GB2494669A - Simulated steering wheel housing for a video game controller - Google Patents

Abstract

A housing 1 for operating a video game controller (10, figure 2) is adapted to receive or engage with the controller. The housing 1 comprises connecting elements (24, fig. 3; 41a,b, fig. 6) which engage with the input means of the controller, one or more user-actuated control elements 6, 9 and a transmission arrangement located between the connecting elements and the user-actuated control elements (see figures 3, 5 & 6), such that movement of the user-actuated control elements results in a corresponding movement of the respective input means of the controller. The transmission means may include mechanically generated resistance against movement of the controller input means, together with means for adjusting the resistance. Movement of the housing control elements may result in a non-linear and/or reduced ratio corresponding movement of the controller inputs. The housing may comprise a module to which the controller is releasably coupled, and a receptacle adapted to receive the module and coupled controller (see figure 4). The housing is intended for use with car racing video games, and may be shaped to resemble a car (see figure 9).

Description

Device for operating a video game controller

Description

The invention relates to a device for operating a video game controller according to claim 1.

The device is designed, in particular, for use with vehicle driving games, most particularly car racing games. Existing products for controlling car racing video games fall into three main categories: handheld controllers as supplied with the respective game console or computer, racing wheels with associated pedal controls, and so-called racing simulators, in which a racing wheel is mounted in a frame together with a driving seat.

The handheld controller (hereinafter controller) supplied by the game console manufacturer contains high-quality, sensitive electronics but is designed for use with a wide variety of games, predominantly games in which human figures are manipulated. However, the control elements used for manipulating human figures are not optimized for controlling car racing games. This applies especially to the steering toggle or joystick (hereinafter steering toggle) which, being a short lever operated by the user's thumb, necessarily has an action which is too high-geared to provide the smooth, accurate steering control essential for racing games.

Racing wheels generally provide lower-geared steering, which permits smoother control on corners but, because of the relatively large steering movements entailed, does not allow the rapid changes of direction required to control slides and to react quickly in racing situations, to the same degree as the handheld controller.

Furthermore, the racing wheel duplicates the electronics of the controller, entailing extra cost and rendering the controller redundant.

Racing simulators share the control disadvantages of the racing wheels mounted thereon and in addition are bulky and expensive relative to the above-mentioned products.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a means for controlling video driving games, in particular car racing games, which combines relatively smooth control on corners with the ability to make rapid changes of direction, and which can be produced at comparatively low cost.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a device as set forth in claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

In the device according to the invention a generic, preferably wireless, handheld controller supplied with the game console, or a commercially available device replicating such a controller, is operated via an interposed mechanical and/or electromechanical interlace in such a manner that the control action, in particular the steering control action, can be optimized with regard to smoothness, precision and speed of response in a racing game.

This is effected by gearing down the steering movement of the device in relation to that of the controller. Despite this gearing down, the angular movement of the steering wheel operated by the user is still relatively small, as compared to the angular movement of a racing wheel.

Within the meaning of the invention, the steering wheel is any user-actuated rotatable element operatively connected to the steering mechanism. In relation to the present invention, the wheel is preferably a substantially rectangular, horizontally orientated element with the lower cross member omitted to allow access to the control panel.

The modification of the steering action is effected by mounting the controller in a device in which the control elements of the controller are actuated indirectly, that is, via intermediate transmission arrangements, by control elements mounted on the device. This allows the ratio between the movement of the user-actuated wheel and the movement of the steering toggle of the controller to be varied in a specified manner. Similarly, the ratio between accelerator and/or brake pedal movement and movement of the accelerator/brake levels of the controller can be varied in a specified manner.

Within the meaning of the invention, the phrase "operated indirectly" should be understood to mean that an intermediate linkage or transmission is provided between the user-actuated controls of the device and the control elements of the controller.

In a preferred embodiment, the controller is fastened removably in a module which in turn is mounted removably in a receptacle carrying control elements, in particular steering, accelerator and brake controls, operable by the user. The receptacle can be mounted in a stable manner such that the device can be conveniently operated by the user.

The module also includes control elements for indirectly actuating control elements mounted on the control face of the controller. Within the meaning of the invention, the control face of the controller is understood to be the face which includes the buttons, switches and like elements used for menu selection and other functions required for operating the game, and from which the steering toggle extends.

