Electronic controller with finger sensing and adjustable hand retainer

Abstract

To provide a controller that may improve VR systems and facilitate user operation.SOLUTION: An electronic controller includes a controller body having a head, where the head adjoins a handle at a neck region and includes a thumb-operated control. The controller includes a hand retainer, where the hand retainer, in a closed position, is configured to physically bias the user palm against an outer surface of the handle. The hand retainer includes a resilient member that biases the hand retainer towards an open position. An adjustment mechanism couples the resilient member to the head and permits the resilient member to be adjusted between a plurality of discrete positions to adjust the resilient member towards or away from the user's first purlicue. The adjustment mechanism may include an anchor, where the anchor is movable peripherally about the head between the plurality of discrete positions and is pivotably attached to the resilient member with a two-part fastener, with a friction member interposed between the resilient member and the anchor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13B

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a PCT application claiming 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 is a joint application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 392,497, filed December 7, 2017, entitled “ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER WITH FINGER SENSING AND AN ADJUSTABLE HAND RETAINER.” The application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation-in-part of commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 834,372, entitled “ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER AND AN ADJUSTABLE HAND RETAINER,” which is itself a continuation-in-part of commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 834,372, entitled “ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER AND AN ADJUSTABLE HAND RETAINER,” filed on August 17, 2017. This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 679,521, entitled "METHOD FOR USE IN A HIGH-TEMPERATURE PHOTO-PROPYLENE PHOTOGRAPH WITH HAND RETAINER AND FINGER MOTION SENSING," which itself claims priority as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29 / 580,635, now Patent No. D806,173, filed Oct. 11, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 520,958, filed Jun. 16, 2017. Applications Ser. Nos. 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 technology]

[0002] The video game industry has become large and important and has spawned many inventions in both software and related hardware. A variety of handheld video game controllers are designed, manufactured, and sold for a variety of gaming applications. Some of these inventions have applicability outside the video game industry, such as controllers for industrial machinery, defense systems, and robotics. Virtual reality (VR) systems are an application of great contemporary interest and rapid technological advancement, both within and outside the video game industry. Controllers for VR systems often must perform several different functions and meet strict (and sometimes competing) design constraints while optimizing certain desired characteristics, such as ease of use. Thus, there is a need in the art for improved controller designs that may improve VR systems and / or make user operation easier. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0003] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the hand retainer in an open position;

[0004] [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates the controller of FIG. 1 in a user's open hand, palm up.

[0005] [Diagram 3] 2 illustrates the controller of FIG. 1 in a user's closed hand.

[0006] [Figure 4] 2 illustrates the controller of FIG. 1 in a user's hand with the palm facing down.

[0007] [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a pair of controllers with the hand retainer in an open position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a right hand controller according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] [Figure 6B] 6B illustrates a rear view of the right hand controller of FIG. 6A.

[0010] [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates a window for an infrared sensor, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates a window for an infrared sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] [Figure 8] 6B shows a side view of the right hand controller of FIG. 6A with the outer shell partially encasing the tubular housing of the controller's handle disassembled to reveal implements on its inner surface.

[0013] [Figure 9A] 6B illustrates a cross-section of the right hand controller of FIG. 6A with the outer shell that partially encases the tubular housing of the controller's handle disassembled.

[0014] [Figure 9B] 9B illustrates the cross section of FIG. 9A, except that the outer shell is placed in its normal operating position.

[0015] [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates a front view of a right hand controller according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a partially closed hand restraint;

[0016] [Figure 10B] 10B illustrates a front view of the controller of FIG. 10A, except that the hand restraint is fully open.

[0017] [Figure 11A]1 illustrates a front view of the head and handle components of a controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, including a hand restraint anchor that can move around the head;

[0018] [Figure 11B] 11B illustrates the head and handle components of FIG. 11A, except that the faceplate has been removed from the head to expose a lockable collar portion that may facilitate selective adjustment of the hand retainer anchor about and around the head.

[0019] [Figure 12A] 14 illustrates a partially assembled controller with the hand retainer component removed, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] [Figure 12B] 12B illustrates an expanded view of the channel features of the controller of FIG. 12A.

[0021] [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of the channel illustrated in FIG. 12B.

[0022] [Figure 13A] 1 illustrates a front view of the head and handle components of a controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, including a hand restraint anchor that can move around the head;

[0023] [Figure 13B] 13B illustrates the head and handle components of FIG. 13A, except that the faceplate has been removed from the head to expose a collar portion that may facilitate selective adjustment of the hand retainer anchor about and around the head.

[0024] [Figure 13C] 1 illustrates an example of a pivotal or rotatable attachment between a hand retainer anchor and a resilient member of the hand retainer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] 1-4 illustrate a controller 100 for an electronic system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The controller 100 may be utilized by an electronic system, such as a VR video 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 restraint 120 for retaining the controller 100 in a user's hand (e.g., the user's left hand). The handle 112 comprises a tubular housing, which may optionally be substantially cylindrical. In this context, a substantially cylindrical shape need not have a constant diameter or a perfectly circular cross section.

