Senior Project Sponsors
2007-2008
School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Oregon State University
Project Description
Configurable Game Controller Utilizing Touch Sensitive Technologies
Controllers for each of the major game consoles come in a single, static form. While these orientations provide
ergonomic comfort for the majority of consumers, they do not accommodate the needs of those with physical
disabilities or injuries. A controller scheme that allowed for individual configurations to meet the needs of each user
would be required.
Our group would choose a gaming system (Most likely an older generation platform for proof of concept), then
design and implement a configurable controller scheme. This controller scheme would allow for the interchange of
buttons, toggles and touch sensitive surfaces to reproduce the behavior of the given systems current controller.
Ideally, each controller function would be assignable by the user to a given actuator. Each actuator would be a
separate device that connects to a central controller hub. A user configurable method of mounting each device
would be designed.
Example: Our group chooses the original Nintendo Entertainment System for our controller. The user has limited
use of their left thumb. We recommend a configuration that utilizes a small touch sensitive surface to reproduce the
behavior of the direction pad. The user can then use very slight pressure from their thumb, a finger, or a knuckle to
beat Super Mari Bros.
Key Features
• Design of individual actuators for each key of the given systems controller.
1. Actuators will be toggles, buttons and touch sensitive surfaces
1. Touch sensitive surfaces would utilize Cypress’ inexpensive PSoC capacitive sensing.
• Design of a standard mounting system for our actuators
1. The mounting system must be compact, sturdy and versatile. (M.E.’s wanted!!!)
• Design of a central controller hub for our actuators
1. The hub would take instructions from each actuator’s bus language (possibly I2C) and translate it
into our given systems communications.
2. The hub would have ports (USB?) for enough actuators to meet the given controllers button count,
plus a port for the systems controller.
3. The hub would supply power for each actuator.
• Design of software for use with system
1. The user could set their button configuration in software, or it could be a function of the port
locations on our hub.
2. Possibly: Software could be used to slow the processor of a given system to allow users
with limited motor abilities to play faster paced games.
•
Absolute Minimum Requirements
• Design and build actuators to replace button functions
• Design and build at least one touch sensitive actuator
• Design and build mounting platform
• Create software or firmware to run system