Electronic controller with finger sensing and adjustable hand restraints

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic controller comprising a controller body having a head that abuts a handle at a neck region and includes at least one thumb-operated control. The controller includes a hand retainer that, in a closed position, is configured to physically bias a user's palm against an outer surface of the handle. The hand retainer includes a resilient member that biases the hand retainer toward an open position. An adjustment mechanism couples the resilient member to the head and allows adjustment of the resilient member between a plurality of discrete positions to adjust the resilient member toward or away from the user's index thumb loop. The adjustment mechanism may include an anchor that is movable between the plurality of discrete positions around a periphery of the head and is pivotally attached to the resilient member using a two-part fastener, wherein a friction member is interposed between the resilient member and the anchor.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This PCT application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 392,497, filed April 23, 2019, entitled “ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER WITH FINGER SENSING AND AN ADJUSTABLE HAND RETAINER,” which claims priority, as a continuation-in-part application under 35 U.S.C. §120, to co-pending and commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 834,372, filed December 7, 2017, entitled “ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER WITH FINGER SENSING AND AN ADJUSTABLE HAND RETAINER,” which itself claims priority, as a continuation-in-part application under 35 U.S.C. §120, to co-pending and commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 834,372, filed December 7, 2017, entitled “ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER WITH FINGER SENSING AND AN ADJUSTABLE HAND RETAINER,” which itself claims priority, as a continuation-in-part application under 35 U.S.C. §120, to co-pending and commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 834,372, filed December 7, 2017, entitled “ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER WITH FINGER SENSING AND AN ADJUSTABLE HAND RETAINER,” No. 15 / 679,521, filed on October 11, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part application and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 520,958, filed on June 16, 2017. Applications 16 / 392,497, 15 / 834,372, 15 / 679,521, 29 / 580,635, and 62 / 520,958 are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Background Art

[0003] The video game industry has become large and important, and has spawned many innovations in software and related hardware. Various handheld video game controllers have been designed, manufactured and sold for various gaming applications. Some of these innovations are also applicable outside the video game industry, such as controllers for industrial machinery, defense systems, robots, etc. The application of virtual reality (VR) systems has received widespread attention in contemporary times, both within and outside the video game industry, and the technology is developing rapidly. Controllers for VR systems must perform several different functions and must typically meet strict (sometimes even conflicting) design constraints while optimizing certain desired characteristics (such as ease of use, etc.). Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved controller design that can improve VR systems and / or better facilitate user operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 A controller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted with the hand restraint in an open position.

[0005] Figure 2 Depicts the user's open hand with the palm facing up. Figure 1 controller.

[0006] Figure 3 Depicts the user's clenched hands Figure 1 controller.

[0007] Figure 4 Depicts the user's open hand with palm facing down. Figure 1 controller.

[0008] Figure 5 A pair of controllers according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are depicted with the hand restraints in an open position.

[0009] Figure 6A Depicted is a front view of a right-hand controller according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 6B Depicts Figure 6A Rear view of the right-hand controller.

[0011] Figure 7A A window for an infrared light sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted.

[0012] Figure 7B A window for an infrared light sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention is depicted.

[0013] Figure 8 Shown Figure 6A A side view of the right-hand controller with part of the outer shell of the tubular housing enclosing the handle of the controller removed to reveal the instrument on its inner surface.

[0014] Figure 9A Depicts Figure 6A A cross-section of the right-hand controller with part of the tubular housing that encloses the controller's handle removed.

[0015] Figure 9B Depicts Figure 9A cross-section, except that the housing is mounted in its normal operating position.

[0016] Figure 10A Depicted is a front view of a right-hand controller with a partially closed hand holder according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 10B Depicts Figure 10A Front view of the controller, with the hand restraints fully open.

[0018] Figure 11A Depicted is a front view of a head and handle assembly of a controller including hand holder anchors movable around the perimeter of the head, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 11B Depicts Figure 11A The invention also provides a head and handle assembly of the present invention, except that a panel is removed from the head to expose a lockable collar portion that can facilitate selective adjustment of the hand retainer anchor about the periphery of the head.

[0020] Figure 12A A partially assembled controller according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is depicted with the hand retainer components removed.

[0021] Figure 12B Depicts Figure 12A A close-up view of the channel feature of the controller.

[0022] Figure 12C yes Figure 12B Cross-sectional view of the depicted channel.

[0023] Figure 13A Depicted is a front view of a head and handle assembly of a controller including hand holder anchors movable around the perimeter of the head, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 13B Depicts Figure 13A The invention also provides a head and handle assembly of the present invention, except that a panel is removed from the head to expose a collar portion, which can facilitate selective adjustment of the hand retainer anchor about the periphery of the head.

[0025] Figure 13C An example of a pivotal or rotatable attachment between a hand fixator anchor and a resilient member of the hand fixator is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figures 1 to 4A controller 100 for an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The controller 100 may be utilized by an electronic system such as a VR electronic game system, a robot, a weapon, or a medical device. The controller 100 may include a controller body 110 having a handle 112, and a hand holder 120 that holds the controller 100 in a user's hand (e.g., the user's left hand). The handle 112 includes a tubular housing that may optionally be substantially cylindrical. In this case, the substantially cylindrical shape does not necessarily have a constant diameter or a perfectly circular cross-section.