[0026] 1-4, controller body 110 may include a head (between handle 112 and distal end 111), which may optionally include one or more thumb-operated controls 114, 115, 116. For example, a tilt button, or any other button, knob, wheel, joystick, or trackball may be considered a thumb-operated control if it can be conveniently manipulated by a user's thumb during normal operation while controller 100 is held in the user's hand.

[0027] The controller 100 preferably includes a tracking member 130 secured to the controller body 110 and optionally including two noses 132, 134, each of which protrudes from a corresponding one of two opposing distal ends of the tracking member 130. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the tracking member 130 is preferably, but not required to be, a tracking arc having a circular arc shape. The tracking member 130 includes a plurality of tracking transducers disposed therein, preferably with at least one tracking transducer disposed in each protruding nose 132, 134. Additional tracking transducers may also be disposed within the controller body 110, preferably with at least one distal tracking transducer disposed adjacent the distal end 111.

[0028] The tracking transducers described above may be tracking sensors that respond to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared) emitted by the electronic system, or they may alternatively be tracking beacons that emit electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared) that is received by the electronic system. For example, the electronic system may be a VR gaming system that broadly broadcasts, i.e., portrays, pulsed infrared radiation toward the controller 100, and the tracking transducers of the tracking member 130 are infrared sensors that can receive or be blocked from the broadcast pulsed infrared radiation. The tracking transducers in each nose 132, 134 (e.g., three sensors in each nose) preferably protrude beyond the user's hands on each distal end of the tracking member 130 and are therefore better exposed (around the user's hands) to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by or transmit electromagnetic radiation to the electronic system at a wider angle without unacceptable amounts of shadowing.

[0029] Preferably, the tracking member 130 and the controller body 110 are made of a substantially rigid material, such as hard plastic, and are rigidly secured together such that they do not appreciably translate or rotate relative to one another. In this manner, translational and rotational tracking of the arrangement of tracking transducers in space is preferably not complicated by movement of the tracking transducers relative to one another. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the tracking member 130 may be secured to the controller body 110 by being joined to the controller body 110 at two locations. A hand restraint 120 may be attached to the controller 100 (either the controller body 110 or the tracking member 130) adjacent those two locations to urge the palm of the user against the outer surface of the handle 112 between the two positions.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the tracking member 130 and the controller body 110 may comprise an integral monolithic component having a continuity of material rather than being assembled together. For example, the tracking member 130 and the controller body 110 may be molded together by a single injection molding process step, resulting in one integral hard plastic component including both the tracking member 130 and the controller body 110. Alternatively, the tracking member 130 and the controller body 110 may be fabricated separately first and then assembled together. In either case, the tracking member 130 may be considered to be fixed to the controller body 110.

[0031] The hand restraint 120 is shown in an open position in FIG. 1. The hand restraint 120 may be optionally biased in the open position by a curved elastic member 122 to facilitate insertion of a user's left hand between the hand restraint 120 and the controller body 110 when the user grasps the controller with a view obstructed by the VR goggles. For example, the curved elastic member 122 may optionally be a flexible metal piece that bends elastically, or may include an alternative plastic material such as nylon that may be substantially elastically bent. The curved elastic member 122 may optionally be partially or completely internal to or covered by a cushion or fabric material 124 (e.g., a neoprene sheath) for user comfort. Alternatively, the cushion or fabric material 124 may be disposed (e.g., adhered) only to the side of the curved elastic member 122 that faces the user's hand.

[0032] The hand retainer 120 may optionally be adjustable in length, for example, by including a drawstring 126 that is tightened by a spring-loaded clasp 128. The drawstring 126 may optionally have an extra length that may be used as a lanyard. A sheath 124 may optionally be attached to the drawstring. In certain embodiments, the curved elastic member 122 may be preloaded by the tension of the tightened drawstring 126. In such embodiments, the tension that the curved elastic member 122 applies to the hand retainer 120 (to bias the hand retainer 120 in the open position) causes the hand retainer to automatically open when the drawstring 126 is not tightened. The present disclosure also contemplates alternative conventional approaches for adjusting the length of the hand retainer 120, such as a stopper, an elastic band (that temporarily stretches when the hand is inserted to apply elastic tension against the back of the hand), a hook and loop strap attachment that allows for length adjustment, etc.

[0033] The hand restraint 120 may be disposed between the handle 112 and the tracking member 130 and configured to contact the back of the user's hand. FIG. 2 shows the controller 100 in operation with the user's left hand inserted into the controller 100 but not gripping the controller body 110. In FIG. 2, the hand restraint 120 is closed and clamped over the hand to physically bias the palm of the user's hand against the exterior surface of the handle 112. In that way, when closed, the hand restraint 120 may retain the controller 100 in the hand even when the hand is not gripping the controller body 110. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the controller 100 in operation with the hand restraint 120 closed, the hand gripping the controller body 110, and the thumb operating one or more of the thumb-operated controls (e.g., the trackpad 116).

