A device for controlling electronic game equipment.

Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to the field of video games, and more particularly to a device for controlling electronic game equipment, which includes motion simulation.

This invention relates generally to video games played on game consoles using a TV or played on computers using a video display screen. More specifically, the present invention relates to providing motion simulation whilst controlling the on screen actions.

Background--Description of prior art Simulated motion has been used for some time both for training and amusement purposes. Most motion simulators are of a complex nature and are driven by means of motors or rams to obtain motion in one or more axes. Control signals that come from the electronic game device or computer must be communicated back to the motion simulation device and circuitry and motors or rams impart the motion to the device.

The entire weight of the occupant, often plus the weight of the visual display device and any controls must be borne by the device and thus they are generally large, complex, require expertise to maintain and are expensive. There are also manually powered motion simulators. US Pat No 4,276,030 discloses a mechanical"Pivotal Vehicle Simulator"which uses pulleys and cables connected to a steering wheel to provide a"yawing motion"of the user, a slight vertical movement when turning is used to return the user back to a central position. US Pat No 5,885,080 describes a motion platform where the rotation of a steering wheel effects a"Yawing"horizontal movement of the seat-carrying frame. A throttle pedal also provides a"pitching"tilt motion of the operator's seat.

US Pat No 5,054,771 describes an interactive game machine with a swinging action.

In this invention the user is seated in a freely swinging and rotatable seat and uses their arms and legs to push and pull against a fixed handlebar and foot stirrups to create motion. This movement interacts with a marker on a computer. The invention is primarily used for exercise. US Pat No 5, 195,746 describes a tiltable seat whereby the operator pushes and pulls against two handgrips on either side of the seat providing motion and control.

US Pat No 5,431,569 describes a manually powered cockpit frame where motion of the frame relative to the base is provided by action of the control stick, throttle lever and foot pedals. These pedals and levers are able to interact with an existing personal computer. US Pat No 5, 901, 612 describes a dual axis motion platform whereby manual pressure on a joystick provides movement of the platform in the same direction as the joystick. Position sensors provide interaction to a visual display system.

The above described previous inventions are generally large and relatively complex because They try to recreate a vehicle cockpit.

They are often built onto a"gimbal or yoke"type base, which has to support the motion platform.

They incorporate footrests or pedals for the user, which extend out the front of the seat increasing the overall length.

They are designed to support the entire weight of the user and in some case the visual display unit also.

Furthermore none of the motion simulator devices have a dual function of being able to be used as a practical seat for operating for example a computer without some form of modification or disassembly.

None of the inventions disclosed can be stored by simply pushing it under a standard height desk without some disassembly.

A simple means of adjustment to cater for different height operators is not described.

Except for US Pat No 5,195,746 the mechanism used to create the motion is fairly complex and involves many parts. This creates more parts to wear out resulting in higher maintenance.

Except for US Pat No 5,195,746 most motion simulators are designed with a specific vehicle type in mind. Those with steering wheels are designed for driving simulation. Those with joysticks are designed for flying simulation. The same is true of video arcade type machines that are purpose built for one type of simulation.

The advantages of the present invention over the prior art include :- Motion simulation for a broad range of different vehicle types.

The operator of this invention is in direct contact with the floor or base supporting structure to provide the motion simulation, this allows a greater sense of "body orientation"and hence better control.

The means of seat rotation and the simple adjustment for the height of different operators utilizes low cost, easily available, off the shelf, chair gas lift components.

The design allows for the invention to be used as a standard swivel seat and can be pushed under a desk when not in use.

Low parts count results in lower production costs, easy assembly and low maintenance.

The full weight of the user is not supported by the game control of this invention. This results in less inertia giving a faster and more competitive response.

The large leg muscles are used in this invention for propulsion giving a much faster response.

The arms do very little work thereby allowing finer and faster action of the hand controls.

