 714 to reassign an agile sensitivity modification key and / or set or adjust an agile sensitivity setting (eg, higher than the base sensitivity setting).

In some aspects, the user may be able to specify modified sensitivity settings according to a fixed grid of modified sensitivity settings. For example, it may be the one in the central game processor 202 Running configuration software allows the user to specify a modified sensitivity setting in percent increments, such as one percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, etc. In some aspects, the configuration software may provide a set of predefined modified sensitivity settings that are available for a user to select. 8A and 8B show an exemplary set of predefined modified sensitivity settings in tabular form ( 8A ) and in graph form ( 8B ) for focus and agile sensitivity settings. In 8A can show the set of predefined modified sensitivity settings predefined focus sensitivity settings F1, F9 and predefined agile Sensitivity settings A1-A9 included. The column labeled "Motion Distance (%)" specifies the radial movement of an analog stick, expressed as a percentage (for example, of X _Max ). The column labeled "Normal" specifies the numeric stick actuation degree (for example, when the base sensitivity setting is used) of an analog stick expressed as a percentage (for example, from (Report _Max ).) The remaining columns marked F1- F9 (under "FOCUS") and A1-A9 (under "AGIL") specify the report numeric stick actuation level (eg, when a modified sensitivity setting is used) of the analog stick expressed as a percentage, if the respective Focus or agile sensitivity setting F1-F9 or A1-A9 is used.

Accordingly, the relative differences between the original and report numerical stick actuation levels in each row indicate the effect of the various focus and agile sensitivity settings F1-F9 and A1-A9 on the sticks numerical actuation degrees the control chip 116 be obtained during operation. Specifically, the focus sensitivity setting F1 may be the highest focus sensitivity setting while the focus sensitivity setting F9 may be the lowest focus sensitivity setting, and the focus sensitivity settings may gradually increase from F1 to F9 , Accordingly, the use of the focus sensitivity setting F1 can provide a small reduction in stick sensitivity relative to the basic sensitivity setting while using the focus sensitivity setting F9 has a much greater decrease in stick sensitivity relative to can provide the basic sensitivity setting. The agile sensitivity setting A1 may be the least agile sensitivity setting while the agile sensitivity setting A9 may be the highest agile sensitivity setting, and the agile sensitivity settings may gradually increase from A1 to A9. Accordingly, the use of the Agile Sensitivity setting A1 may provide a slight increase in stick sensitivity relative to the base sensitivity setting, while using the Agile Sensitivity setting A9 will result in a much greater increase in stick sensitivity relative to that Can provide basic sensitivity setting. 8B Figure 11 shows the focus and agile sensitivity settings F1 through F9 and A1 through A9, represented in graphical form relative to the base sensitivity setting, with higher slopes indicating high stick sensitivity and lower gradients indicating lower stick sensitivity.

Accordingly, if the user is using the configuration software in step 714 interacts to specify updated programmable key settings, the user may be able to select any one of F1 through F9 to assign it as a focus sensitivity adjustment for a focus sensitivity modification key and / or any one of Select A1 to A9 to assign it as an agile sensitivity setting for an Agile Sensitivity Modification key. For example, that of the central game processor 202 configuration software has a scroll bar (on the output display 206 ), which can be set to any of nine positions, each position assigned to one of F1-F9 (or A1-A9), thereby allowing the user to select any one of F1-F9 (or A1-A9) as to select the focus sensitivity setting (or agile sensitivity setting).

In various aspects, the ability for a user to specifically configure the key assignment of sensitivity modification keys and / or the modified sensitivity setting for sensitivity modification keys may advantageously provide the user with a higher degree of customization and personalization. A user may therefore be able to use a button of the game controller 100 its selection as a sensitivity modification key, which may allow the user to select a preferred key that is, for example, easily reachable by the user or depressible when the user attempts to aim (in the case of focus) or to turn (in the case of agile). Depending on the design of the game controller 100 (Taking a basic exemplary embodiment in FIG 1 shown) certain keys from different different users may be preferred for assigning different functions. Rather than hard-assigning a sensitivity-modification key to a specific key, various aspects of this disclosure may allow a user to select a preferred key as the sensitivity-modification key. In addition, the ability for a user to associate a specific modified sensitivity setting with a sensitivity modification key may allow a user to select a stick sensitivity of their choice, which may be similarly beneficial since some users may require other sensitivity to stick. Prefer settings as other users. Further, users may have different preferences for sensitivity modification buttons and modified sensitivity settings for different games and may therefore be able to provide a desired one Sensitivity modification button and a modified sensitivity setting based on the game that the user is playing.