In a preferred embodiment the control face of the controller is oriented in a predominantly vertical direction when mounted in the module, parallel to a control panel of the module which faces the user in operation. In this position control elements, such as push buttons and the like, mounted on the control face of the controller are aligned with corresponding control elements mounted in the control panel, by means of which they can be actuated.

The module further includes a steering control arm which is rotatable about an axis concentric with the vertical axis of rotation of the steering toggle of the controller and which engages with said steering toggle as the controller is inserted into the module. The controller is then fastened releasably in the module.

Once the controller is mounted in the module, the module can be inserted into the receptacle, for example via guide channels. As the module approaches the fully inserted position, the steering control arm of the module engages with a linkage of the receptacle connected to the wheel operable by the user. Movement of the wheel therefore actuates the steering toggle of the controller. Because of the lever ratios incorporated in said linkage, the steering action is effectively geared down so as to be optimized for a racing game.

The brake and accelerator functions of standard controllers are operable by lever elements located on the upper side of the controller when mounted in the module.

As the module is inserted in the receptacle, these levers also engage with elements connected to control means operable by the user.

The modules are specific to the controllers of different consoles, but are universally compatible with a single receptacle in a manner to be explained later. This substantially reduces the overall cost of the system.

Because the characteristics of cars used in racing games vary with regard to performance, grip and other parameters, a selectively adjustable ratio between the movement of the user-operated control means, in particular the steering wheel, and the movement of the control elements of the controller is preferably provided. A non-linear ratio between the movement of control elements operated by the user and the movement of corresponding control elements of the controller may also be provided.

In alternative embodiments, the receptacle may either be supported in operation by attachment to a suitable surface such as a table top, or the device may include a folding or rigid stand with a base at floor level. In the latter case the accelerator and brake controls may be operated by pedals mounted on the basa Apart from an opening for insertion of the module, the receptacle is substantially enclosed by a casing which is preferably hinged to allow access to internal control elements of the receptacle for purposes of adjustment. inspection, etc. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and to the appended drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective rear three-quarter view of an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a generic video game controller, from which some elements have been omitted; Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a controller inserted in an exemplary module according to the invention; Fig. 4 illustrates schematically a mode of insertion of a module into a receptacle j5 according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating a mode of engagement of the steering arm of a module with a steering linkage of a receptacle according to the invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic side view showing a mode of interaction of accelerator and brake levers of the controller with a corresponding control mechanism of the receptacle; Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanism for providing a non-linear accelerator ratio according to the invention; Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanism for providing a mechanical resistance to steering movement.

Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of a further exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a device I for operating a video game controller 10 according to the invention, showing a module control panel 2, control buttons 3a-d, control levers 4, 5, a steering wheel 6, a control paddle 9, a receptacle casing 7 and a fastening element 8.

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a generic video game controller 10 as applied to a racing game, showing a steering toggle 11, an accelerator lever 12 and a brake lever 13. A 2-axis switch 14, control buttons 1 5a-d and other control elements which are known per so and are not described in detail here are mounted on the control face 16 of the controller. For simplicity, some control elements not directiy relevant to the invention are omitted.

Fig. 3 shows schematically the position of a generic controller 10, when mounted in an exemplary module 20 according to the invention, in relation to a steering arm 23 of the module 10. The steering arm 23 is pivoted by means of pivots 26, 27 above and below the controller concentrically with pivot axis of the steering toggle 11 of the controller. Firmly attached to the steering arm 23 are a claw element 24 engaging around the head of the steering toggle 11 and a substantially vertical pin 25, made preferably of metal, for engaging in a corresponding slot of a fork 39 of a steering lever 38 of the receptacle (see Fig. 5). The upper pivot 26 of the steering arm 23 is supported by a bracket 29 extending forwardly from the control panel 2 of the module 20.

In the context of this description, the front of the device is the side oriented away from the user in operation and the rear is the side oriented towards the user. The longitudinal direction of the device extends between the front and rear sides thereof.

The basic structure of the exemplary module 20 comprises a base board 21, a control panel 2 substantially perpendicular thereto (also shown in Fig. 1) and a latchable, preferably hinged clip 22 for retaining the controller positively in the module, together with support elements for the steering arm 23.

