Abstract: A multifunction human digit control includes a rotating cylinder journalled in a movable bar slidable in a groove in a deflectable support track. Rotation of the cylinder by a thumb or finger generates a first motion signal and movement of either or both of the bar and the cylinder by tactile movement, generates a second motion signal, representing, for example, X-axis and Y-axis positions, respectively, of a cursor on a computer screen. Various types of motion detectors or encoders are disclosed to detect the various movements of the bar and cylinder. The mechanism also permits actuation of a switch or other motion detector in a Z-axis by deflection of any one of the bar, the cylinder or portions of the support track with respect to a support structure. In a preferred embodiment, the overall control has its digit-operated tactile surfaces exposed in an aperture contained in a device casing, such as an opening in a computer keyboard or in an instrument housing or control panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adapter for driving control inputs of a video game system, providing a plurality of selectable functional relationships between a set of input signals and the control inputs, and includes an output section for communicating with the system, a receiver for the input signals, and a microprocessor converter for driving the output section in response to the input signals and for changing a functional relationship between the input signals and the output section according to a configuration selector. The configuration selector defines a first function wherein one of the control inputs is responsive to a particular input signal, and a second function wherein a different one of the control inputs is responsive to the input signal. The first and second functions advantageously provide selective transformations between frames of reference of the input signals and the video game itself whereby video games having differing frames of reference can be operated within the same user frame of reference.

Abstract: A portable palm, wrist, or forearm (appendage) rest is disclosed which includes the rest (1), adjustable supports (2), work surface, computer, typewriter, keyboard, or data input device attachment (3), means for reducing resistance to movement (4), and work surface protector (5). The said device provides a light, portable means for supporting a computer, typewriter, keyboard or data input device user's palms, wrists, or forearms in order to alleviate fatigue and increase productivity wherever the aforementioned device is used.

Abstract: A floor-standing video game player enclosure booth is disclosed. The enclosure booth is characterized by being a rear entry booth--that is, the player enters from the end of the booth facing the booth's front wall. The booth additionally includes a player seat. The seat is positioned within the enclosure booth so that, when occupied by a player who is looking directly forward toward the front wall, that player's horizontal field of view is interrupted on at least about 180.degree. by the front and side walls of the enclosure. In this configuration, the front and side walls substantially eliminate distractions and permit the player to focus his energies and attention on the game. The open rear permits substantial numbers of spectators to participate in the game without distracting the player. In preferred embodiments, the player seat is movable, closer to and further from the front wall, so as to give a plurality of game-playing positions adapted for larger and smaller game players.

Abstract: A trackball-type input device (10) uses a retainer (114) to secure a ball (80) to a housing (12) so that a large segment (164) of the ball (80) protrudes from the housing (12) for manipulation by the user, thereby affording precise control over rotational movement of the ball (80).

Abstract: A joystick assembly for converting push-button keys to joystick actuation comprises a handle and a multi-arm member, the multi-arm member includes arms located for contact with keys of a computer keyboard, each arm having a depending end for engaging a respective key. The handle inserts perpendicularly through the multi-arm member through a central aperture and is adjustable perpendicularly with respect to the keyboard. Apparatus is incorporated for fastening an end of the handle to a central key of a keyboard.

Abstract: An efficient, manually activated direction sensitive input system having particular application to a computer to enable a computer operator to selectively and easily initiate one of a plurality of available software controlled functions. The input system comprises a contact bar which is located at the front of the computer keyboard to be interfaced with and movable relative to an array of electrical switches located at the interior of the keyboard. The contact bar is readily accessible to the computer operator for movement in one of several directions to actuate a respective switch or combination of switches of the array and thereby initiate a corresponding software controlled function. The present direction sensitive input system is a convenient, space conserving alternative to the remotely located switches of a conventional mouse system that have heretofore been associated with some computers.

Abstract: A first electromechanical transducer (40) generates a first electrical signal indicative of rotation of a ball (A) relative to a first axis. A second electromechanical transducer (50) generates a second electrical signal indicative of rotation of the ball relative to a second axis. A third electromechanical transducer (60) generates a third electrical signal indicative of rotation of an annular ring (12) around the periphery of the ball, i.e. a third axis. A resolver circuit (D) converts the first, second, and third electrical signals into an indication of movement or position along the first, second, and third axes.