Summary of the Invention The present invention is generally directed to a device for manually controlling electronic game equipment and which comprises a base and a seat pivotally mounted on the base, and wherein the feet of an operator remain in direct contact with a supporting surface such as a floor, the seat swivels on a vertical axis in one form or on an inclined to the vertical axis in another form, in relation to the base, a seat position sensing means interfaces with the electronic game equipment and senses tne rotational position of the seat in relation to the base during movements of the seat and means are operatively connected to the seat and move with the seat and are adapted for mounting a plurality of operator accessible control means which interface with the electronic game equipment.

In another aspect of the present invention which is applicable when the seat is pivotally mounted so that it swivels on a axis which is perpendicular with respect to the base, the base has at least one convex surface-usually the bottom surface-which will roll around or tilt on the base support surface, the seat is positioned so that the centre of gravity of an operator is off-centre to the axis of the pivotal mounting of the seat. When the seat is rotated by the operator the centre of gravity will move to a new position with respect to the base. The base having a convex curved shape will roll to a new position thereby causing the seat and operator to tilt to a different angle.

In one aspect of the present invention applicable whenever the seat is pivotally mounted upon a axis which is rearwardly inclined with respect to the base. the operator will experience a horizontal tilt as the seat is swivelled from side to side. The non-vertical axis interacts with the horizontal plane of the seat as the seat is rotated.

In the straight ahead position the left and right edges of the seat are at equal displacement from the ground or support structure. An operator seated on the seat will feel that the seat is flat on a horizontal plane. When the seat is rotated clockwise or to the right, the displacement of left edge of the seat will increase with respect to tne ground or support structure because the seat is being rotated on a rearwardly inclined axis. The displacement of the right edge of the seat will reduce with respect to the ground or support structure because the seat is being rotated on a rearwardly inclined axis. The net effect when the seat pivot axis is rearwardly inclined, is that the left edge of the seat rises whilst the right edge of the seat falls causing the seat to lean to tne right when the seat is rotated to the right. In a contrary manner the seat will lean to tne

left when the seat is rotated to the left. It is understood that if the seat pivot axis is forwardly inclined, the seat will always lean in the opposite direction to a seat pivoting on a rearwardly inclined axis for the same direction of turn.

According to another aspect of the invention, the means operatively connected to the seat and movable with it, is a control stick which is pivotally mounted forward on the seat on a extension arm of the seat mounting and for movement to and fro in a vertical arc and the control stick has a plurality of operator actuated control buttons on or adjacent its distal end.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a motion simulating game control that can also be used as an adjustable computer stool.

Another object of the invention is to provide a motion simulating game control that is of small, knockdown design that allows quick assembly and adjustment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a motion simulating game control that together with the operator is of lightweight and low inertia so as to produce a faster more competitive response.

Another object of the invention is to provide a motion simulating game control that is of simple design requiring no special tools or knowledge to maintain.

Another object of the invention is to provide a motion simulating game control that enables healthy, natural body movement and a short learning curve.

A further object of the invention is to provide a motion simulating game control using non-contact sensors and standard parts construction for increased reliability and reduced costs.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a motion simulating game control that can fit, unmodified under a standard desk to alleviate storage problems.

Still yet another object of the invention is to provide an easy to manufacture and transport, motion simulating, game control that is also low cost.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration of example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

A device for controlling electronic game equipment comprising a base means and a seat, a means to pivotally mount the said seat to the said base such that the said seat rotates on a substantially vertical axis in relation to the said base, A seat position sensing means which interfaces with the electronic game equipment for sensing the rotational position of the said seat and means which are operatively connected to the seat and move with the seat and are adapted for mounting a plurality of operator accessible control means which interface with the electronic game equipment.

A device for controlling electronic game equipment comprising a base means and a seat, a means to pivotally mount the said seat to the said base such that the said seat rotates on an axis inclined to the vertical in relation to the said base. A seat position sensing means which interfaces with the electronic game equipment for sensing the rotational position of the said seat and means which are operatively connected to the seat and move with the seat and are adapted for mounting a plurality of operator accessible control means which interface with the electronic game equipment.