The base board 21 and control panel 2 of the module 20 are made, for example, of pressure-formed thermoplastic material while the steering arm 23 and claw 24, and similar precisely-dimensioned high-strength control members, are made, for example, of suitable injection-moulded plastics material.

The steering arm 23 is configured to be sufficiently rigid to avoid flexing or lost motion in the steering linkage, while the claw 24 is sufficiently resilient to allow snap-fithng over the head of the steering toggle 11 and sufficiently stiff to prevent flexing of the claw 24 during operation of the steering.

Fig. 4 shows schematically and in exemplary fashion an arrangement whereby the module 20 can be inserted in the frame 32 of a receptacle 30 (shown only partially), slidable elements at the sides of the module base board 21 being insertable in corresponding channel elements 31 mounted on the receptacle frame and the module being latchable in its fully inserted position by means of, for example, spring-loaded catch elements 28 of a type known per se.

The receptacle 30 (partially shown in Figs. 4-6) consists essentially of a frame element 32 into which the module 20 is insertable, a preferably front-hinged casing which encloses the module when inserted, apart from its control panel face, a steering column 34 mounted in support bearings 36a,b and carrying the steering wheel 6, and a base (not shown) for attachment either, via the fastening element 8, to a suitable external surface, or to a stand structure to be discussed later.

Fig. 5 is a schematic side view showing an exemplary linkage between the steering column 34 and the claw 24. An arm 37 attached non-rotatably to the steering column 34 and extending downwardly therefrom is articulated, for example via a ball-jointed link, to a steering lever 38 offset laterally therefrom and connected via a pivot 40 to the frame 32 of the receptacle via a support bracket 47, which steering lever 38 has at its rearward end a fork 39 having a slot with parallel sides located in the longitudinal direction of the device 1, into the open end of which slot the pin 25 mounted on the steering arm 23 engages with a sliding fit as the module 20 is inserted in the receptacle 3D. Rotational movement of the steering column 34

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therefore causes the steering lever 38 to swivel about the pivot 40 and to actuate, via the slot and the pin 25, the steering arm 23 and the claw 24 and therefore the steering toggle 11 of the controller (not shown here) about an axis (A in Fig. 5) substantially perpendicular to but offset laterally from the axis of the steering column 34.

The overall steering ratio may be modified to suit particular users and/or driving conditions by adjusting the position of the ball joints on the arm 37 and/or on the lever 38 by means, for example, of quick-release lockable ratchet-type connections so as to change the effective length of said armllever. To allow for adjustment of the ball joint along the lever 38, the arm 37 is adjustable along the steering column.

The mounting of the arm 37 may incorporate an overload release mechanism (not shown), for example a spring-loaded ball engaging in a detent, to prevent overloading of the steering linkage at full-lock.

The steering is advantageously loaded to a centre position, for example by means of a spring or springs 35 connected between a lever of the steering column 34 and the receptacle frame 32, as shown in exemplary fashion in Fig. 5. The tension of the spring/s may be adjustable and they may optionally be supplemented by a damping element or elements (not shown).

In order to enhance steering "feel" for the user, a primarily non-frictional mechanical resistance mechanism 53 may advantageously be coupled to the steering mechanism. An exemplary embodiment is illustrated schematically in Fig. 8. In this example, one or more rollers 51 or like elements mounted on arms articulated to the receptacle frame is/are spring-loaded, preferably adjustably, towards a track 52 comprising a series of closely-spaced detents which is connected to the steering mechanism. The roller or like element runs along the track, engaging successively in the detents, as the steering is moved. If a plurality of rollers or like elements are used, they preferably engage non-synchronously in the detents of the track. In deviation from the schematic illustration, the track is preferably curved concentrically with the steering column and integrated therewith.

Similarly, in order to provide the user with enhanced "feel" of the accelerator pedal, an analogous resistance mechanism may be provided in the accelerator linkage. In this case the resistance would be applied only to depression and not to lifting of the accelerator pedal. This one-way resistance may be effected, for example, by asymmetrically profiled detents in the track or by a ratchet-type mechanism known per se. A similar resistance mechanism may also be incorporated in the brake actuation linkage.

