JP7297750B2 - Electronic controller with hand retainer, outer shell, and finger detection - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application takes priority from U.S. patent application Ser. which is part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. continuation-in-part application, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. It claims priority from patent application Ser. No. 62/520,958.

The video game industry has become large and important, generating many innovations in both software and related hardware. Various portable video game controllers have been designed, manufactured and sold for various gaming applications. Some of these innovations are also applicable to areas outside the gaming industry, such as industrial machine controllers, defense systems, robotics, and more. Virtual Reality (VR) systems are a very modern, interesting and technologically rapidly advancing application both within and outside the gaming industry. Controllers for VR systems often need to perform several different functions and meet strict (sometimes competing) design constraints while optimizing certain desirable characteristics such as ease of use. Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved controller designs that improve VR systems and/or make user manipulation easier.

Fig. 3 shows a controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention with the hand retainer in the open position; 2 shows the controller of FIG. 1 in the upturned palm of a user. 2 shows the controller of FIG. 1 in the closed palm of a user; 2 shows the controller of FIG. 1 in a user's downwardly open palm. Fig. 3 shows a pair of controllers with the hand retainers in the open position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a right hand controller, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 6B shows a rear view of the right hand controller of FIG. 6A; FIG. Figure 10 shows a window for an infrared photosensor, according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 illustrates a window for an infrared photosensor, according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 6B shows a side view of the right hand controller of FIG. 6A, with the outer shell partially surrounding the tubular housing of the handle of the controller disassembled and removed to reveal the instruments on its inner surface. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the right hand controller of FIG. 6A with the outer shell partially surrounding the tubular housing of the handle of the controller disassembled and removed; FIG. Figure 9B shows the cross-sectional view of Figure 9A but without the outer shell installed in its normal operating position;

1-4 show a controller 100 for an electronic system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Controller 100 may be utilized by electronic systems such as VR video game systems, robots, weapons, or medical devices. Controller 100 may include a controller body 110 having a handle 112 and a hand hold 120 for holding controller 100 in a user's hand (eg, the user's left hand). Handle 112 optionally comprises a tubular housing that can be substantially cylindrical. In this context, a substantially cylindrical shape need not have a constant diameter or a perfectly circular cross-section.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, controller body 110 may include a head (between handle 112 and distal end 111), optionally one or more thumb-operated controls. 114, 115, 116 may be included. For example, the tilt button, or any other button, knob, wheel, joystick, or tracking ball, can be conveniently operated by the user's thumb during normal operation while controller 100 is held in the user's hand. can be considered a thumb-operated control.

Controller 100 preferably includes a tracking member 130 fixed to controller body 110 and optionally two noses 132 projecting from corresponding ones of two opposing distal ends of tracking member 130; 134 included. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, tracking member 130 is preferably, but not necessarily, a tracking arc having an arcuate shape. Tracking member 130 includes a plurality of tracking transducers disposed therein, preferably having at least one tracking transducer disposed at each protruding nose 132,134. Additional tracking transducers may also be disposed within controller body 110 , preferably at least one distal tracking transducer disposed adjacent distal end 111 .

Said tracking transducer may be a tracking sensor responsive to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared light) emitted by the electronic system, or a tracking sensor emitting electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared light) received by the electronic system. It may be a beacon. For example, the electronic system may be a VR gaming system that broadly broadcasts, or paints, pulsed infrared light in a direction toward controller 100, and the plurality of tracking transducers of tracking member 130 are adapted to broadcast pulsed infrared light. An infrared light sensor that can receive light or be shaded from it. Preferably, the tracking transducers of each nose 132, 134 (eg, three sensors in each nose) preferably protrude from the user's hand at each distal end of the tracking member 130 and are therefore unacceptable. It is better exposed (around the user's hand) to receive or send electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electronic system at more angles without the amount of shadowing. to).

