GB2608588A

GB2608588A - Input devices for providing an input to a computer program

Info

Publication number: GB2608588A
Application number: GB2109197.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Meyer-Rassow Chris
Original assignee: Chymera Machina Ltd
Current assignee: Chymera Machina Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-25
Filing date: 2021-06-25
Publication date: 2023-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-25
Also published as: GB202109197D0; GB2608588B

Abstract

A computer input device comprising: a housing 4; an actuation member 24 arranged to slide into the housing between first and second positions; and a detector 48, 50 to detect the position of the actuator including a position between the first and second positions. In the first position, the actuator member protrudes from the housing. In the second position, the actuator member is depressed into the housing. The actuator member is configured to slide on a bearing 36 into the housing. The actuator member assembly includes a frame for mounting the assembly in the housing of an input device. The housing includes a gripping portion, a top surface accessible to the user’s thumb, and a rear portion accessible to the user’s index finger. The actuator member moves in a plane which is parallel to the top surface.

Description

Input Devices for Providing an Input to a Computer Program The present invention relates to input devices for providing input to a computer program, for example to input devices in the form of handheld gaming controllers or handheld gaming consoles.

Gaming controllers, which are used for providing an input to a gaming program, typically comprise a plurality of depressible input buttons which are accessible to a user's thumbs and fingers during use. Such gaming controllers also typically comprise buttons, often referred to as bumpers, and pivotally mounted triggers, which are arranged on the rear shoulders of the gaming controller. The bumpers provide a binary input, i.e. the gaming controller simply determines whether they are depressed or not. The triggers typically provide an analog input, whereby the position of the trigger in its range of motion determines the input provided by the trigger. This allows the triggers to be used to provide a plurality of inputs to the gaming program, wherein the input is defined based on the position of the trigger. Such triggers are pivotally mounted to the gaming controller such that as a user presses the trigger, the trigger pivots into a housing of the gaming controller.

Whilst pivotally mounted triggers are known to provide a trigger with a good range of motion, i.e. a maximised stroke length, due to the pivotal mounting of such triggers, pivotally mounted triggers may cause gaming controllers to have an increased depth. In certain applications, it may be undesirable to have a gaming controller which has a large depth.

The present invention aims to address, or at least mitigate, one or more of the problems outlined above and when viewed from a first aspect provides an input device, for providing an input to a computer program, comprising: a housing; an actuation member, for operation by a user, arranged to slide into the housing, wherein the actuation member is arranged to slide between a first position whereby the actuation member protrudes from the housing and a second position whereby the actuation member is depressed into the housing; a detector configured to detect a position of the actuation member including at least one position between the first position and the second position; and wherein the actuation member is configured to slide on a bearing into the housing. -2 -

Accordingly, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the input device according to the present invention comprises an actuation member which is arranged to slide into the housing, and wherein the detector is capable of detecting the position of the actuation member between the first and second positions. The position detected by the detector may be converted into an input for the computer program. The detector may be capable of detecting the actuation member at a plurality of positions between, and including, the first and second positions. The actuation member may be considered to be capable of providing an analog input to the computer program. The at least one position between the first and second positions may be referred to as an intermediate position. As such, the detector may be capable of detecting the actuation member at a plurality of intermediate positions between the first and second positions. The detector may have any suitable resolution. For example, the detector may have at least an 8 bit resolution whereby it is capable of detecting 256 different positions of the actuation member. The detector may have a 10 bit resolution whereby it is capable of detecting 1024 different positions of the actuation member.

The actuation member may be considered to be a sliding trigger. When providing an analog input, it is important that the position of the actuation member relative to the housing can be accurately controlled by a user, so as to allow the user to provide the input desired. The use of a bearing to guide the actuation member into the housing may advantageously minimise any friction involved in the sliding of the actuation member. This may allow the position of the actuation member to be controlled more accurately by a user of the input device. The use of a bearing may also advantageously mean that there are no sudden resistances to motion of the actuation member as it is depressed. The use of a bearing may improve the feel of the operation of the actuation member for a user. For example, the bearing may make the movement of the actuation member feel smoother and more precise.

With respect to the sliding actuation member, it will be appreciated that the actuation member is arranged such that the entire of the actuation member slides into the housing, i.e. it is not pivotally mounted. This is contrasted to a pivotally mounted actuation member where a portion of the actuation member effectively remains fixed around its pivot point. Accordingly, pivotally mounted actuation members are not considered to be actuation members which are arranged to slide. Further, as will be appreciated, the bearing is arranged such that it at least partially constrains the movement of the actuation member such that it slides relative to the housing. -3 -

The actuation member may be arranged on any part of the input device such that it can be operated by a user. The position of the actuation member may depend on the particular use of the input device and/or the particular shape of the housing of the input device. For example, the actuation member may be arranged on a top surface of the housing which is accessible to a user's thumb during use. However, due to the sliding nature of the actuation member, the actuation member need not, necessarily, occupy a large space in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the actuation member slides. Accordingly, in a set of embodiments, the housing comprises: a gripping portion which is shaped to be gripped, in use, by a palm of a user's hand; a top surface which is accessible to a user's thumb during use; and a rear portion which is accessible to at least the user's index finger during use; wherein the actuation member is arranged, at least partially, on the rear portion.

The use of an actuation member which slides on the rear portion, as opposed to a pivotally mounted trigger which pivots in a plane perpendicular to the top surface, may advantageously allow the depth of the input device, i.e. the depth of the rear portion, to be kept to a minimum.

The top surface may comprise at least one button which is operated by a user. The actuation member may be arranged such that it extends partially between the rear portion and the gripping portion such that is arranged on a shoulder portion extending between the rear portion and gripping portion. The actuation member may thus be arranged in a position similar to triggers on typical gaming controllers. In a further set of embodiments, the actuation member is arranged to slide in a plane that is parallel to a plane in which the top surface extends. In addition, or alternatively, the input device may further comprise a printed circuit board arranged within the housing, and the actuation member may be arranged to slide in a plane that is parallel to a plane in which the printed circuit board extends. This arrangement may advantageously help to minimise the overall depth of the input device.

The bearing, which facilitates smooth sliding of the actuation member, may be guided by any suitable means. In a set of embodiments, the input device comprises a bearing guide on which the bearing slides. The bearing guide may be manufactured from a relatively hard material. For example, the bearing guide may be manufactured from a metal, such as stainless steel.

Alternatively, the bearing guide may be manufactured from a hard plastic, e.g. polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The bearing itself may be manufactured from a material having a low coefficient of friction, for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyoxymethylene (POM). The bearing guide may have any suitable shape which is complementary to the bearing. For example, the bearing guide may be in the form of an elongated rod, for example having a -4 -circular cross-section and the bearing may be in the form of a hollow sleeve. In this example, the elongated rod may extend through the hollow sleeve.

