Abstract: A foot-operated controller for controlling a machine, comprising: a foot-receiving platform comprising a foot-receiving member and a base to be deposited on a receiving surface, the foot-receiving member having a first member end for receiving a foot of a user, the base protruding from a second opposite member end of the foot-receiving member, the base and the receiving surface forming a pivot joint for rocking the foot-receiving platform relative to the receiving surface in at least one direction; at least one sensor for detecting at least one rocking movement of the foot-receiving platform relative to the receiving surface in the at least one direction; and a communication interface unit for transmitting to the machine a respective command upon detection of the at least one rocking movement, the foot-operated controller being connectable to a power source for powering at least the at least one sensor.

Abstract: Controllers for user interaction with gaming consoles have progressively become more complicated and requiring good manual dexterity of the users to obtain the benefit of todays high resolution, virtual gaming worlds. However, even advanced users of such handheld controllers struggle to implement the required keystroke sequences required in these gaming environments. For those with disabilities, restricted motion, fatigue etc these controllers presented a barrier to their use of such systems. In accordance with embodiments of the invention a controller pad is provided that allows a user to select “buttons”, indicate motion etc with hands, feet, chin, mouth-held pointer etc. In some embodiments of the invention the controller pad also provides force feedback to the user in response to the actions of the user and/or computing environment either to increase the users overall satisfaction or providing stimulus to indicate errors or input requests in other non-gaming computer applications.