Preferably, tracking member 130 and controller body 110 are made of a substantially rigid material, such as hard plastic, and are rigidly fixed together such that they do not significantly translate or rotate relative to each other. . In this way, translational and rotational tracking of the constellation of tracking transducers in space is preferably not complicated by motion of the tracking transducers relative to each other. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, tracking member 130 may be secured to controller body 110 by being joined to controller body 110 at two locations. Hand retainer 120 is positioned adjacent controller 100 (either controller body 110 or tracking member 130) between the two positions to bias the user's palm against the outer surface of handle 112 between those two positions. or).

In certain embodiments, the tracking member 130 and controller body 110 may comprise a unitary monolithic component having material continuity rather than being assembled together. For example, tracking member 130 and controller body 110 may be molded together by a single injection molding process step, thereby providing one unitary hard plastic construction comprising both tracking member 130 and controller body 110. bring the elements. Alternatively, tracking member 130 and controller body 110 may be initially manufactured separately and later assembled together. In any event, the tracking member 130 can be considered fixed to the controller body 110 .

Hand retainer 120 is shown in the open position in FIG. The hand retainer 120 is designed to facilitate insertion of the user's left hand between the hand retainer 120 and the controller body 110 when the user is holding the controller with their view obscured by the VR goggles. , optionally may be biased to the open position by a curved resilient member 122 . For example, curved elastic member 122 may optionally be a flexible metal strip that bends elastically, or comprises an alternative plastic material such as nylon that can bend substantially elastically. good too. The curved elastic member 122 may optionally be partially or completely within or covered by a cushion or fabric material 124 (eg, a neoprene sheath) for user comfort. . Alternatively, the cushion or fabric material 124 may be disposed (eg, attached) only to the side of the curved elastic member 122 that faces the user's hand.

Hand retainer 120 may optionally be adjustable in length, for example, by including a drawcord 126 that is tightened by a spring-loaded chock 128 . Drawcord 126 may optionally have excess length that may be used as a strap. A sheath 124 may optionally be attached to a drawcord. In certain embodiments, the curved elastic member 122 may be preloaded by the tension of a tightened drawcord 126 . In such an embodiment, the tension applied to hand retainer 120 by curved elastic member 122 (to bias hand retainer 120 to the open position) results in a hand hold when drawcord 126 is not tightened. The fixture will open automatically. The present disclosure also includes features such as cleats, elastic bands (which temporarily stretch when the hand is inserted, thus applying elastic tension to push against the back of the hand), hook-and-loop strap attachments that allow for length adjustment, and the like. , contemplates an alternative conventional method for adjusting the length of the hand retainer 120. As shown in FIG.

Hand retainer 120 may be disposed between handle 112 and tracking member 130 and configured to contact the back of the user's hand. FIG. 2 shows the controller 100 in operation, with the user's left hand inserted inside but not gripping the controller body 110 . In FIG. 2, hand retainer 120 is closed and tightened over the hand to physically bias the user's palm against the outer surface of handle 112 . In this way, the hand retainer 120 allows the hand to hold the controller 100 even when the hand is not gripping the controller body 110 when closed. 3 and 4 show hand retainer 120 closed, hand gripping controller body 110, and thumb operating one or more of the thumb-operated controls (eg, tracking pad 116). 1 shows the controller 100 in operation when it is on.

Handle 112 of controller body 110 preferably includes an array of proximity sensors partially or completely spatially distributed around its outer surface. The proximity sensors in an array need not necessarily have equal sizes or even spacing between arrays, although the array may comprise a grid. The array of proximity sensors preferably responds to the proximity of a user's finger to the outer surface of handle 112 . For example, the proximity sensor array may be a plurality of capacitive sensors embedded under the outer surface of handle 112, the outer surface comprising an electrically insulating material. The capacitance between such an array of capacitive sensors and a portion of a user's hand is inversely proportional to the distance therebetween. Note that the capacitance is connected to the elements of the capacitive sensor array with an RC oscillator circuit, and that the time constant of the circuit (and thus the period and frequency of oscillation) varies with capacitance. can be detected by In this way, the circuit can detect the release of the user's finger from the outer surface of handle 112 .

