Analogue joystick

Abstract

 A joystick assembly (10) having a non-preferential displacement characteristic. The joystick assembly (10) includes a shaft member (12) mounted for pivotal movement relative to a support platform (20) throughout a plurality of angular positions. The support platform (20) is adapted for placement in a video game cabinet in custom or retrofit applications. A plurality of springs (24) connected to the shaft member (12) serve to bias the shaft member in a neutral position which in alternative embodiments comprises a side-detent position and a center-detent position. In a preferred embodiment, the non-preferential displacement characteristic is achieved by pre-loading the springs (24). In one embodiment, the springs (24) are generally parallel to the support platform (20) at a depth which does not exceed the depth of the shaft member (12), thus enabling the joystick assembly to be mounted within a relatively small space.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to joystick controllers and, more particularly, to an analog joystick controller in which the handle for providing directional or other control is displaceable in a non-preferential manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Joysticks are well known devices for controlling movement of devices or symbols. Joysticks are commonly used in video games, for example, to effect real or simulated movement of game characters or symbols on a video display. Generally, joysticks consist of a handle mounted for pivotal movement between various radial positions, wherein electrical output signals corresponding to the joystick positions are communicated to a controller (e.g., game controller). The controller, in turn, processes the electrical signals and, according to a game program, manipulates the character(s) or symbol(s) under control corresponding to the various positions of the joystick.

[0003] Generally, the types and degree of control which may be achieved over the characters) or symbol(s) in the video game is determined both by the sophistication of the joystick used in the game and by the game program. Virtually all joysticks are capable of providing some directional control, for example, but the degree or precision of such directional control can vary greatly depending on the mechanical and/or electrical characteristics of the joystick. For example, a "4-way" joystick is movable between only four angular positions, 90° apart and an "8-way" joystick is movable between 8 angular positions, 45° apart. Other more sophisticated types of joysticks provide velocity, as well as directional control, by providing electrical output signals to the controller corresponding to the degree of deflection of the joystick from its initial parked or "detent" position. As with directional controls, the degree or precision of velocity controls can also vary greatly depending on the mechanical and/or electrical characteristics of the joystick.

[0004] One form of joystick which can provide high precision directional, velocity or other form of control is known as an analog joystick. Generally, analog joysticks are equipped with at least one analog rotary potentiometer which includes a shaft mounted for rotation about an axis such that rotation of the shaft communicates analog electrical signals to the controller. Where two such potentiometers are employed, they are normally coupled to the joystick structure along two orthogonal axes (e.g., an "x" and "y" axis) such that the respective potentiometer shafts rotate to positions corresponding to the displacement component of the joystick along the "x" and "y" axes. The combination of the two potentiometers can thereby communicate electrical signals to the controller corresponding to virtually any position of the joystick in a two-dimensional plane (e.g., the "x-y" plane). Analog joysticks thereby offer a great deal of flexibility because their electrical signals represent a virtual canvas of several hundred position data values which may be used by game designers for directional, velocity or other manner of control.

[0005] Although the types of video games for which analog joysticks are useful are limited only by the imagination of game designers, baseball and golf exemplify two particular types of games in which analog joysticks may be advantageously employed. Each of these games require relatively complex athletic motions (for example, a batter's or golfer's swing, or a pitching motion) which, in practice, require a great deal of skill and coordination to execute perfectly and consistently. These games are also characterized by object motion (e.g., the flight of a baseball or golf ball) which require relatively complex directional and velocity control and thereby lend themselves to analog joysticks or other such device for providing precise two-dimensional control.

[0006] Heretofore, many joysticks have been known to exhibit a "preferential displacement" characteristic, meaning that displacement of the joystick is naturally biased or preferentially guided in perfect alignment with a particular axis (e.g., the "x-axis" or "y-axis). If such a joystick were to be used in a video golf game, for example, to hit a driver off the tee, it would be a simple exercise for even the least skilled video game player to execute a long, perfectly straight drive by simply displacing the joystick to its maximum extent along its preferential axis. This type of result is generally undesirable in a skill-based video game such as golf or baseball and, accordingly, control mechanisms having a non-preferential displacement characteristic are desired for these types of games.

[0007] Trackballs represent one form of control mechanism having a non-preferential displacement characteristic useful in golf and/or baseball games. Trackballs, however, are less favored than joysticks by many game designers and players because, generally, they are more difficult to control than joysticks and can not replicate the motion of a baseball or golf swing. To the extent that joysticks having non-preferential displacement are known, they are either too delicate for use in arcade games or they require a substantial mounting depth which is undesirable in arcade game, especially in retrofit applications where the available cabinet space may be small. One known type of joystick, for example, includes a single large spring which extends from the bottom shaft of the joystick further into the game cabinet, typically at a depth of about twice the depth reached by the remainder of joystick assembly. Such large joystick structures are generally disadvantageous for any game because they require a large mounting depth, but they are particularly disadvantageous in retrofit applications where the available space for the joystick apparatus can be limited by the prior game cabinet design.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a joystick controller which may be used in a skill-based video game requiring complex motion, position, velocity or other control which is not preferentially guided along a particular axis and which may be mounted within a relatively compact space within the game cabinet. The present invention is directed to addressing this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a joystick assembly comprising a support platform, a shaft member and pre-loaded spring means. The shaft member protrudes from the support platform and is mounted for pivotal movement throughout a plurality of angular positions. The spring means biases the shaft member toward a neutral position, which in alternative embodiments comprises a side-detent position and a center-detent position. When the shaft member is in the neutral position, an outermost end of the shaft member extends to a first depth relative to the support platform and the spring means extends to a second depth relative to the support platform. In one embodiment, the first depth defines a mounting depth of the joystick assembly and the second distance is less than the first distance.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a joystick assembly comprising a shaft member protruding from a support platform and at least two spring elements for biasing the shaft member. The shaft member is mounted for pivotal movement throughout a plurality of angular positions. The spring elements are pre-loaded and oriented generally perpendicular to the shaft member so as to bias the shaft member toward a neutral position, which in alternative embodiments comprises a side-detent position and a center-detent position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1a is a bottom view of a joystick assembly having a side-detent characteristic according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1b is a side view of the joystick assembly of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the joystick assembly of FIGs. 1a and 1b illustrating a channel boundary defining a range of movement of the joystick handle according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3a is a bottom view of a joystick assembly having a center-detent characteristic according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3b is a side view of the joystick assembly of FIG. 3a;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a potentiometer positioned relative to a support wall;

