Computer Simulation Controller

Abstract

The accessible computer game controller (200) includes a central control button (402) on a rounded base (400) and peripheral control buttons (404) on the base surrounding the central control button. The peripheral control buttons may have different sizes and shapes. An analog stick unit (444) includes a control portion (446) reciprocally engaged with the base and rotatable relative to the base.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates generally to computer simulation controllers. [Background technology]

[0002] Computer simulation controllers, such as computer game controllers, are used by simulation participants to input control signals into the simulation. As understood herein, some participants may have disabilities, such as visual or motor skill impairments, that present challenges in operating the simulation controllers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Thus, the device includes a central control (CC) button operable to send a signal to the computerized device when the computerized device is in communication with the device. The device also includes a plurality of peripheral control (PC) buttons surrounding the CC button, each operable to send a signal to the computerized device when the computerized device is in communication with the device.

[0004] In some exemplary embodiments, the CC button is round.

[0005] The computerized device may include a computer simulation console. The computerized device may include a computer simulation server.

[0006] In an example implementation, a first one of the PC buttons may include an upwardly sloping outer region. One or more of the PC buttons may include a continuously curved contour from an inner periphery of the first one of the PC buttons closest to the CC button to an outer periphery of the first one of the PC buttons. One or more of the PC buttons may be removably engaged with a base that holds the CC button and the PC button.

[0007] In a non-limiting example, one or more of the PC buttons, viewed from above, may have a curved inner perimeter closest to the CC button and a side that flares outward toward the curved outer perimeter of a first one of the PC buttons, where the curved outer perimeter is larger than the inner perimeter. One or more of the PC buttons, viewed from above, may have a curved inner perimeter closest to the CC button and a side that flares outward toward the curved outer perimeter of a second one of the PC buttons, where the curved outer perimeter is larger than the inner perimeter. One of the PC buttons may be larger than another PC button.

[0008] In some examples, the curved inner periphery of the first PC button can be convex and the curved inner periphery of the second PC button can be concave.

[0009] One or more of the PC buttons, when viewed from above, may have an oval shaped perimeter. One or more of the PC buttons, when viewed from above, may have a racetrack shaped perimeter.

[0010] One or more of the PC buttons may be magnetically engaged with the base.

[0011] In another aspect, a method includes generating a computer simulation signal for controlling the computer simulation using a central control (CC) button on a base of a control device, and generating a computer simulation signal for controlling the computer simulation using a plurality of peripheral control (PC) buttons on the base that completely surround the CC button.

[0012] In another aspect, a computer simulation control device includes a base, a round central control (CC) element on the base, and a first number of peripheral control (PC) elements surrounding the CC element, wherein the CC element and the PC element are operable to control the computer simulation.

[0013] The details of the present application, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system including an example according to the present principles; [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a first exemplary environment in which the present principles may be used. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a second exemplary environment in which the present principles may be used. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a top perspective view of the controller with the analog stick unit in the proximal position. [Figure 5] Illustrates a bottom perspective view of the controller with the analog stick unit in a proximal position, with an exemplary attachment shown in exploded relationship to the base. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a plan view of a controller with the analog stick unit in a proximal position. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of a controller with the analog stick unit in an extended position. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of a controller. [Figure 9] 9 illustrates a detail of FIG. 8 showing a control button mechanically coupled to a pad within the base. [Figure 10] 9 illustrates the detail of FIG. 8 showing the control button disengaged from the pad in the base. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates exemplary alternative button layouts. [Figure 12] 10 illustrates another exemplary alternative button layout. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates the attachment when configured as a leg strap connecting the base to the user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present disclosure generally relates to computer ecosystems, including aspects of consumer electronics (CE) device networks, but not limited to computer gaming networks. Systems herein may include server and client components that may be connected via a network such that data may be exchanged between the client and server components. The client components may include one or more computing devices, including game consoles such as Sony PlayStation®, Microsoft, Nintendo, or other game consoles; virtual reality (VR) headsets; augmented reality (AR) headsets; portable televisions (e.g., smart TVs, Internet-enabled televisions); portable computers such as laptops and tablet computers; and other mobile devices, including smartphones, as well as additional examples described below. These client devices may operate in a variety of operating environments. For example, some client computers may employ, by way of example, the Linux operating system, a Microsoft operating system, a Unix operating system, or an operating system manufactured by Apple or Google. These operating environments may be used to run one or more browsing programs, such as browsers manufactured by Microsoft, Google, or Mozilla, or other browser programs that can access websites hosted by Internet servers, as described below. An operating environment according to present principles may also be used to run one or more computer gaming programs.

