This month's hardware and devices category includes 6 granted patents from Bob's Space Racers, Nintendo, Plan C, Shenzhen Guli Technology, Shenzhen Shimi Network Technology Co., and Sony, with 1 patent each.
The filings concentrate on gaming input mechanisms, with Shenzhen Guli Technology and Nintendo both patenting distinct joystick technologies that enhance controller precision through simplified mechanical designs and pressure-sensitive analog sticks. Plan C describes using smartwatch sensors as motion controllers for browser-based games, while Shenzhen Shimi Network Technology Co. patents a water-filled handheld game device with pump bulbs that propel liquid to move game pieces. Sony patents tactile feedback technology that translates game subtitles into vibration patterns for visually impaired players, and Bob's Space Racers patents an automated carnival game machine with sensor and payment systems.
Shenzhen Guli Technology received 1 patent describing a gamepad joystick that attaches sensing components directly to the rocker assembly. The design eliminates intermediate connecting parts that previously demanded tight machining tolerances and complicated assembly procedures. By integrating mounting grooves for sensors into the rocker itself, the mechanism reduces both the number of assembly steps and the cumulative errors that arise from stacking multiple tolerances.
Nintendo received 1 patent for an analog stick mechanism that measures how hard a player pushes in any direction, not just how far the stick has moved. Traditional analog sticks track only angular displacement, but this design adds force sensors that activate when the stick reaches its mechanical travel limit. The arrangement allows the controller to distinguish between gentle and forceful inputs at any angle, with the contact geometry preventing the shaft from directly touching the housing opening.
Shenzhen Shimi Network Technology Co. received 1 patent describing a system that turns an Apple Watch into a motion controller for HTML5 games running in a web browser. The approach processes motion sensor data locally on the client device rather than relying on server-side computation, with an adaptive synchronization mechanism that adjusts caching behavior based on the hardware capabilities of the device. This decoupling allows gesture-based input to work offline or with intermittent connectivity.
Plan C received 1 patent for a handheld water game that replaces the rigid plastic shells of traditional toys with a flexible, pliable pouch. Players squeeze pump bulbs to jet liquid across a large transparent play field, moving game pieces through the fluid. The soft construction allows a bigger play area in a lightweight, pocket-sized format, and the flexible front panel lets players deform the play area by touch to manipulate the contents directly.
Bob's Space Racers received 1 patent describing a carnival midway game machine that operates without human attendants. The system combines multi-plane infrared and electronic sensor arrays with an interactive touchscreen display that handles player detection, automated payment processing, attempt counting, and prize dispensing. Proximity-based sensors attract new players while the automated attempt tracking prevents cheating by monitoring game participation without staff oversight.
Sony received 1 patent that converts in-game subtitles into tactile Braille patterns delivered through a controller's existing haptic hardware. The system maps Braille character encodings onto vibration patterns that users can feel through the controller's rumble actuators, and it adjusts video playback speed to match the pace at which the player reads the tactile output. The approach requires no specialized peripherals beyond a standard haptic-enabled game controller.
All data sourced from USPTO patent filings. Google Patents may take several weeks to index recent publications. If a link is unavailable, search for the patent number at USPTO Patent Public Search.