FIG. 5a is a side view of the potentiometer and support wall of FIG. 4 with the potentiometer mounted in the manner of the prior art;

FIG. 5b is a side view of the potentiometer and support wall of FIG. 4 with a potentiometer mounting clip according to one embodiment of the present invention:

FIG. 6a is a side view of the potentiometer and support wall of FIG. 4 with the mounting clip of FIG. 5b before installation;

FIG. 6b is a side view of the potentiometer and support wall of FIG. 4 with the mounting clip of FIG. 5b during installation;

FIG. 6c is a side view of the potentiometer and support wall of FIG. 4 with the mounting clip of FIG. 5b after installation;

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of the potentiometer and support wall of FIG. 4 with the mounting clip of FIG. 5b before installation;

FIG. 7b is a perspective view of the potentiometer and support wall of FIG. 4 with the mounting clip of FIG. 5b after installation;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the joystick assembly of FIGs. 3a and 3b with mounting clips according to the present invention shown both before and after installation;

FIG. 9a is a side view of a potentiometer mounting clip of the type shown in FIGs. 5b through 8;

FIG. 9b is a front view of the potentiometer mounting clip of FIG. 9a;

FIG. 9c is a back view of the potentiometer mounting clip of FIG. 9a; and

FIG. 9d is a bottom view of the potentiometer mounting clip of FIG. 9a.

[0012] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Turning now to the drawings and referring initially to FIGs. 1a and 1b, there is shown a joystick assembly 10 having a side-detent characteristic according to one embodiment of the present invention. The joystick assembly 10 includes a joystick 12 having a handle 14, a pivoting center ball 16 and a bottom shaft 18 mounted to a platform 20. The center ball 16 is received within a ball race 19 mounted on a subsidiary platform 21. The platforms 20 and 21 in the illustrated embodiment each have generally square shapes. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the corners of the platform 20 are squared off to form an octagonal shape. It will be appreciated that either of platforms 20 and 21 may be fashioned in any of several alternative shapes and sizes, depending on the application.

[0014] The platform 20 has a cut-out portion defining a channel 22 for receiving the handle 14. The channel 22 at its lower end is adjacent to the ball race 19. The channel 22 flares outwardly therefrom defining a tapered wall which restricts the the range of motion of the handle 14, as will be described in greater detail in reference to FIG. 2. As is known in the art, a protective washer (not shown) may be provided to cover the channel 22 as a safety measure. The washer functions to prevent users from inserting their fingers into the channel and also reduces the likelihood of liquids and/or solid particles being dropped into the channel. The joystick 12 in the illustrated embodiment rests normally in a side-detent position, that is with the handle 14 biased toward an outermost edge of the channel 22 by the pulling force of two spring elements 24a,b. In one embodiment, the spring elements 24a,b each comprise 5-6 in-lb extension springs constructed from music wire or stainless steel. It will be appreciated however, that references to "springs" or "spring elements" throughout this application shall be considered to encompass various alternative types and compositions of springs or spring alternatives. Springs having lesser or greater tension may be used, for example, to effect a different mechanical feel of the joystick 12. Springs having a different construction might also be used. For example, compression springs may be used, or the spring elements might be constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). a substance with generally "rubber-band-like" qualities.

[0015] The springs 24a,b are connected at one end to respective support rods 26a,b mounted in the platform 20 and at another end to a support bushing 28 surrounding the bottom shaft 18 of the joystick at a position adjacent the center ball 16. As best observed in FIG. 1b, the springs 24a,b are positioned generally parallel to the support platform 20 at a relative depth which is less than one-half the depth (i.e., length) of the bottom shaft. In one embodiment, for example, the bottom shaft 18 extends radially from the center ball 16 by a distance of about 2 inches, whereas the springs 24a,b have a maximum depth of less than one inch from the center ball. The entire joystick assembly in one embodiment has a depth of about 3 ¹/₂ inches, measured from a bottom of the platform 20 to the distal end of the bottom shaft 18. The joystick assembly in one embodiment has a square "footprint" defined by the sides of the support platform 20. In one embodiment, each of the sides of the platform 20 is 6.3 inches in length, thus defining a footprint area of 40 square inches. In one embodiment, the subsidiary platform 21 upon which the center ball is mounted also has a square footprint defined by sides which are 4.4 inches in length.