[0016] The server and / or gateway may include one or more processors that execute instructions that configure the server to receive and transmit data over a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the clients and servers may be connected by a local intranet or a virtual private network. The server or controller may be instantiated by a game console such as a Sony PlayStation™, a personal computer, or the like.

[0017] Information may be exchanged between the client and the server over a network. For this purpose and for security, the server and / or client may include firewalls, load balancers, temporary storage, and proxies, as well as other network infrastructure for reliability and security. One or more servers may form an apparatus that implements a method for providing a secure community, such as an online social website, to network members.

[0018] The processor may be a single-chip or multi-chip processor capable of implementing logic through various wiring such as address lines, data lines, and control lines, and registers and shift registers.

[0019] Components included in one embodiment may be used in other embodiments in any suitable combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and / or shown in the drawings may be combined, substituted, or excluded from other embodiments.

[0020] "At least one of A, B, and C" (and similarly "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C") includes A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, and / or A, B, and C, etc.

[0021] 1 , an exemplary system 10 is shown, which may include one or more of the exemplary devices described above and further described below in accordance with the present principles. A first exemplary device included in system 10 is a consumer electronics (CE) device, such as, but not limited to, an audio-video device (AVD) 12, such as an Internet-enabled TV with a TV tuner (equivalently, a set-top box that controls the TV). Alternatively, AVD 12 may also be a computerized Internet-enabled (“smart”) phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, an HMD, a wearable computerized device, a computerized Internet-enabled music player, a computerized Internet-enabled headphones, a computerized Internet-enabled implantable device such as an implantable skin device, or the like. Nevertheless, it should be understood that AVD 12 is configured to implement the present principles (e.g., communicate with other CE devices to implement the present principles, execute the logic described herein, and perform any other functions and / or operations described herein).

[0022] Accordingly, to realize these principles, the AVD 12 may be established by some or all of the components shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the AVD 12 may include one or more displays 14, which may be implemented by a high-definition or ultra-high-definition (4K) or higher flat screen and may be touch-enabled for receiving user input signals via touch on the display. The AVD 12 may also include one or more speakers 16 for outputting audio in accordance with the present principles and at least one additional input device 18, such as a voice receiver / microphone, for inputting audible commands to the AVD 12 to control it. The exemplary AVD 12 may also include one or more network interfaces 20 for communicating over at least one network 22, such as the Internet, a WAN, or a LAN, under the control of one or more processors 24. Accordingly, the interface 20 may be, but is not limited to, a Wi-Fi transceiver, e.g., a mesh network transceiver, which is an example of a wireless computer network interface. It should be understood that processor 24 controls AVD 12 to implement the present principles, including other elements of AVD 12 described herein, such as controlling display 14 to present images on and receive input from display 14. It should further be noted that network interface 20 may be a wired or wireless modem or router, or a wireless telephone transceiver, or other suitable interface, such as the Wi-Fi transceiver mentioned above.

[0023] In addition to the above, AVD 12 may include one or more input and / or output ports 26, such as a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI®) port or a USB port for physically connecting to another CE device and / or a headphone port for connecting headphones to AVD 12 to present audio from AVD 12 to the user via the headphones. For example, input port 26 may be connected to a wired or wireless cable or satellite audio-video content source 26a. Thus, source 26a may be a separate or integrated set-top box or satellite receiver. Alternatively, source 26a may be a game console or disc player containing content. When implemented as a game console, source 26a may include some or all of the components described below in connection with CE device 48.

[0024] AVD 12 may further include one or more computer memories 28, such as non-transitory disk-based or solid-state storage, possibly embodied as a personal video recording device (PVR) or video disc player for playing AV programs, either within the AVD's chassis as a standalone device, or internally or externally to the AVD's chassis, or as removable memory media or a server as described below. In some embodiments, AVD 12 may also include a location or position receiver, such as, but not limited to, a cellular receiver, a GPS receiver, and / or an altimeter 30, configured to receive geographic location information from a satellite or cellular tower and provide that information to processor 24 and / or to determine the altitude at which AVD 12 is disposed in conjunction with processor 24. Component 30 may also be implemented by an inertial measurement unit (IMU), typically including a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, or by event-based sensors to determine the location and orientation of AVD 12 in three dimensions.