When the hand retainer 120 (e.g., hand retention strap) is tightly closed, it not only prevents the controller 100 from falling out of the hand, but also prevents the fingers from overly translating into the proximity sensor array of the handle 112. In this way, it can also help to detect finger movements more reliably. The electronic system may better use sensing from the proximity sensor array to render controlled features such as hand opening, pointing, or other movements of fingers relative to the controller or relative to each other. may include algorithms that embody possible finger movements. In this way, the user's movements of the controller 100 and/or fingers can help control a VR gaming system, a defense system, a medical system, an industrial robot or machine, or another device. In VR system applications (e.g., for gaming, training, etc.), the system may render throwing motions based on movement of tracking transducers, sensing the user's finger from the outer surface of the controller's handle. It may render the release of the thrown object based on the released release.

Thus, the function of hand retainer 120 (to allow the user to "let go" controller 100 without actually removing controller 100 from the hand or being thrown or dropped on the floor) is to: Additional functionality of the controlled electronic system may be enabled. For example, if the release and return of the user's grip on the handle 112 of the controller body 110 is detected, such release or grip may be used by the game to indicate throwing or gripping an object (eg, in VR). may be incorporated into Hand retainer 120 may allow such functions to be performed repeatedly and safely. For example, the position of the hand retainer 120 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 is such that when the tracking member 130 is moved, for example, in response to a sensed prompt in the VR environment (eg, by VR goggles). can help protect the backs of the user's hands from real-world impacts while blinded.

In certain embodiments, controller 100 may include a rechargeable battery disposed within controller body 110, and hand retainer 120 (eg, hand retention strap) electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery. It may also include a charging wire that is electrically conducting. Controller 100 also preferably includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter for communicating with the rest of the electronic system. Such RF transmitters may be powered by rechargeable batteries, thumb operated controls 114 , 115 , 116 , proximity sensors in handle 112 of controller body 110 , and/or It may respond to tracking sensors.

As shown in FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, controller 100 may be the left controller in a pair of controllers that includes a similar right controller 200 . In certain embodiments, controllers 100 and 200 may simultaneously (together) track the movements and grips of both hands of the user, for example to enhance the VR experience.

FIG. 6A shows a front view of right hand controller 600, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 6B shows a rear view of right hand controller 600. FIG. Controller 600 has a controller body with head 610 and handle 612 . In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B, head 610 includes at least one thumb-operated control A, B, 608 and a control configured to be operated by the index finger (eg, trigger 609). may include Handle 612 comprises a tubular housing partially surrounded by outer shell 640 .

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B, tracking member 630 is secured to the controller body at the ends of head 610 and handle 612 . Hand retainer 620 is configured to physically bias the user's palm against outer shell 640 between head 610 and the end of handle 612 . Hand retainer 620 preferably comprises a hand retainer strap disposed between handle 612 and tracking member 630, adjustable in length, and configured to contact the back of a user's hand. . 6A-6B, hand retainer 620 optionally includes a drawcord 628 that optionally prevents sliding movement by drawcord 628 at cord lock 626. The length can be adjusted by locking portion 626 (adjacent the distal end of handle 612).

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B, tracking transducers 632, 633 are disposed on tracking member 630, with tracking transducer 633 disposed on protruding noses at opposite distal ends of tracking member 630. It is Additional tracking transducers 634 are optionally disposed in the distal region of head 610 . Tracking transducers 632, 633, and 634 may be tracking sensors responsive to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared light) emitted by an electronic system (e.g., virtual reality gaming system) or received by the electronic system. It may be a tracking beacon that emits electromagnetic radiation (eg, infrared light). For example, the electronic system may be a VR gaming system that broadly broadcasts, or paints, pulsed infrared light toward controller 600, and tracking transducers 632, 633, and 634 receive the broadcast pulsed infrared light. may be an infrared light sensor capable of receiving a Such tracking sensor responses may be communicated back to the electronic system, and the system may interpret such responses to effectively track the position and orientation of controller 600 .

One or more of the tracking transducers 632, 633, 634 are optionally conventional transducers, not shown, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7A, or as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7B, or alternatively. It may be configured in a method. The bottom portion of FIG. 7A shows an exploded perspective view of an infrared photosensor 750 electrically connected to a flex circuit 751, shown below a rectangular portion of an overlying windowed housing wall 755 comprising infrared opaque plastic. It is Windowed housing wall 755 includes window 756 . Window 756 preferably comprises an infrared transparent polycarbonate plastic and may include an underside recess to accommodate the thickness of infrared photosensor 750 .

