U.S. Pat. No. 11,794,098

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

User input control devices, such as game controllers, may be shaped/sized to fit an average hand size of a population of users. Likewise, finger-manipulatable controls (e.g., push buttons, triggers, joysticks, directional pads) that are integral to a game controller have traditionally been designed according to a “one size fits all” approach. However, different users may have different preferences on the shape, size, color, texture, or other attributes of such controls.

The present disclosure is directed to a customizable game controller that includes one or more finger manipulatable controls that can be swapped out in a tool-free manner. For example, such a configuration may facilitate the use of differently configured removable controller accessories that are customized for particular types of video games to be quickly swapped on the game controller when switching between playing different video games. In another example, such a configuration may facilitate the use of differently configured removable controller accessories that are preferred by different players to be quickly swapped on the game controller when the game controller is used by the different players.

FIGS.1and2show an example user input control device in the form of a game controller100. The game controller100may be configured to translate user input into control signals that are provided to a computing device, such as a gaming console. The control signals may be mapped to commands to control a video game or perform other operations. For example, the game controller100may be configured to send control signals via a wired or wireless connection with a computing device.

The game controller100includes a plurality of controls102configured to generate different control signals responsive to finger manipulation. One or more of the plurality of controls102may include a removable finger pad114. The removable finger pad114may be one of a plurality of differently configured removable controller accessories removably affixable to the game controller100. For example, various differently configured removable controller accessories may have different sizes, shapes, and/or textured surfaces that are preferred by different users or may be suited for particular gaming or other purposes.

In the depicted implementation, the plurality of controls102includes a plurality of action buttons104(e.g.,104A,104B,104C,104D,104E,104F,104G,104H, and104I), a plurality of joysticks106(e.g., a left joystick106A and a right joystick106B), a plurality of triggers108(e.g., a left trigger108A and a right trigger108B), and a directional pad110. The plurality of controls102may be coupled to a frame120(shown in more detail inFIG.9). The frame120may be contained collectively within an upper housing portion122and a lower housing portion124of the game controller100. In other words, the upper housing portion122and the lower housing portion124may cooperate to form a housing that contains at least a portion of each of the plurality of controls102that are coupled to the frame120.

A printed circuit board126may be coupled to the frame120. The printed circuit board126may include a plurality of electronic input sensors128. Each electronic input sensor may be configured to generate an activate control signal responsive to interaction with a corresponding control. Non-limiting examples of electronic input sensors may include dome switches, tactile switches, Hall Effect sensors, potentiometers, and other electronic sensing components. Any suitable sensor may be implemented in the game controller100. In some implementations, two or more printed circuit boards may be used.

The game controller100may include any number of controls, any type of controls, any number of electronic input sensors, and any type of electronic input sensors without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Each of the action buttons104may be configured to activate a corresponding electronic input sensor128to generate an activate control signal responsive to being depressed (e.g., via finger manipulation). For example, each control signal associated with an action button may be mapped to a video game operation. Different video games may have different mappings of control signals to operations. In some cases, each action button may be mapped to a different operation. In other cases, two action buttons may be mapped to a same operation.

Each of the joysticks106may be configured to provide two-dimensional input that is based on a position of the joystick in relation to a default “center” position. For example, the joysticks may interact with electronic input sensors in the form of potentiometers that use continuous electrical activity to provide an analog input control signal.

Each of the triggers108may be configured to provide a variable control signal based on a position of the trigger relative to a default position. For example, as a trigger is pulled farther away from the default position a characteristic of the generated control signal may increase in magnitude.

In the depicted implementation, the directional pad110is the only control on the game controller100that is configured to interface with a plurality of differently configured removable controller accessories such that a selected removable controller accessory may be removably affixed to the game controller100. In particular, the directional pad110includes a mounting platform112configured to interface with a selected removable controller accessory in the form of a removable finger pad114. The mounting platform112may include a topside118including an accessory-retention interface118′ configured to interface with a mounting interface116′ of the removable finger pad114.

As such, the directional pad110includes the mounting platform112and the removable finger pad114when the removable finger pad114is removably affixed to the mounting platform112.