[0027] exist Figures 1 to 4 In an embodiment, the controller body 110 may include a head (between the handle 112 and the distal end 111) that may optionally include one or more thumb-operated controls 114, 115, 116. For example, a tilt button or any other button, knob, scroll wheel, joystick, or trackball may be considered a thumb-operated control if it can be conveniently manipulated by the user's thumb during normal operation when the controller 100 is held in the user's hand.

[0028] The controller 100 preferably includes a tracking member 130 fixed to the controller body 110 and optionally includes two noses 132, 134, each protruding from a corresponding one of two opposing distal ends of the tracking member 130. Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, tracking member 130 preferably, but not necessarily, has an arcuate tracking arc. Tracking member 130 includes a plurality of tracking transducers disposed therein, preferably at least one tracking transducer disposed in each of the protruding noses 132, 134. Additional tracking transducers may also be disposed in controller body 110, preferably at least one distal tracking transducer disposed near distal end 111.

[0029] The aforementioned tracking transducers can be tracking sensors that respond to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared light) emitted by the electronic system, or alternatively, these tracking transducers can be tracking beacons that emit electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared light) that is received by the electronic system. For example, the electronic system can be a VR gaming system that broadcasts (i.e., applies) pulsed infrared light broadly to the controller 100, and the plurality of tracking transducers of the tracking member 130 are infrared light sensors that can receive the broadcasted pulsed infrared light or be blocked from receiving the broadcasted pulsed infrared light. The tracking transducers in each nose 132, 134 (e.g., three sensors in each nose) are preferably suspended above the user's hand at each distal end of the tracking member 130, thereby being better exposed (surrounding the user's hand) to receive the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electronic system or transmitting the electromagnetic radiation to the electronic system at more angles without unacceptable blockage.

[0030] Preferably, the tracking member 130 and the controller body 110 are made of a substantially rigid material, such as a hard plastic, and are securely fastened together so that they do not translate or rotate significantly relative to each other. In this way, tracking the translation and rotation of the array of tracking transducers in space is preferably not complicated by the movement of the tracking transducers relative to each other. For example, Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the tracking member 130 can be secured to the controller body 110 by being engaged at two locations thereto. The hand securement 120 can be attached to the controller 100 (controller body 110 or tracking member 130) near these two locations to bias the user's palm against the outer surface of the handle 112 between these two locations.

[0031] In some embodiments, the tracking member 130 and the controller body 110 may comprise a single, unitary component having material continuity, rather than being assembled together. For example, the tracking member 130 and the controller body 110 may be molded together in a single injection molding process step, thereby producing a single, unitary, hard plastic component comprising both the tracking member 130 and the controller body 110. Alternatively, the tracking member 130 and the controller body 110 may be manufactured separately and then assembled together. Regardless of the method employed, the tracking member 130 may be considered to be secured to the controller body 110.

[0032] Hand Fixer 120 Figure 1 10. The hand holder 120 is shown in the open position in FIG. 10. The hand holder 120 may optionally be biased in the open position by a curved elastic member 122 to facilitate the user inserting their left hand between the hand holder 120 and the controller body 110 when the user, whose vision is blocked by VR glasses, grasps the controller. For example, the curved elastic member 122 may optionally be a flexible metal strip that bends elastically, or may comprise an alternative plastic material that is substantially elastically bendable, such as nylon. To provide user comfort, the curved elastic member 122 may optionally be partially or completely located within or covered by a pad or fabric material 124 (e.g., a neoprene sheath). Alternatively, the pad or fabric material 124 may be provided only on (e.g., adhered to) the side of the curved elastic member 122 that faces the user's hand.

[0033] The length of the hand restraint 120 can optionally be adjustable, for example by including a draw cord 126 that is tightened by a spring-biased cord guide 128. The draw cord 126 can optionally have excess length that can be used as a lanyard. The sheath 124 can optionally be attached to the draw cord. In certain embodiments, the curved elastic member 122 can be pre-tensioned by the tension of the tightened draw cord 126. In such embodiments, the tension applied to the hand restraint 120 by the curved elastic member 122 (to bias it in the open position) causes the hand restraint to automatically open when the draw cord 126 is not tightened. The present disclosure also contemplates alternative conventional methods of adjusting the length of the hand restraint 120, such as cleats, rubber bands (which temporarily stretch when the hand is inserted, thereby applying elastic tension to press against the back of the hand), adjustable-length hook-and-loop strap attachments, and the like.

[0034] The hand holder 120 may be disposed between the handle 112 and the tracking member 130 and configured to contact the back of a user's hand. Figure 2 1 shows the controller 100 during operation, with the user's left hand inserted therein but not gripping the controller body 110. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the hand retainer 120 is closed and tightened on the hand to physically bias the user's palm against the outer surface of the handle 112. In that way, the hand retainer 120 can hold the controller 100 in the hand when closed even if the hand is not grasping the controller body 110. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The controller 100 is depicted during operation, when the hand holder 120 is closed, and the hand is grasping the controller body 110 and the thumb is operating one or more thumb-operated controls (eg, the trackpad 116).

