Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Gabriel M R Gassoway

Aaron Schmitz

Jonathan Shea Robinson

Christopher H Kujawski

Kenneth Jasinski

Jason Victor Tsai

Kenneth D Jasinski

Andrew McKinley Schroeder

A user input device is provided that includes a button-based control mechanism. The button-based control mechanism includes a button, the button including a user-depressible button top and a button stem, and a button depression guide disposed within an internal cavity of the user input device that engages with the button stem to cause the button to move from a default position and along a substantially arc-shaped path when pressure is applied to the button top. The substantially arc-shaped path may be around an axis of rotation that is external to the user input device. The button-based control mechanism further includes a button biasing mechanism disposed within the internal cavity that returns the button to the default position when the pressure is removed from the button top and at least one sensor that detects actuation of the button responsive to the movement of the button away from the default position.

Controller button having a simulated axis of rotation

A user-replaceable thumbstick top for a user input device is described. The thumbstick top comprises one or more first mating elements that are adapted to mate with one or more second mating elements of a thumbstick base of the user input device. The first and second mating elements are configured to enable the thumbstick top to be removably connected to the thumbstick base. The manner of interconnection between the thumbstick top and the thumbstick base is such that a user can connect and disconnect the two components without having to disassemble the game controller and without having to use any tools.

User-replaceable thumbstick top for game controller

A user input device is described that includes a thumbstick that comprises a thumbstick module and a thumbstick cap that is connected thereto. The thumbstick cap includes a thumbstick base that is mounted upon the thumbstick module and a thumbstick top that can be removably connected to the thumbstick base. The manner of interconnection between the thumbstick top and the thumbstick base is such that a user can connect and disconnect the two components without having to disassemble the game controller and without having to use any tools.

Game controller with user-replaceable thumbstick top

Growing community of inventors

Issaquah, WA, United States of America

Gabriel M R Gassoway