[0016] To operate the joystick 12, one pulls the handle 14 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 29 against the biasing force of the springs 24a,b to a desired position within the confines of the channel 22. The bottom shaft 18 of the joystick moves cooperatively with the handle 14 to a position generally opposite that of the handle 14. Movement of the bottom shaft 18 in turn is communicated by means of rotatable brackets 30a,b to respective shafts 40a,b of two potentiometers 42a,b. For convenience, only one of the two brackets 30a,b is shown in FIGs. 1a and 1b. Each of the brackets 30 define generally yoke-shaped or U-shaped structures having a pair of opposing legs 32, 34 connected by a bridging span 36, wherein the bridging span 36 includes an elongated slot 38 for receiving the bottom shaft 18 of the joystick. In each bracket 30, one of the legs 32, 34 includes a generally D-shaped hole 44 sized to receive a distal end of the potentiometer shaft 40 having a complementary shape and the other of each pair of legs 32,34 includes a circular hole 46 sized to receive a distal end of a mounting shaft or axle 48 having a complementary shape.

[0017] Each of the brackets 30 is positioned orthogonally (i.e., at a right angle) to the other bracket 30 and each bracket 30 is thereby responsive to one component of motion of the bottom shaft 18 in a two-dimensional plane (e.g., an "x-y" plane). The potentiometers 42a,b, in turn, are also coupled to the structure 20 along two orthogonal axes such that the respective potentiometer shafts 40a,b rotate to positions corresponding to the positions of the respective brackets 30a,b. The potentiometers 42a,b are mounted such that their body remains fixed and only their shafts 40a,b rotate in response to motion of the bottom shaft 18 and brackets 30. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the potentiometers 42a,b are mounted to the joystick platform with a mounting clip (not shown), which will be described in detail in relation to FIGs. 5b through 9d.

[0018] For convenience, the joystick assembly of FIG. la is shown in relation to an x-y coordinate system having an "x" axis 52 oriented horizontally and a "y" axis 50 oriented vertically relative to the support platform 20. The origin of the x-y coordinate system is at the center of the support platform 20. In the embodiment of FIGs. 1a and 1b, the respective brackets 30a and 30b are movable in response to "x" and "y" components of movement of the bottom shaft 18. In particular, bracket 30a is initially positioned at x = 0 (in alignment with the "y" axis 50) and is movable left and right along the "x" axis in response to "x" components of movement of the bottom shaft 18. Bracket 30b (FIG. lb) is initially positioned at y = d (parallel to the "x" axis 52 and displaced by a distance d) and is movable along the "y" axis in response to "y" components of movement of the bottom shaft 18. Movement of the respective brackets 30a,b causes movement of the respective potentiometer shafts 40a,b, thereby communicating electrical signals through leads 54a.b to a controller (not shown) which processes the signals to control movement of the game character, symbol or other item under control.

[0019] In the embodiment of FIGs. 1a and 1b, with the bottom shaft 18 in its naturally-biased position, the springs 24a,b are oriented at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the respective brackets 30a,b such upon movement of either bracket 30a,b, each spring 24a,b contributes a biasing force to the bottom shaft 18. In one embodiment, the springs 24a,b in their basic free-length form have a length of about 1 ³/₄ inches and, as best observed in FIG. 1a, are pre-loaded to about 1.2 times their initial free length, or about 2 ¹/₄ inches. When fully extended, the springs 24a,b are stretched to about 1.6 times their initial free length, or about 3 inches. It will be appreciated, howover, that other designs according to the present invention may include alternate orientations and/or stretched configurations of the springs 24a,b. Preferably, however, the springs 24a,b will be oriented at an angle relative to the respective brackets 30a,b and will be pre-loaded when the bottom shaft is in its naturally-biased position to produce a non-guided feel (i.e., an absence of preferential motion) when moving the shaft 18 about the x- and y- axes.

[0020] According to well known principles of physics, an unloaded spring (i.e., a spring which is in its initial free-length state), tends to resist displacement from its free-length state and will begin to stretch (in the case of a tension spring) or compress (in the case of a compression spring) only upon application of a force which exceeds a certain discrete load level. The level at which a spring will begin to stretch or compress depends on the physical characteristics of the spring. Once the characteristic load level has been reached, the spring will stretch or compress in linear proportion to the amount of applied force. In the present invention, by pre-loading the springs past their characteristic load level, the initial resistance of the springs to displacement has already been overcome and the springs will stretch in linear proportion to any component of movement of the joystick handle. The effect is that the joystick feels as if it is equally resistant to movement in each direction.

[0021] In particular, consider the forces contributed by the springs in response to various movements of the bottom shaft 18. In the initial position and at any position along the "y" axis 50, each of the springs 24a,b are pre-loaded and the bottom shaft 18 is subject to an equal biasing force from each spring 24a,b. As the bottom shaft 18 is moved incrementally along the "x" axis 52, one of the springs 24a,b will begin to contribute a greater biasing force than the other spring 24a,b (the degree of force being dependent on the displacement of the bottom shaft in both the x and y axes), but the net biasing force contributed by the two springs 24a,b does not significantly vary in response to incremental movement of the bottom shaft. Consequently, because the net biasing force contributed by the springs 24a,b does not appreciably change in response to incremental movements of the joystick 12, the joystick 12 exhibits an unguided "feel" as it is moved about the x- and y- axes. Thus, there is no particular axis which may be considered to comprise a "preferential" axis of movement of the joystick 12.