In the illustrated example, the removable finger pad114has a cross-shaped structure that includes a plurality of branches that extend in four different directions (e.g., up, down, left, right). The removable finger pad114may include a topside115that includes a finger interface115′. The finger interface115′ may include any suitable surface, feature, shape, and/or structure configured to be touched and/or manually manipulated by a finger to provide user input.

The removable finger pad114may include an underside116that is opposite the topside115. The underside116may include the mounting interface116′. The mounting interface116′ may include any suitable surface, feature, shape, and/or structure configured to selectively mate with the mounting platform112to removably affix the removable finger pad114to the game controller100. For example, the mounting interface116′ of the removable finger pad114may have a shape that complements a shape of an accessory-retention interface118′ of the mounting platform112. Such corresponding interfaces may aid the removable finger pad114in aligning with the mounting platform112to removably affix the removable finger pad114to the game controller100.

Furthermore, the mounting platform112may include one or more accessory-retention features (examples of which are shown at least atFIGS.5-6and14-19) configured to removably affix various removable controller accessories to game controller100without the use of any tools. Such accessory-retention features may allow for differently configured removable controller accessories to be quickly and easily interchanged without the use of tools.

The directional pad110may be configured to reside in a default posture when no touch force is applied to the directional pad110. In the default posture, the directional pad110does not cause any of the plurality of electronic input sensors128to generate an activate control signal indicative of touch input. Further, the directional pad110may be configured to move from the default posture to a selected activation posture responsive to a touch force being applied to the directional pad110. The selected activation posture may be one of a plurality of different activation postures that each generate a different activate control signal or combination of activate control signals by interfacing with different electronic input sensors.

Note that the activation signal indicative of touch input produced in the selected activation posture may be any signal that differs from a signal or lack thereof produced in the default posture. For example, in some implementations, the activation signal may correspond to a supply voltage (e.g., VDD) of the game controller100and the signal produced in the default state may correspond to a relative ground. (e.g., 0). In other implementations, the activation signal may correspond to a relative ground and the signal produced in the default state may correspond to the supply voltage of the game controller100.

In the depicted implementation, the directional pad110is depressable in four different directions (e.g., up, down, left, and right) to interface with different electronic input sensors that generate different activate control signals. In some implementations, the four different directions may correspond to four different activation postures that generate four different activate control signals to provide four-way directional input. In some implementations, combinations of activate control signals corresponding to pressing the directional pad110in two directions (e.g., up and left) at one time may be interpreted as additional activation postures corresponding to diagonals in between the four directions to provide eight-way directional input. In some implementations, the directional pad110may include a number of directions different than four or eight. For example, the directional pad110may include two or more different directions.

Note that the mounting platform112may be further configured such that when a removable controller accessory is not affixed to the mounting platform112, a touch force may be applied directly to the mounting platform112. The mounting platform112may be configured to translate the touch force into movement of the mounting platform112that applies an activation force to one or more electronic input sensors to generate one or more different control signals. In other words, the mounting platform112may function as a directional pad itself when a removable controller accessory is not affixed to the mounting platform112. In one example, an activation force may include an amount of force sufficient to actuate a dome switch. The activation force may be any suitable amount of force to activate an electronic input sensor.

Although the mounting platform112may translate a touch force to an activation force, the mounting platform112may otherwise differ from a traditional directional pad. For example, the mounting platform112may be recessed from a surface of the upper housing portion122of the game controller100in order to accommodate a thickness of the removable finger pad114. As such, the removable finger pad114will not excessively protrude from the mounting platform112and interfere with operation of other controls (e.g., joystick106A) of the game controller100. Further, the topside118of the mounting platform112may have abrupt edges that are configured to mate with the finger pad114. In contrast, traditional directional pads may have edges and surfaces that are contoured to comfortably accommodate a user's thumb.

In the depicted implementation, the directional pad110is the only control of the plurality of controls102on the game controller100that is configured to removably affix differently configured removable controller accessories to the game controller100. In other implementations, the game controller100may include more than one control that is configured to removably affix differently configured removable controller accessories to the game controller100. Further, in some implementations, the game controller100may include different types of controls other than the directional pad110that are configured to removably affix differently configured removable controller accessories to the game controller. For example, one or more of the joysticks, action buttons, or triggers may be configured to removably affix differently configured removable controller accessories to the game controller100.

