The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 13, 1999
Filed:
Jun. 17, 1997
David J Sayler, Portland, OR (US);
Eric Y Park, Portland, OR (US);
I-Chiang Sun, Portland, OR (US);
Henry Y Chin, Portland, OR (US);
Sohrab Vossoughi, Portland, OR (US);
Lutz Kucher, Portland, OR (US);
Thrustmaster, Inc., Hillsboro, OR (US);
Abstract
A two-handed game controller has a single dual analog/digital x-y directional pad mounted on the top which can perform either analog or digital functions. A mode switch on the controller allows an operator to select either analog or digital control settings. The controller also has a button grouping located within a concave recess. Each button within the recess has a downward slanting top maintained at an elevation a specified distance from the controller, thereby allowing for easy actuation by a gliding, rolling or sliding motion of a user's thumb or finger. The controller also has semicircular sides and 3-dimensionally tapered hand-grips, facilitating grip from virtually any size hand, from child to adult. Digital triggers are mounted on both the top and bottom of the controller and are configured to perform the same functions, allowing table-top use. Furthermore, the controller has a tripod-like structure with slip-resistant grips providing stability on a table-top surface.