According to the embodiment of FIG. 7A, the windowed housing wall (eg, the outer structure of tracking member 630, or head 610 of FIG. 6A) is mostly made of infrared opaque plastic, but the housing wall is largely infrared opaque. A transparent plastic is disposed within the window 756 above the infrared light sensor 750 and may be made from a so-called "double-shot" injection molding process.

The upper portion of FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of infrared light sensor 750, flex circuit 751, and windowed housing wall 755 when assembled. Infrared light, shown as three downward arrows entering window 756 from above in FIG. 7A, passes through window 756 and is received by underlying infrared light sensor 750 . Housing wall 755 comprises an infrared opaque plastic so that infrared light striking it does not pass and a portion can be reflected back to the window and received by infrared light sensor 750 . In this way, the window 756 allows infrared light to impinge on the infrared photosensor 750, even though the housing wall 755 is mostly comprised of infrared opaque plastic. 750 receives infrared light only from the preferred angular range.

Alternatively, one or more of tracking transducers 632, 633, 634 may optionally be configured as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7B. The lower portion of FIG. 7B shows an exploded perspective view of infrared photosensor 750 electrically connected to flex circuit 751, shown below a rectangular portion of overlying housing wall 758 comprising IR transparent plastic. ing. Housing wall 758 is covered with infrared opaque film 757 patterned to include window 759 (if infrared opaque film 757 is not present).

The upper portion of FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of infrared light sensor 750, flex circuit 751, housing wall 758, and IR opaque film 757 when assembled. Infrared light, shown as three downward arrows entering housing wall 758 from above in FIG. is received by the infrared photosensor 750 at the . Since the housing wall 758 comprises an infrared transparent plastic, infrared light that strikes it is lost passing through it and possibly even unintentionally and undesirably reaching nearby sensors via internal reflection. be. In this manner, window 759 of infrared opaque film 757 allows infrared light to primarily impinge infrared photosensor 750 .

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the right hand controller 600 with the outer shell 640 partially surrounding the tubular housing of the handle 612 exploded and removed to reveal the instruments on its inner surface. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the appliance may comprise an array of proximity sensors 800 spatially distributed on the inner surface of the outer shell 640, the array of proximity sensors 800 corresponding to the distance between the user's finger and the outer shell 640. Respond to proximity. Proximity sensors 800 in an array need not necessarily be of equal size, nor necessarily be regularly or evenly spaced from each other. In certain embodiments, the array of proximity sensors 800 may preferably be a plurality of capacitive sensors connected to a flex circuit coupled to the inner surface of outer shell 640 . In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the outer shell 640 includes a first electrical connector portion 805, which may be connected to a mating second electrical connector portion of the handle 612 (FIGS. 9A-9B). ).

9A-9B show a cross-section of the right handle controller 600 of FIG. 6A, with the handle of the controller splitting tubular housings 612a, 612b longitudinally divided by a seam 613 where tubular housing portions 612a and 612b adjoin. It shows that it can be included optionally. In FIG. 9A, outer shell 640 is shown disassembled and removed from the rest of the handle. FIG. 9B shows the cross-section of FIG. 9A, but without the outer shell 640 installed in its normal operating position. In the embodiment of Figures 9A-9B, the first electrical connector portion 805 of the outer shell 640 is shown matingly connectable to the second electrical connector portion 905 of the controller handle.

