Patent Description:
Controllers for most current games consoles are generally intended to be held and operated by the user holding the controller in both hands, such controllers are sometime referred to as "gamepads". A conventional controller will generally comprise a hard outer case with a plurality of controls mounted about the controller. Typically the controls include buttons, analogue control sticks, bumpers and triggers and are provided upon the front or the top of the controller.

An object of the present invention is to provide a controller having at least one additional control mounted to the controller. It is desirable that the controller is ergonomic, that a user can comfortably operate the control. It is also desirable that the additional control is readily accessible.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

A first aspect of the present invention provides an input apparatus for a computer comprising an outer case having a front face, a top face and opposing side walls, the apparatus comprising at least one control located on the top face of the controller, the controller being shaped to be held in both hands of a user such and the user's index fingers are positioned to operate the at least one control located on the top of the controller; the controller further comprises at least one additional control located on at least one of the opposing side walls of the controller in a position operable by an intermediate portion of the user's index finger.

Optionally, at least one additional control comprises a switch mechanism disposed in an interior of the outer case.

Optionally, at least one additional control comprises an actuator pivotally mounted in cradle disposed within the interior of the outer case.

Optionally, at least one additional control comprises a trunnion mounted in the cradle, the cradle comprising a first portion provided by a portion of the outer case and a second portion provided by a chassis member.

Optionally, at least one additional control comprises at least one limb coupling the trunnion to a body portion.

Optionally, the body portion extends through an opening in the outer case.

Optionally, a cover is mounted to the body portion and wherein at least a portion of the cover extends through the opening in the outer case.

Optionally, at least one additional control comprises a sensor mounted to said one of the opposing side walls of the controller.

Optionally, the at least one additional control is disposed proximate the at least one control located on the top of the controller.

Optionally, the input apparatus is a hand held controller for a games console and further comprises:.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of an input apparatus, a controller, an additional control component and a method are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the input apparatus, the controller, the additional control component and the method described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to <FIG> there is shown a plan view from above of the front of an input apparatus <NUM> for a use with a computer. The input apparatus <NUM> illustrated takes the form of a controller <NUM> or game pad <NUM> for use with a video games console or similar. In other embodiments the input apparatus <NUM> may take the form of a handheld games console or other mobile device such as but not limited to a smartphone, tablet computer, phablet or the input apparatus <NUM> may be an accessory device (such as, but not limited to, a sleeve or case) for use with such a mobile device.

The apparatus or controller <NUM> comprises an outer case or shell <NUM>. The case <NUM> may comprise one or more panels fitted together and or mounted to a chassis member. The case <NUM> may comprise a front body panel 114F and a rear body panel 114B (see <FIG>). The outer case <NUM> comprises a void in which electronic components (such as, but not limited to, switches <NUM> and/or sensors, see <FIG>) are located.

The apparatus or controller <NUM> comprises a plurality of controls which are mounted to the front F and to the top T of the controller <NUM>. As used herein the term "front" refers to an upper surface of the controller <NUM> when in normal use held in both hands, whilst the term "top" refers to a leading edge of the controller <NUM> which typically faces away from a user when held in both hands. A rear or back R of the controller opposes the "front" and typically will form a lower surface, whilst the term "bottom" B refers to a trailing edge of the controller <NUM> which typically faces towards the user when held in both hands. The controller <NUM> comprises a plurality of buttons which when activated initiate a specific action or control function. The controller <NUM> comprises at least one omnidirectional control stick or button which is operable to provide directional input.

