Abstract: A text input device for attachment to a game controller includes a small-sized housing, upper and lower faces, a plurality of text entry keys disposed on the upper face, and an attachment interface disposed on the lower face. A bracket for attaching the text input device to a game controller includes an arm portion having first and second ends. An attachment plate is fixed to the first end and has at least one engaging member protruding therefrom and engaging the attachment interface of the text input device. The bracket further includes at least one retaining member protruding from the second end in a position such that, when the attachment plate is coupled to a first part of a game controller and the retaining member is in contact with a second part of the game controller, a force is applied to a face of the retaining member by the second part of the game controller so as to maintain the coupling of the attachment plate to the game controller first part.

Abstract: An input device includes a plurality of character input keys and is operable in a single and a multiple alphabetic character input mode. In the single alphabetic character input mode, an individual character input key is assigned a single alphabetic character, and activating the individual character input key inputs the alphabetic character. In the multiple alphabetic character input mode an individual character input key is assigned multiple alphabetic characters, and the specific character that is input depends upon the number of times the individual character input key is activated. Accordingly, a portion of the character input keys may be deactivated in the multiple alphabetic character input mode.

Abstract: A text input device for attachment to a game controller includes a small-sized housing, upper and lower faces, a plurality of text entry keys disposed on the upper face, and an attachment interface disposed on the lower face. A bracket for attaching the text input device to a game controller includes an arm portion having first and second ends. An attachment plate is fixed to the first end and has at least one engaging member protruding therefrom and engaging the attachment interface of the text input device. The bracket further includes at least one retaining member protruding from the second end in a position such that, when the attachment plate is coupled to a first part of a game controller and the retaining member is in contact with a second part of the game controller, a force is applied to a face of the retaining member by the second part of the game controller so as to maintain the coupling of the attachment plate to the game controller first part.

Abstract: A character input device is disclosed that includes a plurality of character input keys and one or more mode-altering keys. Each character input key is associated with multiple characters. By activating only the character input keys, primary characters may be input. By activating the character input keys in conjunction with the mode-altering keys, however, various secondary, tertiary, and quaternary characters may be input. The mode-altering keys may be utilized in a temporary mode, wherein only one secondary, tertiary, or quaternary character is input. Alternately, the mode-altering keys may be utilized in a base mode, wherein a series of secondary, tertiary, or quaternary character is input.

Abstract: A input device is disclosed that includes a plurality of character input keys and is operable in a single alphabetic character input mode and a multiple alphabetic character input mode. In the single alphabetic character input mode, an individual character input key is assigned a single alphabetic character, and activating the individual character input key inputs the alphabetic character. In the multiple alphabetic character input mode an individual character input key is assigned multiple alphabetic characters, and the specific character that is input as a result of activating the individual character input key depends upon the number of times the individual character input key is activated. In general, the single alphabetic character input mode utilizes a greater number of the character input keys than the multiple alphabetic character input mode. Accordingly, a portion of the character input keys are deactivated in the multiple alphabetic character input mode.

Abstract: A input device is disclosed that is configurable as a manufacturing step or by a user to input selected characters. The input device includes character input keys and an internal memory. The specific character that is input by activating one of the character input keys depends upon a configuration code that is stored within the internal memory. The configuration code is associated with a key mapping configuration of a host device, for example, and the configuration code may be associated with a plurality of character identifiers for the character input keys. When the input device is configured during manufacturing, the configuration code may be programmed into the internal memory and the character identifiers may be provided. When the input device is configured by the user, the configuration code and the character identifiers are replaced with an alternate configuration code character identifiers.

Abstract: A small-sized text input device is attachable to and removable from a game controller. The text input device can be sized and configured to fit between grip portions of the game controller, and can be attachable to the game controller with a separate attachment bracket. Different brackets can be used to attach the text input device to different types of game controllers. A game player holding the game controller can access the text keys of the text input device with his or her thumbs, and by making only minor (or no) adjustment to the position of his or her hands on the grip portions.