In the embodiment of Figures 9A-9B, the outer shell 640 partially surrounds the tubular housings 612a, 612b, preferably in such a way as to overlap the longitudinal seam 613 so that the longitudinal seam 613 serves as the proximity sensor array. Not to accommodate the desired circumferential positions of 800, but to optimize the manufacturing process. In certain embodiments, the outer shell 640 overlaps a circumferential portion C of the handle tubular housings 612a, 612b, which extends at least 100 degrees but 170 degrees around the circumference of the handle tubular housings 612a, 612b. Spread at an angle of less than a degree. Such circumferential overlap, in certain embodiments, allows the proximity sensor array 800 to sense the proximity of desired portions of the user's fingers or palm, such as the region of the hand that best exhibits a grasp. can be

The handle tubular housing 612a, 612b need not have a circular cross-section, and the term "circumference" is used herein regardless of whether the handle tubular housing 612a, 612b has a circular cross-section. . As used herein, the term "circumference" means the complete circumference for the tubular housing 612a, 612b of the handle, which is circular if the tubular housing 612a, 612b is a right-handed hollow cylinder. However, if the tubular housing is in the shape of a non-circular cylinder or hollow prism, it may be a non-circular closed shape.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B, a printed circuit board (PCB) 920 is mounted within the tubular housings 612a, 612b of the handle with a second electrical connector portion 905 electrically coupled to the PCB 920. good too. The PCB 920 optionally includes a Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) 922, and the controller directs the compressive force applied through the outer shell 640 in the outward direction of the handle tubular housings 612a, 612b to the FSR 922 inward. A plunger 924 may also be provided to communicate to. In certain embodiments, in combination with proximity sensor array 800, FSR 922 can facilitate sensing both the onset of a user's grip and the relative strength of such a user's grip, thereby , certain gameplay features may be facilitated.

In certain embodiments, outer shell 640 has a shell thickness (measured radially in FIGS. 9A-9B) that is less than one-third the housing wall thickness of handle tubular housing 612a or 612b. . In these embodiments, such thickness inequalities reduce the thickness of the proximity sensor array 800 compared to alternative embodiments in which the proximity sensor array 800 is disposed on or within the tubular housings 612a, 612b of the handle. sensitivity can be improved.

Although the invention is described herein with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited thereto. It is contemplated that various features and aspects of the invention may be used individually or jointly, possibly in different environments or applications. For example, features shown for the right hand controller may also be implemented for the left hand controller and vice versa. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative and illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. For example, the terms "preferred" and the phrase "preferred but not necessarily" are used interchangeably herein to include the meaning of "not necessarily" or optional. "Comprising,""including," and "having" are intended to be open-ended terms.
The following is a supplementary description of the inventions originally claimed in this application.
[1]
A controller of an electronic system for operation by a user having a hand with a thumb, fingers and palm, said controller comprising:
a controller body having a head and a handle, the head including at least one thumb-operable control, the handle having a tubular housing partially enclosed by an outer shell;
a tracking member fixed to the controller body;
a hand retainer configured to physically bias the user's palm against the outer shell;
a first plurality of tracking transducers disposed within the tracking member, wherein the first plurality of tracking transducers are coupled to the electronic system via electromagnetic radiation; a tracking transducer;
and an array of proximity sensors spatially distributed on the outer shell, the array of proximity sensors responsive to proximity of the user's finger to the outer shell.
[2]