In a further set of embodiments, the bearing comprises a sleeve arranged to slide along the bearing guide. In such embodiments, the bearing may thus be considered to be a linear bearing. The sleeve may, for example, have a cylindrical cross-section. In a further set of embodiments, the sleeve comprises an internal portion which comprises a contact surface which contacts the bearing guide, and wherein the internal portion comprises at least one slot extending at least partially along the internal portion such that the internal portion comprises a separated surface which is not in contact with the guide.

The presence of at least one slot may reduce the friction between the sleeve and the bearing guide, thus allowing the actuation member to slide more easily. The at least one slot may comprise a plurality of slots. The plurality of slots may have any suitable arrangement. In embodiments wherein the sleeve has a cylindrical cross-section, the slots may be arranged in an equiangular manner around the internal portion of the sleeve. The at least one slot may comprise air or dedicated lubricant arranged therein to minimise the friction between the bearing and the bearing guide. The slot(s) may extend along part or all of the length of the bearing.

In a set of embodiments, a length of the bearing is greater than or equal to a maximum dimension of the bearing guide in a direction perpendicular to the direction which the bearing is arranged to slide. For example, if the bearing guide is in the form of a cylindrical rod and the bearing is in the form of a corresponding cylindrical sleeve, the maximum dimension of the bearing guide in a direction perpendicular to the direction which the bearing is arranged to slide is the diameter of the rod, and the length of the bearing would be the length of the sleeve in the direction in which the sleeve slides. Depending on the specific form of the bearing, the bearing may be considered to comprise sub-bearings, i.e. spaced portions of the bearing which interact with the bearing guide. In such examples, the length of the bearing would be the length between the ends of the two most separated sub-bearings. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, having a bearing with a length that is greater than or equal to the maximum dimension of the bearing guide may substantially prevent the bearing, and thus the actuation member, from rotating away from an axis of the bearing guide. This may, therefore, improve the stability of the actuation member and improve its feel for a user.

The bearing may have any suitable form that is capable of reducing the friction of the sliding of the actuation member. In a set of embodiments, the bearing is a plain bearing. A plain bearing -5 -may be considered to be a bearing which does not comprise any rolling elements. Such a bearing may advantageously minimise the number of moving parts within the input device, which may improve the reliability of the input device. In an alternative set of embodiments, the bearing comprises a rolling element. The rolling-element may, for example, comprise a ball bearing. The rolling element, similarly to a plane bearing, may minimise any friction and allow the actuation member to slide in a smooth manner.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the specific form of the bearing may determine the way in which the actuation member is able to move relative to the housing. If, for example, the bearing guide has a circular cross-section, and the bearing has a corresponding circular cross-section, without further restraint of the actuation member, the actuation member may be able to rotate around an axis of the bearing guide, in addition to being able to slide relative to the bearing guide. Accordingly, in a further set of embodiments the input device comprises a further guide arranged to at least partially constrain the actuation member to move in a sliding manner. The further guide may constrain the actuation member in any suitable manner. For example, the guide element may comprise a groove into which the actuation member extends. The combination of the bearing and the further guide may together constrain the actuation member to slide relative to the housing.

In a further set of embodiments, the actuation member comprises a guide element which interacts with the further guide so as to guide the sliding of the actuation member. The guide element may, for example, comprise any suitable element that interacts with the further guide so as to guide movement of the actuation member. The further guide may, for example, comprise a linear rod and the guide element may be shaped to extend at least partially around the linear rod. For example, the linear rod may be cylindrical and the guide element may have a C-shaped profile which partially extends around the guide element. The further guide may extend in a direction parallel to a direction in which the actuation member is arranged to slide. Of course, any suitable further guide and guide element which is capable of guiding the movement of the actuation member may be used.

In some embodiments, a single bearing may be capable of sufficiently reducing the friction to a desired amount. However, in a set of embodiments, the input device comprises a further bearing, and wherein the actuation member is arranged to slide on the further bearing into the housing. The combination of multiple bearings may advantageously minimise the amount of friction thus potentially maximise the smoothness of the operation of the actuation member. The bearing and further bearing may together constrain the actuation member so as to be only -6 -capable of sliding. The further bearing may have the same form as the bearing described above. In any of the embodiments discussed above, the bearing, the guide element and/or the further bearing may be integrally formed with the actuation member, or be a separate component which is coupled thereto.

The actuation member may slide in any suitable manner. For example, the actuation member may slide along a non-linear path, e.g. a curved path. The bearing, further bearing, and/or the further guide, may constrain the actuation member to slide along a non-linear path. However, in a set of embodiments, the actuation member is arranged to slide linearly. As such, the actuation member will slide in a straight line. Arranging the actuation member to slide linearly may simplify the design of the input device and minimise the cost and complexity of its manufacture. In such embodiments, the bearing may be considered to be a linear bearing, or linear-motion bearing.

In a set of embodiments, the housing comprises at least one gripping portion which is shaped to be gripped by a palm of a user's hand in use, and wherein the actuation member is arranged to slide in a direction away from the gripping portion. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in sliding away from the gripping portion, the actuation member may be considered to slide in a direction into the housing away from a palm of a user's hand during use. The actuation member may, for example, slide in a direction away from the gripping portion towards a central portion of the input device. In embodiments wherein, for example, the input device further comprises joysticks, the actuation member may slide in a direction towards the joysticks. In being arranged to slide in a direction away from the gripping portion, the actuation member may slide into the housing irrespective of where the user applies a force to the actuation member. The user may apply a force to an external face of the actuation member. For example, even when a user only applies a force to one side of the actuation member, the actuation member will nonetheless slide into the housing due to the applied force including a component of force in the direction of which the sliding member is arranged to slide. This may, therefore, mean that input device can comfortably be used by user's with a wider range of hand sizes. The actuation member may, for example, be arranged to slide at an angle of at least 30 degrees, e.g. at least 35 degrees, e.g. at least 45 degrees to the gripping portion, such that it slides diagonally into the housing.

A user may apply a force to the actuation member to move it from the first position, into the second position, or any intermediate position therebetween. A user may then have to manually move the actuation member to move it from the second position, or any intermediate position, -7 -back into the first position. However, in certain applications this may not be desirable and in a set of embodiments, the input device further comprises a spring element arranged to bias the actuation member towards the first position. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the actuation member will be forced back to the first position when a force applied to the actuation member by the user is less than a bias force provided by the spring element. This may make operation of the user input device easier for a user. The spring element may have any suitable form that is capable of providing a biasing force to the actuation member. The spring element may, for example, be in the form of a compression spring (e.g. a helical or conical spring), a leaf spring, a torsion spring, or a resiliently deformable element.

