Abstract: A control-key device is provided for use as a controller for a video game including a direction specifying key mounted on a housing which an operator manipulates to control the play of a video game, where the surface of said direction specifying key comprises a combination of concave portions to facilitate use of the direction specifying key. The unit preferably comprises a push button and a housing including a hole through which the push button protrudes. The housing extends along a plane wherein said plane intersects a plane perpendicular to an axis of said push button at a predetermined angle, and said plane of said housing also extending parallel to a plane defined by the surface of said push button.

Abstract: A control pad with two input ports for establishing a connection with two three-axis input devices permits six-axis game play. The control pad contains a microprocessor which determines whether one or two three-axis input devices are connected thereto and generates an address signal for communication with a game console to inform a microprocessor of the game console on power up of an exact nature of peripheral input devices which are attached. A thumb-operated rotor assembly is fitted to a top of a joystick for z-axis control and thus allows single-handed three-axis control of computer games through the joystick.

Abstract: A convertible peripheral input device comprises a control pad and a multiaxis input device selectably mounted on either side of the control pad so that the multiaxis input device can be positioned for right-hand use or left-hand use according to the user's preference. The multiaxis input device can be rotated from one position to another by use of a hinge mechanism with two points of rotation; one for rotation of the multiaxis input device 180 degrees relative to the hinge mechanism and the second point of rotation allowing the hinge mechanism to rotate 180 degrees relative to the control pad bottom surface. The rotatable hinge mechanism may be used with videogame control pads and joysticks as well as keyboards with mouse controllers.

Abstract: A convertible peripheral input device comprises a control pad and a multiaxis input device selectably mounted on the edges of the control pad so that the multiaxis input device can be positioned for right-handed use or left-handed use according to the user's preference. The multiaxis input device can be rotated from one position to another by the use of a hinge mechanism with two points of rotation: one for rotation of the multiaxis input device 180 degrees relative to the hinge mechanism and the second point of rotation allowing the hinge mechanism to be rotated 180 degrees relative to the control pad bottom surface. The rotatable hinge mechanism may be used with videogame control pads and joysticks as well as keyboards with mouse controllers.

Abstract: A control pad with two input ports for establishing a connection with two three-axis input devices permits six-axis game play. The control pad contains a microprocessor which determines whether one or two three-axis input devices are connected and generates an address signal for communication with the game console to inform the console microprocessor on power up the exact nature of the peripheral input devices which are attached. The present invention also includes a thumb-operable rotor assembly which allows single-handed three axis control of computer games.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control-key device having a shape such that the control-key device easily fits the hands of an operator. The control-key device has a top case 11 and a bottom case 12 having a curved shape. The control-key device has three circuit substrates 81, 82 and 83 having angles formed therebetween so that the curved shape of the top case and bottom case matches these the three circuit substrates. Rubber contact members 70, 63 and 22 are placed on the circuit substrates, push buttons 31, 32, 33 and 60 and a direction specifying key 20 being placed thereon.