[0035] The handle 112 of the controller body 110 preferably includes an array of proximity sensors that are spatially distributed partially or completely around the outer surface of the handle. Although the array may include a grid, the proximity sensors in the array do not have to be of equal size and do not have to be spaced equally between them. The proximity sensor array preferably responds to the proximity of the user's finger to the outer surface of the handle 112. For example, the proximity sensor array can be a plurality of capacitive sensors embedded below the outer surface of the handle 112, wherein the outer surface includes an electrically insulating material. The capacitance between this capacitive sensor array and a part of the user's hand is inversely proportional to the distance between them. Capacitance can be sensed by connecting an RC oscillator circuit to the elements in the capacitive sensor array, and it is noted that the time constant of the circuit (as well as the period and frequency of the oscillation) will vary with the capacitance. In this way, the circuit can detect the release of the user's finger from the outer surface of the handle 112.

[0036] When the hand holder 120 (e.g., a hand strap) is tightly closed, it not only prevents the controller 100 from falling out of the hand, but also prevents excessive translation of the fingers relative to the proximity sensor array of the handle 112, thereby more reliably sensing finger movement. The electronic system may include algorithms that reflect anatomically possible finger movements to better use the sensing from the proximity sensor array to represent the opening of the controlled character's hand, pointing of the fingers, or other movement of the fingers relative to the controller or each other. In this way, user-induced movement of the controller 100 and / or fingers can help control VR gaming systems, defense systems, medical systems, industrial robots or machines, or other equipment. In VR system applications (e.g., for gaming, training, etc.), the system can represent a throwing motion based on the movement of the tracking transducer, and can represent the release of the thrown object based on the sensed release of the user's finger from the outer surface of the controller handle.

[0037] Thus, the functionality of the hand holder 120 (allowing the user to "let go" of the controller 100 without the controller 100 actually being separated from the hand or being thrown or dropped to the floor) can enable additional functionality of the controlled electronic system. For example, if the release and recovery of the user's grip on the handle 112 of the controller body 110 is sensed, such release or grip can be incorporated into the game to display (e.g., in VR) the throwing or gripping of the object. The hand holder 120 can allow this functionality to be accomplished repeatedly and safely. For example, in Figures 1 to 4 In embodiments, the position of hand retainer 120 may help tracking member 130 protect the back of a user's hand from real-world impact, such as when the user moves in response to cues sensed in a VR environment (e.g., when actually obscured by VR glasses).

[0038] In some embodiments, the controller 100 may include a rechargeable battery disposed within the controller body 110, and the hand holder 120 (e.g., a hand strap) may include a conductive charging cable electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery. The controller 100 preferably also includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter for communicating with the rest of the electronic system. Such an RF transmitter may be powered by the rechargeable battery and may respond to thumb-operated controls 114, 115, 116, proximity sensors in the handle 112 of the controller body 110, and / or tracking sensors in the tracking member 130.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, controller 100 can be the left controller of a pair of controllers that includes a similar right controller 200. In some embodiments, controllers 100 and 200 can (together) simultaneously track the movement and gripping of both hands of a user, for example to enhance the VR experience.

[0040] Figure 6ADepicted is a front view of a right-hand controller 600 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6B A rear view of a right-hand controller 600 is depicted. The controller 600 has a controller body including a head 610 and a handle 612. Figures 6A to 6B In the embodiment of the present invention, the head 610 includes at least one thumb-operated control A, B, 608 and may also include a control configured to be operated by the index finger (e.g., trigger 609). The handle 612 includes a tubular housing partially enclosed by the shell 640.

[0041] exist Figures 6A to 6B In an embodiment of the present invention, the tracking member 630 is secured to the controller body at the head 610 and at the end of the handle 612. The hand retainer 620 is configured to physically bias the palm of the user's hand against the housing 640 between the head 610 and the end of the handle 612. The hand retainer 620 is preferably disposed between the handle 612 and the tracking member 630 and may include a hand retainer strap having an adjustable length and configured to contact the back of the user's hand. Figures 6A to 6B In an embodiment, the hand retainer 620 optionally includes a draw cord 628 and is optionally adjustable in length by a cord lock 626 (near the distal end of the handle 612) that selectively prevents the draw cord 628 from sliding at the location of the cord lock 626.

[0042] exist Figures 6A to 6B In an embodiment, tracking transducers 632 and 633 are disposed on tracking member 630, with tracking transducer 633 disposed on a raised nose at the opposite distal end of tracking member 630. An additional tracking transducer 634 is optionally disposed on a distal region of head 610. Tracking transducers 632, 633, and 634 can be tracking sensors that respond to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared light) emitted by an electronic system (e.g., a virtual reality gaming system), or can be tracking beacons that emit electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared light) that is received by the electronic system. For example, the electronic system can be a VR gaming system that broadcasts (i.e., applies) pulsed infrared light broadly to controller 600, and tracking transducers 632, 633, and 634 are infrared light sensors that can receive the broadcasted pulsed infrared light. Responses from such tracking sensors can be transmitted back to the electronic system, which can interpret such responses to effectively track the position and orientation of controller 600.