In addition, a user of a game controller 100 because of the tax chip 116 locally stores the programmable key settings in the memory, to be able to use the desired programmable key settings anywhere. Accordingly, the control chip 116 able, if a user is the game controller 100 Connecting with another host game system, retrieving the programmable button settings from memory and using the programmable button settings during the game, thus dynamically adjusting the sensitivity of an analog stick based on the activation of sensitivity Modification keys is adjusted.

Additionally, in some aspects, the game controller may 100 be able to use different 'profiles', each defining a specific set of programmable key settings. For example, a user may be able to interact with the configuration software to define several different sets of programmable button settings, which may, for example, have different sensitivity modification buttons and / or different modified sensitivity settings. In some aspects, the control chip 116 the different profiles locally in the memory of the game controller 100 to save. A user may therefore be able to select as needed which profile he wishes to use. In some aspects, the control chip 116 store the different profiles in an external location, such as in a cloud server or in a specific host game system. Storing different profiles at external locations may be managed by the configuration software and may allow a user to similarly select where the different profiles are to be stored. When stored in a cloud server, the user may be able to associate the profiles with his account and may include one or more of the profiles on the game controller 100 Download from the cloud server. For example, the host game system 200 an available Internet connection for downloading the profiles (for example, each defining a set of programmable button settings) and can the profiles the control chip 116 via the connection interface 112 provide. The tax chip 116 can then save the downloaded profiles in memory and load and apply a selected profile when requested by a user. When it is stored in a host game system (for example, on a hard drive of a host game system), the user can interact with the configuration software to select a profile and the host game system can control the profile -Chip 116 to store in memory and then load and then use during the game.

The 9 - 12 put state machine 900 . 1000 . 1100 . 1200 depicting various aspects of the operation of the game controller 100 with respect to sensitivity modification buttons. 9 shows a state machine 900 that controls the general operation of the game controller 100 as from the control chip 116 directed, shows. The tax chip 116 may be the upper level operation of the game controller 100 manage what the local processing in the control chip 116 and control over the operation of the device hardware interface 114 (For example, to send and receive data over the connection interface 112 ) and the input hardware layer 118 (For example, to manage user inputs that are analog voltage signals in the input hardware layer 118 to be registered).

In particular, the control chip 116 the state machine 900 in condition 902 States where the tax chip 116 as part of a power-on procedure. The tax chip 116 can then device initialization in the state 904 perform what the local initialization of the control chip 904 in addition to triggering the initialization of the device hardware interface 114 and input hardware layer 118 may include. In some aspects, the states of the state diagram may be defined as executable code (eg, software and / or firmware) provided by the control chip 116 is retrieved and executed.

The tax chip 116 then can the main loop in the state 906 generally start during the period of active operation of the control chip 116 can run. The tax chip 116 may be a device hardware interface state administrator in the state 908 which may involve managing the operation of the device hardware interface 114. The tax chip 116 can user input from the input hardware layer 118 in condition 912 receive (for example, analog voltage signals representing button and analog stick operation) and can then control the user input in the hardware state scan manager in the state 910 to process. In particular, if the hardware state scan Administrator in the state 910 running, the control chip 116 interpret the user input, including registering digital input to key press and analog input to analog stick operation. As previously described, the control chip 116 interpret the digital and analog user input by processing and evaluating analog voltage signals provided by the input-had layer 118. As by the states 914 and 916 shown is the current hardware state 914 then replace the previous hardware state 916.

Depending on the hardware state, the control chip 116 with the condition 918 , Status 920 and / or condition 922 Continue. If the control chip 116 currently with the central game processor 202 executed configuration software (for example, as in the process of message flowchart 700 from 7 ) can the tax, chip 116 the configuration software administrator in the state 918 To run. As below with reference to 10 can describe the control chip 116 with the configuration software for updating programmable button settings as part of the state 918 to interact.