In a set of embodiments, the spring element is a helical spring and wherein the input device further comprises a spring guide member which extends through a core of the helical spring and arranged to restrict the direction in which the spring can be compressed. The helical spring may be arranged such that it is compressed by the actuation member as the actuation member is moved towards the second position. The use of a helical spring may advantageously provide a linearly increasing force as the spring element is compressed. The spring guide member extending through the core of the helical spring may minimise the amount by which the spring element snags as it is compressed, thereby helping to ensure that the spring force increase linearly as the spring element is compressed. It may be easier, and potentially less expensive, to manufacture a guide member which extends through the core of the helical spring to a higher accuracy, when compared to the formation of a spring guide elsewhere on the input device, for example a spring guide integrally formed within the actuation member.

In a further set of embodiments, the spring guide member is in the form of a rod. A rod may be manufactured to a high tolerance more easily, and potentially at less expense, when compared to the manufacture of a recess in the actuation member to the same tolerance. The rod may be in the form of a cylindrical rod.

The detector may comprise any suitable detector that is capable of detecting the position of the actuation member at a plurality of positions in its range of motion. The detector may output a signal, or have a property, which is dependent on the position of the actuation member. Suitable circuitry on the input device may then translate this signal or property into a suitable input for the computer program. In a set of embodiments, the detector comprises a potentiometer having an adjustable electrical resistance and wherein the potentiometer is arranged such that the position of the actuation member controls the electrical resistance of the potentiometer. The potentiometer may be fixed to the housing and the actuation member may -8 -be arranged such that it acts on the potentiometer to adjust its resistance. Alternatively, the potentiometer may be arranged on the actuation member and the potentiometer may interact with an element of the housing such that as the actuation member moves the electrical resistance of the potentiometer is adjusted. The input device may further comprise suitable electronics configured to determine the position of the actuation member based on the electrical resistance, i.e. an adjustable property, of the potentiometer. The potentiometer may be a sliding or rotating potentiometer.

In an alternative set of embodiments, the detector comprises a magnetic element and a Hall sensor arranged to measure a magnitude of a magnetic field of the magnetic element, and wherein one of the magnetic element or the Hall sensor is arranged to move with actuation member, and the other of the magnetic element or Hall sensor is mounted in a fixed position relative to the housing. For example, the magnetic element may be mounted on the actuation member, or a part coupled thereto, such that it moves with the actuation member. In detecting the magnitude of the magnetic field of the magnetic element, the Hall sensor effectively acts to measure the separation of the magnetic element and the Hall sensor. The output from the Hall sensor may be suitably processed to provide an input for the computer program. The use of a Hall sensor and magnetic element may help to minimise the friction and thus allow the actuation member to be pressed into the housing with minimal mechanical resistance, which may improve the feel of the actuation member.

The actuation member may have any suitable shape such that it can be pressed by user. In a set of embodiments, the actuation member comprises an actuation surface against which a user presses their finger in use, and wherein the actuation surface has a curved profile. The curved profile of the actuation surface may advantageously allow the input device to be comfortably used by a greater number of different users. For example, users with different sized hands and/or fingers may still be able to comfortably operate the actuation member without compromising their gripping position on the input device. The curved surface may also advantageously convert any force applied by a user into a component that acts in the direction in which the actuation member slides.

The input device may be any device that is capable of providing an input to a computer program. In a set of embodiments, the input device is a handheld gaming controller.

The handheld gaming controller may be used to provide input to any appropriate computer program. The computer program may comprise a videogame. For example, the handheld gaming controller may provide an input to a computer program embodied on a dedicated -9 -gaming console or a PC. Similarly, the handheld gaming controller may provide an input to a computer program embodied on a portable gaming device. Such a portable gaming device may, for example, comprise a smartphone. In such embodiments, the handheld gaming controller may be suitably attached to the portable gaming device. The input device may be in wired or wireless communication with a device which includes the computer program.

In a set of embodiments, the input device is a handheld gaming console. Such a handheld gaming console may comprise a display for displaying a game. The handheld gaming console may also comprise a processor and memory on which the computer program is embodied. The use of a sliding actuation member, which is able to provide an analog input, on such handheld gaming consoles may advantageously keep the depth of the handheld gaming console to a minimum. This may help to facilitate the portability of the handheld gaming console.

The Applicant has recognised that it may be possible for the actuation member to be provided as part of an assembly which can be inserted into a housing of an input device. Accordingly, when viewed from a second aspect the invention provides an actuation member assembly for use in an input device for providing an input to a computer program, the assembly comprising: a frame for mounting the actuation member assembly in a housing of an input device; an actuation member arranged to slide relative to the frame; and a bearing arranged to facilitate the sliding of the actuation member relative to the frame.

Accordingly, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the actuation member assembly may be mounted in any suitable input device. The frame may comprise any suitable structure which is capable of supporting the actuation member. The frame may, for example, be in the form of a casing, which at least partially encases the actuation member and the bearing.

In a set of embodiments, the actuation member is arranged to slide from a first position to a second position, and wherein the actuation member assembly comprises a detector configured to detect the position of the actuation member, and wherein the detector is configured to detect the position of the actuation member including at least one position between the first and second positions. The detector may detect a plurality of positions of the actuation member between, and optionally including, the first and second positions. The actuation member and detector may thus be capable of providing an analog input for a computer program. In such embodiments, wherein the actuation member assembly includes the detector, the actuation member assembly may be coupled to an input device which itself does not necessarily comprise a detector.

-10 -In a further set of embodiments, the actuation member assembly comprises an electrical connector, which is coupled to the detector, for connecting to an input device in use.

Any of the features of the embodiments of the input device described above with respect to the first aspect of the invention may also be applied to the actuation member assembly of the second aspect of the invention.

The Applicant has recognised that the use of an actuation member which is constrained to move in a plane which is parallel to a top surface of the input device may advantageously allow the depth of the input device to be minimised, irrespective of the way in which the way in which actuation member moves. Thus, in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handheld input device comprising: a housing arranged to be held in a user's hand, wherein the housing comprises: a gripping portion which is shaped to be gripped in a palm of a user's hand; a top surface which is accessible to a user's thumb during use of the handheld input device; and a rear portion which is accessible to at least the user's index finger during use of the handheld input device; an actuation member, arranged on the rear portion and arranged to move in a plane that is parallel to the top surface, and wherein the actuation member is arranged to move from a first position in which it protrudes out of the housing to a second position where it is depressed, at least partially, into the housing; and a detector arranged to detect a position of actuation member including at least one position between the first and second positions.

By constraining the actuation member to move in the plane which is parallel to the top surface of the input device, the depth of the input device may be kept to a minimum as the movement of the actuation member does not use the depth of the input device to provide its stroke length. As will be appreciated, by constraining the actuation member to move in a plane that is parallel to the top surface, the actuation member is arranged to move in a plane which is parallel to a plane in which the top surface, or at least a portion thereof, extends.