Abstract: A video game controller which attaches to the user's upper body allowing the user to play a video game by leaning the upper body in any direction, simulating the movement of a joystick. The controller attaches to the user's upper back with an arrangement of straps and buckles. The tilt of the user's upper body is detected by an array of mercury switches with the resultant electrical signals being transmitted to the input of a video game. The specific angle of tilt required to actuate the mercury switches can be adjustable, thereby varying the degree of upper body movement needed to play a particular video game. Additional controls for the video game, such as a firing control, are provided by a hand held pushbutton attached to the controller via a flexible cord. Playing a video game using this arrangement results in vigorous exercise of the abdominal, back and lateral muscles.

Abstract: A joystick controller apparatus comprises a lever mounted for pivotal motion in at least two directions, a guide defining a preselected shift pattern for the lever, and an indicating arrangement for producing a digital logic representation of the position of the lever relative to the shift pattern. The indicating arrangement comprises energy actuated members positioned at predetermined locations relative to the shift pattern, energy producing members positioned in registry with the energy actuated members for normally actuating the same and shield members interposed between the energy producing members and energy actuated members and movable in response to movement of the lever into positions for respectively permitting and preventing actuation of the energy actuated members by the energy producing members in a predetermined fashion such that said energy actuated members collectively form a representation of the location of the lever relative to the shift pattern.

Abstract: Joystick controller apparatus in which a pair of joystick controllers may send signal bursts on the same communication channel in the infrared frequency range by means of an electromagnetic transmission without recognizable loss of data. An error checking system is also provided to eliminate the effects of noise. A universal cable connector is provided for connection to various video game apparatus.

Abstract: A game software service system is connected to a monitor to display an image for game. A CPU and a PPU which cooperates with the CPU are accommodated within a housing. A plurality of storage mediums which respectively store game programs are attached to the housing in an attachable/detachable manner. The respective storage mediums are commonly connected to an address bus and a data bus of the CPU and the PPU, and assigned with a common address space. A first controller is used for playing a game. Any one of the storage mediums is selected by operation of a second controller. When a menu showing a plurality of game names is displayed on the monitor, accesses from the CPU and the PPU to a selected storage medium are enabled in response to the operation of the second controller. The CPU and the PPU execute a program of the selected storage medium to display the image for game on the monitor.

Abstract: A video game or model plane, car, boat or the like controller toggle swith assembly holding device which comprises a rigid elongated support member of wood, metal, fiberglass, plastic or other suitable rigid material having physical holding handles, straps and the like at one end for enabling a player/operator of a video game or model plane, car, boat or the like to firmly hold the support member and restrain it from physically moving. The holder is completed by securing a manually operable controller toggle switch of the type used in playing video games or controlling model planes, cars, boats or the like at a fixed position on the rigid physical support member at a distance proportioned to the arm length of a player/operator using the controller toggle switch assembly.

Abstract: An input device for providing X and Y coordinate analog input values and an associated function selection to a computer. There is a support plate and a multiposition function selection switch having an output indicating the position thereof. There is also selector apparatus carried by the support plate and operably connected for moving the function selection switch between its positions. There are coordinate generators for generating X and Y coordinate analog values at outputs thereof and activator apparatus carried in combination with the selector apparatus and operably connected to the coordinate generators for changing the X and Y analog values being output. The selector apparatus may comprise an annular member disposed parallel to the plane of the support plate with the activator apparatus disposed within the annular member. The function selection switch is a rotatable switch and the annular member is rotatable about a perpendicular axis to move the function selection switch between its positions.

Abstract: A multifunction human digit control includes a rotating cylinder journalled in a movable bar slidable in a groove in a deflectable support track. Rotation of the cylinder by a thumb or finger generates a first motion signal and movement of either or both of the bar and the cylinder by tactile movement, generates a second motion signal, representing, for example, X-axis and Y-axis positions, respectively, of a cursor on a computer screen. Various types of motion detectors or encoders are disclosed to detect the various movements of the bar and cylinder. The mechanism also permits actuation of a switch or other motion detector in a Z-axis by deflection of any one of the bar, the cylinder or portions of the support track with respect to a support structure. In a preferred embodiment, the overall control has its digit-operated tactile surfaces exposed in an aperture contained in a device casing, such as an opening in a computer keyboard or in an instrument housing or control panel.