If the hardware state involves a change in the digital input state, such as activation or deactivation of a button, the control chip may 116 the change of the digital input state to state 920 to process. As further explained below 11 can describe the control chip 116 determining whether the key that initiated the change of the digital input state (the trigger key) is currently associated with a sensitivity modification key. If the trigger button is not currently assigned to a sensitivity modification button, the control chip may 116 continue to generate report data specifying the activation or deactivation of the trigger key (for example, whether the key has been activated or deactivated and the trigger key numeric key code). If the trigger button is currently assigned as the sensitivity modification button, the control chip can 116 the sensitivity setting of the corresponding analog stick in the state 924 such as by setting the sensitivity setting from the basic sensitivity setting to a modified sensitivity setting (if the sensitivity modification key has been activated) or by setting the sensitivity setting from a modified sensitivity setting to the base Sensitivity setting (if Sensitivity modification has been disabled).

If the hardware state change involves a change in the analog input state, for example, the actuation of an analog stick, the control chip may 116 the change of the analog input state in the state 922 to process. As below with respect to the process 1200 in 12 further described may be the control chip 116 generate a numeric stick actuation degree for the analog stick based on the appropriate sensitivity setting, which may be the base sensitivity setting or a modified sensitivity setting, depending on whether any sensitivity modification buttons are currently activated ,

Below to the states 918 - 924 can the control chip 116 a Controller Report in Condition 926 Prepare what to do to compile report data and send the controller report to the core game processor 202 via the connection interface 112 may include. If the control chip 116 currently working with the configuration software and the configuration software administrator of state 918 has executed, the control chip 116 the Controller Report in Condition 926 generate such that it provides report data such as user input for interacting with the configuration software and / or any of the outbound communications of the message flowchart 700 from 7 includes. If the control chip 116 in condition 920 has processed a change in the digital input state, the control chip 116 the Controller Report in the state 926 generate such that it contains report data indicating the activation or deactivation of keys of the game controller 100 includes (though the control chip 116 can not report the activation or deactivation of the sensitivity modification buttons in the controller report). If the control chip 116 in condition 922 may have processed a change of an analog input state, the control chip 116 the Controller Report in the state 926 generate such that it includes report data representing a mechanical actuation of analog sticks. The tax chip 116 then can the main loop in the state 928 finish and can start the main loop in the state 906 return to repeat the main loop.

10 shows a detailed flow of state 918 in which the control chip 116 runs the Configuration Software Administrator. The state 918 In general, this can be done previously with reference to the message flow diagram 700 from 7 process described in which a user is connected to the configuration Software can interact to modify programmable button settings including the assignment of sensitivity modification buttons and modified sensitivity settings.

As in 10 shown, the control chip 116 the configuration software administrator in step 1002 start. In step 1004 can the control chip 116 determine if a valid new command for the configuration software has been received. If a valid new command has not been received, the control chip may 116 the configuration software administrator step 1016 break up. Alternatively, if a valid new command for the configuration software has been received, the control chip may 116 with the step 1006 continue to retrieve the current programmable key settings, for example, from the memory of the control chip 116 , The current programmable key settings may include information identifying which keys are currently assigned as sensitivity modification keys (for example, according to the numeric key sample code) and identifying the modified sensitivity settings currently associated with each sensitivity modification Are assigned (for example, _modified as numerical values in the manner of V as described above).

After retrieving the current programmable button settings, the control chip can 116 with the step 1010 continue to determine if the new command is a read command. If the new instruction is not a read instruction, the control chip may 116 Conclude that the new command is a write command and then can use the Programmable Button Settings in step 1014 To update. This may include receiving the updated programmable key settings from the centralized game processor 202 executed configuration software and storing the updated programmable button settings in the memory in step 1008, which is the control chip 116 can bring the updated programmable button settings as the current programmable button settings in a subsequent step of the step 1006 retrieve.

If the new instruction is a read instruction, the control chip may 116 the current programmable key settings in the central game processor 202 provide executed configuration software. The central game processor 202 can then provide the user with the current programmable button settings via the output display 206 indicate what may allow a user to view and modify the current programmable button settings via a user interface. The tax chip 116 can then in step 1016 exit the configuration software manager.