[0034] The handle 112 of the controller body 110 preferably includes an array of proximity sensors that are partially or completely spatially distributed around its exterior surface. The proximity sensors of the array are not necessarily of equal size and do not necessarily have equal spacing between them, although the array may include a grid. The array of proximity sensors is preferably responsive to the proximity of a user's fingers to the exterior surface of the handle 112. For example, the array of proximity sensors may be a plurality of capacitance sensors embedded under the exterior surface of the handle 112, which exterior surface includes an electrically insulating material. The capacitance between such an array of capacitance sensors and a portion of the user's hand is inversely correlated with the distance between them. The capacitance may be sensed by connecting an RC oscillator circuit to the elements of the capacitance sensor array and noting that the time constant of the circuit (and therefore the period and frequency of oscillation) will vary with the capacitance. In this manner, the circuit may detect the release of the user's fingers from the exterior surface of the handle 112.

[0035] When the hand restraint 120 (e.g., hand restraint strap) is tightly closed, it may function to not only prevent the controller 100 from falling out of the hand, but also to more reliably detect finger movement, avoiding excessive translation of the fingers relative to the proximity sensor array of the handle 112. The electronic system may include algorithms that embody anatomically possible finger movements to better use detection from the proximity sensor array to render the opening of the controlled character's hand, finger orientation, or other movement of the fingers relative to the controller or each other. In this manner, the user's controller 100 and / or finger movement may help control a VR gaming system, a defense system, a medical system, an industrial robot or machine, or another device. In a VR system application (e.g., games, training, etc.), the system may render a throwing movement based on the movement of the tracking transducers, and may render the release of a thrown object based on the detected release of the user's fingers from the outer surface of the controller's handle.

[0036] Thus, the functionality of the hand restraint 120 (to allow the user to "let go" of the controller 100 without the controller 100 actually being separated from the hand or thrown or dropped to the floor) may enable additional functionality of the controlled electronic system. For example, if the release and return of the user's grip on the handle 112 of the controller body 110 is detected, such release or grip may be incorporated into the game to display (e.g., in VR) the object being thrown or grabbed. The hand restraint 120 may allow such functionality to be repeatedly and safely accomplished. For example, the location of the hand restraint 120 in the embodiment of Figures 1-4 may help the tracking member 130 protect the back of the user's hand from impacts in the real world, for example, when the user moves in response to a prompt detected in the VR environment (e.g., while being substantially blinded by the VR goggles).

[0037] In certain embodiments, the controller 100 may include a rechargeable battery disposed within the controller body 110, and the hand restraint 120 (e.g., a hand restraint strap) may include a conductive charging wire electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery. The controller 100 also preferably includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter for communicating with the remainder of the electronic system. Such an RF transmitter may be powered by the rechargeable battery and may be responsive to the thumb controls 114, 115, 116, proximity sensors in the handle 112 of the controller body 110, and / or tracking sensors in the tracking member 130.

[0038] 5, in certain embodiments, controller 100 may be the left controller of a pair of controllers that includes a similar right controller 200. In certain embodiments, controllers 100 and 200 may track the movements and grips of a user's two hands simultaneously (together), for example, to enhance the VR experience.

[0039] FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of a right-hand controller 600 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B illustrates a rear view of the right-hand controller 600. The controller 600 has a controller body including a head 610 and a handle 612. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the head 610 includes at least one thumb-operated control A, B, 608, and may also include a control (e.g., a trigger 609) configured to be operated by an index finger. The handle 612 comprises a tubular housing partially encased by an outer shell 640.

[0040] In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the tracking member 630 is secured to the controller body at the head 610 and at one end of the handle 612. The hand retainer 620 is configured to physically bias the palm of the user's hand against an outer shell 640 between the head 610 and one end of the handle 612. The hand retainer 620 may preferably comprise a hand retaining strap disposed between the handle 612 and the tracking member 630, adjustable in length, and configured to contact the back of the user's hand. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the hand retainer 620 optionally includes a drawstring 628, optionally adjustable in length by a drawstring lock 626 (adjacent the distal end of the handle 612) that selectively prevents sliding movement by the drawstring 628 at the location of the drawstring lock 626.

[0041] In the embodiment of Figures 6A and 6B, tracking transducers 632, 633 are disposed on tracking member 630, with tracking transducer 633 disposed on a protruding nose at the opposing 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 may be tracking sensors that respond to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared) emitted by an electronic system (e.g., a virtual reality gaming system), or may be tracking beacons that emit electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared) that is received by the electronic system. For example, the electronic system may be a VR gaming system that broadly broadcasts, i.e., portrays, pulsed infrared radiation toward controller 600, and tracking transducers 632, 633, and 634 are infrared sensors that can receive the broadcast pulsed infrared radiation. Responses of such tracking sensors may be transmitted back to the electronic system, which may interpret such responses to effectively track the location and orientation of controller 600.