In a set of embodiments, the actuation member is constrained to slide in the plane that is parallel to the top surface. In such embodiments, the actuation member may have any of the features of the embodiments discussed above with respect to the first and second aspects of the invention. For example, it may include a bearing along with the other associated features.

In an alternative set of embodiments, the actuation member is pivotally mounted such that it pivots in the plane that is parallel to the top surface of the housing. Despite being pivotally mounted, due to the direction in which the movement is constrained, the depth of the controller can nonetheless be kept to a minimum.

Whilst it is described above that the actuation member moves in a plane which is parallel to the top surface, the input device may comprise a printed circuit board arranged within the housing and the actuation member may instead be constrained to move in a plane which is parallel to a plane in which the printed circuit board extends.

In the embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the handheld input device may be a gaming controller or a handheld gaming console as discussed previously with respect to the first aspect of the present invention.

In any of the embodiments discussed above in relation to all three aspects of the invention, where it is described that the actuation member slides or rotates in a plane which is parallel to another plane or surface, parallel should be understood to be substantially parallel. For example, the actuation member may slide or rotate in a plane which is up to 10°, e.g. up to 7° , e.g. up to 5° , e.g. up to 2°, e.g. up to 1° from the plane or surface which it is described as being parallel to. The surface which the actuation member is said to slide or rotate relative to may be non-planar. In such examples, the actuation member may slide in a plane that is parallel to a plane which substantially represents the entire surface or a part thereof. For example, the surface may comprise a planar portion and the actuation member may slide or rotate in a plane which is parallel to the planar portion.

In any of the embodiments discussed above, the first position may correspond to a position whereby the actuation member protrudes from the housing by a maximum amount. The second position may correspond to a position whereby the actuation member is depressed into the housing by a maximum amount.

Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the following drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of an input device in the form of a handheld gaming console; Fig. 2 shows an alternative isometric view of the input device shown in Fig. 1, showing the underside of the input device; Figs. 3A-3C show close-up views of the actuation member of the input device shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 as it is advanced into the housing from a first position, through an intermediate position, into a second position; Fig. 4 shows an isometric view focussing on the actuation member and the associated components, with an upper cover of the housing removed; Fig. 5 shows a plan view of the actuation member and associated components, with the upper cover of the housing removed; Fig. 6 shows a plan view of the actuation member and associated components, with the housing removed entirely; Fig. 7 shows an isometric view of the actuation member and associated components, with the housing removed entirely; Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view through the bearing guide; Figs. 9A-9C show the actuation member being advanced into the housing from the first position, through the intermediate position, into the second position.

Fig. 10 shows a top view of the input device with a front cover of the housing removed; Fig. 11 shows a sectional view through the actuation member revealing the mounting of the spring element; Fig. 12 shows a view of the underside of another embodiment of the input device comprising a bearing which comprises a rolling element; Fig. 13 shows a sectional view through an actuation member of the input device shown in Fig. 12, when viewed from above; Fig. 14 shows a sectional view through the line A-A shown in Fig. 13; Figs. 15A-15c show sectional views through the line B-B shown in Fig. 14 with the actuation member in the first, intermediate and second positions; Figs. 16A-16B show an isometric view of another embodiment of an input device and an underside view focussing on a pivotally mounted actuation member of the input device, when viewed from the underside of the input device; Fig. 17 shows an isometric view of the actuation member of the input device shown in Fig. 16; Figs. 18A-18C show views, from above, of the input device focussing on the actuation member and show the actuation member in the first, second and third positions; Fig. 19 shows an input device and an actuation member assembly separated from the input device according to another embodiment, in isometric view; Fig. 20 shows the input device and actuation member assembly of Fig. 19 in isometric view when viewed from underneath the input device; Fig. 21 shows an isometric view of the actuation member assembly shown in Fig. 19; Fig. 22 shows an isometric view of the actuation member assembly shown in Fig. 21 with an upper cover thereof removed; Fig. 23 shows the actuation member assembly shown in Fig. 19 coupled to a printed circuit board within an input device; Fig. 24 shows an isometric view of an input device, in the form of a handheld gaming controller, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 25 shows an isometric view, when viewed from the underside, of the input device shown in Figure 24; Figures 26A-26B show side views of the actuation member assembly of the input device shown in Figure 1; and Figures 27A-27B show side views of a prior art actuation member.

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an input device 2 in the form of a handheld gaming console. As depicted, the input device 2 comprises a housing 4 which contains the components of the input device 2. The housing 4 comprises gripping portions 6, on either side of the housing 4, which are received in the palm of a user's hand during normal use of the input device 2. The housing 4 further comprises a rear portion 8 which is accessible, at least during normal use, by a user's index finger and middle finger.

The housing 4 further comprises a top surface 10. In the embodiment depicted, the input device 2 is in the form of a handheld gaming console and thus the top surface 10 comprises a display screen 12 thereon. In the embodiment depicted, the top surface 10 is substantially planar. Whilst not depicted, the housing 4 may comprise all the necessary console components, e.g. a processor, a battery, data storage (a memory), speakers, etc. The top surface 10 is accessible to at least a user's thumb, during normal use of the input device 2. As depicted, a plurality of input means are provided on the top surface 10 of the input device 2. For example, a directional pad 14, left and right analog joysticks 16A, 16B, control buttons 18, as well as other general buttons 20 are provided on the top surface 10.

As depicted, a bumper 22 and an actuation member 24 are provided on the rear portion 8 of the input device 2. In the embodiment shown, the bumper 22 and actuation member 24 are curved and extend around a shoulder 23 where the rear portion 8 and gripping portion 6 meet.

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the input device 2 shown in Figure 1, when viewed from the underside of the input device 2. In this view, the bumper 22 and the actuation member 24 can be seen more clearly. In the embodiment depicted, the input device comprises two bumpers 22 and two actuation members 24. Of course the input device may comprise any number of actuation members 24 and bumpers 22. The actuation member 24 extends through an opening 26 in the housing 4. Additionally, the housing 4 comprises a cutaway portion 28 shaped to receive the actuation member 24 as it is depressed into the housing 4.

Further details of the actuation member 24 will now be discussed. Discussion will be focussed on the actuation member 24 on the right-hand side of the input device 2 shown in Fig. 1. However, the actuation member 24 on the left-hand side of the input device 2 functions in an identical manner. Figure 3A is a view focussing on the actuation member 24 when viewed from the underside of the input device 2. The actuation member 24 comprises a contact portion 24A, which a user presses against during use and extension portion 24B which is connected to the contact portion by two screws 30. Of course any suitable connection means may be used. Equally, the contact portion 24A and extension portion 24B may be integrally provided as a single component. The extension portion 24B extends from the contact portion 24A into the housing 24B, through the hole 26 visible in Figure 2.