11 shows a detailed flow of the state 920 in which the control chip 116 a change of the digital input state is processed. After the start of step 1002 can the control chip 116 identify the key that caused the change of the digital input state (the shutter button). This may include identifying the numeric key strobe code of the trigger key that identifies the trigger key. The tax chip 116 can then in step 1106 determine if the trigger button is assigned as the sensitivity modification button. As previously described, the control chip 116 store the current programmable key settings in the memory, which can identify any sensitivity modification key currently assigned by its numeric key sample code. Accordingly, the control chip may enter the numeric key sample codes in step 1106 which identifies the currently assigned sensitivity modification keys and can compare them to the numeric key sample code of the trigger key. If the numeric key sample code of the trigger key matches one of one of the currently assigned sensitivity modification keys, the control chip may 116 in step 1106 Determine that the Shutter button is currently assigned as the Sensitivity Modification button. If the numeric key sample code of the trigger key does not match any of the currently assigned sensitivity modification keys, the control chip may 116 in step 1106 determine that the trigger button is not currently assigned as the sensitivity modification button.

If the trigger button is not a sensitivity modification button, the control chip may 116 with step 1112 continue and perform the standard controller input process. For example, the control chip 116 Generate report data identifying the trigger key (for example, according to the numeric key sample code) and specifying whether the trigger key has been activated or deactivated. The tax chip 116 can the condition 920 in step 1116 break up. To the state machine 900 returning the tax chip 116 then with the step 926 continue to prepare a controller report with the report data.

If the trigger button is a sensitivity modification button, the control chip may 116 with step 1108 continue to determine if the Shutter button has been activated (causing the digital input state to change). For example, the input hardware layer 118 a digital one Voltage signal to the control chip 116 for the trip button, which is high when the trip button is activated, and low when the trip button is not activated. The tax chip 116 can therefore check if the digital voltage signal is high (eg logic "1") to determine if the trip button is activated.

If the trigger button is activated, the control chip 116 proceed to step 1110 and update the sensitivity setting for the analog stick (to which the sensitivity modification key is assigned) to the modified sensitivity setting assigned to the triggering key (by the sensitivity modification key). For example, the control chip 116 refer to the current programmable key settings stored in the memory and retrieve the modified sensitivity setting assigned to the trigger key. The tax chip 116 can then set the sensitivity setting of the analog stick to the modified sensitivity setting. The tax chip 116 can then in step 1116 the condition 920 break up. Since the sensitivity setting of the analog stick has been updated to the modified sensitivity setting, subsequent processing uses the analog input state changes in step 922 of the state diagram 900 the modified sensitivity setting for the analog stick (as in state 924 specified).

If the trigger button is disabled, the control chip 116 Proceed to step 1114 and reset the sensitivity setting of the analog stick to the basic sensitivity setting. The tax chip 116 Then, in step 1116, the state 920 break up. Since the sensitivity setting of the analog stick has been updated to the basic sensitivity setting, subsequent processing uses changes in the analog input state in step 922 of the state diagram 900 the base sensitivity setting for the analog stick (as indicated by state 904 and 20 specified).

In different aspects, the condition 920 be applied to cases where none, one or more than one sensitivity modification key is currently assigned. For example, if no Sensitivity Modification key is currently assigned, the control chip will find 116 no match between the shutter button and the sensitivity modification buttons in step 1106 and therefore performs the standard controller input process in step 1112 out. If only one sensitivity modification key is currently assigned (for example one of a focus sensitivity modification key or an agile sensitivity modification key), the control chip may 116 compare the trigger key numeric key sample code with the numeric key scan code of the sensitivity modification key at 1106 to determine if the trigger key is assigned as the sensitivity modification key. If the trigger button is assigned as the sensitivity modification button, the control chip may 116 Set the sensitivity setting of the analog stick to the modified sensitivity setting (step 1110 ) or reset the sensitivity setting to the basic sensitivity setting. If multiple sensitivity modification keys are currently assigned (for example, both a focus and an agile sensitivity modification key), the control chip may 116 Compare the trigger key numeric key sample code with the key scan numeric code of each of the sensitivity modification keys to determine if the trigger key is assigned as the sensitivity modification key (step 1114 ). If the trigger button is assigned as the sensitivity modification button, the control chip may 116 Set the sensitivity setting of the analog stick to the modified sensitivity setting of the corresponding sensitivity modification button (step 1110 ) or reset the sensitivity setting to the basic sensitivity setting (step 1114 ).