[0042] One or more of the tracking transducers 632, 633, 634 may optionally be structured as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7A, or alternatively as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7B, or alternatively in a conventional manner not shown. The lower portion of FIG. 7A illustrates an exploded perspective view of an infrared sensor 750 electrically connected to a flexible circuit 751, shown below a rectangular portion of an overlying windowed housing wall 755 comprising an infrared-opaque plastic. The windowed housing wall 755 includes a window 756. The window 756 preferably comprises an infrared-transparent polycarbonate plastic and may include a lower recess to accommodate the thickness of the infrared sensor 750.

[0043] According to the embodiment of FIG. 7A, the windowed housing wall (e.g., the outer structure of the tracking member 630, or the head 610 of FIG. 6A) may be fabricated in a so-called “duo-barrel” injection molding process such that the majority of the housing wall is fabricated from infrared-opaque plastic, but infrared-transparent plastic is disposed within the window 756 above the infrared sensor 750.

[0044] The top portion of FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled infrared sensor 750, flexible circuit 751, and windowed housing wall 755. Infrared light, shown in FIG. 7A as three downward arrows incident on window 756 from above, passes through window 756 to be received by infrared sensor 750 below. Because housing wall 755 comprises infrared opaque plastic, infrared light striking it does not pass through, but is reflected in part back to the window and received by infrared sensor 750. In this manner, window 756 allows infrared light to impinge on infrared sensor 750 despite the fact that most of housing wall 755 comprises infrared opaque plastic, so that infrared sensor 750 receives infrared light only from a preferred range of angles.

[0045] Alternatively, one or more of the tracking transducers 632, 633, 634 may optionally be structured as shown in the embodiment of Figure 7B. The lower portion of Figure 7B illustrates an exploded perspective view of an infrared sensor 750 electrically connected to a flexible circuit 751, shown below a rectangular portion of an overlying housing wall 758 comprising an IR-transparent plastic. The housing wall 758 is covered with an infrared-opaque film 757 that is patterned to include a window 759 (where the infrared-opaque film 757 is absent).

[0046] The upper portion of FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled infrared sensor 750, flexible circuit 751, housing wall 758, and IR opaque film 757. Infrared light, shown in FIG. 7B as three downward arrows incident on the housing wall 758 from above, passes through a window 759 in the infrared opaque film 757, where it passes through the housing wall 758 and is received by the infrared sensor 750 below. Because the housing wall 758 comprises an infrared transparent plastic, infrared light striking it may pass through it and be lost, and may also unintentionally and undesirably reach a nearby sensor, perhaps via internal reflection. In this manner, the window 759 in the infrared opaque film 757 allows the infrared light to primarily impact the infrared sensor 750.

[0047] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the right hand controller 600 with the outer shell 640 partially encasing the tubular housing of the handle 612 exploded to reveal the instrument on its inner surface. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the instrument may include an array 800 of proximity sensors spatially distributed on the inner surface of the outer shell 640, which responds to the proximity of the outer shell 640 to a user's finger. The proximity sensors 800 of the array are not necessarily of equal size, nor do they have to be regularly or evenly spaced from one another. In certain embodiments, the array 800 of proximity sensors may be a plurality of capacitive sensors that may be connected to a flexible circuit that is preferably coupled to the inner surface of the outer shell 640. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the outer shell 640 includes a first electrical connector portion 805 (as shown in more detail in FIGS. 9A and 9B) that may be connected to a mating second electrical connector portion of the handle 612.

[0048] 9A and B illustrate a cross section of the right hand controller 600 of FIG. 6A showing that the handle of the controller optionally includes tubular housing portions 612a, 612b longitudinally divided by a seam 613, with the tubular housing portions 612a and 612b adjacent. In FIG. 9A, the outer shell 640 is shown exploded from the remainder of the handle. FIG. 9B illustrates the cross section of FIG. 9A, which differs in that the outer shell 640 is installed in its normal operating position. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B, a first electrical connector portion 805 of the outer shell 640 is shown as mating and connectable to a second electrical connector portion 905 of the controller handle.

[0049] 9A and 9B, the outer shell 640 preferably partially encases the tubular housings 612a, 612b to overlap the longitudinal seam 613 so that the longitudinal seam 613 may be positioned to optimize the manufacturing process rather than accommodate a desired circumferential location of the proximity sensor array 800. In certain embodiments, the outer shell 640 overlaps a circumferential portion C of the handle tubular housings 612a, 612b, which spans angularly at least 100 degrees, but not more than 170 degrees, of the entire circumference of the handle tubular housings 612a, 612b. Such a circumferential overlap may, in certain embodiments, enable the proximity sensor array 800 to sense the proximity of a desired portion of a user's fingers or palm, e.g., an area of ​​the hand that is best indicative of grasping.

