U.S. Pat. No. 9,281,859

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description of the present invention, including the object of the invention and the effect of the invention, will follow with reference to embodiments and drawings. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention and means for accomplishing them will become evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of embodiments which will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Hereinbelow, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 to 6are views illustrating a smartphone cover module with an embedded game controller according to a first embodiment of the present invention. To be more specific,FIG. 1is a perspective view showing the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from a front,FIG. 2is a perspective view showing the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from a rear,FIG. 3is a perspective view showing a direction button and a selector button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from above,FIG. 4is a perspective view showing the direction button and the selector button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from below,FIG. 5is a sectional view showing the direction button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 6is a sectional view showing an operation of the direction button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 6, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a smartphone cover110, a direction button120, a direction-change support130, and a button restoring pad140.

The smartphone cover110is provided to protect a surface of a smartphone, with a through hole111formed to expose the surface of the smartphone. To be more specific, referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the smartphone cover110has on a front surface thereof a direction button120, and a selector button150provided to be adjacent to the direction button120. Further, the smartphone cover110has on a rear surface thereof a screen display window112that has the same size as a screen of the smartphone and exposes the screen to an outside.

Through such a configuration, at normal times, the rear surface of the smartphone cover110is mounted to correspond to the screen provided on a front of the smartphone so as to be used as a general pad, and while during a game, the front surface of the smartphone cover110is mounted to correspond to the screen provided on the front of the smartphone so as to be used as a game pad.

The smartphone cover110according to the first embodiment of the present invention further has on the front surface thereof a game display window113to expose the screen of the smartphone during the game. That is,FIGS. 1 and 2show a case where the smartphone itself is used as a game machine. In this case, a game display window113is further formed. In contrast, if the smartphone is connected to another display device such as a TV and the smartphone is used as the game pad, the additional game display window may not be required as in another embodiment shown inFIGS. 20 and 21. In this case, it is possible to increase the size of the direction button and the selector button, so that a manipulation sensation is further improved.

The direction button120is formed on the through hole111of the smartphone cover110, and is made of a conductive material. To be more specific, if the direction button120is pressed by the finger, the direction button120comes into contact with a point on the upper surface of the button restoring pad140, so that it is possible to transmit a direction signal to the point on the surface of the smartphone. That is, a micro-current of a human body serves as a button input signal via the direction button120and the button restoring pad140having conductivity, and is finally provided as the direction signal to the point on the surface of the smartphone.

The direction-change support130is formed into the shape of a pole that extends downwards from a central portion of a lower surface of the direction button120, and spaces the direction button120apart from the surface of the smartphone. Further, the direction-change support130is made of an insulating material and an elastic material, and serves as a reference point for the inclination of the direction button120on the upper surface of the button restoring pad140. The elastic material allows the direction-change support130to be bendable, thus enabling the direction button120to be more smoothly inclined.

The button restoring pad140connects the direction button120or the direction-change support130to the smartphone cover110, and is formed into the shape of a pad made of an elastic material, thus restoring the inclined direction button120to an original state thereof. Further, the button restoring pad140according to the first embodiment of the present invention has the same shape as the through hole of the smartphone cover110, and is made of a conductive material. Further, an end of the button restoring pad140is connected to an inner surface of the through hole of the smartphone cover110, a lower surface thereof is in close contact with the surface of the smartphone, and a central portion of the upper surface thereof is connected to a lower end of the direction-change support130, thus elastically supporting the inclination of the direction-change support130. That is, when the direction-change support130is inclined by an external force as shown inFIG. 6, a first side of the button restoring pad140is contracted, a second side thereof is expanded, and the button restoring pad140is bent along with the direction-change support130, thus supporting the inclined state and preventing the direction button120from being removed from the smartphone cover110. Further, as shown inFIG. 5, when an external force is released to restore to an original state, the first side of the button restoring pad140is elastically expanded again, the second side thereof is elastically contracted again, and the button restoring pad140is restored along with the direction-change support130.

Moreover, the button restoring pad140may be made of a transparent material to allow the surface of the smartphone displaying the direction image to be exposed to the outside. That is, it is possible to improve a visual effect for direction manipulation during the game.

By the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, when a point on the upper surface of the direction button120in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, or the diagonal direction is pressed by an external force, the direction button120is inclined with respect to the direction-change support130and thereby may transmit a direction signal to a point on the surface of the smartphone. That is, the direction-change support130supports the direction button120on the smartphone, and an operating method is performed as follows: if the button is pressed by the finger as shown inFIG. 6, micro electricity of the finger is transmitted through the direction button120and the button restoring pad140to a surface touch panel of the smartphone, thus processing the direction of a character in a game. Here, if a specific direction is selected and pressed by the finger, the direction-change support130functions to prevent the direction button120from being pressed in another direction, thus completely preventing an undesirable direction from being selected by mistake.