12 shows a detailed flow of the state 922 in that the control chip processes a change in the analog input state. The process of state 922 may be similar to the one above with respect to 3 - 6 is described in which the control chip 116 numerical stick actuation levels based on analog voltage signals provided by the input hardware layer 118. In particular, the control chip 116 after starting the state 922 in step 1202 that from the input hardware layer 118 for the analog stick provided analog voltage signal in a digital voltage signal (for example, V _ADC ) in step 1204 convert. The control chip 116 may then input the digital voltage signal into a stick-actuation numeric (e.g., V _report ) in step 1206 convert. For example, the control chip 116 use a linear relationship as described above with reference to equation (1) to convert the digital voltage signal into a stick-actuated numeric numerical value. Other algorithmic calculations for obtaining the numerical stick actuation degree are also applicable.

The tax chip 116 can then adjust the appropriate sensitivity setting for the analog stick in step 1208 recall. As previously described in detail, as with respect to the states 920 and 924 can the control chip 116 set the sensitivity setting for the analog stick to a modified sensitivity setting if a sensitivity modification button is activated, and reset the sensitivity setting to the basic sensitivity setting if no sensitivity modification button is activated , Accordingly, the control chip 116 a modified sensitivity setting or basic sensitivity setting in step 1208 based on whether any sensitivity modification buttons are activated.

The tax chip 116 may then set the sensitivity setting to the stick-actuated numerical degree to obtain a report numeric-stick-actuation degree (for example, V ' _report ). For example, the control chip 116 Apply the sensitivity setting in the manner of equation (2) or equation (3) (for example, depending on how the sensitivity setting is defined) to obtain the report numeric stick actuation level. In some aspects, the basic sensitivity setting may be equal to 100%, and if the basic sensitivity setting is the appropriate sensitivity setting, the control chip may be 116 as a consequence, the same numerical stick actuation degree as the report numerical stick actuation degree is obtained.

The tax chip 116 So can the report-numeric-stick-actuation degree in step 1210 get and can the condition 922 in step 1212 break up. Because the control chip 116 The report numeric stick actuation degree, based on either a modified sensitivity setting or the base sensitivity setting, includes the controller report provided by the control chip 116 in step 906 and 20 is prepared, a report numerical stick actuation degree, which depends on whether the sensitivity modification key is activated or not.

The general operation of the game controller 100 as with respect to state machines 900 . 1000 . 1100 and 1200 therefore, may provide a user with the ability to assign various buttons as sensitivity-modification buttons, assign different modified sensitivity settings to sensitivity-modification buttons, and then use the assigned sensitivity-modification buttons during the game to dynamically adjust the sensitivity levels. To switch settings of an analogue stick. In an advantageous aspect of the disclosure, a focus modified sensitivity button and an agile modified sensitivity button for an analog stick may be provided to a game controller 100 associated with the virtual character view, wherein the focus modified sensitivity button may be assigned a focus sensitivity setting that is less than the base sensitivity setting and the agile sensitivity setting Button can be assigned an Agile Sensitivity setting that is greater than the Basic Sensitivity setting. A user of the game controller 100 therefore, may be able to activate the focus sensitivity setting when aiming with the analog stick, allowing the user to more precisely and accurately locate a crosshair in the virtual gaming environment (or other similar precise vision). Action) to steer and aim. The user of the game controller 100 may also be able to enable the agile sensitivity setting when moving quickly with the analog stick, allowing the user to spin and / or move faster with a virtual character in the virtual game environment to look behind. The user may be able to adjust the focus and agile sensitivity using the in a central game processor 202 set configuration software and the focus and agile sensitivity modification keys different keys of the game controller 100 assign what can provide a high degree of personalization and customization.