[0025] Continuing with the description of AVD 12, in some embodiments, AVD 12 may include one or more cameras 32, such as an infrared camera, a digital camera such as a webcam, an event-based sensor, and / or a camera integrated into AVD 12 and controllable by processor 24, capable of collecting photos / images and / or video in accordance with the present principles. AVD 12 may also include a Bluetooth® transceiver 34 and other NFC elements 36 for communicating with other devices using Bluetooth® and / or Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies, respectively. An exemplary NFC element may be a radio frequency identification (RFID) element.

[0026] Additionally, the AVD 12 may include one or more auxiliary sensors 38 (e.g., motion sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, cyclometer, or magnetic sensor; infrared (IR) sensors; optical sensors; speed and / or cadence sensors; event-based sensors; gesture sensors (e.g., for sensing gesture commands)) that provide input to the processor 24. The AVD 12 may include an over-the-air television broadcast port 40 for receiving over-the-air television broadcasts that provide input to the processor 24. In addition to the above, it should be noted that the AVD 12 may also include an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or IR receiver and / or IR transceiver 42, such as an IR Data Association (IRDA) device. A battery (not shown) may be provided to power the AVD 12 and may also be a kinetic energy harvester that converts kinetic energy into power to charge the battery and / or to supply the AVD 12. A graphics processing unit (GPU) 44 and a field-programmable gate array 46 may be included. One or more haptic generators 47 may be provided to generate haptic signals that can be sensed by a person holding or touching the device.

[0027] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1 , in addition to the AVD 12, the system 10 may include one or more other CE device types. In one example, the first CE device 48 may be a computer game console that can be used to transmit computer game audio and video to the AVD 12 via commands sent directly to the AVD 12 and / or through a server, as described below, while the second CE device 50 may include similar components to the first CE device 48. In the example shown, the second CE device 50 may be configured as a computer game controller operated by a player or a head-mounted display (HMD) worn by a player. While only two CE devices are shown in the example shown, it should be understood that a fewer or greater number of devices may be used. The devices herein may implement some or all of the components shown for the AVD 12. Any of the components shown in the following figures may incorporate some or all of the components shown for the AVD 12.

[0028] Referring now to the aforementioned at least one server 52, it includes at least one server processor 54, at least one tangible computer-readable storage medium 56, such as disk-based or solid-state storage, and at least one network interface 58 that, under the control of the server processor 54, enables communication with other devices of Figure 1 via network 22, and may indeed facilitate communication between the server and client devices in accordance with the present principles. It should be noted that the network interface 58 may be, for example, a wired or wireless modem or router, a Wi-Fi transceiver, or other suitable interface, such as, for example, a wireless telephone transceiver.

[0029] Thus, in some embodiments, server 52 may be an entire internet server or server "farm" and may include and perform "cloud" functionality such that, for example, in an exemplary embodiment for a network gaming application, devices of system 10 may access the "cloud" environment via server 52. Alternatively, server 52 may be implemented by one or more game consoles or other computers located in or near the same room as the other devices shown in FIG.

[0030] The components shown in the following figures may include some or all of the components shown in FIG.

[0031] 2 illustrates that a controller 200 according to the present principles may be used to input control signals to a computer simulation console 202 to control the presentation of a computer simulation running on the console 202, on a display 204. The display 204 may be, for example, a TV, a head-mounted display (HMD), or other display.

[0032] 3 illustrates that a controller 200 in accordance with the present principles may be used to input control signals to a computer simulation server 300 to control the presentation of a computer simulation executed on the server 300 and streamed to a display 204, such as may be implemented by server 52 of FIG. 1. Note that the simulation may be streamed directly from the server 300 to the display 204 or through the simulation console 202 shown in FIG. 2.

[0033] Reference is now made to Figures 4-10 for exemplary details of the controller 200 shown in Figures 2 and 3. The individual components of the controller 200 discussed below may be made of plastic, such as injection molded plastic, inkjet printed plastic, composite material, metal, or a combination thereof, including those that may be manufactured by the manufacturer or end user.

[0034] The base 400 in the illustrated example has a rounded peripheral support on a plurality of control buttons thereon, including a central control (CC) button 402 operable to transmit signals to a computerized device, such as the server 300 of FIG. 3 or the simulation console 202 of FIG. 2, when the computerized device is in wired and / or wireless communication with a controller. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the CC button 402 may be rounded and have a gently convex upper surface. Other shapes may be used.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the CC button 402 has two functions: a normal operation button and an arm / palm rest. The CC button 402 can have a locking mechanism to stop it from moving up or down when used as a palm / arm rest.

