# US 10,159,895 B2 · Game controller with structural bridge > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,159,895 B2 - Document ID: US10159895B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/858,299 - Filed: 2017-12-29 - Published: 2018-05-03 - Granted: 2018-12-25 - Earliest claimed: 2011-12-20 - Assignees: Wikipad, Inc. - Applicants: Wikipad, Inc. - Inventors: Fraser Townley; Kelly D. Gamble; Daniel P. Dooley - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10159895B2 ## CPC - A63F 13/24: Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles - A63F 9/24: Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for - A63F 13/20: Input arrangements for video game devices - A63F 13/2145: the surface being also a display device, e.g. touch screens - A63F 13/23: for interfacing with the game device, e.g. specific interfaces between game controller and console - A63F 13/235: using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet - A63F 13/31: Communication aspects specific to video games, e.g. between several handheld game devices at close range - A63F 13/50: Controlling the output signals based on the game progress - A63F 13/92: Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing - A63F 13/98: Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers - G06F 1/1632: {External expansion units, e.g. docking stations} - G06F 1/1692: {the I/O peripheral being a secondary touch screen used as control interface, e.g. virtual buttons or sliders} - G06F 3/0219: {Special purpose keyboards} - G06F 13/102: {where the program performs an interfacing function, e.g. device driver (G06F13/105 takes precedence; contention policies within device drivers G06F9/4881; scheduling within device drivers G06F9/52)} - G06F 13/4022: {using switching circuits, e.g. switching matrix, connection or expansion network (G06F13/4009 takes precedence)} - G06F 13/4027: {using bus bridges (G06F13/4022 takes precedence)} - G06F 13/4068: {Electrical coupling} - G06F 13/409: {Mechanical coupling (back panels H05K7/1438)} - A63F 2009/2457: {Display screens, e.g. monitors, video displays} - A63F 2300/1043: being characterized by constructional details - A63F 2300/204: the platform being a handheld device - A63F: CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N) ## Abstract A device directed to a combination computing and input device. The computing device providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality of sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the computing device. The input device communicates with the computing device and provides a pair of control modules adjacent to and confining the computing device on at least two opposing sides of the computing device. The input device further provides a structural bridge securing the pair of control modules one to the other, and a touch sensitive input module. The structural bridge adaptively and snugly accommodate the length of the computing device. A first of the pair of control modules features a retention mechanism communicating with the structural bridge. The retention mechanism adaptively secures the structural bridge such that the pair of control modules snugly accommodate the length of the computing device. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A combination comprising: a computing device; a pair of confinement structures, the pair of confinement structures interacting with the computing device and adjacent at least two opposing sides of the computing device, but not more than three sides of the sides of the computing device, each of the pair of confinement structures comprising a communication link, each of the communication links configured for electronic communication with the computing device; a rigid structural bridge disposed between the pair of confinement structures, the rigid structural bridge comprising a passageway between the pair of confinement structures, the passageway promotes electrical communication between the communication link of a first confinement structure of the pair of confinement structures and the computing device, the passageway further promotes electrical communication between the communication link of a second confinement structure of the pair of confinement structures and the computing device; fastening mechanisms, the fastening mechanisms secure the first confinement structure to the rigid structural bridge, the fastening mechanisms further secure the second confinement structure to the rigid structural bridge; and a pair of control modules, each control module of the pair of control modules interacting with a corresponding confinement structure of the pair of confinement structures, each control module in electronic communication with the communication link of its corresponding confinement structure, each of the pair of control modules providing input module apertures, wherein said input module apertures are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the computing device, and wherein each control module is a separate and distinct structure from the pair of confinement structures, forming no structural portion of the pair of confinement structures, and in which each of the pair of confinement structures are separate and distinct structures from the structural bridge, forming no structural portion of the structural bridge. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The combination of claim 1, in which the rigid structural bridge supports electronics associated with the computing device. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The combination of claim 2, in which the computing device further comprising a back, the back provides an internal surface, an external surface cooperates with the least two opposing sides of the computing device. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The combination of claim 3, in which the rigid structural bridge cooperates with the back of the computing device. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The combination of claim 4, in which the rigid structural bridge cooperating with the back of the computing device is adjacent to the external surface of the back of the computing device. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The combination of claim 4, in which the computing device comprises an electronic display screen, and wherein at least one control module of the pair of control modules passes signals through its corresponding communication link to the computing device, the signals passed to the computing device controlling images displayed on the electronic display screen of the computing device. ### Claim 7 (depends on 2) The combination of claim 2, in which the electronics supported by the rigid structural bridge is a communication module associated with the computing device. ### Claim 8 (depends on 2) The combination of claim 2, in which the rigid structural bridge, the pair of confinement structures, and the fastening mechanisms form a communication port. ### Claim 9 A combination comprising: a structural bridge, the structural bridge having a first end associated with a first control module of a pair of control modules and a second end associated with a second control module of the pair of control modules, the structural bridge configured for adaptation to a computing device, the computing device having a length greater than its width, the structural bridge accommodates the length of the computing device, and in which the structural bridge provides a void, the void disposed between the first end of the structural bridge and the second end of the structural bridge, the void having right, left, upper, and lower sides, each side of the void communicating with a material of the structural bridge. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The device of claim 9, in which the first of the pair of control modules further comprises a retention mechanism, a bottom cover, wherein the bottom cover provides a position guide, and in which the retention mechanism comprises: a attachment boss communicating with the structural bridge; an attachment support cooperating with the attachment boss, the attachment support in cooperation with the attachment boss secures the structural bridge, the structural bridge disposed between the attachment boss and the attachment support; and a biasing structure communicating with the attachment support, the biasing structure provides tension between the structural bridge and the second of the pair of control modules. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The device of claim 10, in which the attachment support comprises a guide aperture interacting with the position guide, the interaction of the guide aperture with the position guide maintains alignment between the structural bridge and the second of the pair of control modules. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The device of claim 10, in which at least one of the pair of control modules is a game control module, and in which the game control module passes signals to the computing device, the signals control images displayed on an electronic display screen of the computing device. ### Claim 13 A combination comprising: a first control module of a pair of control modules, and a second control module of the pair of control modules each the first and the second control modules comprising a plurality of input module apertures, each input module aperture supports an instructional input device, at least one of the first and the second control modules further comprising a fastening detent; and a structural bridge interposed between said first and second control module, said structural bridge comprising a first side, said first side of said structural bridge in contact adjacency with said first control module, said structural bridge further comprising a second side, said second side of said structural bridge in contact adjacency with said second control module, said structural bridge still further comprising a retention member, the retention member interacts with the fastening detent, the interaction of the fastening detent with the retention member couples the structural bridge to a control module of the pair of control modules. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The combination of claim 13, further comprising a computing device, the computing device comprising an upper, lower, left and right side, collectively the sides of the computing device, the computing device disposed between and in contact adjacency with each the first and second control modules of the pair of control modules, the pair of control modules engaging the computing device on at least two opposing sides of the computing device, but not more than three sides of the sides of the computing device, said pair of control modules are separate and distinct structures from the computing device. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The combination of claim 14, in which the structural bridge is a rigid structural bridge, the rigid structural bridge comprising a signal pathway for use in passing signals from each said first and second control modules. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The combination of claim 15, in which the computing device further comprising a back, the back provides an internal surface, an external surface, and upper, lower, left and right sides, collectively the sides of the back of the computing device, the back of the computing device cooperating with the sides of the computing device, and in which the rigid structural bridge cooperates with the back of the computing device. ### Claim 17 A combination comprising: a pair of modules, the pair of modules in configured for electronic communication with a computing device, the computing device providing an upper, lower, left and right side, collectively the sides of the computing device, and an electronic display screen, the electronic display screen having a corresponding side adjacent each of the sides of the computing device, the pair of modules further