Although specific examples have been described in terms of target and rotate virtual actions (for example, focus and agile applications), these examples are illustrative and can be applied to any virtual action within a virtual gaming environment. Accordingly, various other aspects of this disclosure can dynamically adjust the analog stick sensitivity for use with other virtual actions, such as other types of character movement and interactions with virtual objects within the virtual gaming environment. Aspects of this disclosure are therefore not limited to analog sticks associated with character view.

Furthermore, while certain examples described herein may pertain to the sensitivity setting of a single analog stick, aspects of this disclosure may also involve modified sensitivity settings for more than one analog stick. For example, a first sensitivity modification key may be associated with a first analog stick (eg, analog stick) 120d ) and a second sensitivity modification key may be linked to a second analogue stick (for example analogue stick) 120e ). When a user activates the first sensitivity modification button, the control chip can 116 generate a first modified sensitivity setting for generating stick-operating numerical levels for the first analog stick. Similarly, when the user activates the second sensitivity modification key, the control chip 116 Use a second modified sensitivity setting to generate numeric stick actuation levels for the second analog stick. The first and second analog sticks and the associated sensitivity modification buttons may independently operate in the manner described above for a single analog stick.

The terms "user device", "UE", "mobile terminal", "user terminal", "terminal device" etc. may apply to any wireless communication device, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, personal computers, portable devices, multimedia devices, etc. Reproduction and electronic hand-held devices, consumer / home / office / business applications, vehicles and any number of additional electronic devices that are capable of wireless communication relate.

While the above descriptions and associated figures may depict electronic device components as separate elements, those skilled in the art will recognize the various possibilities for combining and incorporating discrete elements into a single element. This may include combining two or more circuits to form a single circuit, attaching two or more circuits to a common type or rack to form an integrated element, executing discrete software components on a common process core, etc. Conversely, those skilled in the art will recognize the ability to separate a single element into two or more discrete elements, such as disconnecting a single circuit into two or more separate circuits, separating a chip or rack into discrete elements originally provided thereon, separating a software component in two or more parts of each on a separate processor core etc.

It will be appreciated that the implementations of methods described herein are demonstrative in nature and are therefore understood to be implementable in a corresponding apparatus. Likewise, it is recognized that the implementations of devices described herein are understood to be implementable as a corresponding method. It is thus understood that an apparatus that conforms to a method described herein may include one or more components configured to perform each aspect of the subject method.

All acronyms defined in the above description are also valid for all claims contained herein.

The following examples concern further aspects of the disclosure:

Example 1 is a game controller comprising: an analog stick; one or more keys; and a control chip configured to, in response to user input, assign a first key to the one or more keys as a sensitivity modification key that, when activated or deactivated, adjusts sensitivity, setting of the analog stick.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include the control chip further configured to assign a modified sensitivity setting based on user input to the first key and use the modified sensitivity setting for the analog stick when the first Button is activated, and to use a base sensitivity setting for the analog stick when the first button is not activated.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1 or 2 may optionally include that the control chip is arranged to assign a second key to the one or more keys as the sensitivity modification key.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-3 optionally further comprising an input hardware layer interfacing between the control chip and the analogue stick, the control chip configured, analog voltage signals receive from the input hardware layer and generate output data for the analog stick based on the analog voltage signals and the sensitivity setting of the analog stick.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-4 may optionally further comprise a memory configured to store information identifying the first key as a sensitivity modification key, the controller being arranged to reference the information in the memory when one or more buttons are enabled or disabled to determine if the sensitivity setting of the analog track should be adjusted.

In Example 6, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-5 may optionally include the analog stick assigned for controlling an ego perspective character view in a virtual gaming environment.

Example 7 is a game controller comprising: an analog stick; one or more keys; and a control chip configured to: communicate with configuration software of a host game system to assign a first key of the one or more keys as a sensitivity modification key and generate report data for the analog stick using a modified one Sensitivity setting when the first key is activated and generating report data for the analog stick using a basic sensitivity setting when the first key is not activated and providing the report data to the host game system.

In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 may optionally include the control chip further configured to communicate with the configuration software for assigning a second key of the one or more keys as a second sensitivity modification key and generating report information. Data for the analog stick using a modified sensitivity setting when the second button is activated.