In some implementations where two different controls are configured to removably affix removable controller accessories to the game controller100, each such control may be configured to interact with a different group of removable controller accessories. In particular, the different removable controller accessories in a given group may have a same mounting interface that is configured to be removably affixed to a particular control. In other words, a selected removable controller accessory may only be compatible with one of the two controls. In other implementations, where two different controls are configured to removably affix removable controller accessories to the game controller100, both controls may be configured in the same manner such that a selected removable controller accessory may be compatible to be removably affixable to both controls.

FIGS.3and4show interfacing sides of the mounting platform112and the removable finger pad114. In particular,FIG.3shows the topside118(e.g., the accessory-retention interface) of the mounting platform112. The mounting platform112includes a cross-shaped protrusion300that extends from a base piece302. The cross-shaped protrusion includes a plurality of branches304(e.g.,304A,304B,304C,304D) that extend in different directions (e.g., up, down, left, right). In the depicted implementation, each of the plurality of branches304have the same length. In other implementations, different branches of the cross-shaped protrusion300may have different lengths. The mounting platform112may include any suitable number of branches that extend in any suitable direction(s). In some implementations, the mounting platform112may include an accessory-retention interface118having a non-branch shape. For example, the accessory-retention interface118may include a circle, triangle, square, star, or other shape.

Furthermore, the base piece302includes a plurality of mounting tabs306(e.g.,306A,306B,306C) that are configured to interact with the frame120(shown in more detail inFIG.9) to couple the mounting platform112to the game controller100. When the mounting platform112is coupled to the frame120, the plurality of mounting tabs306may be inserted into corresponding mounting brackets902(shown inFIG.9) of the frame120to inhibit the mounting platform112from twisting in the game controller100.

FIG.4shows the underside116of the removable finger pad114. The underside116may include a mounting interface116′ configured to have a shape that complements the shape of the accessory-retention interface (e.g., the cross-shaped protrusion300) of the mounting platform112. In particular, the underside116of the removable finger pad114may be concave to form a hollowed out cross-shaped cavity400including a plurality of valleys402(e.g.,402A,402B,402C,402D). The cross-shaped cavity400may be sized slightly larger than the cross-shaped protrusion300such that when the removable finger pad114is installed on the mounting platform112, the cross-shaped cavity400covers the cross-shaped protrusion300. In particular, the plurality of valleys402may extend downward over the plurality of branches304. In one example, the height of the cross-shaped protrusion300may be at least as great as a depth of the cross-shaped cavity400such that when the removable finger pad114is installed on the mounting platform112, a floor404of the cross-shaped cavity400rests on the cross-shaped protrusion300.

Furthermore, the removable finger pad114may include a plurality of grip notches406(e.g.,406A,406B). Each of the plurality of grip notches406may be positioned on an exterior side408of each branch of the cross shape that spans between the topside115and the underside116. The plurality of grip notches406may be configured to be gripped by fingers of a user to facilitate easy removal of the removable finger pad114from the mounting platform112. The removable finger pad114may include any suitable number of grip notches406, including zero grip notches.

The removable finger pad114may be made at least partially of ferromagnetic material, and the removable finger pad114may be removably affixable to the mounting platform112through a magnetic attraction between a plurality of magnets506(shown inFIG.5) and the ferromagnetic material of the removable finger pad114. In some implementations, the removable finger pad114may be a single ferromagnetic metal part. For example, the metal part may be injection-molded. In another example, the part may be machined from a single piece of metal. In other implementations, the removable finger pad114may be an assembly including one or more ferromagnetic parts.

FIG.5-6show an underside500of the mounting platform112. The underside500of the mounting platform112may be configured to interface with the frame120(as shown inFIG.9) to couple the mounting platform112to the game controller100. In particular, the mounting platform112may include a pivot piece502configured to interface with a socket904(shown inFIG.9) of the frame120. The socket904and the pivot piece502may collectively form a joint about which the mounting platform112is pivotable in a plurality of directions (e.g., up, down, left, right) relative to the frame120. The pivot piece502may be positioned in the center of the mounting platform112such that the mounting platform112may pivot in a similar manner (e.g., angle, distance) in each direction. Moreover, the plurality of mounting tabs306of the mounting platform112may be inserted into the corresponding plurality of mounting brackets902of the frame120to inhibit the mounting platform112from twisting relative to the frame120, when the mounting platform112pivots in a particular direction.