A device for controlling electronic game equipment comprising a base means having at least one externally convex shaped surface that will roll on the base support surface. A seat means and a means to pivotally mount the said seat to the said base such that the said seat rotates on a substantially perpendicular axis in relation to the said base, the seat being positioned such that the centre of gravity of the operator on the said seat is off centre to the axis of the said pivotal mount. A seat position sensing means which interfaces with the electronic game equipment for sensing the rotational position of the said seat and means which are operatively connected to the seat and move with the seat and are adapted for mounting a plurality of operator accessible control means which interface with the electronic game equipment.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings FIG1 shows a perspective view of the game controller according to the present invention.

FIG2 shows a cross sectional view of the seat mechanism taken along A-A in FIG1.

FIG3 shows a plan view of the position-sensing label.

FIG4 shows a graphical output from the position-sensing device.

FIG5 shows a partial cross sectional plan view of the hand control.

FIG6 shows a side elevation of the hand control.

FIG7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of this invention.

FIG8 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of this invention.

FIG9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of this invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

In the preferred embodiment of the game controller according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG1 and FIG2. This game controller includes a Vee shaped base frame 20 which rests on any suitable structural support or floor surface and the apex of the base 20 is in a facing relationship to the video displaying device (not shown).

Referring to FIG2. At the apex of and on top of base 20, is welded top plate 21 and below top plate 21 and in between the legs of the Vee shaped base 20, is welded bottom plate 22. Top plate 21 is non-circular in shape and has an oval shaped hole in it, bottom plate 22 has a semi circular shaped hole in it. These two holes accept inclined internally tapered tube 23 which is welded in and inclined toward the open end of the Vee shaped base 20. A standard chair gas lift 30 as used on height adjustable swivel chairs, has on it's lower end a taper 31, which fits and locks into tapered tube 23. At the top end of the gas lift 30, is self locking morse taper 32 which is part of cylinder 33. Cylinder 33 passed through a central round hole in reversed cup 34 and self-locking morse taper 32 fits into a matching tapered hole in U shaped bracket 35. Reversed cup 34 is welded to parallel plates 36 and 37. U shaped bracket 35 is welded between parallel plates 36 and 37. Seat 38 is screwed on top of and is supported by parallel plates 36 and 37. It can be understood that seat 38 can now rotate around axis A-A, at the inclined angle of gas lift 30 in relation to the base 20 and there is an interaction between the rotated position of seat 38 and the horizontal plane of seat 38. It is further understood that as seat 38 swivels, the left and right edges of seat 38 will have opposite displacements with respect to the ground or base supporting structure causing seat 38 to tilt away from a central, substantially horizontal plane. Gas lift 30 can be lengthened and shortened by depressing the valve stem 43 at the top of cylinder 33. Lever 40 is used to depress the valve stem 43. Gas lift 30 is now capable of providing both height adjustment and means of seat 38 rotation.

Welded at right angles to Lever 40 is pivot pin 41. Pivot pin 41 is hinged between and

is supported by parallel plates 36 and 37 which have suitable holes in them to accept pivot pin 41.

A bellow 50 fits over gas lift 30 and has a lower portion 51, which fits over non-circular top plate 21 and prevents bellow 50 from turning. Bellow 50 has a length greater than the fully extended length of gas lift 30 and exerts a positive pressure between reversed cup 34 and the non-circular top plate 21. The positive pressure of bellow 50 prevents lower potion 51 from lifting off top plate 21 irrespective of the height of seat 38.

The top of the bellow 50 has a flange 53 with a central hole which fits around cylinder 33 of gas lift 30. On the top of flange 53 is glued Label 55. Referring to FIG3 shows an enlarged view of label 55. Label 55 has a segment of approximately 140 degrees of white and approximately 140 degrees of black. The segment of approximately 80 degrees between the black and white areas has a gradated shading from white to black.

Referring to FIG2. On top of reversed cup 34, is mounted an electronic sensing device 56, which is positioned directly above a hole in cup 34. The sensing device 56, comprises a light source in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) and a light responsive device in the form of a photo transistor having an output which is proportional to the amount of reflected light from the LED. Light from the LED shines through the hole in reversed cup 34 and through the same hole is reflected back by the label 55 to the photo transistor in sensor device 56. Referring to Fig3 and Fig4.