[0043] One or more of the tracking transducers 632, 633, 634 may optionally be configured as Figure 7A As shown in the embodiment of Figure 7B The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may be constructed as shown in FIG. 2 , or alternatively in a conventional manner not shown. Figure 7AThe lower portion of FIG. 7 depicts an exploded perspective view of infrared light sensor 750 electrically connected to flexible circuit 751, shown beneath a rectangular portion of an upper windowed housing wall 755 comprised of infrared-opaque plastic. Windowed housing wall 755 includes window 756. Window 756 preferably comprises infrared-transmissive polycarbonate plastic and may include a bottom recess to accommodate the thickness of infrared light sensor 750.

[0044] according to Figure 7A In an embodiment, the window housing wall (eg, the outer structure of the tracking member 630, or Figure 6A The head 610) can be made by the so-called "two-shot" injection molding process, so that most of the housing wall is made of plastic that is not transparent to infrared light, but plastic that is transparent to infrared light is provided in the window 756 above the infrared light sensor 750.

[0045] Figure 7A The upper portion of depicts a cross-sectional view of the assembled infrared light sensor 750, flexible circuit 751, and windowed housing wall 755. Figure 7A Infrared light, shown as three downward-pointing arrows in FIG. 7 , incident on window 756 from above passes through window 756 and is received by infrared light sensor 750 below. Because housing wall 755 comprises plastic that is opaque to infrared light, infrared light striking the housing wall does not pass through, and a portion thereof may be reflected back into the window, thereby being received by infrared light sensor 750. In this manner, even though a majority of housing wall 755 comprises plastic that is opaque to infrared light, window 756 still allows infrared light to impact infrared light sensor 750, such that infrared light sensor 750 receives infrared light only from a preferred angle range.

[0046] Alternatively, one or more of the tracking transducers 632, 633, 634 may optionally be as Figure 7B The embodiment is constructed as shown in FIG. Figure 7B The lower portion of the figure depicts an exploded perspective view of an infrared light sensor 750 electrically connected to a flexible circuit 751, shown beneath a rectangular portion of an upper cover housing wall 758 comprising IR-transmissive plastic. Housing wall 758 is coated with an infrared-opaque film 757 that is patterned to include a window 759 (where the infrared-opaque film 757 is not present).

[0047] Figure 7B The upper portion of depicts a cross-sectional view of the assembled infrared light sensor 750, flexible circuit 751, housing wall 758, and IR-opaque film 757. Figure 7BInfrared light, shown as three downward-pointing arrows in FIG. 7 , incident on housing wall 758 from above passes through windows 759 in infrared-opaque film 757, through housing wall 758 there, and is received by infrared light sensor 750 below. Because housing wall 758 comprises infrared-transmissive plastic, infrared light striking it may enter and be lost therein, potentially inadvertently and undesirably reaching a nearby sensor through internal reflection. In this way, windows 759 in infrared-opaque film 757 allow infrared light to primarily impact infrared light sensor 750.

[0048] Figure 8 A side view of the right hand controller 600 is shown with the outer shell 640 of the tubular housing partially enclosing the handle 612 removed to reveal the instruments on its inner surface. Figure 8 In some embodiments, the instrument may include an array of proximity sensors 800 spatially distributed on the interior surface of the housing 640 that responds to the proximity of a user's finger to the housing 640. The proximity sensors in the array 800 need not be of equal size, nor need they be regularly or equally spaced from one another. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor array 800 may preferably be a plurality of capacitive sensors connectable to a flexible circuit that is bonded to the interior surface of the housing 640. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the housing 640 includes a first electrical connector portion 805 that can be connected to a mating second electrical connector portion (such as Figures 9A to 9B ).

[0049] Figures 9A to 9B Depicts Figure 6A A cross section of the right hand controller 600 is shown, showing that the controller handle may optionally include tubular housings 612a, 612b separated longitudinally by a seam 613, wherein the tubular housing portions 612a and 612b are adjacent. Figure 9A , the housing 640 is shown detached from the rest of the handle. Figure 9B Depicts Figure 9A except that the housing 640 is mounted in its normal operating position. Figures 9A to 9B In the embodiment of FIG. 6A , the first electrical connector portion 805 of the housing 640 is shown as being mated with and connectable to the second electrical connector portion 905 of the controller handle.

[0050] exist Figures 9A to 9BIn some embodiments, the housing 640 partially wraps around the tubular housings 612a, 612b, preferably overlapping the longitudinal seam 613, so that the longitudinal seam 613 can be positioned to optimize the manufacturing process rather than to accommodate the desired circumferential position of the proximity sensor array 800. In some embodiments, the housing 640 overlaps a circumferential portion C of the handle's tubular housings 612a, 612b, and the circumferential portion C angularly spans at least 100 degrees but no more than 170 degrees of the entire circumference of the handle's tubular housings 612a, 612b. In some embodiments, such a circumferential overlap can enable the proximity sensor array 800 to sense the proximity of a desired portion of a user's finger or palm (e.g., an area that is most indicative of a grasping hand).

[0051] The tubular shells 612a, 612b of the handle do not necessarily have a circular cross-section, and the term "circumference" is used herein regardless of whether the tubular shells 612a, 612b of the handle have a circular cross-section. In this document, the term "circumference" refers to the entire periphery of the tubular shells 612a, 612b of the handle. If the tubular shells 612a, 612b are hollow cylinders with a perfect circle, their circumference can be a circle, but if the tubular shells are non-cylindrical or hollow prism-shaped, their circumference is a closed shape other than a circle.

