Abstract: A virtual-reality system includes a head-mounted display (HMD), a forward-looking camera coupled to the HMD and a hand-held controller communicatively coupleable to the HMD. The hand-held controller includes a first user-input key, a grip, and an outward-facing surface coupled to the grip. The outward-facing surface includes a plurality of illumination sources which provide light that is detectable by the camera for sensing a position of the controller based on a user motion.

Abstract: A hand-held controller includes a user-input surface, a grip coupled to the user-input surface, and a cage coupled to the user-input surface at two points without the grip interposed between the user-input surface and the cage. The hand-held controller includes may further include a plurality of illumination sources on an outer surface of the cage.

Abstract: A handheld controller with spring-biased third-finger button grip detection is disclosed. The handheld controller can include a third-finger button on the handle and having a lever arm pivotally connected to the controller's main body so the third-finger button is movable between depressed position and released positions. A button-biasing member is pivotally connected to another portion of the main body and has a second lever arm that presses against the first lever arm to bias the third-finger button toward the released, extended position.

Abstract: A handheld controller configured to be held by a user's hand. The handheld controller comprising a main body, and a handle extending from the main body, wherein the handle has a palm side and a finger side. A control button is positioned on the main body or handle, and a detection sensor is on the handle. The detection sensor is positioned to detect the presence of the finger or palm of a user's hand engaging the handle. The detection sensor can be a capacitive touch sensor, a proximity sensor or other detection sensor operative to detect the touch or spatial presence of the user's hand or fingers.

Abstract: Handheld controllers having flexible thumbstick guards are disclosed herein for use with a handheld controller having a thumbstick or other pivotal control member. A representative guard has a tubular neck that sealably connects to a shaft portion of the thumbstick, and a skirt that sealably connects to an interior portion of the handheld controller around the control opening. The guard has a flexible joint portion interconnecting the neck and the skirt to allow the neck to move relative to the skirt upon pivoting the control member relative to the body.

Abstract: There is provided a handheld controller for a virtual reality system. The hand-held controller includes a user-input surface and a grip coupled to the user-input surface. The user-input surface has a first user-input key. The hand-held controller further includes a cage coupled to the user-input surface. The cage includes a plurality of illumination sources on an outer surface of the cage, which provide light to be detected by a camera for sensing a position of the controller based on a user motion.

Abstract: A virtual-reality system includes a head-mounted display (HMD), a forward-looking camera coupled to the HMD and a hand-held controller communicatively coupleable to the HMD. The hand-held controller includes a first user-input key, a grip, and an outward-facing surface coupled to the grip. The outward-facing surface includes a plurality of illumination sources which provide light that is detectable by the camera for sensing a position of the controller based on a user motion.

Abstract: There is provided a handheld controller for a virtual reality system. The hand-held controller includes a user-input surface and a grip coupled to the user-input surface. The user-input surface has a first user-input key. The hand-held controller further includes a cage coupled to the user-input surface. The cage includes a plurality of illumination sources on an outer surface of the cage, which provide light to be detected by a camera for sensing a position of the controller based on a user motion.