[0036] A circular light-emitting portion 403 (best shown in FIG. 7) is disposed around the center button so that the light-emitting portion is equally visible from all directions. One or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light sources may be disposed beneath portion 403, which may be transparent or translucent, to provide light that propagates through portion 403.

[0037] A plurality of peripheral control (PC) buttons 404 surround the circular light-emitting portion 403 and thus surround the CC button 402 as shown, completely surrounding the CC button 402 in the non-limiting example shown, leaving only small gaps between adjacent PC buttons. The PC buttons 404 may have different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. If desired, some of the PC buttons 404 may have the same size, shape, color, and texture. Each PC button is operable to send a signal to a computerized device when the computerized device is in communication with the device.

[0038] 4 and 6, one or more of the PC buttons 404 may have an outer edge strip that overhangs (extends radially outward beyond the periphery) from the base 400 to facilitate button swapping with a single finger, elbow, etc. As such, the upper edges of the PC buttons may have a shape that protrudes beyond the edge of the controller base 400.

[0039] In the non-limiting example shown, the first PC button 406 in plan view includes a curved inner periphery 408 closest to the CC button 402 and side surfaces 410 that flare outward to a slightly curved or straight outer periphery 412. The outer periphery 412 is larger (longer) than the inner periphery 408. The first PC button 406 may have a flat or gently convex top surface and may slope from the center of the top surface in both the radial dimension (the dimension from the center of the controller toward the outer edge of the controller) and the azimuthal dimension.

[0040] In the non-limiting example shown, the first PC button 406 is adjacent to a second PC button 414, which in turn is adjacent to a third PC button 416, which may be of the same configuration and size as the second PC button 414. Unlike the first PC button 404, the second and third PC buttons 414, 416 may have upwardly sloping outer regions 418, 420, respectively, and instead of having sides flaring outward from their respective inner peripheries to their respective outer peripheries, the inner and outer peripheries are substantially the same length, and the sides 422 of the second and third PC buttons 414, 416 are straight so that, together with the inner and outer peripheries, they establish a racetrack-shaped periphery for the respective PC button. Alternatively, the sides 422 may be gently convex and, together with the inner and outer peripheries, establish an oval-shaped periphery for the respective PC button.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the second and third PC buttons 414, 416 each have an upwardly sloping outer region 418, 420, essentially representing a gradient discontinuity beginning at the edge of the downwardly sloping inner region.

[0042] In the non-limiting example shown, the fourth PC button 424 may be adjacent to the third PC button 416 and may have the same planar shape and the same configuration of the upwardly sloping outer region 426 as the second and third buttons 414, 416.

[0043] In the non-limiting example shown, the fifth PC button 428 may be adjacent to the fourth PC button 424 and may have a flat or gently continuously sloping downward profile from a convex inner periphery 430 of the fifth PC button 428, closest to the CC button, to a convex outer periphery 432.

[0044] In the non-limiting example shown, the sixth PC button 434 may be adjacent to the fifth PCT button 428 and may be configured in the same shape as the fifth PC button 428, but may be larger in size than the fifth PC button 428.

[0045] In the non-limiting example shown, the seventh PC button 436 may be between the sixth PC button 434 and the first PC button 406 as shown and may be larger than the other PC buttons. As best shown in FIG. 6 , the seventh PC button 436 may have a concave inner periphery 438 with outwardly flaring straight sides 440 extending from the inner periphery 438 to a convex outer periphery 442, in contrast to the other PC buttons which may have a convex inner periphery.

[0046] One or more (in the illustrated example, all) of the PC buttons 404 may be removably engaged with the base 400. In the specific, non-limiting example shown, as best shown in FIG. 7, each PC button 404 may be removably engaged with a respective pad 700 on the base 400. The removably engagement may be a friction or snap fit between the PC button 404 and its respective pad 700, or, as best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the engagement may be magnetic. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, each button 402, 404 may be coupled to a respective ferromagnetic plate 900 (steel or the like) to magnetically engage with a respective magnet 902 in the respective pad 700. It should be understood that the magnet may be in the button and the ferromagnetic plate may be in a pad on the base.

[0047] Thus, button covers can be moved to different underlying controls on base 400. Similarly, the functionality of the controls themselves can be defined by the user.

[0048] Each button 402, 404 may have its own unique color that is distinct from the other buttons. Alternatively, some buttons 402, 404 may have a first color and one or more other buttons may have a color that is different from the first color. For example, second through fourth buttons 414, 416, 424 may all have the same color, which may be different from the color of the other buttons. One or more buttons may have a raised Braille pattern embossed or otherwise formed on the top of the button to assist the visually impaired in identifying the button.