[0052] exist Figures 9A to 9B In some embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) 920 can be mounted within the tubular housing 612a, 612b of the controller, with the second electrical connector portion 905 electrically coupled to the PCB 920. The PCB 920 optionally includes a force sensing resistor (FSR) 922, and the controller can further include a plunger 924 that transfers a compressive force applied via the housing 640 toward the outside of the tubular housing 612a, 612b of the controller inwardly to the FSR 922. In some embodiments, the FSR 922, in combination with the proximity sensor array 800, can facilitate sensing the onset of a user's grip and the relative strength of the user's grip, which can facilitate certain gaming features.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the housing 640 has (in Figures 9A to 9B The housing thickness (measured in the radial direction) of the handle is less than one-third of the housing wall thickness of the tubular housing portion 612a or 612b of the handle. In those embodiments, this unequal thickness can improve the sensitivity of the proximity sensor array 800 relative to alternative embodiments in which the proximity sensor array 800 is disposed on or in the tubular housing 612a, 612b of the handle.

[0054] Figure 10AA front view of a right hand controller 200 is depicted with a partially closed hand restraint 220 (eg, a hand restraint strap) according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10B A front view of the controller 200 is depicted, except that the hand holder 220 is fully open. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 200 includes a controller body having a head 210 and a handle 212. The head 210 is adjacent to the handle 212 at a neck region 211 of the controller 200. The handle 212 preferably includes an array of proximity sensors that are spatially distributed just below the outer surface of the handle and preferably respond to the proximity of a user's finger to the outer surface of the handle 212.

[0055] exist FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B In an embodiment of the present invention, the head 210 includes thumb-operated controls A, B, and 208. The controller 200 also includes a tracking member 230 that is preferably secured to the controller body at the head 210 and at the distal end of the handle 212. The tracking member 230 preferably includes a plurality of tracking transducers, which may be sensors that respond to electromagnetic radiation emitted by an electronic system (e.g., pulsed infrared light emitted by a virtual reality gaming system) or tracking beacons that emit electromagnetic radiation to be received by the electronic system. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the tracking member 230 preferably, but not necessarily, has a tracking arc having an arcuate shape. The hand holder 220 is preferably disposed between the handle 212 and the tracking member 230 .

[0056] exist FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B In the embodiment of the present invention, the controller 200 includes a pull cord 228 and a cord lock 226 near the distal end of the handle 212. The cord lock 226 can selectively prevent the pull cord 228 from sliding at the cord lock 226. Figure 10A In the embodiment of the present invention, as the pull cord 228 is gradually pulled further through the cord lock 226, the hand restraint 220 is pulled tighter into the closed position (such as Figure 10A The closed position physically biases the user's palm against the outer surface of the handle 212.

[0057] exist FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B In the embodiment of the present invention, the hand holder 220 preferably includes an elastic member (e.g., an internal or external elastically deformable strip, such as a metal strip) that is directed toward Figure 10B The open position shown biases the hand retainer 220. Figure 10B In the embodiment of the present invention, when the user selectively releases the cord lock 226 and allows the pull cord 228 to slide relatively, the preload bias toward the elastically deformed elastic member straightens causing the hand retainer 220 to naturally open (e.g., Figure 10B). This open position can facilitate inserting or withdrawing a user's hand from controller 200, particularly when the user's field of vision may be obstructed by wearing virtual reality glasses.

[0058] Figure 11A A front view of the head 210 and handle 212 components of the controller 200 is depicted, including a hand holder anchor 302 that is adjustable for movement around the perimeter of the head 210 . Figure 11B The same head 210 and handle 212 components are depicted, except that a panel has been removed from the head 210 to expose a lockable collar portion 311 that can facilitate selective adjustment of the hand securement anchor 302 about the perimeter of the head 210 .

[0059] exist Figure 11B In the embodiment of the present invention, the lockable collar portion 311 can translate along the arcuate path defined by the internal arcuate guide 315. The user can selectively lock the lockable collar portion 311 to prevent further movement of the anchor 302 around the periphery of the head 210. Now referring to Figure 4 and Figures 10A to 11B , the resilient member of the hand retainer 220 is attached to the hand retainer anchor 302 of the head 210, which allows the hand retainer 220 to be adjusted toward or away from the user's index thumb loop (between the user's thumb and other fingers). In certain embodiments, the resilient member of the hand retainer 220 is preferably attached to the hand retainer anchor 302 of the head 210 by a pivoting or rotatable attachment, so that the hand retainer 220 can pivot relative to the hand retainer anchor 302 at the location of the attachment. This degree of freedom is an addition to the adjustability of the position of the hand retainer anchor 302 around the perimeter of the head 210.

[0060] Figure 12A 、 Figure 12B and Figure 12C An alternative embodiment of a partially assembled controller 400 is depicted having a controller body including a head 410 and a handle 412 joined to the head in a neck region 411. 12A to 12C In an alternative embodiment, the controller body includes a channel 414 disposed adjacent the neck region 411. Figure 12A 414 so that the channel 414 will not be partially obscured) includes a resilient member 420 that terminates in a protrusion 425 that extends into the channel 414.