In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 7 may optionally include the control chip further configured to communicate with the host game system configuration software to assign a second key of the one or more keys as the sensitivity modification key ,

In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 7 may optionally include the control chip further configured to receive the modified sensitivity setting from the configuration software; Storing the modified sensitivity setting in a memory of the game controller and retrieving the modified sensitivity setting from the memory when generating report data for the analog stick using the modified sensitivity setting.

In Example 11, the subject matter of any of Examples 7-10 may optionally include the analog stick assigned for controlling the ego perspective character view in a virtual gaming environment.

Example 12 is a method of operating a game controller, the method comprising: assigning a first key of the game controller as a sensitivity modification key based on user input; Receiving user input via an analog stick of the game controller and using a base sensitivity setting to generate report data for the analog stick when the sensitivity modification key is not activated and using a modified sensitivity setting to Generate report data for the analog stick when the sensitivity modification button is activated.

In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 may optionally include using the modified sensitivity setting to generate the report data for the analog stick when the sensitivity modification key is activated: generating an original numeric embroidery code; Operating level for the analog stick representing the user input, and numerically modifying the original stick digital activation degree according to the modified sensitivity setting to obtain a report numerical stick operation level for the report data.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 12 or 13 may optionally include providing the report data to a host game system.

In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 12 or 13 may optionally include assigning the first key of the game controller as the sensitivity modification key based on the user input: communicating with configuration software of a host game system for assignment the first key as the sensitivity modification key and for receiving the modified sensitivity setting from the host game system.

In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 13 may optionally further include: storing information identifying that the first key is assigned as the sensitivity modification key in a memory, and determining when the sensitivity modification key is activated , based on the information in the memory.

In example 17, the subject matter of any one of examples 13-16 may optionally include the analog stick assigned to control the ego perspective character view in a virtual gaming environment.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims to deviate. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims and all changes which are within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims (10)

A game controller comprising: an analog stick; one or more keys; and a control chip configured to, in response to user input, assign a first button of the one or more buttons as a sensitivity modification button that, when activated or deactivated, adjusts a sensitivity setting of the analogue stick. Game control device according to Claim 1 wherein the control chip is further configured to assign a modified sensitivity setting to the first button based on user input and to use the modified sensitivity setting for the analog stick when the first button is activated and a base sensitivity value. Setting for the analogue stick if the first key is not activated. Game control device according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the control chip is arranged to assign a second key of the one or more keys as the sensitivity modification key. Game control device according to one of Claims 1 to 3 further comprising: an input hardware layer interfacing between the control chip and the analog stick, the control chip configured to receive analog voltage signals from the input hardware layer and output To generate data for the analog stick based on the analog voltage signals and the sensitivity setting of the analog stick. Game control device according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , further comprising: a memory configured to store user-definable information identifying the first key as the sensitivity-modification key, the controller configured to refer to the user-definable information in the memory when one of or more than one key is enabled or disabled to determine if it should adjust the sensitivity setting of the analog stick. Game control device according to one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the analog stick is assigned to control an ego perspective character view in a virtual gaming environment. Game controller comprising: an analog stick; one or more keys; and set up a control chip for: Communicating with configuration software of a host game system for assigning a first key of the one or more keys as a sensitivity modification key; and Generate report data for the analog stick using a modified sensitivity setting when the first key is activated, and Generating report data for the analog stick using a basic sensitivity setting if the first key is not activated; and Provide the report data to the host game system. Game control device according to Claim 7 wherein the control chip is further configured to: communicate with the configuration software to assign a second key of the one or more keys as the second sensitivity modification key; and generating report data for the analog stick using a second modified sensitivity setting when the second button is activated. Game control device according to Claim 7 wherein the control chip is further configured to communicate with the host game system configuration software to assign a second key of the one or more keys as the second sensitivity modification key; and / or receiving the modified sensitivity setting from the configuration software; Storing the modified sensitivity setting in a memory of the game controller; and retrieving the modified sensitivity setting from the memory when generating the analog stick report data using the modified sensitivity setting. Game control device according to one of Claims 7 to 9 wherein the analog stick is assigned to control the ego perspective character view in a virtual gaming environment.

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