Specifically, in the illustrated example shown, the controller <NUM> comprises first, left, and second, right, analogue control sticks, also known as thumb sticks <NUM>, <NUM>. The first left <NUM> and second right <NUM> thumb sticks normally control movement and are intended to be operated by the user's left and right thumbs respectively. Left and right thumb sticks <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted to the front face F of the controller <NUM>. The left thumb stick <NUM> is located in a forward (or upper i.e. nearer the top T of the controller <NUM>) left region of the front face F; and right thumb stick <NUM> is located in a rearward (or lower i.e. nearer the bottom B of the controller <NUM>) right region of the front face F. There are four buttons <NUM>, located on a forward (or upper i.e. nearer the top T of the controller <NUM>) right portion of the front face F of the controller <NUM>. The four buttons <NUM> normally control additional actions and are intended to be operated by the user's right thumb. There is a direction pad <NUM> located on the rearward (or lower) left portion of the front face F of the controller <NUM>. The direction pad <NUM> is intended to be operated by the user's left thumb, typically either as an alternative to the left thumb stick <NUM> or to provide additional action controls. A left shoulder button or bumper <NUM> and a right shoulder button or bumper <NUM> are located on the top face T of the controller <NUM>. A left trigger <NUM> and a right trigger <NUM> are also located on the top face T of the controller <NUM> (see <FIG>). The left and right triggers <NUM>, <NUM> are typically operated by a user's index fingers. The left and right bumpers <NUM>, <NUM> may also be operated by a user's index fingers. The left and right triggers <NUM>, <NUM> may be analogue in nature, or may comprise a plurality of discrete digital states, that is to say the input control may be dependent upon the degree of depression or displacement of the trigger body.

The controller <NUM> may comprise one or more additional input buttons 107A, 107B, 107C, the buttons 107A, 107B, 107C may take the form of one or more digital or analogue buttons, or may be in the form of a touch pad or touch screen.

In order to operate any of the buttons <NUM> a user will normally remove their right thumb from the right thumb stick <NUM> so as to depress one or more of the buttons <NUM>. Switching between the right thumb stick <NUM> and the buttons <NUM> takes time since the user's thumb must traverse the distance therebetween. This may also cause a loss of, or reduction in, control in some games because the user has to relinquish control over the right thumb stick <NUM> in order to control the buttons <NUM>. This may be a particular problem in games where the right thumb stick <NUM> is used for aiming. A similar problem may arise in games where the direction pad <NUM> provides additional actions and the user has to remove their left thumb from the left thumb stick <NUM> in order to operate the direction pad <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may comprise one or more additional controls 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D mounted to the rear R or back of the apparatus <NUM>, where the rear R or back face is opposite the top face F (the face F to which the buttons <NUM>, left and right thumb sticks <NUM>, <NUM> and direction pad <NUM> are mounted).

In the illustrated apparatus <NUM>, the apparatus comprises four additional controls 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D. In other embodiments, more or fewer additional controls 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D may be provided. The additional controls 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D, also referred to herein as paddle levers. Each may comprise an elongate member, that is to say the member comprises a first end and a second end the distance between the first and second ends is greater than a width of the member. The member may be bent, twisted or folded in one or more directions. The paddle levers 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D may be orientated such that at least a portion of the member is substantially parallel with respect to one of a first and second handle portions H1, H2 of the controller <NUM>. The members are each positioned to be operable by the middle, ring or little fingers of a user. These are the fingers normally used to grasp first and second handle portion H1, H2 which thus brings them into proximity with the rear face R of the controller <NUM>.

In order to operate the controls mounted upon the top T of the controller <NUM> a user will normally wrap their index fingers about the side edges or walls E1, E2 of the controller case <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In <FIG> the index finger D1, D3 are bent or crooked about forward or leading corners of the controller <NUM>.

The user can operate either the left shoulder button <NUM> or left trigger <NUM> with the index finger D2 of their left hand and can operate either the right shoulder button <NUM> or right trigger <NUM> with the index finger D2 of their right hand (see <FIG>).

The user may place the pad of the end of their index fingers on the controls on the top of the controller <NUM>. When doing so the user index fingers may leave a gap G between side walls E1, E2 of the controller case <NUM> and the adjacent index finger D1, D2.