The gradated black to white portion of the label 55 is constructed so as to result in an output from the sensing device 56, which is linearly proportional to the rotated position of seat 38. When the seat 38 is aligned with the base 20 and thus directly faces the video displaying device (not shown), the sensing device 56 is positioned to be in the middle or 0 degree position of the gradated black to white 80 degrees portion of the label 55, this represents the straight ahead position. From the 0 degree position on label 55 in a clockwise or right turn direction, there is a linearly increasing output from the photo transistor in sensor device 56 as shown on the graph in FIG4. At the right 40 degree position of label 55 the shading becomes fully white giving maximum reflection and no further change in output from the photo transistor in sensor device 56 which will be at a maximum, as shown on the graph in FIG4. From the 0 degree position on label 55 in an anti-clockwise or left turn direction, there is a linearly decreasing output from the photo transistor in sensor device 56 as shown on the graph in FIG4. At the

left 40 degree position of label 55 the shading becomes fully black giving minimum reflection and no further change in output from the photo transistor in sensor device 56 which will be at a minimum, as shown on the graph in FIG4. When seat 38 is turned a full 180 degrees from the 0 degree position there is an abrupt change from white to black or black to white. This 180 degree position is never reached because the operator will be facing away from the video displaying device. It is understood that due to the constant positive pressure exerted by bellow 50 between the lower portion 51 and flange 53 that seat rotation position sensor 56 will always provide the correct proportional output regardless of the seat 38 height with respect to the base 20 and can interact with the electronic game playing device (not shown).

Referring to FIG1 and FIG2. Shows control stick 68 which is constructed from semi oval tube. Control stick 68 can pivot on pivot pin 65 in a vertical arc. Short tube 60 has two parallel plates 61 and 62 welded onto each end. Holes in plates 61 and 62 are in a central axis alignment with tube 60. Pivot pin 65 passes through plates 61 and 62 and through pivot holes in the parallel plates 36 and 37. Plates 73 and 74 enclose this assembly and also restrict the movement of plates 61 and 62. Welded to the front of tube 60, between plates 61 and 62 is the semi oval control stick tube 68. Control stick 68 has restricted backward and forward movement due to the restricted movement of plates 61 and 62 by plates 73 and 74. Control stick 68 is able to now rotate in a limited vertical arc in a backward and forward motion with respect to seat 38.

Referring to FIG2. Welded between plates 61 and 62 is spring support pin 70. Welded between parallel plates 36 and 37 is another spring support pin 71. Tension spring 72 is stretched and fastened between pins 70 and 71, the tension of spring 72 holds plates 61 and 62 in a central pivoting position between their minimum and maximum positions, Spring 72 now biases control stick 68 to the centre of vertical rotated minimum and maximum positions. Control stick 68 now has a self-centring capability.

The device will fit under a standard desk height when seat 38 is at it's maximum height and control stick 68 is in it's normal central position thereby making it unnecessary to remove control stick 68 when being used as a normal seat for working on a computer or when storing the device control under a desk.

Referring to FIG2. Mounted at right angles to plate 62 is sensor device 80, the same sensor device as sensor device 56 previously mentioned. Glued to the inside of plate 36 and in view of sensor device 80. is gradated black to white label 81. By moving

control stick 68 backward and forwards, sensor device 80 travels with plate 62 along a vertical arc and interacts with label 81 in the same manner as previously described sensor device 56 interacts with label 55. This provides a means to determine the position of the control stick 68 with respect to seat 38 and can interact with the electronic game playing device (not shown).

Referring to FIG5. Hand control 100 has a fixed left handle grip 101. Hand control 100 has on the right side, handle grip 102 which can be used as a rotary throttle when playing games. Handle grip 102 fits over tube 103 which can rotate on hollow cylinder 104 of hand control 100. Threaded shaft 105 passes through the hollow of cylinder 104 and is fixed to tube 103 by nut 106. At the other end of shaft 105 is an enlarged journal 107 on which is glued gradated black to white label 108 which interacts with sensor device 109 in the same manner to previously described sensor device 56 and label 55. The output signal from sensor 109 can interact with the electronic game playing device (not shown).