[0061] exist Figure 12B and Figure 12CIn the embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion 425 includes a catch 427 that prevents the protrusion from moving longitudinally within the channel 414 when the hand holder is in the closed position. Figure 12C In the embodiment of the present invention, the catch 427 is a cam that is configured to engage the hand holder when the relative angle of the hand holder protrusion 425 corresponds to the closed position of the hand holder, i.e., when the closed position of the hand holder generates tension on the elastic member 420 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 12C , the fastener increases friction with the inner surface of the channel 414 (in the downward direction shown in the cross-section).

[0062] Conversely, when the hand retainer protrusion 425 is rotated to a relative angle corresponding to the open position of the hand retainer (e.g., Figure 12C 414), the friction between the fastener 427 and the channel 414 can be reduced, and the hand retainer protrusion 425 can be translated within the channel 414 (as shown in the upward direction in the cross section of FIG. Figure 12B (as indicated by the motion arrows shown). Channel 414 is preferably oriented so that translation of the hand retainer tab along channel 414 preferably adjusts the relative position of hand retainer tab 425 toward or away from the user's index thumb loop, for example, so that controller 400 can accommodate different hand sizes or finger lengths. In an alternative embodiment, hand retainer tab 425 can be pivotally attached to the rest of the hand retainer via a conventional pivot joint. This rotational freedom is in addition to the adjustable translation of hand retainer tab 425 along channel 414.

[0063] Figure 13A A front view of the head 210 and handle 212 components of the controller 200 is depicted. The head 210 is adjacent to the handle 212 at the neck region 211 of the controller 200. The head 210 includes thumb-operated controls (e.g., A, B, and 208). The controller 200 may also include a hand-fixed anchor 1302 (sometimes referred to herein as a "radial arm 1302" and / or sometimes simply referred to herein as an "anchor 1302") that can be adjusted to move around the perimeter of the head 210. Figure 13B The same head 210 and handle 212 components are depicted, except that a panel has been removed from the head 210 to expose a collar portion 1311 having a plurality of detents as defined herein. The detents defined in the collar portion 1311 can be defined by a plurality of teeth in the collar portion 1311. As used herein, a "tooth" of the collar portion 1311 is a protrusion that projects radially inward toward the center of the head 210, while a "detent" of the collar portion 1311 is a notch or groove that is inserted between a pair of adjacent teeth of the collar portion 1311. The collar portion 1311 can be made of metal, plastic (e.g., a hard, durable plastic), or other suitable material.

[0064] The anchor 1302 can have or be attached to a protrusion located on the underside of the anchor 1302. The protrusion (e.g., a tooth) can be oriented radially outward from the center of the head 210 so as to engage with a specific stop of the collar portion 1311. That is, the protrusion on or attached to the underside of the anchor 1302 can be selectively positioned between a pair of adjacent teeth of the collar portion 1311 to lock the anchor 1302 in a specific position such that the anchor 1302 cannot move around the perimeter of the head 210 when locked in place. A biasing member 1304, such as a torsion spring, can physically bias the anchor 1302 in a radially outward direction from the center of the head 210, which allows the protrusion on or attached to the underside of the anchor 1302 to remain engaged with the collar portion 1311 at the specific stop. Thus, the hand holder anchor 1302 is not only able to move around the perimeter of the head 210, but is also able to move radially inward and outward from the center of the head 210, toward and away from the center of the head (e.g., Figure 13B 1302 around the circumference of the head 210. Figure 13B The circumferentially oriented motion is depicted as indicated by the arrows.

[0065] The number of detents defined in collar portion 1311 is configurable and may depend on the desired adjustment range. In some embodiments, the number of detents in collar portion 1311 ranges from approximately two to six detents. In some embodiments, collar portion 1311 includes five detents, which allows for adjustment of anchor 1302 between five discrete positions. However, any suitable number of detents may be defined in collar portion 1311 to allow a user to adjust anchor 1302 to any of a plurality of discrete positions around the perimeter of head 210. In some embodiments, these discrete positions are marked on the outer surface of the controller 200 housing, such as by a plurality of dashed lines on the outer surface of head 210 near neck region 211. These dashed lines indicate to the user that hand holder 220 may be adjusted toward or away from the user's index finger and thumb loop to optimize comfort in the hand when holding controller 200. The plurality of discrete positions between which the anchor 1302 is adjustable may include a first position closest to the index thumb loop of the user's hand when the user is holding the controller 200, a second position furthest from the index thumb loop when the user is holding the controller 200, and optionally, one or more intermediate positions between the first and second positions. It should be understood that the collar portion 1311 and the hand holder anchor 1302 (including the protrusions / teeth on or attached to the underside of the anchor 1302 that engage with the detents of the collar portion 1311) constitute an assembly of components that is herein considered to be the "adjustment mechanism" of the controller 200. The adjustment mechanism allows the resilient member 122 of the hand holder 220 to be adjusted toward or away from the index thumb loop of the user's hand when the user is holding the controller 200 between the plurality of discrete positions.