Abstract: An operating device for inputting the coordinate positions of a controlled object that moves across a screen. The present invention is directed to obviating the problems of the prior art involving the bad operability of a knob which requires rotation through a large angle to move the controlled object across the screen, and the short life-span of the knob due to frequent use. In order to overcome these problems, the rotational number of a main shaft is increased by a rotational number increasing mechanism and the rotational number of the output shaft of the rotational number increasing mechanism is optically or magnetically detected. The present invention is therefore suitable for use as an operating device for a TV game machine.

Abstract: An improved computer graphic drawing apparatus having a housing unit adapted for being held in hand during graphic drawing operations, a coarse adjusting device movably disposed in the housing unit, and an IC arrangement disposed in the housing unit and electrically connected to the coarse adjusting device for being coupled with a host computer. The improvement resides in a few adjusting device movably disposed in the housing unit and includes: a tracking member movably installed on one side of the housing unit; a first and a second rotary member separately installed in the housing unit and rotatably engaged with the tracking member for being rotated on X and Y coordinate axes; and a first and a second encoding device respectively provided in the housing unit and electrically connected to the IC arrangement in conjunction with both rotary members so as to effect signal conversion and transmission in accomplishing fine adjustment operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flight simulation control apparatus, and more particularly pertains to the field of computer game controllers which are used for the control of games being played on a personal computer. In the present invention, the controller takes the form of a control yoke similar to the one used in actual aircraft with a control wheel, a forward and back movement mechanism, and a throttle. The controllers interface with the computer through the use of a game port on the computer. The game ports are of a standard design and are common on many computers.

Abstract: An attachment for use in conjunction with radio control transmitters, especially for use with model cars, which has a steering wheel and a fork-shaped lever extending therefrom. The lever is adapted to fit over the directional control stick of the transmitter, whereby the rotary motion created by turning the steering wheel translates into the rectilinear motion which actuates the control stick. Realism and enhanced operator control are achieved.

Abstract: A joystick control unit. The control unit includes a controller, such as a handle, transmitting coil, plurality of receiving coils, and plurality of substrates. The handle may be subjected to spring forces which bias the controller toward a neutral position. The transmitting coil is made of electrically conducting paths on one substrate, and the receiving coils are made of electrically conducting paths on another substrate. One of the substrates is connected to the controller and, together with the controller, is movable in relation to the other substrate, which is located in a substantially fixed position. The controller and interconnected substrate may be moved in a variety of positions such that the controller and attached substrate have at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A joystick, or any other type of input device which translates motion into a related signal, provides proportional control for a variable associated with a computer program, such, not adapted for proportional joystick control. In one embodiment, one input to the computer causes a variable in a computer program to repeatedly increment in one direction, a second input causes the variable to repeatedly increment in the opposite direction. The first input is provided for a period of time related to a change in joystick position in a first direction and produces the second input for a period of time corresponding to the degree the joystick is moved in a second direction. In another embodiment, the present invention produces keyboard symbol codes to simulate a keyboard. The invention repeatedly produces an appropriate code for a number of times, the number corresponding to the degree to which the joystick was moved.

Abstract: A joystick for a computer game which comprises a stick lever, a trigger button and a function button. In the joystick, when the function button is pressed down while the stick lever is inclined in one of directions or the trigger button is depressed, an operation specified by the inclination direction of the stick lever or by the trigger button can be executed intermittently or continuously, so that, even if the trigger button is operated long, it is possible to enhance the operation of the joystick, to reduce the fatigue of a player and to extend the life of the joystick.

Abstract: An ergonomically-shaped hand controller of the type commonly referred to as a "mouse", is specially configured to prevent or reduce hand muscle fatigue despite continuous use over a protracted period of time. A housing for receiving the anterior surface of the hand comprises an arched metacarpalphalangeal support surface, distal phalange support surfaces for the volar pads of the thumb and forefinger and a medial ledge for supporting the remaining three ulnar fingers in a partially wrapped configuration with flexion of the distal, middle and proximal phalanges.

Abstract: A joystick actuator for controlling the positioning of objects, for instance, displays on CRTs, having a pivotally mounted control stick operatively engaging and driving a pair of optical-mask members. The optical-mask members are retained for rectilinear sliding motion relative to fixed mounted opto-switches and include spaced fins positioned to interrupt light communication within respective opto-switches. Positioning of the opto-switches and spacing of the mask fins are selected to provide successive unblocking of the interrupted light communication as the control column is displaced from neutral thereby encoding both the direction and magnitude of stick deflection.