The controller of [1], wherein the first plurality of tracking transducers comprises a plurality of tracking sensors responsive to electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electronic system.
[3]
The controller of [2], wherein the plurality of tracking sensors are infrared light sensors responsive to pulsed infrared light emitted by the electronic system.
[4]
The controller of [3], wherein each of said infrared light sensors is coated with an infrared transparent polycarbonate plastic.
[5]
The controller of [1], wherein the first plurality of tracking transducers includes a plurality of tracking beacons emitting electromagnetic radiation for reception by the electronic system.
[6]
The controller according to [1], wherein the tracking member is a tracking arc having an arcuate shape.
[7]
The tracking member is secured to the controller body by being joined to the controller body at two positions, and the hand retainer holds the user's palm against the outer shell between the two positions. The controller of [1], wherein the controller is energized by
[8]
The controller of [7], wherein the hand retainer includes a hand retainer strap disposed between the handle and the tracking member.
[9]
The controller of [7], wherein the hand retainer includes a hand retainer strap that is adjustable in length and configured to contact the back of the user's hand.
[10]
The controller of [9], wherein the hand retention strap includes an internal curved elastic member.
[11]
further comprising a second plurality of tracking transducers disposed within the controller body, the second plurality of tracking transducers being at least one distal end disposed adjacent a distal end of the head; The controller of [1], including a tracking transducer.
[12]
The tracking member includes two noses each projecting from a corresponding one of two opposing distal ends of the tracking member, each nose being associated with at least one of the first plurality of tracking transducers. The controller of [1], comprising one.
[13]
The controller of [1], wherein the array of proximity sensors is a plurality of capacitive sensors attached to the inner surface of the outer shell.
[14]
The controller of [13], wherein the plurality of capacitive sensors are disposed on a flex circuit, and the flex circuit is attached to an inner surface of the outer shell.
[15]
The controller of [1], wherein the outer shell spans an angle of at least 100 degrees, but not more than 170 degrees, around the circumference of the tubular housing of the handle.
[16]
The outer shell includes a first electrical connector portion and the tubular housing of the handle has a second electrical connector portion, the first and second electrical connector portions mating and connecting. The controller of [1], which is possible.
[17]
The controller of [16], further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within the tubular housing of the handle, wherein the second electrical connector portion is electrically coupled to the PCB.
[18]
of [17], wherein the PCB includes a force sensing resistor (FSR) and the controller further includes a plunger that transmits inwardly to the FSR a compressive force applied to the outside of the tubular housing of the handle. controller.
[19]
The controller of [1], wherein the tubular housing of the handle is longitudinally divided by a seam and the outer shell spans the seam.
[20]
The method of [1], wherein the outer shell has a shell thickness and the tubular housing has a housing wall thickness, the shell thickness being less than one third of the housing wall thickness. controller.
[21]
A controller of an electronic system for operation by a user having a hand with a thumb, fingers and palm, said controller comprising:
a controller body having a head and a handle, the head including at least one thumb-operated control;
a tracking member fixed to the controller body;
a hand retainer configured to physically bias the user's palm against the outer surface of the handle;
a first plurality of tracking transducers disposed within the tracking member, wherein the first plurality of tracking transducers are coupled to the electronic system via electromagnetic radiation; a tracking transducer;
and an array of proximity sensors spatially distributed on the handle, the array of proximity sensors responding to proximity of the user's finger to the outer surface of the handle.