The contact portion 24A comprises a curved contact surface 32. As discussed previously, a curved contact surface 32 may advantageously allow a user's finger to rest more comfortably against the actuation member 24. Additionally, the curved contact surface 32 may allow the actuation member 24 to be depressed irrespective of the point of contact between the user's finger and the actuation member 24. In the position shown in Figure 3A, the actuation member 24 is in a first position whereby it protrudes out of the housing by a maximum amount.

Figure 3B shows the actuation member 24 in an intermediate position whereby the actuation member 24 has been advanced into the housing 4, but not to its limit. As will be described in more detail with respect to later Figures, the input device 2 is capable of detecting the actuation member 24 being in this intermediate position, or indeed any other intermediate position, and translates this into a suitable input for the computer program. As shown, in this intermediate position, the contact portion 24A is received in the cutaway portion 28 of the housing 28.

Figure 3C shows the actuation member 24 in a second position whereby the actuation member 24 is fully advanced into the housing 4 such that it cannot advance any further. Again, as will be explained in more detail below, the input device 2 is capable of detecting that the actuation member 24 is in this second position.

Figure 4 shows an isometric view focusing on the right-hand actuation member 24, with an upper part of the housing 4 removed so as to reveal the internal components of the input device 2. Figure 5 shows a plan view of the actuation member assembly 23, with the upper part of the housing removed 4. Figure 6 shows a plan view of the actuation member assembly 23, with the housing 4 removed in its entirety. Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the actuation member assembly 23 and its associated components with the housing 4 removed in its entirety.

Further features of the input device 2 will now be described with reference to Figures 4-7. In the embodiment depicted, the actuation member 24 is part of an actuation member assembly 23 which is mounted to the housing 4 of the input device 2. As shown in these Figures, the contact portion 24A of the actuation member 24 is present outside of the housing 4, and the extension member 24B extends from the contact portion 24 into the housing 24B. The actuation member assembly 23 comprises a frame 34 which is mounted to the housing 4 by a plurality of screws 35. The frame 34 supports the components which mount the extension member 24B, or at least parts connected thereto. As will be appreciated, the actuation member assembly may thus be mounted to and demounted from the housing 4 by the screws 35.

A bearing 36, which extends from the extension portion 24B, is arranged to slide on a bearing guide 38. In the embodiments depicted, the bearing guide 38 has a cylindrical cross-section and thus the bearing 36 has a corresponding circular profile so as to extend around the bearing guide 38. The bearing 36 is elongate and extends along a significant portion of the bearing guide 38. Accordingly, as will be appreciated, the bearing 36 can slide linearly along the bearing guide 38. Due to the connection between the bearing 36 and the extension portion 24B, the bearing 36 acts to facilitate the sliding of the actuation member 24 into the housing 4.

In Figures 4-7, the actuation member 24 is shown in the first position. The actuation member 24 is biased into this first position by a spring 40. The spring 40 is in the form of a coiled helical spring. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any other suitable spring element which is capable of providing a bias force which acts to bias the actuation member 24 into the first position may be used. A spring guide 42, in the form of a cylindrical rod, extends through the spring 42. The spring guide 42 acts to guide the movement, e.g. compression and expansion of the spring, which will be described in more detail later with respect to Figure 11. The spring 40 rests against a support 41, which is part of the frame 34, and extends into a spring receiving portion 44 which is connected to the extension portion 24B of the actuation member 24.

-16 -In order to be able to determine the position of the actuation member 24 relative to the housing 4, the input device 2 comprises a magnetic element 46 arranged on a magnetic element support portion 48. The magnetic element support portion 48 is connected to the extension portion 24B such that movement of the extension portion 24B results in corresponding movement of the magnetic element support portion 48. A Hall sensor 50 is arranged on a printed circuit board 52 which is positioned within the housing 4. As such, in this embodiment, the actuation member assembly 23 does not comprise the entire detector, as the Hall sensor 50 is provided on the circuit board 52 which is part of the device 2 rather than the actuation member assembly 23. An embodiment whereby the detector is integrally provided an actuation member assembly will be described later with reference to Figures 19-23. The Hall sensor 50 has an output which is dependent on the magnitude of the magnetic field of the magnetic element 46, detected by the Hall sensor 50. The greater the separation between the Hall sensor 50 and the magnetic element 46, the weaker the detected magnetic field. As such, the Hall sensor 50 and magnetic element 46 together provide a detector that detects the position of the actuation member 24.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 4-7, the printed circuit board 52 is substantially planar, and the actuation member 24 is arranged to slide in a plane that is parallel to the plane in which circuit board 52 extends. The actuation member 24 is also arranged to slide in a plane that is parallel to the plane in which the top surface 10 of the input device extends.

A guide element 54 is connected to the extension portion 24B of the actuation member 24. The guide element 54 is in the form of a semi-circular sleeve and partially wraps around a further guide 56 which is in the form of a cylindrical rod. In the embodiment depicted, the guide element 54 which partially wraps around the further guide 56 acts to prevent the actuation member from rotating around an elongate axis of the bearing guide 38, around which the bearing 36 extends. The bearing 36 and guide 54 therefore acts to ensure that the actuation member 24 is only able to slide relative to the housing 4. The guide element 54 and further guide 56 are not necessary in embodiments wherein the bearing is capable of preventing rotation, for example in embodiments wherein the bearing guide 38 has a square cross section, and the bearing 36 has a corresponding shape, as the bearing 36 may not be able to rotate around the bearing guide 38.

As can be seen most clearly in Figure 6, the length of the bearing 36 in a direction parallel to the direction of motion of the bearing 36, i.e. the length X of the bearing 36, is greater than the diameter Y of the bearing guide 38. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this may -17 -prevent, or at least substantially minimise, the amount by which the actuation member can rotate around an elongate axis of the bearing guide 38.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view through the bearing guide 38, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bearing 36. As can be seen in this Figure, the bearing 36 comprises a plurality of slots 58 which extend along the length of the bearing 36. As a result of the slots 58, the bearing 36 comprises four discrete contact portions 59 which contact the outer surface 39 of the bearing guide 38. The slots 58 define a surface which is separated from the bearing guide 38, and is thus not in contact with the bearing guide 38. The slots 58 may be filled with a lubricant e.g. oil or grease The slots 58 may, therefore, reduce the friction between the bearing 36 and the bearing guide 38 and thus make the sliding of the actuation member 24 smoother. The further guide 56 also has a circular cross-section and the guide element 54 has a C-shaped profile which partially wraps around the further guide 56. Any suitable further guide and guide element may be used which at least partially constrains the actuation member to slide relative to the housing.