Pin 110 is fixed to and rotates with journal 107 and shaft 105. Return spring 111 holds pin 110 against stop 112 when the throttle is released.

Referring to FIG5 and FIG6. The hand control 100 also comprises buttons 114,115, 116,117,118 and a four position analogue thumb control 119, all of which can interact with the electronic game playing device (not shown). Hand control 100 is mounted on control stick 68 by a hinge 130. This hinge 130 allows comfortable hand positions when control stick 68 is moved backward and forwards as when flying a plane.

Referring to FIG2. Electronic device sensors 56 and 80 are connected (not shown) to hand control 100 by a cable (not shown) which fits through semi-oval control stick 68.

Referring to FiG1 and FIG6. Cable 122 also passes through semi-oval control stick 68 to plug 123 and connects the game controller to the electronic game playing device (not shown) including all signals from electronic devices 56,80,109 and push buttons 114,115,116 117,118 and four position analogue thumb control 119.

FIG7 shows another embodiment of this invention. In this case the seat 38 is mounted substantially vertically on gas lift 30 onto the curved base 200. Gas lift 30 gives seat 38 both height adjustment and rotation relative to curved base 200. The rotated position of seat 38 has a means to interact with the game playing equipment as in the preferred embodiment. The centre of gravity when a person is seated upon seat 38 is off centre to the substantially vertical axis of gas lift 30 and is central to the curved base 200 only when the seat 38 is facing straight ahead. When a person seated upon seat 38 rotates, the centre of gravity will no longer be central to the curved base 200.

This will result in the curved base 200 rolling over to assume a new sideways tilted position. In a similar fashion, when the operator moves the control stick 68 backwards and forwards, their body posture will change to a more forward or backward leaning position resulting in base 200 tilting forward or backward to a new"pitch"position. A person seated on seat 38 will cause the curved base 200 to roll around to different positions as the seat 38 is rotated and their body is leaned backwards and forwards.

This will cause curved base 200 to assume a new equilibrium position and change the angle of seat 38 relative to the floor or support surface. All position sensors and player controlled switches and buttons can interact with the electronic game playing device (not shown).

FIG8 shows another embodiment of this invention. In this case the seat 38 is mounted substantially vertically on gas lift 30 onto the base 210. Gas lift 30 gives seat 38 both height adjustment and rotation relative to curved base 210. The rotated position of seat 38 has a means to interact with the game playing equipment as in the preferred embodiment. The gas lift support structure or an extension thereof, passes beyond the base 210 and sits on a hemispherically shaped end piece 212, which is in direct contact with the floor or support surface. Base 210 has a curved or semi circular shape that can contact the floor and enable the base 210 to roll around while pivoting on the end piece 212. The centre of gravity when a person seated upon seat 38 is off centre to the substantially vertical axis of gas lift 30. A person seated on seat 38 will cause the base 210 to roll around following the centre of gravity as the seat 38 is rotated from the straight ahead position causing seat 38 to lean on a different angle relative to the floor or supporting surface. All position sensors and player controlled switches and buttons can interact with the electronic game playing device (not shown).

FIG9 shows another embodiment of this invention. In this case the seat 38 is mounted substantially vertical on gas lift 30 onto the curved base 220. Gas lift 30 gives seat 38 both height adjustment and rotation relative to curved base 220. The rotated position of seat 38 has a means to interact with the game playing equipment as in the preferred embodiment. The centre of gravity when a person is seated upon seat 38 is off centre to the substantially vertical axis of gas lift 30 and is aligned to the centre line of the curved base 220 only when the seat 38 is facing straight ahead. Once a person seated on seat 38 turns left or right the centre of gravity will no longer be aligned with the curved base 220 centre line. This will result in the curved base 220 assuming a new equilibrium position following the centre of gravity as the seat 38 is rotated from the straight ahead position causing seat 38 to lean to a different side to side or"roll" angle. All position sensors and player controlled switches and buttons can interact with the electronic game playing device (not shown).

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.