As such, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be utilized as the game pad during a game, and may be utilized as the smartphone cover that is convenient to carry with at normal times. Further, it is provided with a physical button to form a step with the surface of the smartphone cover, thereby improving the manipulation sensation of the mobile game for the smartphone.

Furthermore, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention is advantageous in that a signal processing portion is composed of a touchscreen and an application program of the smartphone, so that it is possible to directly process the diagonal direction.

That is, the conventional game pad has only four direction key buttons at upper and lower positions and left and right positions, so that the diagonal direction is processed by combining two neighboring buttons with each other. By contrast, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the diagonal direction is processed by the program in the smartphone, so that it is possible to freely process eight directions, including front and rear directions, left and right directions, and diagonal directions. Moreover, it is possible to precisely control the diagonal direction at various angles.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 7 and 8are views illustrating a smartphone cover module with an embedded game controller according to a second embodiment of the present invention. To be more specific,FIG. 7is a sectional view showing a direction button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the second embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 8is a sectional view showing an operation of the direction button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a smartphone cover210, a direction button220, a direction-change support230, and a button restoring pad240.

Since the smartphone cover210and the direction button220of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the second embodiment of the present invention have the same or similar structure or operation as those of the smartphone cover110and the direction button120of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will refer to the first embodiment of the present invention shown inFIGS. 1 to 6and will be omitted herein.

The substantial structure and operation of the direction-change support230and the button restoring pad240will be described below with reference toFIGS. 7 and 8.

The button restoring pad240according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a first end thereof is formed along a side surface of the direction button220and a second end thereof is formed along a side surface of the through hole211of the smartphone cover210, thus elastically supporting the inclination of the direction button220. That is, when the direction button220is inclined by an external force as shown inFIG. 8, a first side of the button restoring pad240is contracted, a second side thereof is expanded, thus supporting the inclined state and preventing the direction button220from being removed from the smartphone cover210. Further, as shown inFIG. 7, when an external force is released to restore to an original state, the first side of the button restoring pad240is elastically expanded again, and the second side thereof is elastically contracted again.

Further, the direction-change support230is made of an insulating material and a hard material, and a lower end of the direction-change support230is in contact with the surface of the smartphone cover210, thus serving as a reference point for the inclination of the direction button220. More preferably, the direction-change support230according to the second embodiment of the present invention is made of the hard material, unlike the direction-change support130according to the first embodiment of the present invention, so that it is not bendable.

Therefore, the direction button220is in direct contact with a point on the surface of the smartphone, so that a micro-current of a human body serves as a button input signal via the direction button220having conductivity and is directly provided as the direction signal to the point on the surface of the smartphone.

Meanwhile, similarly to the first embodiment of the present invention, the button restoring pad240may be made of a transparent material to allow the surface of the smartphone displaying the direction image to be exposed to the outside. That is, it is possible to improve a visual effect when the direction button220is manipulated.

By the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, when a point on the upper surface of the direction button220in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, or the diagonal direction is pressed by an external force, the direction button220is inclined with respect to the direction-change support230and thereby may transmit a direction signal to a point on the surface of the smartphone. That is, the direction-change support230supports the direction button220on the smartphone, and an operating method is performed as follows: if the button is pressed by the finger as shown inFIG. 8, micro electricity of the finger is transmitted through the direction button220to a surface touch panel of the smartphone, thus processing the direction of a character in a game. Here, if a specific direction is selected and pressed by the finger, the direction-change support230functions to prevent the direction button220from being pressed in another direction, thus completely preventing an undesirable direction from being selected by mistake.

As such, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be utilized as the game pad during a game, and may be utilized as the smartphone cover that is convenient to carry with at normal times. Further, it is provided with a physical button to form a step with the surface of the smartphone cover, thereby improving the manipulation sensation of the mobile game for the smartphone.

Furthermore, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the second embodiment of the present invention is advantageous in that a signal processing portion is composed of a touchscreen and an application program of the smartphone, so that it is possible to directly process the diagonal direction.