[0022] Joystick apparatus 10 thereby defines a structure which provides non-preferential movement of the joystick 12 by the action of springs 24a,b which are mounted parallel to the support structure 20. Because the springs 24a,b are mounted at a relative depth which is only about one-half the depth reached by the bottom shaft 18, the entire joystick assembly 10 is relatively compact so that it may be mounted within a relatively small space. For example, the overall mounting depth of the joystick assembly in one embodiment is about 3 ¹/₄ or 3 ¹/₂ inches. While this feature is advantageous for any game, it is particularly advantageous in retrofit applications where the available space for the joystick apparatus can be limited by the prior game cabinet design.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the support platform 20 and channel 22 which defines a range of movement of the joystick handle 14. The joystick handle 14 is shown in the center of the channel 22 (i.e., at the center of the coordinate system defined by x and y axis 50,52). It should be noted that as the handle 14 is manipulated within the channel 22, its position will appear to be reversed or a "mirror" image of the bottom shaft 18 shown (FIG. la). This is because the handle 14 and bottom shaft 18 represent opposite ends of the joystick 12 which pivots about center ball 16. Thus, for example, when the joystick 12 is in the neutral position, the bottom shaft 18 is at position (0, d) and the handle 14 is at position (0, -d).

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 22 has a generally tear-drop shaped periphery 56 which tapers inwardly toward the ball center 16 of the joystick 12. A lower-most (and thereby narrowest) portion of the periphery is designated by reference numeral 561 and an upper-most (widest) portion of the periphery is designated by reference numeral 56u. In one embodiment, symmetrical angles a on either side of the y axis define the left- and right-most boundaries of the channel 22. In one embodiment, the angles a are about 30 degrees. The range of angular motion achievable by the joystick is 2a, or about 60 degrees. In one embodiment, the degree of taper of the channel 22 corresponds to the angles a. Thus, where the angle a is about 30 degrees, the degree of taper between the lower-most and upper-most portions of channel 22 is also about 30 degrees. Thus, when the joystick handle 14 is displaced to the left-most or right-most boundary of the channel 22, it will contact both the upper and lower portions 56u,1 of the channel 22 at generally the same time.

[0025] In FIG. 2, the variable "A₁" represents the distance between the outermost vertical boundaries of the channel 22 at its upper surface (i.e., the distance between the points defining the intersection of upper boundary 56u and the y axis). Similarly, the variable "A₂" represents the distance between the outermost vertical boundaries of the channel 22 at its lower surface (i.e., the distance between the points defining the intersection of lower boundary 561 and the y axis). The variable "B₁" represents the distance between the outermost horizontal boundaries of the channel 22 at its upper surface and the variable "B₂" represents the distance between the outermost horizontal boundaries of the channel 22 at its lower surface . In one embodiment, A₁ and B₁ are both about 1.73 inches, A₂ is about 1.10 inches and B₂ is about 1.13 inches. In this embodiment, the distance d defining the displacement of the handle from the origin is about 0.864 inches. It will be appreciated. however, that the channel 22 may define any of several alternative sizes or shapes. The channel 22 might comprise, for example, a triangular, square or circular shape.

[0026] Such alternative shapes and sizes of channel(s) 22 may be customized for a particular game or may be provided in modular fashion with universal components. Modular-type channels may be advantageously employed, for example, in retrofit applications, where one desires to remove the channel associated with a first game and replace it with a channel more appropriate for a second game.

[0027] The joystick handle 14 may also be customized for a particular game by forming the handle 14 (or an end portion of the handle 14) in the shape of an object appropriate to the game. For example, where the joystick 12 is to be used in a video golf game, an end portion of the handle 14 might be enlarged and fashioned in the shape of a golf ball, whereas the remainder of the handle 14 might be fashioned in the shape of a golf tee. It is envisioned that such a unique shape would enhance the attractiveness and functionality of the joystick and thereby appeal to both players and operators of video golf games. Similarly, where the joystick 12 is to be used in a video baseball game, the handle 14 may be fashioned in the shape of a baseball bat. It will be appreciated that the handle 14 or portions of the handle 14 may be fashioned in a variety of shapes, including shapes other than sports objects, to support virtually any type of video game.

[0028] Now turning to FIGs. 3a and 3b, there is shown a joystick assembly 60 having a center-detent characteristic according to one embodiment of the present invention. The joystick assembly 60 includes a joystick 12 having a handle 14, a pivoting center ball 16 and a bottom shaft 18 mounted to a platform 20, each of which generally correspond to the structures of FIGs. 1a and 1b. The center ball 16 is received within a ball race 19 mounted on a subsidiary platform 21, also corresponding to the structure of FIGs. 1a and 1b. The platform 20 has a cut-out portion defining a channel 62 for receiving the handle 14. The joystick 12 in the illustrated embodiment rests normally in a center-detent position, that is with the handle 14 normally biased to the center of the channel 22 by the pulling force of four springs 24a,b,c,d.

[0029] The channel 62 at its lower end is adjacent to the ball race 19. The channel 62. like the channel 22 in the embodiment of FIGs. 1a and 1b, flares outwardly therefrom defining a tapered wall which restricts the the range of motion of the handle 14. As is known in the art, a protective washer (not shown) may be provided to cover the channel 62 as a safety measure. The washer functions to prevent users from inserting their fingers into the channel and also reduces the likelihood of liquids and/or solid particles being dropped into the channel. The channel 62 may comprise virtually any shape including, but not limited to tear-drop, triangular, square or circular shapes.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the joystick assembly 60 (having four springs 24a,b,c,d) may be assembled from the joystick assembly 10 (FIGs. 1a and 1b), on the same platform 20, by simply connecting two additional springs 24c,d to the joystick assembly shown in FIG. 1a. Conversely, the joystick assembly 10 (FIG. 1a) may be assembled from the joystick assembly 60, on the same platform 20, by simply removing the springs 24c,d from the joystick assembly shown in FIG. 3a.