[0049] The top surface of each button 402, 404 that is touched by the user may have its own unique texture that is different from the other buttons. Alternatively, some buttons 402, 404 may have a first texture, and one or more other buttons may have a texture that is different from the first texture. For example, the second through fourth buttons 414, 416, 424 may all have the same texture, which may be different from the texture of the other buttons. The first texture may be, for example, smooth, and the second texture may be, for example, roughened, lined, dimpled, or another tactilely distinct texture.

[0050] Other button shapes than those described above may be used. A different number of buttons than those described above may be used. This recognition is part of the principles of the present invention and does not form part of the prior art.

[0051] Returning to FIGS. 4-7 , in addition to a plurality of control buttons 402, 404 disposed on the base 400 and operable to transmit signals to a computerized device when the computerized device is in communication with the device, an analog stick unit (ASU) 444 is reciprocally engaged with the base 400 for movement between a proximal position ( FIGS. 4-6 ), in which a control portion 446 of the ASU 444 is closely juxtaposed with the base 400, and an extended position ( FIG. 7 ), in which the control portion 446 of the ASU 444 is spaced apart from the base 400. Additionally, as described elsewhere herein, the control portion 446 is rotatable relative to the base 400. In both the proximal and extended configurations, as well as in various angular orientations, the ASU's control portion 446 can be operated to input control signals to the computerized device.

[0052] Control portion 446 may be a joystick-type input device. "North" of control portion 446 may be defined at the factory or by the user to best suit the user's needs, for example, using a user interface that allows the user to define which radial direction of ASU 444 should be "north."

[0053] Additional control keys 447 may be provided next to the control portion 446 on the ASU 444, as shown, for manipulation to generate additional control signals for game play.

[0054] 5, the ASU 444 in turn includes a flat platform including a slide 448 having opposing parallel sides 450 that is slidably engaged with a receptacle 452 in the base 400 (e.g., by being slidably engaged with a flat, disk-shaped base plate 454 of the base 400). It will be appreciated that the receptacle 452 is at the bottom of the base 400 and the control buttons 402, 404 are at the top of the base.

[0055] The flat platform may also include a disk-shaped support 456 at one end of the slide 448 to which the control portion 446 is rotatably mounted. In the example shown, both the support 456 and the control device 446 are round and have substantially equal diameters. The support 456 and the slide 448 may be made from a single piece of material, such as plastic. Alternatively, a separate structure may be used to combine a non-slip rubber part with a plastic part.

[0056] Control device 446 is operable to generate a signal to a computerized device. In one non-limiting example, perhaps best shown in Figure 7, control device 446 may include a point-and-click device, and in the example shown, may include a button 458 with a button cover 460 for depressing button 458 to generate a signal, button 458 being attached to a rotatable ball 462 in an upwardly rising round socket 464 in the center of ASU 446, as shown.

[0057] The button cover 460 has a relatively large size and is formed with a string hole at the top to receive a string or cord thereon for tying or carrying.

[0058] With regard to electrical connectors associated with the ASU 446, all connectors 466 (FIG. 4), such as, but not limited to, a universal serial bus (USB) connector, may be located on the opposite side of the analog stick unit to avoid cable interference with the user's operation of the analog stick. In particular, the USB connector may be located 180 degrees away from, and opposite to, the analog stick. This is because the USB cable is the thickest of all cables expected to be connected to a device, which may affect the placement of the device during use.

[0059] Additionally, the digital audio connector and analog audio connector look the same and can be placed on either side of the USB connector so that they can be distinguished from each other.

[0060] In some embodiments, a flexible buckle attachment 468 (FIG. 5) made from soft materials such as silicone, rubber, and elastic materials can be attached to the back of the base 400. The flexibility of the buckle attachment allows it to conform to the part to which it is attached, such as a user's leg, arm, or wheelchair arm, thereby providing a stable attachment.

[0061] In the example shown, two threaded holes 470 may be formed in the bottom or other surface of the base 400, as best illustrated in Figure 5. Respective fasteners 472 may pass through respective holes 474 in the attachment 468 and engage with holes 470 in the base 400 to hold the base and attachment together. Other attachments, such as a tripod 476, may be engaged with the base 400 as well.