In order to transmit "rumble" effects generated in the controller by certain racing game situations to the steering wheel 6 and therefore to the user, the portion of the receptacle frame into which the module slides, together with at least the rear support 36a of the steering column, may advantageously be mounted resiliently with respect to the main structure of the receptacle 30, for example by means of springs 33, only one of which is shown schematically in Fig. 4.

In the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 5 the pivot 40 of the steering lever 38 is mounted directly above and concentrically with the pivots 26, 27 (see Fig. 3) of the steering arm 23 on an axis A shown by a broken line in Fig. 5, with the result that angular movement of the steering arm 23 is equal to angular movement of the steering lever 38 as the steering is turned. However, depending on the parameters of the game being operated, it may be desirab'e for the angular movement of the arm 23 to have a non-linear relationship to the angular movement of the lever 38, in order, for example, to decelerate the steering response at or near the straight ahead position and to accelerate the response as it approaches the full-lock position. This would mean that the steering would have a comparatively less "nervous" initial response to steering inputs, while still being able to move rapidly to full lock, than if the pivots 40 and 26, 27 were arranged concentrically. In this case the pivot 40 of the steering lever 38 would be offset rearwardly with respect to the pivots 26, 27, to an axis B. Conversely, in order to achieve a sharper initial response with slower movement to full-lock, the pivot 40 would be moved forwardly with respect to the pivots 26, 27, to an axis C. -10-The adjustment would preferably be effected by means of a quick-release slidable and latchable mounting of the pivot 40 both to the steering the lever 38 and to the pivot support bracket 47.

The offsetting of the pivot 40 in relation to the pivots 26, 27 would in both the above cases have the result that the pin 25 would slide in the slot of the fork 39 as the steering is operated, to compensate for the now unequal lengths of the respective levers.

Fig. 6 shows in a schematic side view a linkage whereby movement of control pedals may be transmitted to the accelerator and brake levers 12, 13 of the controller 10. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the accelerator and brake levers 12, 13 of the controller are actuated via respective rollers 41 a,b mounted on levers 42a,b pivoted to the receptacle frame 32. The levers 42a,b are actuated downwardly by links 43a,b, for example pull-rods, wires or Bowden cables, operatively connected to pedals 44a,b, one of which is shown in Fig. 9.

Alternatively, the rollers 41a,b may be actuated, for example via Bowden cables, by paddles or like elements mounted on the steering wheel, in the case of a device without a pedal unit, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

As mentioned in the introduction, the modules for controllers of different consoles are designed in such a manner that the steering, accelerator and brake control elements of the respective modules automatically engage in the case of all leading game platforms with the corresponding elements of the receptacle. This is achieved as follows: The rollers 41a,b of the receptacle are positioned and dimensioned in such a manner that they automatically engage with the accelerator and brake levers of at least two of the different controllers when mounted in the respective modules, and the corresponding levers of further modules are coordinated with the rollers by intervening levers of the modules, for example. The slot of the fork 39 on the receptacle is positioned to align with the pin 25 of the steering arm 23 of one controller; a second controller is offset laterally when mounted in the module so that the pin of the steering arm of that module also aligns with the slot. In the case when the controller cannot be offset sufficiently to achieve this, the steering arm carrying the pin may be articulated laterally to a further control arm of the module pivoted in a parallelogram-tyPe linkage, or running in a curved track concentric with the pivot axis of the steering toggle 11 of the controller, which further control arm carries the claw-like element which engages with the steering toggle 11 of this controller.

Fig. 7 shows schematically a mechanism whereby a non-linear lever ratio between, in particular, the accelerator pedal 44a and the accelerator lever 12 of the controller may be provided, in order, for example, to accelerate movement of the accelerator lever 12 in the early phase of accelerator pedal movement, or vice versa, depending for example, on the power characteristics of the virtual vehicle concerned. In the example illustrated, a cam and roller mechanism is provided, the cam 45 being actuated via a lever 49 mounted on a transverse pivoted member 48 which is connected rigidly to the accelerator pedal 44a, and the roller 46 acting, via a crank 50 and the link 43a, on the lever 42a (Fig. 6) which actuates the accelerator lever of the controller. In the example illustrated, the concave cam profile would slow down the throttle response initially and accelerate it progressively towards the end of throttle pedal travel. A suitable convex cam would have the opposite effect.