[0031] The springs 24a,b,c,d are connected at one end to respective support rods 26a,b,c,d mounted in the platform 20 and at another end to a support bushing 28 surrounding the bottom shaft 18 of the joystick at a position adjacent the center ball 16. As best observed in FIG. 3b, the springs 24a,b,c,d are positioned generally parallel to the support platform 20 at a relative depth which is less than one-half the depth (i.e., length) of the bottom shaft. In one embodiment, for example, the bottom shaft 18 extends radially from the center ball 16 by a distance of about 2 inches, whereas the springs 24a,b,c,d have a maximum depth of less than one inch from the center ball. The entire joystick assembly in one embodiment has a depth of about 3 ¹/₂ inches, measured from a bottom of the platform 20 to the distal end of the bottom shaft 18. The joystick assembly in one embodiment has a square "footprint" defined by the sides of the support platform 20. In one embodiment, each of the sides is 6.3 inches in length, thus defining a footprint area of 40 square inches. In another embodiment particularly useful in retrofit applications, each of the sides is 4 3/8 inches in length, thus defining a footprint area of about 19 1/8 square inches.

[0032] To operate the joystick 12, one pulls the handle 14 in either direction generally indicated by arrows 29 against the biasing force of the springs 24a,b,c,d to a desired position within the confines of the channel 62. The bottom shaft 18 of the joystick moves cooperatively with the handle 14 to a position generally opposite that of the handle 14. Movement of the bottom shaft 18 in turn is communicated by means of rotatable brackets 30a,b to respective shafts 40a,b of two potentiometers 42a,b. Each of the brackets 30 define generally yoke-shaped structures having a pair of opposing legs 32, 34 connected by a bridging span 36, wherein the bridging span 36 includes an elongated slot 38 for receiving the bottom shaft 18 of the joystick. In each bracket 30, one of the legs 32, 34 includes a generally D-shaped hole 44 sized to receive a distal end of the potentiometer shaft 40 having a complementary shape and the other of each pair of legs 32,34 includes a circular hole 46 sized to receive a distal end of a mounting shaft or axle 48 having a complementary shape.

[0033] Each of the brackets 30 is positioned orthogonally (i.e., at a right angle) to the other bracket 30 and each bracket 30 is thereby responsive to one component of motion of the bottom shaft 18 in a two-dimensional plane (e.g., an "x-y" plane). The potentiometers 42a,b, in turn, are also coupled to the structure 20 along two orthogonal axes such that the respective potentiometer shafts 40a,b rotate to positions corresponding to the positions of the respective brackets 30a,b. The potentiometers 42a,b are mounted such that their body remains fixed and only their shafts 40a,b rotate in response to motion of the bottom shaft 18 and brackets 30. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the potentiometers 42a,b are mounted to the joystick platform with a mounting clip (not shown), which will be described in detail in relation to FIGs. 5b-9d.

[0034] For convenience, the joystick assembly of FIG. 3a is shown in relation to an x-y coordinate system having an origin at the center of the support platform 20. The "y" axis 50 is oriented vertically and the "x" axis 52 oriented horizontally relative to the support platform 20 in FIG. 3a. In the illustrated embodiment, bracket 30a is positioned in alignment with the "y" axis 50 and is movable left and right relative to the "y" axis in response to "x" components of movement of the bottom shaft 18. Bracket 30b is positioned in alignment with the "x" axis 52 and is movable up and down relative to the "x" axis in response to "y" components of movement of the bottom shaft 18. Movement of the respective brackets 30a,b causes movement of the respective potentiometer shafts 40a,b, thereby communicating electrical signals through leads 54a,b to a controller (not shown) which processes the signals to control movement of the game character, symbol or other item under control.

[0035] In the embodiment of FIGs. 3a and 3b, with the bottom shaft 18 in its naturally-biased center position, the springs 24a,b,c,d are each oriented at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the respective brackets 30a,b such that upon movement of either bracket 30a,b, each spring 24a,b,c,d contributes a biasing force to the bottom shaft 18. In one embodiment, the springs 24a,b,c,d in their basic form have a free length of about 1 ³/₄ inches and, as best observed in FIG. 3a, are pre-loaded to about 1.4 times their initial free length, or about 2 ¹/₂ inches. When fully extended, the springs 24a,b,c,d are stretched to about 1.7 times their initial free length, or about 3 inches. It will be appreciated, however, that other designs according to the present invention may include alternate orientations and/or stretched configurations of the springs 24a,b,c,d. Preferably, however, the springs 24a,b,c,d will be oriented at an angle relative to the respective brackets 30a,b and will be pre-loaded when the bottom shaft is in its naturally-biased position to produce a non-guided feel (i.e., an absence of preferential motion) when moving the shaft 18 about the x- and y-axes.