The present disclosure provide an actuator or additional control <NUM>, <NUM> upon at least one of the side walls E1, E2 of the controller case <NUM> proximate the top or leading edge T of the controller <NUM>. The additional controls <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed in an upper region of the side walls E1, E2 of the controller case <NUM> that is to say proximate the front F of the controller <NUM>. The additional controls <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed in the crook of a respective one of the index fingers D1, D2, the additional controls <NUM>, <NUM> may at least partially fill the gaps G.

The additional control <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged to be operated by a user engaging or pressing the control with one of the phalanges of the index finger D1, D2, preferably the user's proximal phalanx or rather the fleshy part thereabout.

In some embodiments, the additional control <NUM>, <NUM> may be operated by the middle phalanx of the index finger D1, D2. This may be more common when the users hand is smaller in size.

In this way the additional controls <NUM>, <NUM> are operable by an intermediate portion of the user's index finger, wherein the intermediate portion is disposed between the finger pad or end of the finger and the metacarpophalangeal joint.

In contrast to the shoulder buttons <NUM>,<NUM> and the triggers <NUM>,<NUM> which are operated by bending the index finger D1, D2, the additional controls <NUM>, <NUM> may be operated by a straightening action of the index finger D1, D2. In this way the user's proximal phalanx is brought towards the additional control <NUM>, <NUM> so as to activate the control <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this way the user may operate the additional controls <NUM>, <NUM> when their index finger D1, D2 is at rest upon or aligned with the shoulder button <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> or when their index finger D1, D2 is at rest upon or aligned with the triggers <NUM>, <NUM>.

The user may operate the additional controls <NUM>, <NUM> without altering the alignment of their index finger with whichever of the front controls, shoulder button or trigger, that their index finger is poised over.

The additional control <NUM> may replicate the function operated by either the left shoulder button <NUM> or left trigger <NUM>. The additional control <NUM> may replicate the function of one of the controls disposed on the front of the controller <NUM> for example, but not limited to, buttons <NUM>.

The additional control <NUM> may replicate the function operated by either the right shoulder button <NUM> or right trigger <NUM>. The additional control <NUM> may replicate the function of one of the controls disposed on the front of the controller <NUM> for example, but not limited to, buttons <NUM>.

Alternatively, the additional controls <NUM>, <NUM> may control a new command functions.

In some embodiments, activation of one of the additional controls <NUM>, <NUM> may change the command function or operation initiated by one of the other controls provided on the controller. When said one of the additional controls <NUM>, <NUM> is in a first, "on" state the other control when actuated may initiated a first command function, whereas when said one of the additional controls <NUM>, <NUM> is in a second, "off" state the other control when actuated may initiated a second, different, command function.

<FIG> show further views of the additional controls <NUM>, <NUM> and a mounting structure. The additional controls are substantially similar in construction albeit mirror images of each other.

<FIG> and <FIG> are exploded views of the second additional control <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of a partially assembled first addition control <NUM>.

The additional controls comprise a main body <NUM> and a pin or shaft forming a trunnion <NUM>. The trunnion <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM> by at least one limb <NUM>, <NUM>. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of limbs. The limbs <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted to opposing ends of the trunnion <NUM> and to a base of the man body <NUM>.

The limbs <NUM>, <NUM> are crooked or nonlinear. The limbs <NUM>, <NUM> may be arcuate or substantially "L" shaped. In this way the trunnion <NUM> is offset from the main body <NUM> in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction. The vertical direction is a first direction which extends between the front F and the back B of the controller <NUM>, irrespective of the actual orientation of the controller <NUM>.

The horizontal direction is a second direction which extends between side walls E1, E2 of the controller <NUM>, irrespective of the actual orientation of the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> comprises a chassis <NUM> to which the triggers <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted. A circuit board <NUM> is mounted to the chassis <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> comprises a plurality of electrical or electronic components mounted thereto.

A first switch <NUM> is mounted to the circuit board <NUM>, the additional control <NUM> is arranged to activate the first switch <NUM> to initiate a command function associated therewith. The first switch is mounted orthogonally to the circuit board <NUM>. In one embodiment a right angle Tact Switch may be employed.