Abstract: An adaptor for an electronic gaming machine cartridge which will enable the use of a cartridge of a particular configuration to be used in a gaming machine designed to operate with a cartridge of a different configuration. The adaptor includes a case having a main portion which houses a connector board and an edge connector for electrically interconnecting the connecting board and a circuit board in the cartridge. The case also includes a pair of guide supports which extend aft of the main portion in a spaced parallel relation and act to support the cartridge. The adaptor further includes structure for preventing the cartridge from being inserted in the adaptor upside down and further structure for preventing the adaptor itself from being inserted upside down in the gaming machine.

Abstract: A joystick, or any other type of input device which translates motion into a related signal, provides proportional control for a variable associated with a computer program, not adapted for proportional joystick control. In one embodiment, one input to the computer causes a variable in a computer program to repeatedly increment in one direction, a second input causes the variable to repeatedly increment in the opposite direction. The first input is produced for a period of time related to a change in joystick position in a first direction and the second input is produced for a period of time corresponding to the degree the joystick is moved in a second direction. In another embodiment, the present invention produces keyboard symbol codes to simulate a keyboard. The invention repeatedly produces an appropriate code for a number of times, the number corresponding to the degree to which the joystick was moved.

Abstract: A multifunction human digit control includes a rotating cylinder journalled in a movable bar slidable in a groove in a deflectable support track. Rotation of the cylinder by a thumb or finger generates a first motion signal and movement of either or both of the bar and the cylinder by tactile movement, generates a second motion signal, representing, for example, X-axis and Y-axis positions, respectively, of a cursor on a computer screen. Various types of motion detectors or encoders are disclosed to detect the various movements of the bar and cylinder. The mechanism also permits actuation of a switch or other motion detector in a Z-axis by deflection of any one of the bar, the cylinder or portions of the support track with respect to a support structure. In a preferred embodiment, the overall control has its digit-operated tactile surfaces exposed in an aperture contained in a device casing, such as an opening in a computer keyboard or in an instrument housing or control panel.

Abstract: An accessory is provided for a computerized aircraft flight simulation program which employs a control stick assembly to simulate the forces on and movement of an aircraft control stick which a pilot would actually experience in flight. The accessory employs a joystick extension of at least fifteen inches in length and four springs which extend in orthogonal directions from the joystick extension over pulleys on upright mounting posts to anchoring locations near a mounting base to which the posts are attached. The springs are maintained in tension and are long enough to produce realistic sensations of resistance which a pilot actually experiences in operating the control stick of an aircraft. The springs are arranged in linearly aligned pairs with the springs in each pair working in opposition to each other. Tension on the springs in one pair can be adjusted to simulate elevator trim control in an aircraft. Tension on a spring in the other pair can be adjusted to simulate rudder trim control in an aircraft.

Abstract: A surfing video game in which a surfing figure on a monitor moves over simulated waves to gain playing rewards is controlled by a foot-actuated surfboard simulator. The simulator has a horizontally mounted elongate surfboard having a suspension system consisting of a fulcrum member adapted to support the board to permit tilting in all directions, and a biasing system mounted annularly to the fulcrum which tends to maintain the board in a horizontal position and to dampen tilting movement of the board. An attitude sensor and switch module is mounted on the controller and consists of a gravity-actuated closure member, such as a pendulum or ball bearing, having a common electrical contact and positioned to engage one or more of a plurality of equally spaced electrical contacts located around the periphery of the closure member.

Abstract: An accessory (40) for a computer mouse (18) includes a multistrand accessory conductor (42) for transmitting location signals and acceptance signals having a first coupling (44) for coupling a first end of the conductor (42) to the coupling (26) of a computer mouse assembly (19) and a second coupling (46) for coupling a second end of the conductor (42) to a coupling (22) of a computer (10). The accessory further includes a remote acceptance switch (54) coupled to the strands of the multistrand accessory conductor including a hand-operated button (56) for producing an acceptance signal similar to the acceptance signal produced by an acceptance switch (38) of the computer mouse (18). Thus, a cursor location generated by movement of the computer mouse can be accepted in a memory of the computer either by activation of the mouse acceptance switch or the remote acceptance switch.