[0036] Thus, for example, consider the forces contributed by the springs in response to various movements of the bottom shaft 18. In the initial position, each of the springs 24a,b,c,d are pre-loaded and the bottom shaft 18 is subject to an equal biasing force from each spring 24a,b,c,d thereby producing a net biasing force of zero which maintains the bottom shaft in its center position. As the bottom shaft is moved downward along the "y" axis 50, springs 24a,b will exert a greater biasing force than springs 24c,d thereby producing a net biasing force which tends to pull the joystick back to its center position. Conversely, as the bottom shaft is moved upward along the "y" axis 50, springs 24c,d will exert a greater biasing force than springs 24a,b thereby producing a net biasing force which also tends to pull the joystick back to its center position. Similarly, as the bottom shaft 18 is moved along the "x" axis 52, it will experience a net biasing force which tends to pull it back toward the center position. In particular, if the bottom shaft is moved to the right, spring pair 24a,c will contribute a greater biasing force than spring pair 24b,d and conversely, if the bottom shaft is moved to the left, spring pair 24b,d will contribute a greater biasing force than spring pair 24a,c, either of which results in a net biasing force which will tend to pull the bottom shaft 18 toward its center position. Of course, variations of any of the above-described movements in which the bottom shaft has both "x" and "y" components of movement will also produce a net biasing force which tends to pull the bottom shaft 18 back toward its center position.

[0037] Although the contributions to the net biasing force from the individual springs 24a,b,c,d vary according to the position of the joystick, the net biasing force produced by the combination of springs 24a,b,c,d does not significantly vary from point to point. Consequently, because of these non-appreciable differences in the net biasing force contributed by the springs 24a,b as the joystick 12 is moved, there is no particular axis which may be considered to comprise a "preferential" axis of movement of the joystick 12.

[0038] Joystick apparatus 60 thereby defines a structure which provides non-preferential movement of the joystick 12 by the action of springs 24a,b,c,d which are mounted parallel to the support structure 20. Because the springs 24a,b,c,d are mounted at a relative depth which is only about one-half the depth reached by the bottom shaft 18, the entire joystick assembly 60 is relatively compact so that it may be mounted within a relatively small space. While this feature is advantageous for any game, it is particularly advantageous in retrofit applications where the available space for the joystick apparatus can be limited by the prior game cabinet design.

[0039] Now turning to FIG. 4, there is shown a magnified side sectional view of a rotary potentiometer 42 positioned relative to support walls 70,72, which comprise in one embodiment portions of a joystick assembly. The potentiometer 42 comprises a rotary potentiometer having a rotatable shaft 40, a body portion 43 and an intermediate shaft section 41. The potentiometer 42 may comprise either of the potentiometers 42a,b shown in FIGs. 1a and 1b or 3a and 3b and the support walls 70,72 corresponding portions of the joystick support structure 20 of FIGs. 1a, 1b, 3a, 3b. It will be appreciated, however, that the support walls 70,72 (or a single wall 70) may comprise portions of any structure which uses rotary potentiometers, including structures other than joystick assemblies.

[0040] The body portion 43 is generally disk-shaped. defining an outer flat surface 74. an inner flat surface 76 and a cylindrical surface 78 bridging the inner and outer flat surfaces 74,76. The support walls 70,72 have respective openings 80, 82 aligned relative to a horizontal axis 84. Opening 80 is sized to receive the intermediate shaft section 41, and opening 82 is sized to receive the shaft 40 of the potentiometer 42. In one embodiment, the potentiometer 42 has an overall length of about 1 ¹/₄ inches, the body portion 43 contributing about ¹/₂ inch, the intermediate shaft section 41 contributing about ¹/₄ inch and the shaft 40 contributing about ¹/₂ inch to the overally length, whereas the height of walls 70,72 is about 1 ¹/₄ inch and the distance between walls 70,72 is about 3/8 inch. It will be appreciated, however, that other sizes and configurations of potentiometers and support walls may be used.

[0041] The potentiometer 42 is positioned in alignment with horizontal axis 84 and relative to support walls 70,72 such that the inner flat surface 74 is adjacent to support wall 70, the intermediate shaft section 41 projects through opening 80 and the shaft 40 projects through opening 82. Alternatively, the support structure 20 may be provided without a second support wall 72, in which case the potentiometer 42 is positioned in alignment with horizontal axis 84 and relative to support walls 70 such that the inner flat surface 74 is adjacent to support wall 70, the intermediate shaft section 41 projects through opening 80 and the free end of shaft 40 is unsupported by a second support wall. In either case, the free end of shaft 40 is adapted to engage with a bracket 30 of the type shown in FIGs. 1a and 1b or 3a and 3b or other suitable means so that a desired component of motion of the joystick is communicated to rotational motion of the potentiometer shaft 40.