The geometry of such cam arrangements is known per se and need not be described in detail here.

The non-linear ratios made possible in this way enable traction to be optimized without resorting to "assists" provided in the game program, which dampen engine performance to suppress wheelspin, lessening the role of driver skill and the satisfaction obtainable from controlling a high-powered vehicle.

In order to provide alternative ratios, a plurality of cams, for example a concave cam as described above, a neutral cam which imparts linear movement to the roller 46 and a convex cam, may be connected rigidly side-by-side to form a pivoted cluster which can be moved laterally in relation to the roller in order to bring one cam or another selectively into engagement with the roller, using a selector mechanism known per se.

The further control elements represented in Fig. 2, in particular the two-axis rocker switch and the control buttons 1 5a-d, are preferably actuated mechanically by means of push button or lever elements passing through the control panel of the module.

For example, the 2-axis rocker switch 14 (Fig. 2) may be actuated by a disc-shaped or cruciform element positioned close to the rocker switch when the controller is inserted in the module, which element is connected rigidly to a lever 4 projecting rearwardly through the control panel and guided, for example, by a cruciform gate in the control panel (Fig. 1). The lever 4 is pivoted, for example via a self-centring integral hinge with two or multiple axes, in the region where it adjoins the disc or cruciform element, to a support element projecting forwardly from the control panel, in such a manner that upward movement of the lever 4, for example, causes depression of the upper element of the 2-axis switch 14, in order to scroll upwards through a menu, for example. Lateral and downward movements of the lever 4 have corresponding effects in controlling the game program.

The control buttons 1 5a-d, and further buttons of the controller might be actuated by a similar mechanism as that described above, but are preferably actuated, especially if some of these buttons are used for gear-change operations, for example by means of plungers passing through the control panel and through guide elements positioned close to the control face of the controller and operated by buttons 3a-d of the control panel, which may be spring-loaded in the direction away from the controller.

Up and down gear changes may be effected either directiy by operating the respective buttons on the control panel or by means of, for example, a lever (not shown) mounted on the control panel and operatively connected to the relevant plungers. Alternatively, the gearchange controls on the controller may be actuated, for example electromechanically or via Bowden cables, by means of buttons or -13-paddles mounted on the steering wheel, an electric power source being provided in the device in the case of electromechanical actuation.

In an embodiment, the device is designed to be fastened removably to a table top or like surface in known fashion-In a variant, it may be mounted on a stand composed of hinged and/or telescopic sections such that it can be adjusted vertically and horizontally and locked in position as desired by the user. The base of such a stand may have accelerator and brake pedals connected to the levers 42a,b of the receptacle mechanism, for example by Bowden cables or the like. The stand may also be collapsible for compact storage.

In a further variant the stand may be rigid, the pedals being connected to the levers 42a,b by simple links, as described with reference to Fig. 6. This variant has the advantage that it does not need to be set up before use, and that the receptacle can be positioned for ergonomically optimized operation by a user seated on a seat of normal dining-chair height.

In a further variant, the casing of the device, in particular when mounted on a rigid stand, is configured to simulate in fully three-dimensional form a front section of a vehicle, in particular the nose section of an open-wheel racing car extending from the tip of the nosecone to approximately the front of the cockpit, as illustrated in exemplary fashion in Fig. 9. Rearwardly extending forearm rests (not shown), optionally designed to simulate sidepods of an open-wheel racing car, may be attached preferably removably, to the casing of the receptacle.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a separate structure into which the controller is inserted for indirect operation, the principle of indirect operation via an interposed mechanical or electromechanical interface fundamental to the present invention also extends to include elements directly attachable to the controller which operate one or more control elements of the controller indirectly for the purpose of improving the control action, for example, a geared-down lever connectable to the steering toggle 11 of the controller. Such attachable elements therefore also fall within the scope of the invention. -14-

Any commercially available controller which substantially replicates controllers supplied with or for game consoles, computers or other platforms and which incorporates means for mechanically or electromechanically gearing down the operation one or more control elements, in particular the steering toggle, of the controller, by means of gears, articulated levers or the like, likewise falls within the scope of the invention.