The sliding of the actuation member 24 into the housing will now be described with reference to Figures 9A-9B which show an isometric view of the input device 2 focussing on the actuation member 24 and with an upper part of the housing 4 removed to reveal internal components of the input device 2. Figure 9A shows the actuation member 24 in the first position, whereby it extends out of the housing 4 by a maximum amount. The spring 40 biases the actuation member 24 into this position, and holds it in this first position.

Figure 9B shows the actuation member 24 in an intermediate position, located between the first position shown in Figure 9A and the second position shown in Figure 9C. The actuation member 24 slides into the housing 4 into this position. The bearing 36 slides along the bearing guide 38 and provides a smooth sliding action of the actuation member 24. As the actuation member 24 is moved out of the first position towards the second position (seen in Figure 9C), the spring 40 becomes compressed. As a result, a bias force acting to bias the actuation member 24 back towards the first position (seen in Figure 9A), gradually increases. The spring guide 42 acts to guide the compression of the spring 40, and prevents it from buckling as it is compressed. This may help to ensure that the biasing force provided by the spring 40 increases linearly as the spring 40 is compressed, and avoids sudden changes in bias force, which may otherwise provide an undesirable feel to operation of the actuation member 24.

As depicted, as the actuation member 24 moves into the intermediate position, the guide element 54 and further guide 56 act to guide movement of the actuation member 24 and ensure that the actuation member 24 is only able to slide into the housing. As will be appreciated, in the arrangement depicted, the actuation member 24 slides in a plane that is parallel to the plane in which the circuit board 52 extends and a plane that is parallel to a top surface 10 (not visible in this Figure) of the input device 2. As the actuation member 24 moves into the intermediate position, the position of the actuation member 24 relative to the housing 4 is detected by the detector which comprises the Hall sensor 50 and magnetic element 46. The output from the Hall sensor 50 is then used as an input for the computer program. The output from the Hall sensor 50 may undergo appropriate processing using a suitable processor (not depicted).

From the intermediate position depicted in Figure 9B, the actuation member 24 may be advanced further into the housing 4 to a second position which is illustrated in Figure 9C. Similarly to that of Figure 9B, the further sliding of the actuation member 24 will be guided by the bearing 36 on the bearing guide 38, as well as the guide element 54 on the further guide 56.

The Hall sensor 50 will continue to measure the magnetic field of the magnetic element 46 and provide a corresponding input to the computer program.

Once a user releases their finger, or at least the force being applied therefrom, the actuation member 24 will be biased back towards the first position shown in Figure 9A by the spring 40.

The Hall sensor 50 may measure the magnetic field of the magnetic element 46 at a continuous range of positions between the first and second positions, including both the first and second positions, and output a corresponding signal. Accordingly, the actuation member 24 together with the Hall sensor 50 provides an analog input means. The Hall sensor 50 may thus be capable of detecting a plurality of positions of the actuation member 24. The Hall sensor 50, and associated electronics, may have any suitable resolution, e.g. an 8 bit resolution, whereby it is capable of detecting 256 different positions of the actuation member 24, or a 10 bit resolution, whereby it is capable of detecting 1024 different positions of the actuation member 24.

Figure 10 shows a top view of the input device 2, with an upper part of the housing 4 removed so as to reveal the internal components of the input device 2. The actuation member 24 is arranged on the rear portion and slides in the direction indicated by dashed line 59. As visible in this Figure, the direction 59 is away from the gripping portion 6 of the housing 4. As discussed previously, arranging the actuation member 24 to slide in this direction may advantageously mean that irrespective of where a user grips the gripping portion 6, when they apply a force to the actuation member to depress it into the housing, at least a portion of the -19 -applied force will be translated into a sliding force for the actuation member 24. The actuation member 24 may thus reliably slide into the housing 4 irrespective of where a force is applied. Whilst not visible in this Figure, the actuation member 24 slides in a direction which is generally towards the analog joystick 16B shown in Figure 1.

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view through the actuation member 24. As shown in this Figure, the spring guide 42 extends from the support 41, on a first side of the frame 34, through a recess 60 and a channel 62 in the spring receiving portion 44, to a second side to the frame 34 where it is suitably coupled. As will be appreciated, the channel 62 is dimensioned such that the spring receiving portion 44, and hence the actuation member 24, can slide relative to the spring guide 42. The spring 40 extends into the recess 60 and rests against an end-face 64 of the recess 60. As mentioned previously, the spring guide 42 guides the compression of the spring 40, and prevents it from buckling under compression. As a result, contact between the spring 40 and the outer walls 66 may be avoided. This may advantageously mean that the recess 60 does not have to be produced to such accurate tolerances as would be required if the recess 60 guided the compression of the spring 40. This may make manufacture of the input device 2, specifically the actuation member 24 and associated components easier and less expensive.

In the embodiment discussed above, the bearing 36, spring receiving portion 44, magnetic element mounting portion 48 and/or the guide element 54 may be integrally formed with the extension portion 24B or be separate components which are suitably coupled thereto.

Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of an input device 102. Figure 12 shows a view when looking into the underside of the device 102, with an outer cover of the housing removed. The input device 102 is substantially the same as the input device 102 described above, except that the input device 102 comprises actuation member 124 which incorporates a ball bearing.

Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view through the actuation member 124 seen in Figure 12.

The actuation member 124 is shown in a second position in Figure 13, whereby the actuation member 124 is advanced to a maximum amount into the housing 104. Each of the bearings 136 comprises a race 136A which is defined by an inward facing wall of the frame 134 and at least one ball bearing 136B. The race 136A acts as a bearing guide. Each of the ball bearings 136B is supported within a ball bearing recess 136C provided in the extension portion 124B of the actuation member 124. The components are dimensioned such that the ball bearings 136B, when received in the ball bearing recesses 136C, rest against the race 136A. Accordingly, as -20 -will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the bearings 136 act to facilitate sliding movement of the actuation member 124 in a smooth manner.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, a spring 140 is provided to bias the actuation member 124 into the first position. In this embodiment, unlike the earlier embodiment, the spring 140 is guided by a spring recess 160, rather than a spring guide extending through a core of the spring 140. Additionally, in this embodiment, instead of using a Hall sensor and corresponding magnetic element to determine the position of the actuation member, a potentiometer (not visible in this Figure), is provided to detect the position of the actuation member 124. The extension portion 124B of the actuation member 124 comprises a potentiometer actuator 168, which is in the form of a cut-out in the extension portion 124B. As depicted, a slider 170, which is a movable part of the potentiometer (not visible in this Figure) extends into the potentiometer actuator 168.

Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view through the line A-A in Figure 13. As visible in this Figure, the ball bearings 136B, which are received in the ball bearing recesses 136C, also rest against a lower wall 134A of the frame 134 and an upper wall 134B of the frame. As will be appreciated, the interaction between the ball bearings 136B, the races 136A and the upper and lower walls 134A, 134B together restrict the motion of the actuation member 124 to a sliding motion.