[0050] The handle tubular housing 612a, 612b need not have a circular cross section, and the word "circumference" is used herein whether or not the handle tubular housing 612a, 612b has a circular cross section. As used herein, the term "circumference" means the entire circumference about the handle tubular housing 612a, 612b, which may be circular if the tubular housing 612a, 612b is a right cylinder, but the entire circumference may be a closed shape other than a circle if the tubular housing is shaped as a non-cylindrical cylinder or a hollow prism.

[0051] 9A and 9B embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) 920 may be mounted within the handle tubular housing 612a, 612b, and the second electrical connector portion 905 is electrically coupled to the PCB 920. The PCB 920 may optionally include a force sensing resistor (FSR) 922, and the controller may further comprise a plunger 924 that transfers compressive force applied via the outer shell 640 inwardly to the FSR 922 toward the outside of the handle tubular housing 612a, 612b. In certain embodiments, the FSR 922, in conjunction with the proximity sensor array 800, may facilitate detection of both the initiation of a grip by a user and the relative strength of such a grip by the user, which may facilitate certain gameplay features.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the outer shell 640 has a shell thickness (measured radially in FIGS. 9A and 9B) that is less than one-third the housing wall thickness of the handle tubular housing portions 612a or 612b. In these embodiments, such thickness inequality may improve the sensitivity of the proximity sensor array 800 compared to alternative embodiments in which the proximity sensor array 800 is disposed on or in the handle tubular housing 612a, 612b.

[0053] FIG. 10A illustrates a front view of a right hand controller 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a partially closed hand retainer 220 (e.g., a hand retaining strap). FIG. 10B illustrates a front view of the controller 200, which differs in that the hand retainer 220 is fully open. In the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B, 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 spatially distributed just beneath its exterior surface, and which preferably respond to the proximity of a user's fingers to the exterior surface of the handle 212.

[0054] In the embodiment of Figs. 10A and 10B, the head 210 includes thumb-operated controls A, B, and 208. The controller 200 also includes a tracking member 230, which is preferably fixed to the controller body at the head 210 and at one end of the handle 212. The tracking member 230 preferably includes a plurality of tracking transducers, which may be sensors responsive to electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electronic system (e.g., pulsed infrared radiation emitted by a virtual reality gaming system) or tracking beacons that emit electromagnetic radiation received by the electronic system. In the embodiment of Figs. 10A and 10B, the tracking member 230 is preferably, but not necessarily, a tracking arc having an arc shape. The hand restraint 220 is preferably disposed between the handle 212 and the tracking member 230.

[0055] 10A and 10B, the controller 200 includes a drawstring 228 and a leash lock 226 adjacent the distal end of the handle 212. The leash lock 226 may selectively prevent sliding movement of the drawstring 228 at the leash lock 226. In the embodiment of FIG. 10A, as the drawstring 228 is progressively pulled further past the leash lock 226, the hand retainer 220 is drawn more tightly into a closed position (as indicated by the movement arrows illustrated in FIG. 10A). The closed position physically biases the palm of the user's hand against the exterior surface of the handle 212.

[0056] In the embodiment of Figures 10A and 10B, the hand retainer 220 preferably includes a resilient member (e.g., an internal or external resiliently deformable piece such as a metal piece) that biases the hand retainer 220 toward the open position shown in Figure 10B. In the embodiment of Figure 10B, when a user selectively releases and allows the drawstring 228 to slide relative to the leash lock 226, the preload bias toward straightening the resiliently deformed resilient member naturally causes the hand retainer 220 to open (as indicated by the movement arrows illustrated in Figure 10B). The open position may facilitate inserting or withdrawing a user's hand into or from the controller 200, especially when the user's view may be obstructed by wearing virtual reality goggles.

[0057] 11A illustrates a front view of the head 210 and handle 212 components of the controller 200, including the hand retainer anchor 302 that can be adjusted to move about the head 210. FIG 11B illustrates the head 210 and handle 212 components, except that the faceplate has been removed from the head 210 to expose a lockable collar portion 311 that can facilitate selective adjustment of the hand retainer anchor 302 about the head 210.

[0058] In the embodiment of FIG. 11B, the lockable collar portion 311 may translate along an arcuate path defined by an internal arcuate guide 315. The lockable collar portion 311 may be selectively locked by the user to prevent further movement of the anchor 302 about the circumference of the head 210. Now, referring to FIGS. 4 and 10A-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 first purlicue (between the user's thumb and remaining 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, which allows the hand retainer 220 to pivot relative to the hand retainer anchor 302 at the location of the attachment. Such degrees of freedom are in addition to the adjustability of the position of the hand retainer anchor 302 about the circumference of the head 210 .