Abstract: A trackball for controlling the motion of a video-screen cursor comprises a control ball, said control ball being held on at least two rotatable rolling bodies, said rolling bodies each touching the control ball at at least two contact points. These rolling bodies may, for example, have the shape of a double cone or of two spheres mounted on a shaft. The result is that, once imparted rotary momentum in an initial direction, the control ball retains momentum in that direction, i.e., the video-screen cursor moves in a precisely vertical or precisely horizontal direction across the video screen once it is started in such a direction. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the axial bearing arrangement of the rolling bodies is dispensed with.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for interfacing with a mouse (12) including a transducer (13) which controls movement of a cursor on a computer display is disclosed as including a base (14), a first member (16) having a peripheral surface (18) for interfacing with the mouse (12) mounted on the base (14) for rotary and axial movement and a second member (20) connected to the first member (16) and manually actuable for actuating driving movement of the first member (16) to thereby allow an operator to simulate control wheel movement associated with playing video games.

Abstract: Arrow keys on the keyboard of a desktop computer, computer terminal or displaywriter which control the movement of a cursor are actuated by a manually operated mechanical device resting over the keyboard. The device entails a central control shaft and a plurality of fingers extending outward radially from the shaft toward each of the arrow keys, and preferably toward adjacent keys as well. The control shaft and fingers are pivotally mounted and arranged such that when the control shaft is pivoted in the direction of desired motion of the cursor, the appropriate finger is engaged by the control shaft and pivots downward to depress the corresponding key.

Abstract: A video art electronic system for drawing and coloring on a conventional color television video monitor includes a first joystick for drawing and a second joystick for coloring. The operation is in real time and is simple enough for a child to operate.

Abstract: A video system incorporated into the back of a typical passenger seat, as on an airplane, bus, etc. The system includes a TV screen disposed normally in an upright position and recessed at least in part in the usual recess in a seat back. The arm rest of the seat next rearwardly carries various controls by means of which several modes of TV operation are available, along with the playing of music, commentaries and the like via cassettes in the arm rest, a master array of cassettes located centrally in the aircraft, disk drives, and improved power supply.

Abstract: A control member which includes two or more pivoting ball members, one seated in a housing, and the others pivotally seated within an operational control stick integral with the first ball member. Each ball member includes a plurality of contacts with leads which extend to various operational controls. Upon touching of the ball contacts with an electrical source, current is transmitted to the operational controls to perform various operations.

Abstract: Thumb twiddling devices that include a flat, hand-held housing (23) having a centrally located wheel (21) with an oblong thumb slot (35) and finger slots (33a, 33b) peripherally located about the wheel are disclosed. Thumb twiddling causes the rotation of the wheel (21) when a user's fingers (63) are interleaved together in the finger slots (33a, 33b) such that the thumbs lie in the thumb slot (35). In a toy form of the invention, thumb twiddle wheel rotations are sensed and the result used to control a display (49). In a controller form of the invention, sensed thumb twiddle wheel rotations are used to provide control signals suitable for controlling the movement of a video game object. Direction (e.g., steering) signals are provided by a tilt sensor mounted in the flat housing. Several thumb twiddle controllers can be used simultaneously by several video game "players" to control their respective objects in an interactive game.

Abstract: Operation of a video game or an exercise system utilizing a video display is enhanced by a floor controller utilizing weight sensitive pads that allows an operator to input information into the system by locating his feet in specific portions of the floor controller. The system includes an interface circuit which obtains foot location signals from the floor controller and transmits this information to a system microprocessor which in turn is used to control the video display. The system can also include light segments that are under control of the microprocessor and which are associated with each of the weight sensitive pads.

Abstract: A four-directional switch which can be turned on and off in four directions, which comprises a base plate having a plurality of electrodes formed thereon, a key top having an indication showing predetermined four pressing directions in an identifiable manner, a support member constituting a fulcrum between the base plate and the key top, a plurality of conductive rubbers disposed opposing to the plurality of electrodes so as to be in electrical contact with corresponding ones of the electrodes, and a sustaining member having the plurality of conductive rubbers fixed thereto and having elastic force for sustaining the conductive rubbers so as not to be in contact with the electrodes when the key top is not pressed.

Abstract: A joystick position transducer system for use in a video game. The joystick position transducer includes a pair of inductors each having a movable slug, the slugs being coupled to a control handle or knob by means of respective linkages. The control handle or knob is responsive to external stimulus to move the slugs, the inductors providing respective first and second analog signals which are proportional to the position of the slugs. Coupled to each of the inductors is an oscillator and counter for providing a pulsed output, the pulse width of which is proportional to the position of the respective slug. A controller, such as a computer control or logic sequence circuit, is provided to control the oscillators and counters. The controller is further responsive to the counter outputs to control a display presentation on a video display coupled thereto.