That is, the conventional game pad has only four direction key buttons at upper and lower positions and left and right positions, so that the diagonal direction is processed by combining two neighboring buttons with each other. By contrast, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the diagonal direction is processed by the program in the smartphone, so that it is possible to freely process eight directions, including front and rear directions, left and right directions, and diagonal directions. Moreover, it is possible to precisely control the diagonal direction at various angles.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 9A to 9Dare perspective views and plan views, respectively, showing a direction button of a smartphone cover module with an embedded game controller according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 9A to 9D, the smartphone cover module according to the present invention may have a direction button of various shapes, including an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, and a hexagonal shape, as well as the circular direction button120,220,320. Moreover, it is possible to use a cross-shaped direction button325. That is, an edge of the direction button is configured to be in direct or indirect contact with the surface of the smartphone, thus directly transmitting a direction signal. Hence, the direction button may adopt any shape as long as the edge of the direction button is in free contact with the surface of the smartphone.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 10 and 11are views illustrating a smartphone cover module with an embedded game controller according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. To be more specific,FIG. 10is a sectional view showing a direction button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 11is a sectional view showing an operation of the direction button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a smartphone cover410, a direction button420, a spacing support430, a direction-change pad440, and a button restoring pad450.

Since the smartphone cover410of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has the same or similar structure or operation as those of the smartphone cover110of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will refer to the first embodiment of the present invention shown inFIGS. 1 to 6and will be omitted herein.

The direction button420is formed on a through hole411of the smartphone cover410in such a way as to be movable in a front-rear direction, a left-right direction, or a diagonal direction, and is made of a conductive material. To be more specific, if the direction button420is pressed and pushed by the finger, the direction button420may move to a point in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, or the diagonal direction, thus allowing a direction signal to be transmitted to the point on the surface of the smartphone. That is, a micro-current of a human body serves as a button input signal via the direction button420, the spacing support430and the direction-change pad440having conductivity and is finally provided as the direction signal to the point on the surface of the smartphone. Further, an extent of movement of the direction-change pad440varies depending on an extent of movement of the direction button420. Here, a moving amount on the surface of the smartphone is provided as an intensity signal.

The spacing support430is formed into the shape of a pole that extends downwards from a central portion of a lower surface of the direction button420, and spaces the direction button420apart from the surface of the smartphone. The spacing support430is also made of a conductive material.

The direction-change pad440is connected to a lower end of the spacing support430, comes into contact with the surface of the smartphone, and moves on the surface of the smartphone in conjunction with the movement of the direction button420. The direction-change pad440is also made of a conductive material. Moreover, the direction-change pad440may be made of a transparent material to allow the surface of the smartphone displaying the direction image to be exposed to the outside. That is, it is possible to improve a visual effect for direction manipulation during the game.

The button restoring part450is provided on a side surface of the direction-change pad440, is made of an elastic material, and restores the direction button420from a moved position to a center of the through hole411of the smartphone cover410. To be more specific, referring toFIGS. 10 and 11, the button restoring part450is configured such that a first end thereof is formed along the side surface of the direction-change pad440and a second end thereof is formed along the side surface of the through hole411of the smartphone cover410, thus elastically supporting the movement of the direction-change pad440.

That is, when an external force is applied as shown inFIG. 11, first and second sides of the button restoring part450are expanded and extended to a point, thus supporting the moved direction-change pad440and preventing the direction button420from being removed from the smartphone cover410. Further, when the external force is released to restore to an original state as shown inFIG. 10, the first and second sides of the button restoring part450are elastically contracted again and are restored along with the direction-change pad440. Here, the button restoring part450is made of a non-conductive material.

In the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, when a point on an upper surface of the direction button420in a front-rear direction, a left-right direction, or a diagonal direction is pressed by an external force, the direction-change pad440may be moved in an associated direction and both a direction signal and an intensity signal may be transmitted to a point on the surface of the smartphone. That is, the spacing support430supports the direction button420and the direction-change pad440in a vertical direction, and is operated such that, when the button is pressed by the finger as shown inFIG. 11, micro electricity of the finger is transmitted through the direction button420, the spacing support430, and the direction-change pad440to a surface touch panel of the smartphone, thus processing the direction of a character in a game. Here, if a specific direction is selected by the finger, the direction-change pad440is naturally moved to only one point, thus completely preventing an undesirable direction from being selected by mistake.

As such, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be utilized as the game pad during a game, and may be utilized as the smartphone cover that is convenient to carry with at normal times. Further, it is provided with a physical button to form a step with the surface of the smartphone cover, thereby improving the manipulation sensation of the mobile game for the smartphone.

Furthermore, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is advantageous in that a signal processing portion is composed of a touchscreen and an application program of the smartphone, so that it is possible to directly process the diagonal direction.

That is, the conventional game pad has only four direction key buttons at upper and lower positions and left and right positions, so that the diagonal direction is processed by combining two neighboring buttons with each other. By contrast, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the diagonal direction is processed by the program in the smartphone, so that it is possible to freely process eight directions, including front and rear directions, left and right directions, and diagonal directions. Moreover, it is possible to precisely control the diagonal direction at various angles.