Figure 15A-15C show the actuation member 124 in a first position, an intermediate position, and a second position, and also illustrate a potentiometer 170 which acts as a detector to detect the position of the actuation member 124. The potentiometer 170 illustrated is a linear potentiometer, i.e. the slider 170 slides linearly. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable potentiometer, e.g. a rotary potentiometer may be utilised. Figure 15A shows the actuation member 124 in the first position, when in this position, the potentiometer actuator 168, on the extension portion 124B holds the slider 170 of the potentiometer 172 in a corresponding first position. The potentiometer 172 may have a property (e.g. its electrical resistance) and/or output a signal which is dependent on the position of the slider 170, and is thus indicative of the position of the actuation member 124.

Figure 15B shows the actuation member 124 in the intermediate position. As illustrated, the potentiometer actuator 168 has caused the slider 170 to slide into an intermediate position. A property, or signal output by the potentiometer 172 will correspond to the position of the slider and thus indicate that the actuation member 124 is in the intermediate position.

Figure 15C shows the actuation member 124 in the second position whereby it is advanced to a maximum amount into the housing 104. Again, the potentiometer actuator 168 has caused the slider 170 to slide in a second position. A property, or signal output by the potentiometer 172 will correspond to the position of the slider and thus indicate that the actuation member 124 is in the second position. The potentiometer 172 may be capable of detecting the position of the actuation member 124 at a plurality of positions between, and including, the first and second positions.

Figure 16A shows an isometric view of another embodiment of an input device 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The input device 202 is substantially the same as the input device 2 described above and for brevity the discussion of common features will not be repeated. The input device 202 depicted in Figure 16A comprises a pivotally mounted actuation member 224 which is arranged to pivot in a plane which is parallel to the plane in which the top surface 210 extends. Figure 16B shows a plan view of the underside of the input device 202. The actuation member 224 is arranged to rotate into the housing 204 in a plane which is parallel to the top surface of the input device 204. Whilst not shown in this Figure, the input device 202 may also comprise a printed circuit board arranged therein, and the actuation member 224 may rotate in a plane that is parallel to the circuit board, in addition, or alternatively to, the top surface 210 of the input device 202.

Figure 17 shows an isometric view illustrating the actuation member 224 and its relationship to the housing 204 and a bottom surface 272 of the input device 202. The bottom surface 272 may extend in a plane which is parallel to the top surface of the input device 202 Figure 18A shows a view of the input device 202 when viewed from above, with part of the housing 204 removed so as to reveal the components of the input device 202. The view in Figure 18A focusses on one of the actuation members 224. The actuation member 224 is pivotally mounted such that it rotates about a pivot point 276. The actuation member 224 is shown in a first position in Figure 18A. The actuation member 224 is biased towards this first position by spring element 240. In this embodiment, the spring element 240 is a torsion spring. Similarly to the embodiments described above, the actuation member 224 comprises an actuation portion 224A and an extension portion 224B. As depicted, a magnetic element 246 is arranged on the extension portion 224A. A magnetic field of the magnetic element is detected by a Hall sensor 250 which is held in a fixed position relative to the housing 204. Two curved -22 -guides 274 interact with the actuation member 224 to guide the pivotal motion of the actuation member 224.

Figure 18B depicts the actuation member 224 in an intermediate position in between the first position depicted in Figure 18A and the second position depicted in Figure 18C. In this intermediate position, the magnetic element 246 is moved closer to the Hall sensor 250. Accordingly, the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor 250 will be greater, than when in the first position shown in Figure 18A. A corresponding input may thus be transferred to the computer program based on the detected position of the actuation member 224.

Figure 18C depicts the actuation member 224 in a second position whereby the actuation member 224 is fully advanced into the housing 204. In this position, the magnetic element 246 is brought closer to the Hall sensor 250, such that the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor 250 will be at a maximum. When in this second position, and indeed in the intermediate position or any position therebetween, the spring element 240 will bias the actuation member 224 towards the first position. Accordingly, when a user releases the force applied to the actuation member 224, the actuation member 224 will return the first position shown in Figure 18A.

Figure 19 depicts an isometric view of an input device 302 with a housing 304 into which an alternative actuation member assembly 378 may be inserted. The actuation member assembly 378 comprises an actuation member assembly 324 which slides in an identical manner to the actuation member 24 described with respect to earlier embodiments. Figure 20 is an isometric view of the input device 302 when viewed from its underside. As shown in this Figure, the housing 304 of the input device 302 comprises a slot 380 for receiving the actuation member assembly 378. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the actuation member assembly 378 may be inserted into the slot 380 so as to provide a means for providing an input via the input device 302 to a computer program. The actuation member assembly 378 may be held in the slot 380 by any suitable means, e.g. by an interference fit or by one or more selectively releasable catches which hold the actuation member assembly 378 in position within the slot 380.

Figure 21 shows an isometric view of the actuation member assembly 378 in isolation. Similarly to earlier embodiments, the actuation member 324 comprises a contact portion 324A and an extension portion 324B. The extension portion 3248 extends into a frame 382 which encases, and supports, the components of the actuation member assembly 278, the internal contents of which can be seen more clearly in Figure 22. The frame 382 comprises a lower body 382A and an upper cover 382B. The upper cover 382B may be removed from the lower body 382A to allow assembly of the internal components of the frame 382. The frame 382 may be considered to be functionally equivalent to the frame described with respect to earlier embodiments which supports various components, including the bearing guide. An electrical connector 384 extends from the lower body 382A and can be used to connect the actuation member assembly 378 to other components on the input device 302.

Figure 22 shows the actuation member assembly 378 with the upper cover 382B separated from the lower body 382A. As will be appreciated, the internal components of the frame 382 are substantially identical to the components contained within the frame in earlier embodiments, and thus it will be appreciated that the actuation member 324 slides in substantially the same manner. Unlike the earlier embodiments, however, the actuation member assembly 378 includes a Hall sensor 350 mounted within the casing 378. The Hall sensor 350 is mounted such that it is capable of measuring the magnitude of a magnetic element 346 coupled to the actuation member 324. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the actuation member assembly 378 is a self-contained unit which includes the detector, including the Hall sensor 350 and magnetic element 346, capable of detecting the position of the actuation member 324. As such, the input device 302 may not require a separate detector for determining the position of the actuation member 324.

Figure 23 shows a plan view, when viewed from above, of the actuation member assembly 378, with the upper cover 382B removed, when inserted into the housing 304 of the input device 302.