The chassis <NUM> comprises a first or upper portion <NUM> of a cradle in which the trunnion <NUM> is mounted.

The back case panel 114B comprises a second or base portion <NUM> of the cradle, see <FIG>.

The cradle is arranged to be disposed below the switch <NUM>. That is to say the switch <NUM> and cradle are disposed on opposing sides of the circuit board <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may comprise a protuberance or projection <NUM> arranged to interact with an actuator of the switch <NUM>.

The additional control <NUM> may comprise a cover <NUM> mounted to the main body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be mounted to the main body by a clip or fastening mechanism <NUM>/<NUM> such as but not limited to a latch mechanism comprising a latch <NUM> and a receiver <NUM>. In other embodiments other fastening mechanism may be employed.

Providing a cover <NUM> readily allows one or more characteristics of the external portion of the addition control <NUM>, <NUM> to be customised such as, but not limited to, the shape, size, colour, appearance, material or texture.

In an assembled condition the trunnion is at rest in the base portion <NUM> of the cradle provided by the back case panel 114B. The upper portion <NUM> of the cradle provided by the chassis <NUM> is disposed over the trunnion <NUM> so as to retain the trunnion in the cradle.

The base portion of the cradle <NUM> may be provided by at least one support 152A, 152B, 152C extending from an internal surface of the back case panel 114B into the interior of the back case panel 114B.

The base portion of the cradle <NUM> may be provided by a recess <NUM> provided in a side or base wall of the back case panel 114B.

In an alternative embodiment the switch mechanism <NUM> and control actuator <NUM>, <NUM> may be replaced with a sensor mounted on the side walls E1, E2 of the controller <NUM> in same the location as the control actuators <NUM>, <NUM>. The sensor may take the form of a capacitive or resistive touch pad. In other embodiments it may be an optical sensor. The sensor may be arranged to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the controller side walls. This may reduce the likelihood of accidental activation of the additional control <NUM>, <NUM>. The sensor may be activated by bringing the users finger into close proximity of touching contact with the sensor.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> will be described in any greater detail.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view from above of an alternative input apparatus or controller <NUM> for a use with a computer. The controller <NUM> comprises first, left, and second, right, analogue control sticks, also known as thumb sticks <NUM>, <NUM>, which normally control movement and are intended to be operated by the user's left and right thumbs respectively, left and right thumb sticks are mounted to the front face of the controller <NUM>, the left thumb stick is located in rearward (or lower -nearer the bottom face of the controller <NUM>) left region of the front face and right thumb stick is located in forward (or upper -nearer the top face of the controller <NUM>) right region of the front face. There are four buttons <NUM>, located on a forward (or upper -nearer the top face of the controller <NUM>) left portion of the front face of the controller <NUM>, which normally control additional actions and are intended to be operated by the user's left thumb. There is a direction pad <NUM> located on the rearward (or lower) right portion of the front face of the controller <NUM>. The direction pad <NUM> is intended to be operated by the user's right thumb, typically either as an alternative to the right thumb stick <NUM> or to provide additional actions. A left shoulder button or bumper and a right shoulder button or bumper are located on the top face of the controller <NUM>. A left trigger and a right trigger are also located on the top face of the controller <NUM>. The left and right triggers are typically operated by a user's index fingers. The left and right bumpers may also be operated by a user's index fingers. The left and right triggers may analogue in nature, or may comprise a plurality of discrete digital states, that is to say the input control is dependent upon the degree of depression or displacement of the trigger body.

The controller comprises at least one paddle lever control 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D mounted to the back of the controller <NUM> substantially as described with reference to the embodiment of <FIG>.

The controller comprises at least one additional index finger control <NUM> mounted to the side walls of the controller <NUM> substantially as described with reference to the embodiment of <FIG>.

The controller <NUM> comprises a chassis or frame member 114C to which a front case panel 114F and rear case panel 114b are mounted.