[0059] 12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate an alternative embodiment of a partially assembled controller 400 having a controller body including a head 410 joined to the head in a neck region 411 and a handle 412. In the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 12A-12C, the controller body includes a channel 414 disposed adjacent to the neck region 411. A hand retainer, not shown in FIG. 12A so as not to partially obscure the channel 414, includes a resilient member 420 that terminates in a protrusion 425 that extends into the channel 414.

[0060] 12B and 12C, protrusions 425 include catches 427 that prevent longitudinal movement of the protrusions within channel 414 when the hand retainer is in a closed position. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 12C, catches 427 are cams that increase friction with the inner surface of channel 414 when the relative angle of protrusions 425 of the hand retainer corresponds to the closed position of the hand retainer, i.e., when the closed position of the hand retainer results in tension in elastic member 420 (e.g., in the downward direction shown in cross section in FIG. 12C).

[0061] In contrast, when the hand retainer protrusion 425 is rotated to a relative angle corresponding to the open position of the hand retainer (e.g., in an upward direction shown in cross section in FIG. 12C), friction between the catch 427 and the channel 414 is reduced and the hand retainer protrusion 425 may translate within the channel 414 (as indicated by the movement arrows shown in FIG. 12B). The channel 414 is preferably oriented such that translation of the hand retainer protrusion along the channel 414 preferably toward or away from the first interdigital space of the user's hand, such that the controller 400 may accommodate different hand sizes or finger lengths, for example. In an alternative embodiment, the hand retainer protrusion 425 may be pivotally attached to the remainder of the hand retainer by a conventional pivot joint. Such rotational freedom is in addition to the adjustable translation of the hand retainer protrusion 425 along the channel 414.

[0062] FIG. 13A illustrates a front view of the head 210 and handle 212 components of the controller 200. The head 210 adjoins the handle 212 at a neck region 211 of the controller 200. The head 210 includes thumb-operated controls (e.g., A, B, and 208). The controller 200 may further include a hand retainer anchor 1302 (sometimes referred to herein as a "radial arm 1302" and / or sometimes shortened herein to "anchor 1302") that may be adjusted to move about the head 210. FIG. 13B illustrates the same head 210 and handle 212 components, except that the faceplate has been removed from the head 210 to expose a collar portion 1311 having a plurality of detents defined therein. The detents defined in the collar portion 1311 may be defined by a plurality of teeth in the collar portion 1311. As used herein, a "tooth" of collar portion 1311 is a protrusion that projects radially inward toward the center of head 210, and a "detent" of collar portion 1311 is a notch or groove interposed between a pair of adjacent teeth of collar portion 1311. Collar portion 1311 may be made of metal, plastic (e.g., a hard, durable plastic), or another suitable material.

[0063] The anchor 1302 may have or be attached to a protrusion located on an underside of the anchor 1302. The protrusion (e.g., a tooth) may be oriented radially outward from the center of the head 210 to engage a particular detent on the collar portion 1311. That is, a protrusion on or attached to the underside of the anchor 1302 may be selectively positioned between a pair of adjacent teeth on the collar portion 1311 to lock the anchor 1302 in a particular position such that the anchor 1302 cannot move about the periphery of the head 210 while locked in place. A biasing member 1304, such as a torsion spring, may physically bias the anchor 1302 in a radially outward direction from the center of the head 210, causing the protrusion on or attached to the underside of the anchor 1302 to remain engaged with the collar portion 1311 at a particular detent. Thus, the hand retainer anchor 1302 is not only movable about the head 210, but also in radially inward and outward directions toward and away from the center of the head 210 (as indicated by the radially oriented movement arrows illustrated in FIG. 13B). For example, a user of the controller 200 can push the anchor 1302 radially inward, and while doing so, move the anchor 1302 about the head 210 to different ones of a plurality of discrete positions corresponding to the plurality of detents of the collar portion 1311. This is because pushing the anchor 1302 radially inward causes protrusions on or attached to the anchor 1302 to sweep aside teeth of the collar portion 1311, thereby allowing circumferential movement of the anchor 1302 about the head 210. This circumferential movement of the anchor 1302 is indicated by the circumferentially oriented movement arrows illustrated in FIG. 13B.