[0066] like Figure 13B As shown, the hand holder anchor 1302 can be coupled to the head 210 at a first end of the anchor 1302. For example, the anchor 1302 can be coupled to a pivot point located at or near the center of the head 210, and there can be one or more intermediate components coupled between the pivot point and the anchor 1302. The anchor 1302 can extend through a channel defined in the head 210 of the controller 200 and located near the neck region 211. Such a channel can be similar to Figure 12A4. The channel 414 is shown. The collar portion 1311 can be positioned along the channel just below the channel to allow the anchor 1302 to move freely within the channel when the anchor 1302 is not locked in a discrete position by engagement with the collar portion 1311. Because the hand fixator anchor 1302 is able to move within the channel when disengaged from the collar portion 1311, the hand fixator anchor 1302 can translate along an arcuate path around the perimeter of the head 210. To do so, a user can grasp a portion of the anchor 1302 that extends from the head 210 through the channel, push the anchor 1302 radially inward, and while pushing the anchor 1302 radially inward, translate the anchor 1302 along the arcuate path around the perimeter of the head 210 to a particular position among the plurality of discrete positions. When the anchor 1302 is released, or when the radially inward pressure on the anchor 1302 is released, the biasing member 1304 biases the anchor 1302 radially outward from the center of the head 210. Due to this radially outward biasing force, the anchor 1302 is ultimately locked in place via the collar portion 1311. Specifically, when the biasing force from the biasing member 1304 causes a protrusion on or attached to the underside of the anchor 1302 to engage the collar portion 1311 at a specific stop on the collar portion 1311, the hand fixer anchor 1302 (and therefore the hand fixer 220 attached thereto) is locked in place to prevent the anchor 1302 from moving further around the periphery of the head 210. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B and Figure 13C , the elastic member 122 of the hand holder 220 is attached to the hand holder anchor 1302 of the head 210, which allows the hand holder 220 itself to be adjusted toward or away from the user's index thumb loop (between the user's thumb and other fingers) by corresponding movement of the anchor 1302.

[0067] In some embodiments, the resilient member 122 of the hand fixator 220 is attached to the hand fixator anchor 1302 by a pivoting or rotatable attachment (e.g., at the second end of the anchor 1302). In this manner, the hand fixator 220 can pivot relative to the hand fixator anchor 1302 at the location of the attachment about the pivot point. This degree of freedom is an addition to the adjustability of the position of the hand fixator anchor 1302 around the perimeter of the head 210. Figure 13C An example of such a pivoting or rotatable attachment is depicted between the resilient member 122 of the hand securement 220 and the hand securement anchor fixture 1302 of the head 210 to allow the hand securement 220 to pivot relative to the hand securement anchor fixture 1302 .

[0068] Figure 13CA two-part fastener 1306 is depicted, consisting of a top portion 1306(1) and a bottom portion 1306(2). An example of such a two-part fastener 1306 is a snap rivet fastener having two parts 1306(1) and 1306(2) that are pressed together until they snap into locking engagement to create a fastener 1306 that cannot be easily removed by a user. Other types of fasteners 1306, such as a lock nut fastener, or any other type of fastener that allows pivotal and / or rotational movement of the hand securement 220 about a pivot point located at a hole defined in the anchor 1302 are contemplated herein.

[0069] The friction member 1308 can be inserted between the resilient member 122 of the hand retainer 220 and the hand retainer anchor 1302, at the location where the resilient member 122 is coupled to the anchor 1302. For example, at least when the controller 200 is in the upright orientation, the friction member 1308 can be disposed above the resilient member 122 of the hand retainer 220 and below the hand retainer anchor 1302 at the attachment point. The friction member 1308 increases friction with the distal end of the resilient member 122, which results in the hand retainer 220 being held in a desired position. In other words, the increased friction force exerted by the friction member 1308 on the resilient member 122 inhibits the hand retainer 220 from freely rotating or pivoting until a force is applied to the hand retainer that overcomes the friction force (e.g., by the user rotating the hand retainer 200 about the pivot point).

[0070] The friction member 1308 can be a rubber washer, or any similar component made of any suitable material with a relatively high coefficient of friction. When the two-part fastener 1306 is assembled, a compressive (or clamping) force is applied to the friction member 1308 by virtue of the top portion of the fastener 1306 (1) pushing downward on the anchor 1302 toward the friction member 1308 and the bottom portion of the fastener 1308 (2) pushing upward on the resilient member 122 toward the friction member 1308. The compressive force applied to the component inserted between the two parts of the fastener 1306 (1) and 1306 (2) increases the friction force to be overcome in order to rotate the hand holder 220 about the pivot point of the attachment. The friction member 1308, combined with the compressive (or clamping) force applied by the two-part fastener 1306, helps to maintain the hand holder 220 in the desired position and inhibits movement away from the desired position. This allows the hand holder 220 to remain in a position that is optimally comfortable for the user throughout the game. Without the friction member 1308, the hand securement 220 may otherwise be more prone to deflecting from the desired position under the influence of relatively small forces, such as gravity.

