Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Dustin John Tiffany

Aaron Schmitz

Jonathan Shea Robinson

Joshua P Weiher

Elliott Hsu

Gabriel Michael Rask Gassoway

Benjamin Michael Finney

Dan Thorstenson

Tsitsi Kolawole

Jason Victor Tsai

Eph John Evans

Game controller

Controller

Thumbstick attachment interface

Thumbstick attachment

A thumbstick for a user input device comprises a tiltable post operable to output a control signal based on its position, with the post comprising external threads and a post anchor feature. An adjustable tensioning mechanism is configured to modify a tilt tension of the post. A cap comprises a cylindrical stem that defines a cavity. A base is moveable with the post and comprises a first cylindrical portion extending into the cavity, and a second cylindrical portion comprising internal threads and a base anchor feature. The internal threads mate with the external threads of the post to fasten the post to the base, and the base anchor feature abuts the post anchor feature to prevent displacement of the base toward the proximal end of the post.

Thumbstick for user input device

A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a stem that defines a first cavity. A base is moveable with the tiltable post and comprises a portion extending into the first cavity. The portion defines a second cavity and comprises a protuberance projecting into the second cavity. An adjustment body within the second cavity comprises a recessed slot and a contacting surface at a distal end. The slot is configured to engage the protuberance to adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.

Adjustable tension thumbstick

A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The tiltable post is operable to output a control signal based on a position of the tiltable post relative to a default position. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a cylindrical stem that defines a cavity. An engagement body is located within the cavity and contacts an engagement surface of the adjustable tensioning mechanism. The engagement body includes a cam surface disposed around an axis of the tiltable post. An adjustment body within the cavity of the stem comprises a follower that contacts the cam surface. The follower is configured to traverse the cam surface when the cap is rotated to thereby translate the engagement body along the axis of the tiltable post and adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.

A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a cylindrical stem that defines a first cavity. Abase is moveable with the tiltable post and comprises a cylindrical portion extending into the first cavity. The cylindrical portion defines a second cavity and comprises a protuberance projecting into the second cavity. An adjustment body within the second cavity comprises a recessed slot and a contacting surface at a distal end. The slot is configured to engage the protuberance to adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.

Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for a user input device, such as a game controller, that includes a thumbstick having adjustable tilt tension. The user input device includes a housing, a joystick assembly, a thumbstick cap, and an adjustment mechanism. The housing defines an internal cavity of the user input device and includes an aperture. The joystick assembly is disposed within the internal cavity. The joystick assembly comprises a tilt-able post and is operable to generate an analog input control signal based on a position of the tilt-able post in relation to a default position. The thumbstick cap is mounted through the aperture to an end of the tilt-able post. The adjustment mechanism is configured to enable a tilt tension of the tilt-able post to be changed.

Growing community of inventors

Kirkland, WA, United States of America

Dustin John Tiffany