[0064] The number of detents defined within collar portion 1311 is configurable and may depend on the range of adjustment desired. In some embodiments, the number of detents in collar portion 1311 is in the range of about 2-6 detents. In some embodiments, collar portion 1311 includes five detents, which may allow for adjustment of anchor 1302 between five discrete positions. However, any suitable number of detents may be defined within collar portion 1311 to allow a user to adjust anchor 1302 to any of a plurality of discrete positions about head 210. In some embodiments, these discrete positions are marked on the exterior of the housing of controller 200, such as by a plurality of dashed lines on the exterior of head 210 near neck region 211, indicating to a user that hand retainer 220 is adjustable toward or away from a user's first interdigital space to optimize hand comfort while holding controller 200. The plurality of discrete positions to which the anchor 1302 is adjustable may include a first position closest to a first interdigital space of a user's hand when the user is holding the controller 200, a second position furthest from the first interdigital space 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 retainer 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) comprise an assembly of parts that is considered herein to be the "adjustment mechanism" of the controller 200. This adjustment mechanism allows the elastic member 122 of the hand retainer 220 to be adjusted between the plurality of discrete positions toward or away from the first interdigital space of the user's hand while the user is holding the controller 200.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 13B, the hand retainer 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 adjacent the neck region 211. Such a channel can be similar to the channel 414 shown in FIG. 12A. The collar portion 1311 can be positioned along and just below the channel, allowing the anchor 1302 to move freely within the channel when the anchor 1302 is not locked into a discrete position by engagement with the collar portion 1311. Because the hand retainer anchor 1302 is movable within the channel while disengaged from the collar portion 1311, the hand retainer anchor 1302 can be translated along an arcuate path about the circumference of the head 210. To do this, 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 an arcuate path about the circumference of the head 210 to a particular one of a plurality of discrete positions. Upon releasing the anchor 1302 or releasing the radially inward pressure on the anchor 1302, the biasing member 1304 biases the anchor 1302 radially outward from the center of the head 210. The anchor 1302 is ultimately locked into position via the collar portion 1311 by this radially outward biasing force. Specifically, when the biasing force from biasing member 1304 causes a protrusion on or attached to the underside of anchor 1302 to engage collar portion 1311 at a particular detent on collar portion 1311, hand retainer anchor 1302, and thus hand retainer 220 attached thereto, is locked in place to prevent further movement of anchor 1302 around head 210.10A and 10B and 13C, the elastic member of hand retainer 220 is attached to hand retainer anchor 1302 on head 210, which allows hand retainer 220 to adjust itself toward or away from the user's first interdigital space (between the user's thumb and remaining fingers) by corresponding movement of anchor 1302.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the elastic member 122 of the hand retainer 220 is attached to the hand retainer anchor 1302 by a pivotal or rotatable attachment (e.g., at the second end of the anchor 1302). In this manner, the hand retainer 220 can pivot relative to the hand retainer anchor 1302 about a pivot point at the location of the attachment. Such degrees of freedom are in addition to the adjustability of the position of the hand retainer anchor 1302 about the circumference of the head 210. FIG. 13C illustrates an example of such a pivotal or rotatable attachment between the elastic member 122 of the hand retainer 220 and the hand retainer anchor 1302 of the head 210 that allows the hand retainer 220 to pivot relative to the hand retainer anchor 1302.

[0067] 13C illustrates a two-part fastener 1306 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 a locking engagement to create a fastener 1306 that cannot be easily disassembled by a user. Other types of fasteners 1306 are contemplated herein, such as a locking nut fastener or any other type of fastener that allows for pivotal and / or rotational movement of the hand retainer 220 about a pivot point located in an opening defined in the anchor 1302.

[0068] A friction member 1308 may be interposed between the elastic member 122 of the hand retainer 220 and the hand retainer anchor 1302 where the elastic member 122 is coupled to the anchor 1302. For example, the friction member 1308 may be disposed above the elastic member 122 of the hand retainer 220 and below the hand retainer anchor 1302 at the point of attachment, at least when the controller 200 is in an upright orientation. The friction member 1308 increases friction with the distal end of the elastic member 122, thereby retaining the hand retainer 220 in a desired position. In another manner as described above, the increased frictional force imparted by the friction member 1308 on the elastic member 122 inhibits free rotational or pivotal movement of the hand retainer 220 unless and until an amount of force is applied to the hand retainer 220 to overcome this frictional force (e.g., by a user rotating the hand retainer 200 about a pivot point).

[0069] The friction member 1308 may be a rubber gasket or any similar component made from any suitable material having 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 pressing the top portion 1306(1) of the fastener downward on the anchor 1302 toward the friction member 1308 and pressing the bottom portion 1308(2) of the fastener upward on the elastic member 122 toward the friction member 1308. This compressive force applied to the components interposed between the two portions 1306(1) and 1306(2) of the fastener increases the frictional force that must be overcome to rotate the hand retainer 220 about the pivot point of the attachment. This friction member 1308, in combination with the compressive (or clamping) force applied by the two-part fastener 1306, helps to keep the hand retainer 220 in a desired position and inhibits movement away from that desired position. This allows the hand restraint 220 to remain in an optimized, comfortable position for the user throughout gameplay. Without the friction members 1308, the hand restraint 220 may otherwise be more prone to deviating from the desired position under the influence of relatively small forces, such as gravity.

[0070] Although the present invention is described herein with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. It is contemplated that the various features and aspects of the present invention may be used individually or jointly, and possibly in different environments or applications. For example, features shown with respect to a right-hand controller may also be implemented in a left-hand controller, and vice versa. Thus, the present specification and drawings should be regarded as descriptive and illustrative, not restrictive. For example, the words "preferably" and the phrases "preferably but not required" are used synonymously herein to consistently include the meaning of "not required" or optional. "Comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be open-ended terms.