[0042] Heretofore, securing a potentiometer 42 to a support wall 70 (whether the support wall comprises a portion of a joystick assembly or another structure) has been accomplished with a mounting nut 100, as shown in FIG. 5a. The mounting nut 100 is threadedly engaged with the intermediate shaft section 41 of the potentiometer and tightened such that the potentiometer body 43 is held firmly against the support wall 70. This method can adversely affect the failure rate of the potentiometer 42 because it can "pre-load" the potentiometer shaft 40 with a side-loading force which contributes to misalignment of the potentiometer shaft 40 with the desired axis of rotation. Such misalignment can hinder or entirely stop (i.e., "seize") rotation of the potentiometer shaft and/or cause it to rotate in an eccentric fashion. This, in turn. can cause premature failure of the potentiometer and/or joystick and can also compromise the accuracy of the control signals obtained from the potentiometer 42. Side-loading, generally, which can result from aggressive use of the joystick, also can contribute to failure and/or inaccuracy of the potentiometer. Sidewall 72, where provided, can serve to dissipate some of the side-loading forces but, when the potentiometer is fixedly secured with a mounting nut, may also contribute to undesired pre-loading of the potentiometer shaft, especially where the holes 80,82 in the respective sidewalls 70,72 are not perfectly aligned.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 5a, a likely effect of such pre-loading and/or side-loading forces is that the potentiometer shaft 40 becomes misaligned relative to the horizontal axis 84 (e.g., on axis 85, at angle β relative to axis 84). The angle β will of course vary depending on the amount of such pre-loading and/or side-loading forces, but generally will range from 0 to 3 degrees. Because the mounting nut 100 holds the potentiometer body 43 firmly against the support wall 70, the potentiometer body 43 remains oriented with the horizontal axis 84, out of alignment with the potentiometer shaft 40. Accordingly, rotation of the potentiometer shaft 40 (e.g., in response to movements of the joystick shaft) is skewed or eccentric in relation to the potentiometer body 43. This, as described above, can contribute to inaccurate results, seizing up of the potentiometer shaft and premature failure of the potentiometer 42.

[0044] Moreover, it is often the case that the structure to which the potentiometer is to be mounted includes only a small space for manipulating the mounting nut, and accordingly the prior art process can be cumbersome and time consuming. For example, with reference to FIG. 4, it is observed that there is only a small, cramped space between sidewalls 70,72, only 3/8 inch deep and 1 ¹/₄ inch wide in one embodiment. Certainly, such a confined space is only slightly larger than the mounting nut itself and does not accommodate a quick and/or easy installation of the potentiometer.

[0045] FIG. 5b illustrates the mounting of the potentiometer 42 to the support wall 70 with a mounting clip 86 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mounting clip 86 "non-fixedly" secures the potentiometer body 43 in position against the support wall 70 such that it is permitted a degree of "play" or movement, sometimes referred to as "compliance," in response to pre-loading or side-loading forces. More particularly, in response to such pre-loading or side-loading forces, the potentiometer shaft 40 moves out of alignment with the horizontal axis 84 (e.g., at angle β relative to axis 84) in generally the same manner described in relation to FIG. 5a. With the mounting clip, however, the potentiometer body 43 is not held firmly against the support wall 70 but rather is permitted up to about 10 degrees of separation 102 from the support wall 70. The effect of this freedom of movement is that the potentiometer body 43 is always aligned with the potentiometer shaft 40, whether it be along axis 84 or 85. Accordingly, rotation of the potentiometer shaft 40 (e.g., in response to movements of the joystick shaft) is not skewed or eccentric in relation to the potentiometer body 43.

[0046] Moreover, the mounting clip can be mounted much more quickly and easily than a mounting nut because it does not require manipulation of any structure between the small, cramped space between sidewalls 70,72. The mounting clip 86 and a process for using the mounting nut 86 will hereinafter be described in greater detail in relation to FIGs. 6a through 9d.

[0047] FIGs. 6a through 6c and 7a and 7b illustrate various steps in using the mounting clip 86 of FIG. 5b to mount a potentiometer to the support wall of FIG. 4. More particularly, FIGs. 6a and 7a show the assembly of FIG. 4 before installation, FIG. 6b during installation and FIG. 6c and 7b after installation of the mounting clip 86. Other view of the mounting clip 86 are shown in FIG. 8 (perspective view relative to joystick assembly, both before and after installation), FIG. 9a (side view), FIG. 9b (front view), FIG. 9c (back view) and FIG. 9d (bottom view).

[0048] The mounting clip 86 comprises a front side segment 88 and back side segment 90 bridged by a top segment 92, thereby defining a generally U-shaped cross section. In one embodiment, the front side segment 88 turns inwardly at its lower edge to define a bottom flange 94, the back side segment 90 includes a pair of legs 96,98 (FIG. 7a); and the front side segment 88 has a circular clearance hole 100 and two-semi-circular notches 102a,b (FIG. 8).

[0049] The mounting clip 86 in one embodiment is of unitary construction and is comprised of sheet metal having a thickness of about 20 mils. More particularly, in one embodiment the mounting clip comprises soft-annealed spring steel, S.A.E. specification of 1074 to 1095 (A.S.T.M. specification A 684), hardened to a Rockwell C scale of 40 to 60 units. In a preferred embodiment, the front and back side segments 88,90 are curved inwardly and are elastically deformable relative to each other between a naturally biased position and an outward flexed position.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the mounting clip 86 may be constructed from any of several alternative materials or combinations of materials including, but not limited to, extruded nylon or any thermoplastic or thermoset plastic material. Where the mounting clip is constructed of alternative materials, it is generally preferred that it have a thickness greater than 20 mils. For example, in one embodiment, the mounting clip is constructed of plastic and has a thickness of 30 to 40 mils.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting clip 86 has a height of 0.92 inches, width of 1.09 inches and a depth (between front and back segments 88,90) of 0.58 inches. The clearance hole 100 has a diameter of 0.56 inches (before forming), the bottom flange 94 has a depth of about 0.12 inches and the front and back segments 88,90 are curved with a respective radii of curvature of 4.4 and 4.7 degrees. It will be appreciated, of course, that the mounting clip 86 may be constructed with alternative dimensions if desired. The mounting clip might also be constructed with front and back side segments 88,90 which are curved outwardly, rather than inwardly. In either case, the mounting clip "non-fixedly" secures the potentiometer to the support wall such that the potentiometer is free to move somewhat in response to side-loading forces.