configured for adaptation to at least two opposing sides of the computing device, but not more than three sides of the sides of the computing device, and wherein a module of the pair of modules providing a communication link; and a structural bridge interposed between the pair of modules, the structural bridge includes, but is not limited to, a passageway between the pair of modules, and fastening structures, the passageway promotes communication between the communication link and the computing device, while the fastening structures facilitates a joining of a module of the pair of modules with the structural bridge, and in which the structural bridge provides a first end, a second end, and a void between the first and second ends, the void having right, left, upper, and lower sides, each side of the void communicating with a material of the structural bridge. ### Claim 18 A combination comprising: a pair of confinement structures; a first communication link, the first communication link supported by a first confinement structure of the pair of confinement structures; a second communication link, the second communication link supported by a second confinement structure of the pair of confinement structures; a structural bridge interposed between the first confinement structure and the second confinement structure, the structural bridge comprising a passageway and fastening members, the fastening members facilitate a joining of each the first confinement structure and the second confinement structure of the pair of confinement structures to the structural bridge, while the passageway accommodates communication by way of at least the first communication link; and a pair of control modules, a first control module of the pair of control modules attached to the first confinement structure, and a second control module of the pair of control modules attached to the second confinement structure, the first control module in electronic communication with the first communication link, the second control module in electronic communication with the second communication link, each the first and the second control modules comprising a plurality of input module apertures, each input module aperture secures an instructional input device, and in which neither the first nor the second control module form a structural portion of either the first or second confinement structures. ### Claim 19 An apparatus comprising: a computing device, the computing device providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality of sides disposed between an electronic display screen of the computing device and a back of the computing device; an electronic game communicating with the computing device, the electronic game providing a virtual object displayed on the electronic display screen of the computing device; and means for controlling a movement of the virtual object displayed on the electronic display screen of the computing device. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The apparatus of claim 19, in which the computing device having a length greater than its width, and wherein the means for controlling a movement of the virtual object displayed on the electronic display screen of the computing device comprising: a pair of confinement structures, the pair of confinement structures interacting with the computing device and adjacent at least two opposing sides of the computing device, the at least two opposing sides adjacent the electronic display screen and define end points of the length of the computing device, the pair of confinement structures adapt to and are in pressing contact with said end points of the length of the computing device, each of the pair of confinement structures comprising a communication link, each of the communication links configured for electronic communication with the computing device; a rigid structural bridge disposed between the pair of confinement structures, the rigid structural bridge comprising a passageway between the pair of confinement structures, the passageway promotes electrical communication between the communication link of a first confinement structure of the pair of confinement structures and the computing device, the passageway further promotes electrical communication between the communication link of a second confinement structure of the pair of confinement structures and the computing device; fastening mechanisms, the fastening mechanisms secures the first confinement structure to the rigid structural bridge, the fastening mechanisms further secure the second confinement structure to the rigid structural bridge; and a pair of control modules, each control module of the pair of control modules interacting with a corresponding confinement structure of the pair of confinement structures, each control module in electronic communication with the communication link of its corresponding confinement structure, each of the pair of control modules providing input module apertures, each input module aperture secures an instructional input device, wherein said input module apertures are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the computing device, and wherein the input device is a separate and distinct structure from the pair of confinement structures, forming no structural portion of the pair of confinement structures, in which each of the pair of confinement structures are separate and distinct structures from the structural bridge, forming no structural portion of the structural bridge and wherein the control modules controlling the movement of the virtual object displayed on the electronic display screen. ### Claim 21 (depends on 19) The apparatus of claim 19, in which the computing device having a length greater than its width, and wherein the means for controlling a movement of the virtual object displayed on the electronic display screen of the computing device comprising: an input device in electronic communication with the computing device, the input device providing a pair of