The mounting platform112may assume a directionally-neutral default posture when the pivot piece502is centered in the socket904. Further, the mounting platform112may be configured to move from the default posture to an activation posture in which the mounting platform112pivots away from the directionally-neutral default posture. For example, the mounting platform112may move from the default posture to a selected activation posture responsive to a touch force being applied to the removable finger pad114.

In some implementations, the mounting platform112may be configured to pivot into any one of four activation postures corresponding to the plurality of branches304of the mounting platform112. In other implementations, the mounting platform112may be configured to pivot into any one of eight activation postures corresponding to the plurality of branches304as well as the diagonals between the branches. In other implementations, the mounting platform112may be configured to pivot into any one of a number of activation postures other than four or eight. For example, the mounting platform112may be configured to pivot into any one of two or more activation postures.

The mounting platform112may include a plurality of sensor-activation features herein depicted in the form of projections504(e.g.,504A,504B,504C,504D). The plurality of projections504may be positioned on the underside500of the mounting platform112to align with a plurality of electronic input sensors128(e.g.,128A,128B,128C,128D shown inFIG.9) when the mounting platform112is coupled to the frame120. In particular, when the mounting platform112is in the default posture, the plurality of projections504may hang over (or touch) the plurality of electronic input sensors128without activating the plurality of electronic input sensors128. In other words, when the mounting platform is in the default posture, none of the electronic input sensors128may generate an activate control signal indicative of user input.

Furthermore, when the mounting platform112moves from the default posture to a selected activation posture, one or more projections504may interface with one or more corresponding electronic input sensors128to generate one or more activate control signals indicative of user input. For example, when an “up” touch force is applied to the removable finger pad114, projection504A is pushed into corresponding electronic input sensor128A to generate an activate control signal indicative of user input in the “up” direction.

The projections504are merely one non-limiting example of a sensor-activation feature of the mounting platform112. A sensor-activation feature may take any suitable form. Moreover, the mounting platform112may include any suitable number of sensor-activation features configured to interface with any suitable number of electronic input sensors.

The mounting platform112may include a plurality of accessory-retention features herein depicted in the form of magnets506(e.g.,506A,506B,506C,506D) configured to removably affix the removable finger pad114to the mounting platform112. The plurality of magnets506may be positioned in a plurality of troughs508(e.g.,508A,508B,508C,508D) formed underneath the cross-shaped protrusion300(shown inFIG.3). The plurality of troughs508may have a depth to accommodate the plurality of magnets506such that the plurality of magnets are at least flush (or recessed) with the underside500of the mounting platform112. The plurality of magnets506may be coupled to the plurality of troughs508in any suitable manner. For example, the plurality of magnets506may be coupled to the plurality of troughs508using pressure-sensitive adhesive.

FIGS.7-8show the removable finger pad114aligned to be installed on the mounting platform112. InFIG.7, the mounting platform112is mounted to the frame120(as shown inFIG.9), and the mounting platform112protrudes through an aperture700defined by a rim702located on the upper housing portion122. As shown inFIG.8, the removable finger pad114may be removably affixed to the mounting platform112along an interface direction (α). Further, the plurality of magnets506each may be positioned such that a pole of each magnet extends in a direction (e.g., β or γ) that is not parallel to the interface direction (α) between the removable finger pad114and the mounting platform112. In one particular example, the pole of each magnet may extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the interface direction (α). Further, each magnet may be positioned such that a pole of the magnet is orientated in a direction that is rotated ninety degrees away from a pole of each neighboring magnet.

Such a magnet orientation may allow the removable finger pad114to slide beyond the topside118of the mounting platform112to allow the removable controller accessory to cover the mounting platform112. If the plurality of magnets were oriented such that a pole of each magnet extended in the interface direction (α) or a direction parallel to the interface direction, then the underside116of the removable finger pad114would be attracted to the topside118of the mounting platform112. Such a configuration would make it difficult for the valleys402of the removable finger pad114to slide over the branches304of the cross-shaped protrusion300.