[0052] Mounting of the potentiometer 42 relative to the support wall 70 is accomplished in one embodiment by first placing the mounting clip 86 in the position shown in FIG. 6a, generally above the potentiometer 42, where the inner flat surface 76 of the potentiometer 42 is adjacent to the support wall 70 and the potentiometer shaft 40 penetrates through the opening 80 in the support wall. Where the support structure 20 includes a second support wall 72, the free end of shaft 40 penetrates through the second support wall 72. Then, the mounting clip 86 may be moved downward to the position shown in FIG. 6b, wherein a lower portion of the back side segment 90 is engaged with an upper portion of the support wall 70 and a lower portion of the front side segment 88 is engaged with the outer flat surface 74 of the potentiometer 42. From the position of FIG. 6b, the front side segment 88 is flexed outwardly and then the mounting clip 86 is moved downward in a sliding contact with the potentiometer 42 until the bottom flange 94 snaps underneath the body portion 78. The front side segment 88 in one embodiment then springs back toward its naturally biased position, with the body portion 78 of the potentiometer being received and retained between the front and back side segments 88,90 and the legs 96,98 straddling the potentiometer shaft 40, as shown in FIG. 5b and 6c.

[0053] With the potentiometer so mounted, the potentiometer body 43 is not held firmly against the support wall 70 but rather is permitted a degree of separation 102 from the support wall 70, as described in relation to FIG. 5b. Accordingly, the potentiometer body 43 is free to move in response to side-loading forces and remains aligned with the potentiometer shaft 40, thus prolonging the useful life of the potentiometer and maintaining its accuracy.

[0054] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A joystick assembly comprising:

a support platform;

a shaft member protruding from the support platform, the shaft member being mounted for conical rotation throughout a plurality of angular positions including a neutral position, an outermost end of the shaft member extending to a first depth relative to the support platform when the shaft member is in the neutral position; and

pre-loaded spring means connected to the shaft member for biasing the shaft member toward said neutral position, the spring means extending to a second depth relative to the support platform, the second depth not exceeding the first depth, when the shaft member is in the first position.

2. The joystick assembly of claim 1 wherein the first depth defines a mounting depth of the joystick assembly.

3. The joystick assembly of claim 1 wherein the second depth is about one-half of the first depth.

4. The joystick assembly of claim 1 wherein the spring means is oriented generally parallel to the support platform.

5. The joystick assembly of claim 1 wherein the spring means comprises a plurality of spring elements producing in combination a net biasing force for biasing the shaft member toward the neutral position.

6. The joystick assembly of claim 5 wherein each of the spring elements contributes a biasing force to the shaft member.

7. The joystick assembly of claim 1 wherein the neutral position comprises a side-detent position in which the shaft member is angled toward a side of the support platform.

8. The joystick assembly of claim 7 wherein the spring means comprises two spring elements each contributing a biasing force to the shaft member, the spring elements producing in combination a net biasing force for biasing the shaft member toward the side-detent position.

9. The joystick assembly of claim 8 wherein the support platform includes four sidewalls meeting at comers, the two spring elements extending toward the shaft member from adjacent ones of said comers.

10. The joystick assembly of claim 9 wherein when the shaft member is in the side-detent position, each of the spring elements is oriented at about 45° relative to the sidewalls of the support platform.

11. The joystick assembly of claim 8 wherein when the shaft member is in the side-detent position, the spring elements are pre-loaded to about 1.25 times their initial free length.

12. The joystick assembly of claim 1 wherein the neutral position comprises a center-detent position in which the shaft member is angled generally vertically away from the support platform.

13. The joystick assembly of claim 12 wherein the spring means comprises four spring elements each contributing a biasing force to the shaft member, the spring elements producing in combination a net biasing force for biasing the shaft member toward the center-detent position.

14. The joystick assembly of claim 12 wherein the support platform includes four sidewalls meeting at corners, each of the four spring elements extending toward the shaft member from one of said corners.

15. The joystick assembly of claim 14 wherein when the shaft member is in the center-detent position, each of the spring elements is oriented at about 45° relative to the sidewalls of the support platform.

16. The joystick assembly of claim 12 wherein when the shaft member is in the center-detent position, the spring elements are pre-loaded to about 1.4 times their initial free length.

17. A joystick assembly comprising:

a shaft member protruding from a support platform, the shaft member being mounted for conical rotation throughout a plurality of angular positions including a neutral position; and

at least two spring elements connected to the shaft member for biasing the shaft member toward said neutral position, each of the spring elements being pre-loaded and having a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the shaft member.

18. The joystick assembly of claim 17 wherein the neutral position comprises a side-detent position in which the shaft member is angled toward a side of the support platform.

19. The joystick assembly of claim 18 comprising exactly two spring elements producing a net biasing force for biasing the shaft member toward the side-detent position.

20. The joystick assembly of claim 19 wherein when the shaft member is in the side-detent position, each of the spring elements is pre-loaded to about 1.25 times its initial free length.

21. The joystick assembly of claim 17 wherein the neutral position comprises a center-detent position in which the shaft member is angled generally perpendicular to the support platform.

22. The joystick assembly of claim 21 comprising exactly four spring elements producing a net biasing force for biasing the shaft member toward the center-detent position.

23. The joystick assembly of claim 22 wherein when the shaft member is in the center-detent position, each of the spring elements is pre-loaded to about 1.4 times its initial free length.

Drawing