control modules, the pair of control modules adjacent to and confining the computing device on at least two opposing sides of the computing device, the at least two opposing sides adjacent the electronic display screen and define end points of the length of the computing device, the pair of control modules adapt to and are in pressing contact with said end points of the length of the computing device, while the width of the computing device extends above and below the confines of the pair of control modules; a structural bridge securing the pair of control modules one to the other, the structural bridge configured such that the structural bridge adapts to and is adjacent a back of the computing device, wherein a first of the pair of control modules comprising a retention mechanism communicating with the structural bridge, and wherein the retention mechanism secures the structural bridge to the first of the pair of control modules, such that the structural bridge accommodates the length of the computing device, and in which the structural bridge provides a void in the mid-section of the structural bridge, the void having right, left, upper, and lower sides, each side communicating with a material of the structural bridge; and a communication link, the communication link facilitates communication between the pair of control modules and the computing device, wherein the structural bridge masks a portion of a mid-region of the back of the computing device and wherein the control modules controlling the movement of the virtual object displayed on the electronic display screen. ### Claim 22 (depends on 19) The apparatus of claim 19, in which the computing device having a length greater than its width, and wherein the means for controlling a movement of the virtual object displayed on the electronic display screen of the computing device comprising: a first control module of a pair of control modules, and a second control module of the pair of control modules each the first and the second control modules comprising a plurality of input module apertures, each input module aperture supports an instructional input device, at least one of the first and the second control modules further comprising a fastening latch; and a structural bridge disposed between said first and second control module, said structural bridge comprising a first side, said first side of said structural bridge in contact adjacency with said first control module, said structural bridge further comprising a second side, said second side of said structural bridge in contact adjacency with said second control module, said structural bridge still further comprising a retention member, the retention member interacts with the fastening latch, the interaction of the fastening latch with the retention member restrains the structural bridge to a control module of the pair of control modules, and wherein the control modules controlling the movement of the virtual object displayed on the electronic display screen. ### Claim 23 (depends on 19) The apparatus of claim 19, in which the means for controlling the movement of the object displayed on the electronic display screen is provided by an input device, the input device comprises: input module apertures provided by the input device, each input module aperture accepts either a game control module or a keyboard module as selected by a user, wherein said input module apertures are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the computing device; and a camera communicating with each the input device and the computing device, the camera capturing either still or video images as selected by the user, and in which the camera is responsive to at least the removable keyboard module when said keyboard module is operatively installed by the user within the input module aperture, and in which the removable keyboard module is a pair of touch responsive electronic display screens, each of the touch responsive electronic display screens having at least the functionality of the electronic display screen, includes the functionality of a mouse pad, and presents virtual keys of a keyboard for information entry. ### Claim 24 An apparatus comprising: a first means for attaching an input device to a computing device, said computing device providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality of sides cooperating with an electronic display screen of said computing device; and a second means for controlling a movement of a virtual object displayed on said electronic display screen of said computing device, said virtual object provided by an electronic game, said electronic game interacting with said computing device, and wherein said second means is accommodated by said input device. ### Claim 25 (depends on 24) The apparatus of claim 24, in which the computing device having a length greater than its width, and wherein the first means for attaching the input device to a computing device comprising: a pair of confinement structures, the pair of confinement structures interacting with the computing device and adjacent at least two opposing sides of the computing device, the at least two opposing sides adjacent the electronic display screen and define end points of the length of the computing device, the pair of confinement structures adapt to and are in pressing contact with said end points of the length of the computing device, each of the pair of confinement structures comprising a communication link, each of the communication links configured for electronic communication with the computing device; a rigid structural bridge disposed between the pair of confinement structures, the rigid structural bridge comprising a passageway between the pair of confinement structures, the passageway promotes electrical communication between the communication link of a first confinement structure of the pair of confinement structures and the computing device, the passageway further promotes electrical communication between the communication link