For clarity, all of the housing 304 of the input device has been removed, and only the circuit board 352 is shown. As depicted, the circuit board 352 comprises a complementary electrical connector 386 appropriately arranged thereon such that when the actuation member assembly 378 is inserted into the housing 304 of the input device 302, the electrical connector 384 connects with the complementary electrical connector 386. Whilst not depicted, the circuit board 352 may comprise further electronic circuitry, e.g. a processor, which is electrically connected to the complementary electrical connector 386. As such, signals from the Hall sensor 350 may be transferred, via the electrical connector 384 and the complementary electrical connector 386, to the appropriate circuitry for further processing and subsequent input to a computer program.

-24 -Figure 24 shows an isometric view of an input device 402 in the form of a handheld gaming controller. Figure 25 shows an isometric view of the input device 402, when viewed from an underside. With reference to Figures 24 and 25, the input device 402 is similar to the input device 2 described above, except that it does not comprise a display and associated components of the handheld console. Instead, the input device 402 may be used to provide an input to a computer program embodied on another device, e.g. on a dedicated gaming console or a PC. The input device 402 comprises actuation member 424 which operates in an identical manner to the actuation members 2 described above with respect to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. As will be appreciated, the input device 402 is relatively shallow in depth, due to the sliding arrangement of the actuation member 424.

Figures 26A and 26B show side-on views of the actuation member assembly 23, comprising the actuation member 24, shown in Figure 4, for example. In Figure 26A, the actuation member 24 is in a first position, and in Figure 26B, the actuation member 24 is in a second position. As shown in each of these Figures, the actuation member assembly 23 has a depth X and the depth X does not change as the actuation member 24 moves between the first and second positions. Figures 27A and 27B show side-on views of a typical, prior art, pivotally mounted trigger arrangement 527. The trigger arrangement 527 comprise a pivotally mounted trigger 524. In use, the pivotally mounted trigger is acted on at the point indicated at 525. As depicted in Figure 27B, the trigger assembly has a maximum depth Y. Both the actuation member 24 and the pivotally mounted trigger 524 have the same stroke length, i.e. the distance moved by the actuation member 24, 524 between the first and second positions. As shown, for the same stroke length, the depth X of the actuation member assembly 23 is significantly less than the depth Y of the trigger arrangement 527. Accordingly, the depth of any input device in which the actuation member 24 is included may be kept to a minimum. For reference purposes, in the example depicted, the depth, X, of the actuation member assembly 23 is 8.7 mm, the depth of the trigger arrangement 527, Y, is 21.6 mm and the stroke length for both actuation members is 7 mm.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved input device for use in providing an input to a computer program. While specific examples of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the examples described in detail are not limiting on the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. An input device, for providing an input to a computer program, comprising: a housing; an actuation member, for operation by a user, arranged to slide into the housing, wherein the actuation member is arranged to slide between a first position whereby the actuation member protrudes from the housing and a second position whereby the actuation member is depressed into the housing; a detector configured to detect a position of the actuation member including at least one position between the first position and the second position; and wherein the actuation member is configured to slide on a bearing into the housing.
2. The input device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises: a gripping portion which is shaped to be gripped, in use, by a palm of a user's hand; a top surface which is accessible to a user's thumb during use; and a rear portion which is accessible to at least the user's index finger during use; wherein the actuation member is arranged, at least partially, on the rear portion.
3. The input device of any preceding claim, comprising a bearing guide on which the bearing slides.
4. The input device of claim 3, wherein the bearing comprises a sleeve arranged to slide along the bearing guide.
5. The input device of claim 4, wherein the sleeve comprises an internal portion which comprises a contact surface which contacts the bearing guide, and wherein the internal portion comprises at least one slot extending at least partially along the internal portion such that the internal portion comprises a separated surface which is not in contact with the guide.
6. The input device of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the length of the bearing is greater than or equal to a maximum dimension of the bearing guide in a direction perpendicular to the direction which the bearing is arranged to slide.
7. The input device of any preceding claim, wherein the bearing is a plain bearing.
-26 - 8. The input device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the bearing comprises a rolling element.
9. The input device of any preceding claim, further comprising a further guide arranged to at least partially constrain the actuation member to move in a sliding manner.
10. The input device of claim 9, wherein the actuation member comprises a guide element which interacts with the further guide so as to guide the sliding of the actuation member.
11. The input device of claim 10, comprising a further bearing, and wherein the actuation member is arranged to slide on the further bearing into the housing.
12. The input device of any preceding claim, wherein the actuation member is arranged to slide linearly.
13. The input device of any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises at least one gripping portion which is shaped to be gripped by a palm of a user's hand in use, and wherein the actuation member is arranged to slide in a direction away from the gripping portion.
14. The input device of any preceding claim, further comprising a spring element arranged to bias the actuation member towards the first position.
15. The input device of claim 14, wherein the spring element is a helical spring and wherein the input device further comprises a spring guide member which extends through a core of the helical spring and arranged to restrict the direction in which the spring can be compressed.
16. The input device of claim 15, wherein the spring guide member is in the form of a rod.
17. The input device of any preceding claim, wherein the detector comprises a potentiometer having an adjustable electrical resistance and wherein the potentiometer is arranged such that the position of the actuation member controls the electrical resistance of the potentiometer.
18. The input device of any preceding claim, wherein the detector comprises a magnetic element and a Hall sensor arranged to measure a magnitude of a magnetic field of the magnetic element, and wherein one of the magnetic element or the Hall sensor is arranged to move with -27 -actuation member, and the other of the magnetic element or Hall sensor is mounted in a fixed position relative to the housing.
19. The input device of any preceding claim, wherein the actuation member comprises an actuation surface against which a user presses their finger in use, and wherein the actuation surface has a curved profile.
20. The input device of any preceding claim, wherein the input device is a handheld gaming controller.
21. The input device of any preceding claim, wherein the input device is a handheld gaming console.
22. An actuation member assembly for use in an input device for providing an input to a computer program, the assembly comprising: a frame for mounting the actuation member assembly in a housing of an input device; an actuation member arranged to slide relative to the frame; and a bearing arranged to facilitate the sliding of the actuation member relative to the frame.
23. A handheld input device comprising: a housing arranged to be held in a user's hand, wherein the housing comprises: a gripping portion which is shaped to be gripped in a palm of a user's hand; a top surface which is accessible to a user's thumb during use of the handheld input device; and a rear portion which is accessible to at least the user's index finger during use of the handheld input device; an actuation member, arranged on the rear portion and arranged to move in a plane that is parallel to the top surface, and wherein the actuation member is arranged to move from a first position in which it protrudes out of the housing to a second position where it is depressed, at least partially, into the housing; and a detector arranged to detect a position of actuation member including at least one position between the first and second positions.
24. The handheld input device of claim 23, wherein the actuation member is constrained to slide in the plane that is parallel to the top surface.-28 -
25. The handheld input device of claim 24, wherein the actuation member is pivotally mounted such that it pivots in the plane that is parallel to the top surface of the housing.