Further, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is advantageous in that it is possible to control a direction change intensity depending on an extent of movement in a moving direction when the direction button is manipulated during a game.

Fifth Embodiment

FIGS. 12 and 13are views illustrating a smartphone cover module with an embedded game controller according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. To be more specific,FIG. 12is a sectional view showing a direction button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 13is a sectional view showing an operation of the direction button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a smartphone cover510, a direction button520, a spacing support530, a direction-change pad540, and a button restoring pad550.

Since the smartphone cover510, the direction button520, the spacing support530, and the direction-change pad540of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention have the same or similar structure or operation as those of the smartphone cover410, the direction button420, the spacing support430, and the direction-change pad440of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will refer to the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown inFIGS. 10 and 11and will be omitted herein.

The substantial structure and operation of the button restoring pad550will be described below with reference toFIGS. 12 and 13.

The button restoring pad550according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a first end thereof is formed along a side surface of the spacing support530and a second end thereof is formed along a side surface of the through hole511of the smartphone cover510, thus elastically supporting the movement of the direction-change pad540.

That is, when an external force is applied as shown inFIG. 13, a first side of the button restoring pad550is contracted, a second side thereof is expanded, thus supporting the moved state and preventing the direction button520from being removed from the smartphone cover510. Further, as shown inFIG. 12, when an external force is released to restore to an original state, the first side of the button restoring pad550is elastically expanded again, and the second side thereof is elastically contracted again.

Therefore, in the state where the direction-change pad540is in direct contact with a point on the surface of the smartphone, a micro-current of a human body serves as a button input signal via the direction button520having conductivity and is directly provided as the direction signal to the point on the surface of the smartphone.

In the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, when a point on an upper surface of the direction button520in a front-rear direction, a left-right direction, or a diagonal direction is pressed by an external force, the direction-change pad540may be moved in an associated direction and both a direction signal and an intensity signal may be transmitted to a point on the surface of the smartphone. That is, the spacing support530supports the direction button520and the direction-change pad540in a vertical direction, and is operated such that, when the button is pressed by the finger as shown inFIG. 13, micro electricity of the finger is transmitted through the direction button520, the spacing support530, and the direction-change pad540to a surface touch panel of the smartphone, thus processing the direction of a character in a game. Here, if a specific direction is selected by the finger, the direction-change pad540is naturally moved to only one point, thus completely preventing an undesirable direction from being selected by mistake. Further, an extent of movement of the direction-change pad540varies depending on an extent of movement of the direction button520. Here, a moving amount on the surface of the smartphone is provided as an intensity signal.

As such, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may be utilized as the game pad during a game, and may be utilized as the smartphone cover that is convenient to carry with at normal times. Further, it is provided with a physical button to form a step with the surface of the smartphone cover, thereby improving the manipulation sensation of the mobile game for the smartphone.

Furthermore, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is advantageous in that a signal processing portion is composed of a touchscreen and an application program of the smartphone, so that it is possible to directly process the diagonal direction.

That is, the conventional game pad has only four direction key buttons at upper and lower positions and left and right positions, so that the diagonal direction is processed by combining two neighboring buttons with each other. By contrast, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the diagonal direction is processed by the program in the smartphone, so that it is possible to freely process eight directions, including front and rear directions, left and right directions, and diagonal directions. Moreover, it is possible to precisely control the diagonal direction at various angles.

Further, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is advantageous in that it is possible to control a direction change intensity depending on an extent of movement in a moving direction when the direction button is manipulated during a game.

Sixth Embodiment

FIGS. 14A and 14BtoFIGS. 17A and 17Bare views illustrating a smartphone cover module with an embedded game controller according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. To be more specific,FIGS. 14A and 14Bare a plan view and a sectional view, respectively, showing a direction button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention,FIGS. 15A and 15Bare a plan view and a sectional view, respectively, showing an operation of the direction button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention,FIGS. 16A and 16Bare a plan view and a sectional view, respectively, showing another direction button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, andFIGS. 17A and 17Bare a plan view and a sectional view, respectively, showing an operation of another direction button of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 14A and 14BtoFIGS. 17A and 17B, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention includes a smartphone cover610, a direction button620, a spacing support630, a direction-change pad640, and a button restoring part650.

Since the smartphone cover610, the direction button620, the spacing support630, and the direction-change pad640of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention have the same or similar structure or operation as those of the smartphone cover410, the direction button420, the spacing support430, and the direction-change pad440of the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will refer to the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown inFIGS. 10 and 11and will be omitted herein.