of a second confinement structure of the pair of confinement structures and the computing device; fastening mechanisms, the fastening mechanisms secures the first confinement structure to the rigid structural bridge, the fastening mechanisms further secure the second confinement structure to the rigid structural bridge; and wherein the input device is a pair of control modules, each control module of the pair of control modules mechanically interacting with a corresponding confinement structure of the pair of confinement structures, wherein each control module is a separate and distinct structure from the pair of confinement structures, forming no structural portion of the pair of confinement structures, and in which each of the pair of confinement structures are separate and distinct structures from the structural bridge, forming no structural portion of the structural bridge. ### Claim 26 (depends on 25) The apparatus of claim 25, in which the second means for controlling movement of the virtual object displayed on said electronic display comprising: each control module in electronic communication with the communication link of its corresponding confinement structure, each of the pair of control modules providing input module apertures, each input module aperture secures an instructional input device, wherein said input module apertures are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the computing device, and wherein the instructional input devices control movement of the virtual object displayed on the electronic display screen. ### Claim 27 (depends on 24) The apparatus of claim 24, in which the computing device having a length greater than its width, and wherein the first means for attaching the input device to a computing device comprising: the input device in electronic communication with the computing device, the input device providing a pair of control modules, the pair of control modules adjacent to and confining the computing device on at least two opposing sides of the computing device, the at least two opposing sides adjacent the electronic display screen define end points of the length of the computing device, the pair of control modules each adapt to and are in pressing contact with said opposing end points of the length of the computing device, while the width of the computing device extends above and below the confines of the pair of control modules; and a structural bridge securing the pair of control modules one to the other, the structural bridge configured such that the structural bridge adapts to and is adjacent a back of the computing device, wherein a first of the pair of control modules comprising a retention mechanism communicating with the structural bridge, and wherein the retention mechanism secures the structural bridge to the first of the pair of control modules, such that the structural bridge accommodates the length of the computing device, and in which the structural bridge provides a void in the mid-section of the structural bridge, the void having right, left, upper, and lower sides, each side communicating with a material of the structural bridge. ### Claim 28 (depends on 27) The apparatus of claim 27, in which the second means for controlling a movement of a virtual object displayed on said electronic display comprising: a communication link, the communication link facilitates communication between the pair of control modules and the computing device, each of the pair of control modules providing input module apertures, each input module aperture secures an instructional input device, wherein said input module apertures are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the computing device, wherein the structural bridge masks a portion of a mid-region of the back of the computing device and wherein the instructional input devices control movement of the virtual object displayed on the electronic display screen. ### Claim 29 (depends on 24) The apparatus of claim 24, in which the computing device having a length greater than its width, and wherein the first means for attaching the input device to a computing device comprising: the input device in electronic communication with the computing device, the input device providing a pair of control modules a first control module of a pair of control modules, and a second control module of the pair of control modules, at least one of the first and the second control modules further comprising a fastening latch; a structural bridge disposed between said first and second control module, said structural bridge comprising a first side, said first side of said structural bridge in contact adjacency with said first control module, said structural bridge further comprising a second side, said second side of said structural bridge in contact adjacency with said second control module, said structural bridge still further comprising a retention member, the retention member interacts with the fastening latch, the interaction of the fastening latch with the retention member restrains the structural bridge to a control module of the pair of control modules, and the pair of control modules to the computing device. ### Claim 30 (depends on 29) The apparatus of claim 29, in which the second means for controlling a movement of the virtual object displayed on said electronic display comprising: a communication link, the communication link facilitates communication between the pair of control modules and the computing device; and each the first and the second control modules of the pair of control modules comprising a plurality of input module apertures, each input module aperture accommodates an instructional input device, wherein said input module apertures are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the computing device, the structural bridge masks a portion of a mid-region of the back of the computing device, and wherein the instructional input devices control movement of the virtual object displayed on the electronic display screen.