Although the operating principle of the present invention is applied in this specification primarily to generic controllers as illustrated in Fig. 2, it also extends to include any other device adapted to control video games, such as a keypad, mobile phone or like device, the control functions of which could be operated indirectly by control elements of an external control unit into which the device is insertable, or by control elements attachable to the device for the purpose of operating the control functions thereof indirectly. Such control arrangements therefore also fall within the scope of the invention.

Similarly game platforms for use with the invention also extend to include direct streaming of games via the Internet or mobile phone networks.

List of references 1 Device 2 Control panel 3a-d Control buttons 4 Control lever Control lever 6 Steering wheel 7 Receptacle casing 8 Fastening element 9 Paddle Controller 11 Steering toggle 12 Accelerator lever 13 Brake lever 14 2-axis switch 15a-d Control buttons 16 Control face Module 21 Baseboard 22 Clip 23 Steering arm 24 Claw Pin 26 Pivot 27 Pivot 28 Catch element 29 Bracket Receptacle 31 Channel element -16- 32 Receptacle frame 33 Spring 34 Steering column Centring spring 36a,b Steering column support bearing 37 Arm 38 Steering lever 39 Fork Pivot 41a.b Rollers 42a.b Levers 43a,b Links 44a,b Pedals Cam 46 Roller 47 Bracket 48 Pivoted member 49 Lever Crank 51 Roller 52 Track 53 Resistance mechanism A Axis B Axis C Axis

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims 1. Device for operating a video game controller, comprising: one or more connecting elements adapted to engage with control elements of the controller; one or more user-actuated control elements, and a transmission arrangement located between the connecting elements and the user-actuated controls, whereby movement of the user-actuated control elements results in a corresponding movement of the respective control elements of the controller.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting elements include means (24) for receiving a steering toggle (11) of the controller (10), the user-actuated controls include a steering wheel (6), and the transmission arrangement includes means (37, 38) for providing a reduction of movement from steering wheel to toggle.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the transmission arrangement includes means for providing an adjustable relationship between the movement of the steeling wheel and the corresponding movement of the controller toggle.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. Device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the transmission arrangement includes means (38. 40, 47) for providing a non-linear relationship between the movement of the wheel and the corresponding movement of the controller toggle.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. Device according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the transmission arrangement includes means (53) for providing a mechanically generated resistance to steering movement, and means for adjusting said resistance.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting elements further include means (41a,b) for actuating accelerator and brake levers of the controller; the user-actuated control elements further include accelerator and brake controls, and the transmission arrangement further includes means for providing a reduction of movement from the user-actuated accelerator and brake controls to the respective accelerator or brake lever of the controller.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the transmission arrangement includes means for providing an adjustable relationship between the movement of the user-actuated accelerator and brake control elements and the corresponding movement of the respective accelerator or brake lever of the controller.</claim-text> <claim-text>8, Device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the transmission arrangement includes means (45, 46) for providing a non-linear relationship between the movement of the user-actuated accelerator and brake control elements and the corresponding movement of the respective accelerator or brake lever of the controller.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. Device according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the transmission arrangement includes means (53) for providing a mechanically generated resistance to an accelerator and/or brake movement corresponding to depression but not to lifting of the accelerator and/or brake pedal, and means for adjusting said resistance.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. Device according to any preceding claim, also comprising a module (20) to which the controller can be releasably coupled, and a receptacle (30) which is adapted to receive the module containing the controller.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the module carries user-actuated control elements (3a-d, 4, 5) operatively connectable to control buttons, switches and the like (14, 1 5a-d) of the controller and the receptacle carries or is connectable to user-actuated control elements, in particular steering, accelerator and brake controls (6, 9, 44a,b), which in turn are operatively connectable to corresponding control elements (11, 12, 13) of the controller. -19-</claim-text> <claim-text>12. Device according to claim 11 wherein the user-actuated control elements of the module and of the receptacle automatically engage with or align with corresponding control elements of the controller as the module containing the controller is inserted in the receptacle.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. Device according to claim 10, wherein the receptacle has a casing (7) which may be configured to simulate in a fully three-dimensional form a front bodywork section of a vehicle, for example a nosecone section of an open-wheel racing car.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. Combination of the device according to any one of the preceding claims with a video game controller.</claim-text>