Note that the corresponding cross-shaped features of the mounting platform112and the removable finger pad114as well as the corresponding plurality of magnets and the ferromagnetic material all may act as accessory-retention features that contribute to making the removable finger pad114removably affixable to the mounting platform112. In particular, the corresponding cross-shaped features of the mounting platform112and the removable finger pad114may cooperate to initially align the removable finger pad114with the mounting platform112. Further, the plurality of magnets506and the ferromagnetic material may cooperate to retain the removable finger pad114affixed to the mounting platform112.

Any suitable number of magnets506may be employed to removably affix the removable finger pad114to the mounting platform112. Moreover, such magnets506may take any suitable form. For example, a single large ring magnet may be used in place of the four rectangular magnets of the depicted implementation. In order to accommodate a ring magnet, the mounting platform112and the removable finger pad114may have a circular or toroidal shape instead of a cross shape. Such an implementation would still allow for the pivot piece502to be positioned at the center of the mounting platform112. Further, the plurality of magnets506may be oriented in the mounting platform112according to any suitable orientation.

Furthermore, in some implementations, the removable finger pad114may include magnets and the mounting platform112may be made at least partially of ferromagnetic material that is configured to be attracted to the plurality of magnets of the removable finger pad114. In some implementations, both the removable finger pad114and the mounting platform112may include magnets that are configured to be attracted to each other.

FIG.9shows a portion of the frame120without the mounting platform112installed on the frame120. The plurality of mounting brackets902may be used to align the mounting platform112with the frame120such that the pivot piece502may interface with the socket904to collectively form a joint about which the mounting platform112is pivotable in a plurality of directions relative to the frame120. Further, the plurality of mounting brackets902(e.g.,902A,902B,902C) may be sunken below a rim900of the frame120in order to accommodate the plurality of mounting tabs306such that the mounting platform112may be prevented from twisting relative to the frame120when the mounting platform112pivots in a given direction.

The printed circuit board126may be coupled beneath the frame120such that the plurality of electronic input sensors, depicted herein in the form of a plurality of dome switches128(e.g.,128A,128B,128C,128D), may be aligned to interact with the plurality of projections504when the mounting platform112is installed on the frame120. In particular, the plurality of dome switches128may be recessed relative to the frame120, and more particularly relative to the socket904such that when the mounting platform112is in the default posture, the plurality of projections504do not activate the plurality of dome switches128. Moreover, when the mounting platform112pivots from the default posture to an activation posture in a particular direction, a projection504corresponding to the direction may be lowered to activate a corresponding dome switch128.

The frame120includes a plurality of supports906(e.g.,906A,906B,906C,906D) that extend out from the socket904. The plurality of supports906may be positioned to align with the plurality of troughs508of the mounting platform112when the mounting platform112is installed on the frame120. In particular, each support may be configured to extend at least to an opening of a corresponding trough to maintain a magnet in the trough when the mounting platform112is installed on the frame1120. The plurality of supports906may act as magnet retention features that may keep the magnets in the troughs even when an adhesive or other coupling mechanism fails.

FIG.10shows a portion of the frame120with the mounting platform112installed on the frame120, the removable finger pad114removably affixed to the mounting platform112, and the upper housing portion122removed to show the underlying structure. In particular, a spring clip1000may be positioned between the frame120and the mounting platform112, and the plurality of mounting tabs306may extend under the spring clip1000to couple the mounting platform112to the frame120. The spring clip1000may be configured to return the mounting platform112from an activation posture to the default posture when a touch force to the removable finger pad114has been lifted. For example, when the removable finger pad114is depressed, the spring clip1000resists the depressions and biases the removable finger pad114towards popping back up to the default posture. Note that the spring clip1000may be covered by the upper housing portion122(shown inFIG.2) of the game controller100, and the mounting platform112may be exposed via the aperture700(as shown inFIG.7) defined by the rim702located on the upper housing portion122.

In some implementations, different variations of the removable finger pad114having differing attributes may be swapped on the mounting platform112. Non-limiting examples of such differing attributes, may include different branch thickness of the cross shape, different cross height, different branch angles, different materials, different surface textures, additional tactile features (e.g., bumps), different colors, different artwork, and other attributes.