[0071] The present invention is described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments herein, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. It is contemplated that the various features and aspects of the present invention may be used individually or in combination and may be used in different environments or applications. For example, features shown with reference to a right-hand controller may also be implemented in a left-hand controller, and vice versa. Accordingly, the description and drawings should be regarded as illustrative and exemplary rather than restrictive. For example, the word "preferably" and the phrase "preferably but not necessarily" are used synonymously herein to consistently include the meaning of "not necessarily" or "optionally." "Including," "comprising," and "having" are intended to be open-ended terms.

Claims

1. A controller for an electronic system, the controller being operable by a user having hands using the palm of the hand, the controller comprising: a controller body having a head and a handle, the head adjacent the handle at a neck region, the head including at least one thumb-operated control; a tracking member fixed to the controller body; and a hand retainer configured to physically bias the palm of the hand against an outer surface of the handle in a closed position, the hand retainer comprising a resilient member adjustably attached to the head by an adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism allowing adjustment of the resilient member between a plurality of discrete positions, wherein the plurality of discrete positions are about a perimeter of the head; Wherein, the adjustment mechanism includes an anchoring member, and the anchoring member: coupled to the head at a first end of the anchor; extending through a passage defined in the head; attached to the resilient member at a second end of the anchor; and capable of movement between said plurality of discrete positions about a periphery of said head; Wherein, the adjustment mechanism further comprises a collar portion provided on the head, and wherein: defining a plurality of detents in the collar portion, the plurality of detents corresponding to the plurality of discrete positions; and A protrusion on or attached to an underside of the anchor engages the collar portion at a detent of the plurality of detents to lock the anchor in a discrete position of the plurality of discrete positions.

2. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment mechanism further comprises a biasing member for physically biasing the anchor in a radially outward direction from a center of the head, wherein the protrusion is physically biased into engagement with the collar portion at least in part based on the biasing member. 3 . The controller of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of discrete positions comprises a first position, a second position, and one or more intermediate positions between the first position and the second position. 4 . The controller of claim 1 , wherein the anchor is pivotally attached to the resilient member using a two-part fastener, and wherein a friction member is interposed between the resilient member and the anchor.

5. The controller of claim 4, wherein the two-part fastener exerts a compressive force on the friction member when assembled. The controller according to claim 4 , wherein the friction member is a rubber washer.

7. A controller for an electronic system, the controller being operable by a user having hands using the palm of the hand, the controller comprising: a controller body having a head and a handle, the head coupled to the handle at a neck region, the head including at least one thumb-operated control; a hand retainer configured to physically bias the palm against an outer surface of the handle in a closed position, the hand retainer comprising a resilient member; and an adjustment mechanism coupling the elastic member to the head and allowing adjustment of the elastic member between a plurality of discrete positions, wherein the plurality of discrete positions are around a perimeter of the head; Wherein, the adjustment mechanism includes a radial arm, and the radial arm: coupled to the head at a first end of the radial arm; extending through a passage defined in the head; attached to the resilient member at a second end of the radial arm; and The head is movable between the plurality of discrete positions about a periphery of the head. Wherein, the regulating mechanism further comprises: a plurality of stops on the head, the plurality of stops corresponding to the plurality of discrete positions; and a protrusion on or attached to an underside of the radial arm, the protrusion engaging a detent of the plurality of detents to lock the radial arm in a discrete position of the plurality of discrete positions; Wherein, the adjustment mechanism further includes a biasing member that physically biases the radial arm in a radially outward direction from the center of the head so that the protrusion engages the stop. 8 . The controller of claim 7 , wherein the plurality of discrete positions includes a first position, a second position, and one or more intermediate positions between the first position and the second position.

9. The controller of claim 7, wherein the radial arm is pivotally attached to the resilient member using a two-part fastener, with a friction member interposed between the resilient member and the radial arm.

10. A controller for an electronic system, the controller being operable by a user having hands using the palm of the hand, the controller comprising: a controller body having a head and a handle, the head coupled to the handle at a neck region, the head including at least one thumb-operated control; a hand retainer configured to physically bias the palm against an outer surface of the handle in a closed position, the hand retainer comprising a resilient member; and an anchor attached to the elastic member, the anchor movable between a plurality of discrete positions about a perimeter of the head to adjust the elastic member; The controller further comprises a collar portion, which is provided on the head and below the panel of the head, and wherein: defining a plurality of detents in the collar portion, the plurality of detents corresponding to the plurality of discrete positions; and A protrusion on or attached to an underside of the anchor engages the collar portion at a detent of the plurality of detents to lock the anchor in a discrete position of the plurality of discrete positions.

11. The controller of claim 10, wherein the anchor: coupled to the head at a first end of the anchor; extending through a passage defined in the head; and The anchor is attached to the elastic member at a second end.

12. A controller according to claim 10, wherein the controller further comprises a biasing member for physically biasing the anchor in a radially outward direction from the center of the head, wherein the protrusion is physically biased into engagement with the collar portion at least in part based on the biasing member.

13. A controller according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of stoppers defined in the collar portion include a first stopper corresponding to a first position among the plurality of discrete positions, a second stopper corresponding to a second position among the plurality of discrete positions, and one or more intermediate stops corresponding to one or more intermediate positions among the plurality of discrete positions between the first position and the second position.

14. The controller of claim 10, wherein the anchor is pivotally attached to the resilient member using a two-part fastener, wherein a friction member is interposed between the resilient member and the anchor.

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