This patent is bogus. Looking at claim 1:
1. A 3-D graphics controller used with a television based game, comprising:
a game,
said game at least in part controlled by circuitry,
said circuitry located on at least one sheet,
said at least one sheet comprising:
a circuit board sheet connected to a flexible membrane sheet;
Translation : A video game controller
a first element structured to activate four unidirectional sensors,
said four unidirectional sensors at least in part connected to said at least one sheet,
said four unidirectional sensors useful to control said game;
Translation: with a D-pad
a second element with structure to activate a first two rotary potentiometers,
said first two rotary potentiometers at least in part connected to said at least one sheet,
said first two rotary potentiometers useful to control said game;
Translation: and an analog stick
a third element with structure to activate a second two rotary potentiometers,
said second two rotary potentiometers at least in part connected to said at least one sheet,
said second two rotary potentiometers useful to control said game;
Translation: and another analog stick
an independent first button structured to activate a first button sensor,
said first button depressible by a single finger of a user,
said first button sensor at least in part connected to said at least one sheet,
said first button sensor creates simple switched On/Off data useful to control said game;
Translation: and a button
an independent pivotal second button structured to activate a second button sensor,
said second button pivots upon depression by a single finger of the user,
said second button sensor at least in part connected to said at least one sheet,
said second button sensor capable of outputing a proportional signal useful to control said game;
Translation: and a trigger
an independent pivotal third button structured to activate a third button sensor,
said third button pivotal upon depression by a single finger of the user,
said third button sensor at least in part connected to said at least one sheet,
said third button sensor capable of outputing a proportional signal useful to control said game;
Translation: and another trigger
active tactile feedback vibration detectable by the user of said game.
Translation: and a rumble feature.
They've just described the DualShock controller, released over two years before the patent was filed.
The rest of the claims are very similar. Interestingly, the narrative of the patent and figures don't really relate to these claims at all.