The frame member 114C comprises a first chamber C1 arranged to be disposed in the first handle portion H1 of the controller <NUM>.

The frame member 114C comprises a second chamber C2 arranged to be disposed in the second handle portion H2 of the controller <NUM>.

The first chamber C1 and second chamber C2 are substantially the same in construction and will be described by reference to the second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 defines at least in part a void V for receiving a removable module <NUM> in the form of a haptic feedback module. The haptic feedback module may take the form of a rumble or vibration module. In some embodiments the vibration module comprises an electric motor having an eccentric weight mounted to a drive shaft. Rotation of the motor causes the user to experience vibrations as the eccentric weight is moved.

The removable module <NUM> comprises a housing comprising a base <NUM> having bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls defining an interior I and a lid <NUM> forming a top wall. The lid is mounted to the base <NUM> by a fastening mechanism such as, but not limited to, a latch mechanism <NUM>.

The vibration module is mounted in the interior of the housing. The removable module <NUM> comprises at least one first electrical contact for electrical communication with at least one second electrical contact provided in the first or second chamber C1, C2. The at least one first electrical contact may be formed by one or more pins or spring contacts passing though apertures in the housing. Each of the at least one first electrical contacts may be resiliently biased to maintain electrical engagement with one of the at least one second electrical contacts.

The controller <NUM> may comprise a securing mechanism for holding the haptic feedback module <NUM> in the respective one of the first and second chambers C1, C2. The securing mechanism may be mechanical such as releasable catch or may be magnetic in nature. In alternative embodiments the securing mechanism may be omitted the removable haptic feedback module <NUM> may employ a friction or interference fit in the respective one first and second chambers C1, C2.

A finger recess <NUM> may be provided to facilitate removal of the haptic feedback modules <NUM> from the frame member 114C. In order to removal of the haptic feedback modules <NUM> the front case panel 114F may be detachably mounted to the frame member 114C.

In other embodiments it is envisaged the first and second chambers C1, C2 may be employed as storage compartments for example for holding interchangeable component parts of the controller <NUM> such as, but not limited to, a thumbstick stalk or actuator, a D-pad actuator, a paddle lever.

In still other embodiments the first and second chambers C1, C2 may be employed to provide one or more additional electronic devices for example, but not limited to an additional or supplementary battery, wireless communication device, sensors such as but not limited to accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS sensor, audio speakers, microphones.

In alternative embodiments, it is envisaged that the back case panel 114B may be detachable and the first and second chambers C1, C2 may be accessed by removal of at least a part of the back case panel 114B.

In other embodiments the controller <NUM> may comprise access panels provided on at least one of the front, back or sides of the controller which are removable from the controller <NUM> so as to enable a user to access the first and second chambers C1, C2.

In other embodiments the housing of the removable module.

Referring now to <FIG> and <NUM>, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. In the further alternative illustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "<NUM>" and so on to indicate that these features belong to the third embodiment. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the first and second embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> will be described in any greater detail.

<FIG> and <NUM> illustrate a plan views from above of an alternative input apparatus or controller <NUM> for a use with a computer. The controller <NUM> comprises a plurality of controls mounted thereto. The plurality of controls include a first, left, and a second, right, analogue control sticks, also known as thumb sticks <NUM>, <NUM>, which normally control movement and are intended to be operated by the user's left and right thumbs respectively, left and right thumb sticks are mounted to the front face of the controller <NUM>. There are four buttons <NUM>, located on the top face of the controller <NUM>, which normally control additional actions and are intended to be operated by the user's left thumb. There is a direction pad <NUM> located on the front face of the controller <NUM>. The direction pad <NUM> is intended to be operated by the user's right thumb, typically either as an alternative to the right thumb stick <NUM> or to provide additional actions. A left shoulder button or bumper and a right shoulder button or bumper are located on the top face of the controller <NUM>. A left trigger and a right trigger are also located on the top face of the controller <NUM>. The left and right triggers are typically operated by a user's index fingers. The left and right bumpers may also be operated by a user's index fingers. The left and right triggers may analogue in nature, or may comprise a plurality of discrete digital states, that is to say the input control is dependent upon the degree of depression or displacement of the trigger body.