Claims (27)

A controller of an electronic system for operation by a user having a hand with a thumb, fingers and palm, said controller comprising:
a controller body having a head and a handle, the head including at least one thumb-operable control, the handle having a tubular housing partially enclosed by an outer shell;
a tracking member fixed to the controller body;
A hand retainer comprising a hand retention strap configured to physically bias the palm against the handle, the hand retainer strap for biasing the hand retainer to an open position. , the hand retainer comprising a curved elastic member;
a first plurality of tracking transducers disposed within the tracking member, wherein the first plurality of tracking transducers are coupled to the electronic system via electromagnetic radiation; a tracking transducer;
a proximity sensor array comprising multiple rows of proximity sensors spatially distributed on the inner surface of the outer shell extending at angles greater than or equal to 100 degrees and less than or equal to 170 degrees around the circumference of the tubular housing , wherein the finger and the outer and the array of proximity sensors responsive to proximity with a shell. 2. The controller of claim 1, wherein said first plurality of tracking transducers comprises a plurality of tracking sensors responsive to electromagnetic radiation emitted by said electronic system. 3. The controller of claim 2, wherein the plurality of tracking sensors are infrared light sensors responsive to pulsed infrared light emitted by the electronic system. 4. The controller of claim 3, wherein each of said infrared photosensors is coated with an infrared transparent polycarbonate plastic. 2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of tracking transducers includes a plurality of tracking beacons that emit electromagnetic radiation for receipt by the electronic system. 2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the tracking member is a tracking arc having an arcuate shape. The tracking member is secured to the controller body by being joined to the controller body at two positions, and the hand retention strap biases the palm against the handle between the two positions. 2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the length is adjustable to allow 3. The controller of claim 1, wherein the hand-holding strap is disposed between the handle and the tracking member. The controller of claim 1, wherein the hand retention strap is adjustable in length and configured to contact the back of the hand. 2. Further comprising a second plurality of tracking transducers disposed within said controller body, said second plurality of tracking transducers including at least one distal tracking transducer disposed on said head. The controller described in . The tracking member includes two noses each projecting from a corresponding one of two opposing distal ends of the tracking member, each nose being associated with at least one of the first plurality of tracking transducers. 2. The controller of claim 1, comprising one. 2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the array of proximity sensors is a plurality of capacitive sensors attached to the inner surface of the outer shell. 13. The controller of claim 12, wherein the plurality of capacitive sensors are disposed on a flex circuit, the flex circuit attached to the inner surface of the outer shell. The outer shell includes a first electrical connector portion and the tubular housing of the handle has a second electrical connector portion, the first and second electrical connector portions mating and connecting. The controller of claim 1, capable of. 15. The controller of claim 14 , further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within the tubular housing of the handle, the second electrical connector portion electrically coupled to the PCB. 16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the PCB includes a force sensing resistor (FSR), and the controller further includes a plunger that transmits inwardly to the FSR a compressive force applied to the outside of the tubular housing of the handle. controller. 2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the tubular housing of the handle is longitudinally divided by a seam and the outer shell spans the seam. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the outer shell has a shell thickness and the tubular housing has a housing wall thickness, the shell thickness being less than one third of the housing wall thickness. controller. A controller of an electronic system for operation by a user having a hand with a thumb, fingers and palm, said controller comprising:
a controller body having a head and a handle, the head including at least one thumb-operable control, the handle having a tubular housing partially enclosed by an outer shell;
a tracking member fixed to the controller body;
A hand retainer comprising a hand retention strap configured to physically bias the palm against the outer surface of the handle, the hand retainer strap biasing the hand retainer to an open position. the hand retainer comprising a curved elastic member for
a first plurality of tracking transducers disposed within the tracking member, wherein the first plurality of tracking transducers are coupled to the electronic system via electromagnetic radiation; a tracking transducer;
a proximity sensor array comprising multiple rows of proximity sensors spatially distributed on the inner surface of the outer shell extending at angles greater than or equal to 100 degrees and less than or equal to 170 degrees around the circumference of the tubular housing, and an array of the proximity sensors responsive to proximity with the outer surface. 20. The controller of claim 19 , further comprising a force sensing resistor (FSR) attached to said handle for detecting compressive force applied to said handle. 20. The controller of Claim 19 , wherein the hand-holding strap is adjustable in length. 20. The controller of claim 19 , wherein the proximity sensors of the array of proximity sensors are at least one of not equally sized, not regularly spaced from each other, or not evenly spaced from each other. . 2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensors of the array of proximity sensors are at least one of not equally sized, not regularly spaced from each other, or not evenly spaced from each other. . A controller of an electronic system for operation by a user having a hand with a thumb and fingers, said controller comprising:
a controller body having a head and a handle, the head including at least one thumb-operable control, the handle having a tubular housing partially enclosed by an outer shell;
a tracking member fixed to the controller body;
a hand retainer comprising a hand retainer strap including a curved elastic member for biasing the hand retainer to an open position;
a first plurality of tracking transducers disposed within the tracking member, wherein the first plurality of tracking transducers are coupled to the electronic system via electromagnetic radiation; a tracking transducer;
An array of proximity sensors spatially distributed on the inner surface of the outer shell extending at angles greater than or equal to 100 degrees and less than or equal to 170 degrees around the circumference of the tubular housing, responsive to proximity of the finger to the outer surface of the handle. an array of the proximity sensors;
a force sensing resistor (FSR) mounted on the handle for detecting compressive force applied to the handle;
the controller. 25. The controller of claim 24 , wherein the array of proximity sensors includes multiple rows of proximity sensors, each row of the multiple rows extending around the handle. The hand retention strap is adapted to transition the hand retainer from the open position to the closed position and to physically move the hand against the outer surface of the handle when the hand retainer is in the closed position. 25. The controller of claim 24 , wherein the length is adjustable for biasing. 25. The controller of claim 24 , wherein the proximity sensors of the array of proximity sensors are at least one of not equally sized, not regularly spaced from each other, or not evenly spaced from each other. .

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