Abstract: An improved rocking rod assembly for a new type of horizontal contact video game including a horizontal contact type circuit element, a rocking rod having a base end thereof provided with guide rails, a fixed ring having a central hole, guide grooves in the central configured to match the guide rail, and a resilient elastic mid-ring. In another embodiment, the present rocking rod assembly includes a double key.

Abstract: A control handle for remotely controlling a hydraulically operated apparatus. The handle comprises a flexible foil, conductor paths comprised of a pair of independent condensor plates arranged on the foil, and an isolating sleeve surrounding the foil and conductor paths.

Abstract: A game control support tray with left and right sides which can be strapped across both legs in the lap of the user for holding video game control components for a video game player. The control support tray has one or more tray surfaces connected by a support structure for holding video game control components which can be adjusted to preselected positions between the left and right sides for increased comfort of the operator and more effective use of the game control.

Abstract: A portable general-purpose electronic apparatus which is characterized in that; a memory unit can be inserted into the housing via an inlet so that any desired display information memorized by the memory unit can be displayed on a screen display, and as a result, a variety of information can be conveniently displayed by merely changing the memory unit. Consequently, an extremely useful general-purpose electronic apparatus can be realized by memorizing any desired information, for example, such as game function and other data of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video game control arrangement in which player movement is controlled on a video screen from the handlebars of an exercise device such as a stationary exercise bicycle. The arrangement is set up such that the video controls can only be operated with a pre-set acceptable exercise level below which the controls are non-operational.

Abstract: The invention provides a holder for a position indicator device used to position a cursor on a visual display. The holder comprises a rectangular base member having rotatably-mounted ball bearings and apertures adapted to allow the spherical transport ball of the position indicator device to come in contact with a supporting surface. When the holder is coupled to the position indicator, only the ball bearings and transport ball make contact with the supporting surface, thereby providing for smoother and faster movement of the position indicator and correspondingly more accurate positioning of the associated cursor.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for testing the continuity and possible short circuit of a plurality of electrical switches and an associated multi-lead connecting cable of a conventional joy stick controller used for video games and the like. The apparatus includes a module provided with a power supply and a connector for receiving the control cable. A plurality of indicator lamps are connected in circuits with the joy stick switches and are spatially arranged on the module to correspond to a position of the joy stick which results in activation of the associated switch. The lamps indicate the continuity or short circuit of the switches as well as the associated leads of the connecting cable. Additional indicating lamps are provided on the module to indicate the continuity of other control switches on the controller which are operated independently of the joy stick.

Abstract: Cartridges for a microcomputer have two adjacent edge connectors replaced by a single connector with a projection which passes into the area in which the adjacent connector would normally be placed. When the cartridge is inserted or removed from the connector socket in the microcomputer the projection transiently contacts the associated socket contact. A fixed potential (for example earth potential) normally applied to the main portion of the edge connector from its associated socket contact is therefore transferred to the transiently contacted socket contact to provide a reset signal for the microprocessor of the microcomputer. Thus, the microprocessor is reset each time a cartridge is inserted or withdrawn.

Abstract: A portable holder device for a portable control box for a home type video game having fire button and/or joystick or ball type control elements includes a base member on which the game player can sit or kneel. A connecting tube extends upwardly from the base generally between the player's legs or knees and a control box is held secured to the connecting tube in a manner so as to be disposed generally at the player's lap. The holder has a cavity to receive the control box and a clamping member to secure the control box in the holder. The clamping member extends over the control box without interfering with operation of the control elements. The holder member has finger grooves to facilitate thumb operation of control elements. One form of the device has adjustments between the base and the connecting member and/or the holder member to facilitate comfortable positioning of the holder member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a video game apparatus to be employed by a passenger of an airplane. The apparatus includes a tray which is mounted on the rear of an airplane seat. The tray has an internal hollow with a rectangular aperture on a top surface which surface faces the passenger when the tray is placed in a usable position. Located in the rectangular aperture is a TV display screen. Located in the internal hollow of the tray is a video game apparatus which operates to provide a video game display on the surface of said TV display screen. The surface of the tray containing the TV display screen also includes a plurality of control elements which are coupled to the video game apparatus to enable the passenger to operate the game. To energize the game, the tray contains a cable coupling assembly whereby when a cable is inserted into the assembly, the video game is energized to provide a display of a game selected by means of a selector switch also mounted on the top surface of the tray.