The controller comprises at least one paddle lever control 1111A, 1111B, 1111C, 1111D mounted to the back of the controller <NUM>.

The controller comprises at least one additional index finger control <NUM>, <NUM> mounted to the side walls of the controller <NUM> substantially as described with reference to the embodiment of <FIG>.

The controller <NUM> comprises a chassis or frame member <NUM> to which a first, right, handle module DH1 and a second left handle module DH2 are detachably mounted. The plurality of controls are mounted to chassis member <NUM>.

The first handle module DH1 comprises a first chamber or interior. The second handle module DH2 comprises a second chamber or interior.

The first chamber C1 and second chamber C2 each define at least in part a void V for receiving an electronic device. The electronic device provides an additional or supplementary feature to the controller for example but not limited to a removable haptic feedback module. The haptic feedback module may take the form of a rumble or vibration module. In some embodiments the vibration module comprises an electric motor having an eccentric weight mounted to a drive shaft. Rotation of the motor causes the user to experience vibrations as the eccentric weight is moved.

The first and second handle modules DH1, DH2 each comprise a fastening mechanism <NUM>, in the illustrated embodiment the fastening mechanism takes the form of a clip or latch mechanism, in other embodiments other mechanisms may be employed such as, but not limited to screw thread such as screws or bolts, bayonet fitting, magnets,.

The first and second handle modules DH1, DH2 each comprise an electrical connector <NUM> such that the electronic device disposed therein is in electrical communication with electrical component disposed in, or mounted to, the frame member <NUM>. The electrical connector <NUM> mates or couples with a complementary connector (not shown) mounted to the frame member <NUM>.

A release mechanism (not shown) may be provided to release the first and second handle modules DH1, DH2 from the frame member <NUM>.

A finger recess may be provided to facilitate removal of first and second handle modules DH1, DH2 from the frame member <NUM>.

In embodiments of the disclosure the first and second handle modules DH1, DH2 may be employed to provide one or more additional features for example, but not limited to an additional or supplementary battery, wireless communication device, sensors such as but not limited to accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS sensor, audio speakers, microphones, wireless charging module.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the paddles may be adjusted to accommodate controllers of differing size or shape.

In some embodiments the microswitches may be replaced with a magnetic switch or sensor, for example a reed switch or hall sensor; the paddles may comprise a magnet arranged so as to activate the magnetic switch or sensor when the paddle is depressed by a user. It is envisaged that in such embodiments the magnetic switch or sensor is mounted inside the controller behind the back panel and that there will be no requirement to provide apertures through the back panel in order that the paddles can physically contact the microswitches. Further it is envisaged that the user may be provided with feedback to indicate that the switch has been activated. The feedback may be aural or haptic, for example, such as an audible click.

It is envisaged that the controllers may be coupled to a games console or computer by a wired connection or by a wireless connection device.

It is also envisaged that the controller may be constructed as a shell or caddy into which a handheld electronic device such as, but not limited to, a mobile telephone (smartphone) or tablet computer is inserted, the caddy comprising control actuators, thumb sticks and/or buttons (which are coupled to the electronic device either wirelessly or via physical or wired connection) for interaction with or control of the electronic device.

Claim 1:
An input apparatus (<NUM>) for a computer comprising an outer case (<NUM>) having a front face (114F), a top face and opposing side walls (E1, E2), the apparatus comprising at least one control (<NUM>, <NUM>) located on the top face (T) of the controller, the controller being shaped to be held in both hands of a user such that the user's index fingers are positioned to operate the at least one control (<NUM>, <NUM>) located on the top (T) of the controller; the controller further comprises at least one additional control (<NUM>, <NUM>) located on at least one of the opposing side walls (E1, E2) of the controller in a position operable by an intermediate portion of the user's index finger.