In some implementations, differently configured removable controller accessories other than a removable finger pad may be removably affixed to the mounting platform112.FIGS.11-13show non-limiting examples of some such removable controller accessories.FIG.11shows a removable controller accessory1100including a topside1102and an underside1104opposite the topside1102. The topside1102includes a finger interface1106sized and shaped for manual manipulation by a finger. In the depicted implementation, the finger interface1106includes a concave dish having a smooth surface. Such a finger interface may mimic a contour of a user's thumb. For example, the smooth surface of the rounded dish may be useful for applications where large circular rotations of the directional pad may be performed frequently. In another implementation, the finger interface1106may include a concave dish having a textured surface (e.g., bumps, ridges, depressions, or patterns).

Furthermore, the underside1104includes a mounting interface1108configured to selectively mate with an accessory-retention feature of the mounting platform112of the game controller100to removably affix the removable controller accessory1100to the mounting platform112. In the depicted implementation, the mounting interface1108may include a cross-shaped concave cavity that is configured to mate with the cross-shaped protrusion300of the mounting platform112. In other words, the mounting interface1108may have features that compliment features of the mounting interface116′ of the removable finger pad114(shown inFIG.4). In some implementations, the removable controller accessory1100may be made at least partially of ferromagnetic material that is configured to have a magnetic attraction to the magnets506of the mounting platform112.

FIG.12shows a removable controller accessory1200including a topside1202and an underside1204that is opposite the topside1202. The topside1202includes a finger interface1206depicted in the form of a joystick. The joystick may provide a movable shaft or lever that can be easily flicked in a particular direction. For example, such a lever may be useful for applications where the same control (or direction) is activated repeatedly, such as to scroll through items in an inventory. Furthermore, the underside1204includes a mounting interface1208configured in the same manner as the mounting interface1108of the removable controller accessory1100.

FIG.13shows a removable controller accessory1300including a topside1302and an underside1304that is opposite the topside1302. The topside1302includes a finger interface1306depicted in the form of a concave dish including a plurality of planar facets. Furthermore, the underside1304includes a mounting interface1308configured in the same manner as the mounting interface1108of the removable controller accessory1100and the mounting interface1208of the removable controller accessory1200.

Because the removable controller accessories114,1100,1200, and1300all have similarly configured mounting interfaces that are configured to mate with the mounting platform112, each of these removable controller accessories may be quickly and easily swapped on the game controller100.

In some implementations, the mounting platform112of the game controller100alternatively or additionally may include one or more non-magnetic accessory-retention features. Moreover, in such implementations, a removable controller accessory may include a mounting interface configured to mate with such accessory-retention features to removably affix the removable controller accessory to the mounting platform.

FIGS.14-15show an example configuration in which a snap fastener is employed as an accessory-retention feature to removably affix a removable controller accessory1500to a mounting platform1400. In particular, the mounting platform1400includes a snap fastener1402. The snap fastener1402may be configured to interlock with a corresponding mating feature1502of the removable controller accessory1500to removably affix the removable controller accessory1500to the mounting platform1400. In the depicted implementation, the mounting platform1400also includes a plurality of alignment features1402(e.g.,1402A,1402B,1403C,1402D) configured to fit into a plurality of cavities1502(e.g.,1502A,1502B,1502C,1502D) of the removable controller accessory1500to prevent the removable controller accessory1500from translating or rotating relative to the mounting platform1400.

Any suitable number of cooperating snap fasteners, mating features, and/or alignment features may be employed on the mounting platform1400and the removable controller accessory1500to removably affix the removable controller accessory1500to the mounting platform1400. Moreover, the snap fasteners may take any suitable form. Furthermore, the snap fasteners may be positioned either at the center of the mounting platform, towards the extremities, or both. In some implementations, the snap fastener(s)1402may be located on the removable controller accessory1500and the mating feature(s)1502may be located on the mounting platform1400. In some implementations, a subset of snap fasteners and mating features may be located on the removable controller accessory1500and another subset of snap fasteners and mating features may be located on the mounting platform1400.

FIGS.16-17show an example configuration in which complimentary wedge surfaces are employed as accessory-retention features to removably affix a removable controller accessory1700to a mounting platform1600. The mounting platform1600includes a cross-shaped alignment feature1602. The alignment feature1602may be either raised or depressed to align with a cross-shaped alignment feature1702of the removable controller accessory1700.