Claims

1. 1. A controller for an electronic system for operation by a user having a hand including a thumb, an index finger, a first purlicue between the thumb and index finger, and a palm, 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 control; A tracking member fixed to the controller body; and a hand restraint configured to physically bias the palm of the hand against an exterior surface of the handle in a closed position, the hand restraint including a resilient member adjustably attached to the head by an adjustment mechanism that allows the resilient member to be adjusted between a plurality of discrete positions, the plurality of discrete positions including at least a first position that is closest to the first inter-digital space when the user is holding the controller, and a second position that is furthest from the first inter-digital space when the user is holding the controller.

2. The adjustment mechanism includes an anchor, the anchor comprising: a first end of the anchor connected to the head; extending through a channel defined in the head; a second end of the anchor attached to the elastic member; The controller of claim 1 , movable about its circumference centered on the head between the plurality of discrete positions.

3. the adjustment mechanism further comprising a collar portion disposed on the head; a plurality of detents defined within the collar portion, the plurality of detents corresponding to the plurality of discrete positions; 3. The controller of claim 2, wherein a protrusion on or attached to 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.

4. 4. The controller of claim 3, 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, the protrusion being physically biased into engagement with the collar portion based at least in part on the biasing member.

5. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of distinct positions includes one or more intermediate positions between the first position and the second position.

6. The controller of claim 2 , wherein the anchor is pivotally attached to the resilient member with a two-part fastener, and a friction member is interposed between the resilient member and the anchor.

7. The controller of claim 6 , wherein the two-part fastener, when assembled, applies a compressive force to the friction member.

8. The controller of claim 6 , wherein the friction member is a rubber gasket.

9. 1. A controller for an electronic system for operation by a user having a hand including a thumb, fingers including at least an index finger, a first interdigital space between the thumb and the index finger, and a palm, the controller comprising: a controller body having a head and a handle, the head being coupled to the handle at a neck region, the head including at least one thumb control; a hand restraint configured to physically bias the palm of the hand against an exterior surface of the handle in a closed position, the hand restraint including a resilient member; and an adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism connecting the elastic member to the head and enabling the elastic member to be adjusted between a plurality of discrete positions, the plurality of discrete positions including at least a first position closest to the first inter-digital space when the user is holding the controller, and a second position furthest from the first inter-digital space when the user is holding the controller.

10. The adjustment mechanism includes a radial arm, the radial arm having: a first end of the radial arm connected to the head; extending through a channel defined in the head; a second end of the radial arm attached to the resilient member; The controller of claim 9 , movable about its circumference centered on the head between the plurality of discrete positions.

11. The adjustment mechanism comprises: a plurality of detents on the head, the plurality of detents corresponding to the plurality of discrete positions; and 11. The controller of claim 10, further comprising a protrusion on an underside or attached to 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.

12. The controller of claim 11 , wherein the adjustment mechanism further comprises a biasing member for physically biasing the radial arms in a radially outward direction from a center of the head, thereby engaging the protrusions with the detents.

13. The controller of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of distinct positions includes one or more intermediate positions between the first position and the second position.

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

15. 1. A controller for an electronic system for operation by a user having a hand including a thumb, fingers including at least an index finger, a first interdigital space between the thumb and the index finger, and a palm, the controller comprising: a controller body having a head and a handle, the head being coupled to the handle at a neck region, the head including at least one thumb control; a hand restraint configured to physically bias the palm of the hand against an exterior surface of the handle in a closed position, the hand restraint including a resilient member; an anchor attached to the elastic member, the anchor being movable about its circumference around the head between a plurality of discrete positions to adjust the elastic member toward or away from the first inter-digital space, the plurality of discrete positions including at least a first position closest to the first inter-digital space when the controller is held by the user, and a second position furthest from the first inter-digital space when the controller is held by the user.

16. The anchor is a first end of the anchor connected to the head; extending through a channel defined in the head; The controller of claim 15 , wherein the second end of the anchor is attached to the resilient member.

17. a collar portion disposed on the head below a face plate of the head; a plurality of detents defined within the collar portion, the plurality of detents corresponding to the plurality of discrete positions; 16. The controller of claim 15, wherein a protrusion on or attached to 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.

18. 18. The controller of claim 17, 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, the protrusion being physically biased into engagement with the collar portion based at least in part on the biasing member.

19. 18. The controller of claim 17, wherein the plurality of detents defined in the collar portion includes a first detent corresponding to the first position, a second detent corresponding to the second position, and one or more intermediate detents corresponding to one or more intermediate positions between the first position and the second position.

20. The controller of claim 15 , wherein the anchor is pivotally attached to the resilient member with a two-part fastener, and a friction member is interposed between the resilient member and the anchor.

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