The substantial structure and operation of the button restoring pad650will be described below with reference toFIGS. 14A and 14BtoFIGS. 17A and 17B.

The button restoring part650according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is made of an elastic material of either of a ring-shaped spring650aor a rubber band650bto surround side surfaces of the spacing support630and the direction-change pad640, and the through hole611of the smartphone cover610is provided with a locking protrusion612that is downwardly bent, thus locking the button restoring part650of the spring650aor the rubber band650bto a center of the through hole611and thereby elastically supporting a movement of the direction-change pad640.

That is, as shown inFIGS. 15A and 15BandFIGS. 17A and 17B, when an external force is applied, a first side of the button restoring part650provided in the form of the ring-shaped spring650aor the rubber band650bis caught and locked by the locking protrusion612, while a second side thereof is expanded, thus supporting a moved state and preventing the direction button620from being removed from the smartphone cover610. Further, when an external force is released to restore to an original state as shown inFIGS. 14Aand14B andFIGS. 16A and 16B, the second side of the button restoring part650is elastically contracted again in the state where the first side thereof is caught and locked by the locking protrusion612.

In the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, when a point on an upper surface of the direction button620in a front-rear direction, a left-right direction, or a diagonal direction is pressed by an external force, the direction-change pad640may be moved in an associated direction and both a direction signal and an intensity signal may be transmitted to a point on the surface of the smartphone. That is, the spacing support630supports the direction button620and the direction-change pad640in a vertical direction, and is operated such that, when the button is pressed by the finger as shown inFIGS. 15B and 17B, micro electricity of the finger is transmitted through the direction button620, the spacing support630, and the direction-change pad640to a surface touch panel of the smartphone, thus processing the direction of a character in a game. Here, if a specific direction is selected by the finger, the direction-change pad640is naturally moved to only one point, thus completely preventing an undesirable direction from being selected by mistake. Further, an extent of movement of the direction-change pad640varies depending on an extent of movement of the direction button620. Here, a moving amount on the surface of the smartphone is provided as an intensity signal.

As such, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention may be utilized as the game pad during a game, and may be utilized as the smartphone cover that is convenient to carry with at normal times. Further, it is provided with a physical button to form a step with the surface of the smartphone cover, thereby improving the manipulation sensation of the mobile game for the smartphone.

Furthermore, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is advantageous in that a signal processing portion is composed of a touchscreen and an application program of the smartphone, so that it is possible to directly process the diagonal direction.

That is, the conventional game pad has only four direction key buttons at upper and lower positions and left and right positions, so that the diagonal direction is processed by combining two neighboring buttons with each other. By contrast, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the diagonal direction is processed by the program in the smartphone, so that it is possible to freely process eight directions, including front and rear directions, left and right directions, and diagonal directions. Moreover, it is possible to precisely control the diagonal direction at various angles.

Further, the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is advantageous in that it is possible to control a direction change intensity depending on an extent of movement in a moving direction when the direction button is manipulated during a game.

Seventh Embodiment

FIGS. 18A to 18Dare perspective views and plan views, respectively, showing a direction button of a smartphone cover module with an embedded game controller according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 18A to 18D, the smartphone cover module according to the present invention may have a direction button of various shapes, including an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, and a hexagonal shape, as well as the circular direction button420,520,620,720. Moreover, it is possible to use a cross-shaped direction button725. That is, the direction button is configured to move freely on the through hole of the smartphone cover, thus allowing a direction signal to be directly transmitted. Hence, the direction button may adopt any shape as long as it is pushed by the finger to be movable in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, or the diagonal direction.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 19is a perspective view showing a smartphone cover module with an embedded game controller according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 19, a smartphone cover810according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention has on a front surface thereof a direction button820and a selector button860provided adjacent to the direction button820, and may be formed into a shape of a flip cover that is rotatable at a front surface thereof. That is, it is configured to merely open or close a front surface, so that the smartphone cover module with the embedded game controller can be easily used as a game pad.

In addition, the smartphone cover810according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention further includes on the front surface thereof a game display window813to expose the screen of the smartphone during the game. That is,FIG. 19shows a case where the smartphone itself is used as a game machine. In this case, the additional game display window813is further formed.

In contrast, if the smartphone is connected to another display device such as a TV and the smartphone is used as the game pad, the smartphone cover may be manufactured in the form of the flip cover having no additional game display window as in another embodiment shown inFIGS. 20 and 21. In this case, it is possible to increase the size of the direction button and the selector button, so that a manipulation sensation is further improved.

It is understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing description is a preferred embodiment and that various changes and modifications may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.