The mounting platform1600includes a protrusion1604that includes a plurality of wedge surfaces1606(e.g.,1606A,1606B,1606C,1606D,1606E,1606F,1606G,1606H). Further, the removable controller accessory1700includes a cavity1704that includes a plurality of wedge surfaces1706(e.g.,1706A,1706B,1706C,1706D,1706E,1706F,1706G,1706H). When the removable controller accessory1700is removably affixed to the mounting platform1600, the cavity1704may mate with the protrusion1604of the mounting platform such that complimentary wedge surfaces of the mounting platform1600and the removable controller accessory1700interface with each other. In particular, friction between the complimentary wedge surfaces may removably affix the removable controller accessory1700to the mounting platform1600. In some implementations, the complimentary wedge surfaces may have high-friction textures that increase friction between complimentary wedge surfaces. The mounting platform1600and the removable controller accessory1700may include any suitable number of complimentary pairs of wedge surfaces. Moreover, the complimentary pairs of wedge surfaces may take any suitable form (e.g., different angles, lengths, orientations).

FIGS.18-19show an example configuration in which a twist-to-lock mechanism is employed as an accessory-retention feature to removably affix a removable controller accessory1800to a mounting platform1802. The removable controller accessory1800includes a male portion1804and a radial pin1806that extends radially outward from the male portion1804. Further, the mounting platform1802includes a female portion1808having a side in which an L-shaped slot1810is formed. The male portion1804may be inserted into the female portion1808until the radial pin1806is stopped at a heel of the L-shaped slot1810. The removable controller accessory1800may be rotated clockwise to move the radial pin1806to a toe of the L-shaped slot1810to affix the removable controller accessory1800to the mounting platform1802.

The twist-to-lock mechanism may take any suitable form. For example, the removable controller accessory may include any suitable number of radial pins. In another example, the mounting platform1802may include a slot having any suitable shape. In some implementations, the male portion may be biased upward such that radial pin is pushed upward into a toe catch of an L-shaped slot. In another example, the radial pin may be outwardly biased, and the toe of the slot may include a depressable catch. In such a configuration the catch may be depressed to release the pin from the toe in order for the male portion to be twisted relative to the female portion.

In other implementations, the mounting platform and the removable controller accessory may include cooperating screw threads that act as accessory-retention features to removably affix the removable controller accessory to the mounting platform by screwing the removable controller accessory onto the mounting platform.

Although the concept of swappable accessories are discussed mainly in the context of a game controller, such concepts may be broadly applicable to any suitable user input control device.

In another example implementation, a game controller comprises an electronic input sensor, and a mounting platform including an accessory-retention feature and a sensor-activation feature. The accessory-retention feature may be configured to removably affix a selected removable controller accessory to the mounting platform. The selected removable controller accessory may be one of a plurality of differently configured removable controller accessories removably affixable to the mounting platform The mounting platform may be configured to move from a default posture to an activation posture responsive to finger manipulation of the selected removable controller accessory when the selected removable controller accessory is affixed to the mounting platform. The sensor-activation feature interfaces with the electronic input sensor to generate an activate control signal in the activation posture. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the accessory-retention feature includes one or more magnets. The selected removable controller accessory is made at least partially of ferromagnetic material. The selected removable controller accessory is removably affixable to the mounting platform through a magnetic attraction between the one or more magnets and the ferromagnetic material. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the one or more are each positioned such that a pole of each magnet extends in a direction that is not parallel to an interface direction between the selected removable controller accessory and the mounting platform. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the selected removable controller accessory includes one or more magnets. The mounting platform is made at least partially of ferromagnetic material. The selected removable controller accessory is removably affixable to the mounting platform through a magnetic attraction between the one or more magnets and the ferromagnetic material. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the game controller comprises a frame including a socket configured to interface with a pivot piece of the mounting platform. The socket and the pivot piece collectively form a joint about which the mounting platform is pivotable in a plurality of directions relative to the frame. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the accessory-retention feature includes one or more magnets positioned in one or more troughs formed in the mounting platform. The frame includes one or more supports that extend at least to an opening of the one or more troughs to maintain the one or more magnets in the one or more troughs when the mounting platform is installed on the frame. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the selected removable controller accessory includes a finger interface and a mounting interface. One or more other of the plurality of differently configured removable controller accessories have a differently configured finger interface and a same mounting interface as the selected removable controller accessory. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the accessory-retention feature includes one or more snap fasteners configured to interlock with one or more corresponding mating features on the selected removable controller accessory to removably affix the selected removable controller accessory to the mounting platform. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the accessory-retention feature and the selected removable controller accessory form a twist-to-lock mechanism. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the mounting platform includes a cross-shaped protrusion. The selected removable controller accessory has a cross-shaped concave mounting interface configured to cover the cross-shaped protrusion when the selected removable controller accessory is removably affixed to the mounting platform.