[0062] 11 illustrates an alternative button layout in which eight peripheral buttons 1100 surround a round central button 1102. The peripheral buttons 1100 may have the same shape and size and, in the example shown, may be shaped like the first PC button 406 shown in FIG. 4. The buttons may be arranged symmetrically around the periphery of the base in this and other embodiments.

[0063] 12 illustrates an alternative button layout in which peripheral buttons 1200 surround a round central button 1202. Some or all of the peripheral buttons 1200 may have the same shape and size, such as round. In the example shown, four of the peripheral buttons 1200 are round, and one of the round peripheral buttons is smaller than the other three peripheral buttons, while one of the peripheral buttons (labeled 1204) is oval and curved azimuthally, as shown. Two of the peripheral buttons (labeled 1206) may be small, flat, rectilinear buttons.

[0064] 13 illustrates a controller 200 according to the present principles engaged with an attachment 1302 (in this case a flexible leg band or strap that may secure the controller 200 to the leg or other part of a user 1304). Attachment may be as described above, for example, using fasteners and screw holes at the base of the controller so that the controller 200 can only be oriented in one or two directions when attached to the user's thigh.

[0065] In some embodiments, two controllers may be provided, one configured for optimal operation with one hand of the user and the other configured for optimal operation with the other hand of the user.

[0066] Although particular embodiments are shown and described in detail herein, it should be understood that the subject matter encompassed by the present invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A device, a central control (CC) button operable to send a signal to a computerized apparatus when said computerized apparatus is in communication with said device; a plurality of peripheral control (PC) buttons surrounding the CC button, each operable to send a signal to the computerized device when the computerized device is in communication with the device.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the CC button is round.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the computerized equipment comprises a computer simulation console.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the computerized apparatus comprises a computer simulation server.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein a first one of the PC buttons includes an outer region that slopes upward.

6. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein a first one of the PC buttons comprises a contour that curves continuously from an inner periphery of the first one of the PC buttons that is closest to the CC button to an outer periphery of the first one of the PC buttons.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least a first of the PC buttons is removably engaged with a base that holds the CC button and the PC button.

8. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a first one of the PC buttons, when viewed from above, has a curved inner periphery closest to the CC button and a side surface that flares outward toward the curved outer periphery of the first one of the PC buttons, the curved outer periphery being larger than the curved inner periphery.

9. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein at least a second one of the PC buttons, when viewed from above, has a curved inner periphery closest to the CC button and a side that flares outward toward a curved outer periphery of the second one of the PC buttons, the curved outer periphery being larger than the curved inner periphery, and the second one of the PC buttons being larger than the first one of the PC buttons.

10. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the curved inner periphery of the first one of the PC buttons is convex, and at least a second one of the PC buttons, viewed from above, has a curved inner periphery closest to the CC button and a side that flares outward toward the curved outer periphery of the second one of the PC buttons, the curved outer periphery being larger than the curved inner periphery, and the curved inner periphery of the second one of the PC buttons is concave.

11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the second one of the PC buttons is larger than the first one of the PC buttons.

12. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least a first one of the PC buttons, when viewed from above, comprises an oval perimeter.

13. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least a first one of the PC buttons, as viewed from above, comprises a racetrack-shaped perimeter.

14. The device of claim 7 , wherein at least the first of the PC buttons is magnetically engaged with the base.

15. 1. A method comprising: generating a computer simulation signal for controlling the computer simulation using a central control (CC) button on the base of the control device; and generating computer simulation signals for controlling said computer simulation using a plurality of peripheral control (PC) buttons on said base that completely surround said CC button.

16. A computer simulation control device, A base and a rounded central control (CC) element on the base; a first number of peripheral control (PC) elements surrounding the CC element, the CC element and PC elements operable to control a computer simulation.

17. 17. The computer simulation controller of claim 16, wherein the first number is seven.

18. The computer simulation controller of claim 16 wherein a first one of the PC elements comprises an outer region that slopes upward.

19. 17. The computer simulation controller of claim 16, wherein at least a first one of the PC elements, viewed from above, has a curved inner periphery closest to the CC button and sides that flare outward toward the curved outer periphery of the first one of the PC elements, the curved outer periphery being larger than the curved inner periphery.

20. 20. The computer simulation control device of claim 19, wherein the curved inner periphery of the first one of the PC elements is convex, and at least a second one of the PC elements, viewed from above, has a curved inner periphery closest to the CC element and a side that flares outward toward the curved outer periphery of the second one of the PC elements, and the curved inner periphery of the second one of the PC elements is concave.

Images