In another example implementation, a game controller comprises an electronic input sensor and a mounting platform including one or more magnets and a sensor-activation feature. The one or more magnets may be configured to magnetically attract a selected removable controller accessory made at least partially of ferromagnetic material to removably affix the selected removable controller accessory to the mounting platform. The selected removable controller accessory may be one of a plurality of differently configured removable controller accessories removably affixable to the mounting platform. The mounting platform may be configured to move from a default posture to an activation posture responsive to finger manipulation of the selected removable controller accessory when the selected removable controller accessory is affixed to the mounting platform. The sensor-activation feature interfaces with the electronic input sensor to generate an activate control signal in the activation posture. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the one or more magnets are each positioned such that a pole of the magnet extends in a direction that is not parallel to an interface direction between the selected removable controller accessory and the mounting platform. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the game controller further comprises a frame including a socket configured to interface with a pivot piece of the mounting platform. The socket and the pivot piece collectively form a joint about which the mounting platform is pivotable in a plurality of directions relative to the frame. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the one or more magnets are positioned in one or more troughs formed in the mounting platform. The frame includes one or more supports that extend at least to an opening of the one or more troughs to maintain the one or more magnets in the one or more troughs when the mounting platform is installed on the frame. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the selected removable controller accessory includes a finger interface and a mounting interface. One or more other of the plurality of differently configured removable controller accessories have a differently configured finger interface and a same mounting interface as the selected removable controller accessory. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the mounting platform includes a cross-shaped protrusion. The selected removable controller accessory has a cross-shaped concave mounting interface configured to cover the cross-shaped protrusion when the selected removable controller accessory is removably affixed to the mounting platform.

In another example implementation, a game controller comprises a plurality of electronic input sensors, and a mounting platform including a cross-shaped protrusion having four branches, a plurality of sensor-activation features corresponding to the four branches of the cross-shaped protrusion, and an accessory-retention feature. The accessory-retention feature may be configured to removably affix a removable controller accessory to the mounting platform. The removable controller accessory may have a cross-shaped concave mounting interface configured to cover the cross-shaped protrusion when the removable controller accessory is removably affixed to the mounting platform. The mounting platform may be configured to move from a default posture to a selected activation posture responsive to finger manipulation of the removable controller accessory when the removable controller accessory is affixed to the mounting platform. The selected activation posture may be one of four activation postures corresponding to the four branches of the cross-shaped protrusion. A sensor-activation feature associated with a branch corresponding to the selected activation posture interfaces with a corresponding electronic input sensor to generate an activate control signal in the selected activation posture. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the mounting platform includes a plurality of troughs formed underneath the cross-shaped protrusion. The retention feature includes a plurality of magnets positioned in the plurality of troughs. Each magnet is positioned such that a pole of the magnet extends in a direction that is not parallel to an interface direction between the removable controller accessory and the mounting platform. The removable controller accessory is made at least partially of ferromagnetic material. The removable controller accessory is removably affixable to the mounting platform through a magnetic attraction between the plurality of magnets and the ferromagnetic material. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the game controller comprises a frame including a socket configured to interface with a pivot piece of the mounting platform, the socket and the pivot piece collectively forming a joint about which the mounting platform is pivotable in a plurality of directions relative to the frame. In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with any of the features described herein, the removable controller accessory is one of a plurality of differently configured removable controller accessories removably affixable to the mounting platform. The removable controller accessory includes a finger interface and a mounting interface. One or more other of the plurality of differently configured removable controller accessories may have a differently configured finger interface and a same mounting interface as the removable controller accessory.

It will be understood that the configurations and/or approaches described herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The specific routines or methods described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies. As such, various acts illustrated and/or described may be performed in the sequence illustrated and/or described, in other sequences, in parallel, or omitted. Likewise, the order of the above-described processes may be changed.

The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various processes, systems and configurations, and other features, functions, acts, and/or properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.