Technical Field The present disclosure generally relates to an electronic input device. More particularly, the present disclosure describes various embodiments of an electronic input device communicable with an electronic machine, such as a computer or industrial machinery. Background

An electronic input device is a piece of hardware equipment that can transmit data signals to and communicate with an electronic machine. Communication between the electronic input device and the electronic machine enable the electronic input device to control operations on the electronic machine and to receive feedback from the electronic machine. The electronic machine may be an information processing system, such as a computer or information appliance. Examples of electronic input devices communicable with computers include keyboards, mouse, joysticks, and gamepads.

Particularly, electronic input devices can be used for gaming purposes. A joystick is a common electronic input device for playing games relating to, for example, flight simulations. Typically, a joystick comprises a stick that pivots on a base and communicates data signals about its angle and/or direction to the electronic machine, e.g. a computer whereon the flight simulation game is executed. Conventionally, a user places the joystick on a surface, e.g. tabletop, and stabilizes it by use of suction cups on the bottom of the joystick base.

Games are becoming more sophisticated especially with the advancement of virtual reality (VR) / augmented reality (AR) technologies, For example, some newer games may require the user to wear a head-mounted display (HMD) so that the user is immersed in the game environment while controlling the game with the joystick. These games may also require the user to be more active, e.g. sports or dancing games, so the user needs to be standing in order to be more mobile.

However, if the user has to be standing, he/she may not be able to properly operate the joystick as the joystick would be restricted to the fixed tabletop. Although the joystick may be operated in mid-air, i.e. the user simply holds the joystick away from the table or any other supporting structure, there is more difficulty in achieving precise movements / controls from the joystick due to lack of a stable joystick base. To address this problem, the user may have to use one hand to control the joystick and the other hand to stabilize the joystick base. This can result in poor user gaming experience, especially if the other hand is normally required for other controls or controlling another electronic input device, e.g. another joystick.

Therefore, in order to address or alleviate at least one of the aforementioned problems and/or disadvantages, there is a need to provide an electronic input device, in which there is at least an improvement and/or advantage over the prior art.

Summary According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is an electronic input device communicable with an electronic machine. The electronic input device comprises: a handle for a user to control the electronic input device; a gimbal assembly pivotally coupled to the user handle, the gimbal assembly having a plurality of axes; and a load pivotally coupled to the gimbal assembly for angular motion about the axes relative to the user handle, wherein the load is angularly moveable for compensation of angular motion of the user handle about the axes relative to the load, such that the load is stabilized in a defined orientation in response to said compensation. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is an electronic integrated input device comprising a plurality of electronic input devices coupled together to cooperatively communicate with an electronic machine, each electronic input device being according to the first aspect. An advantage of the present disclosure is that the user can hold the electronic input device in mid-air and play a game with it. The angular motion compensation stabilizes the load in the defined orientation, thereby providing a stable fulcrum in mid-air on which the user can manipulate the user handle in the same manner as a joystick on a stable base.

An electronic input device according to the present disclosure is thus disclosed herein. Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by way of non-limiting examples only, along with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of an electronic input device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is an illustration of another perspective view of the electronic input device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of a gimbal assembly of the electronic input device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is an illustration of an exploded view of a user handle of the electronic input device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is an illustration of an exploded view of a load of the electronic input device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 is an illustration of a separated pair of electronic input devices, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is an illustration of a coupled pair of electronic input devices, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In the present disclosure, depiction of a given element or consideration or use of a particular element number in a particular figure or a reference thereto in corresponding descriptive material can encompass the same, an equivalent, or an analogous element or element number identified in another figure or descriptive material associated therewith. The use of 7" in a figure or associated text is understood to mean "and/or" unless otherwise indicated. As used herein, the term "set" corresponds to or is defined as a non-empty finite organization of elements that mathematically exhibits a cardinality of at least one (e.g. a set as defined herein can correspond to a unit, singlet, or single element set, or a multiple element set), in accordance with known mathematical definitions. The recitation of a particular numerical value or value range herein is understood to include or be a recitation of an approximate numerical value or value range.

For purposes of brevity and clarity, descriptions of embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an electronic input device, in accordance with the drawings. While aspects of the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with the embodiments provided herein, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents to the embodiments described herein, which are included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be recognized by an individual having ordinary skill in the art, i.e. a skilled person, that the present disclosure may be practiced without specific details, and/or with multiple details arising from combinations of aspects of particular embodiments. In a number of instances, known systems, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Representative or exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure describe an electronic input device 100 communicable with an electronic machine (not shown), with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2. The electronic machine may be a computer or computing device whereon a software application, e.g. a game, is executable. The electronic input device 100 comprises a handle 102 for a user which the user grips or holds to manipulate and control the electronic input device 100. The user handle 102 may be of an ergonomic shape and/or made from or textured with a suitable material for providing better comfort to the user.

With further reference to Figure 3, the electronic input device 100 further comprises a gimbal assembly 104 rotatably or pivotably coupled to the user handle 102, i.e. the user handle 102 and gimbal assembly 104 are pivotally or angularly moveable relative to each other. The gimbal assembly 104 has a plurality of axes 106. The electronic input device 100 further comprises a load 108 rotatably or pivotably coupled to the gimbal assembly 104 for pivotal or angular motion about the axes 106 relative to the user handle 102. The user handle 102 and load 108 are coupled to the gimbal assembly 104 via hinge or pivot joints 1 10. The load 108 is angularly moveable for compensation or counteraction of angular motion of the user handle 102 about the axes 106 relative to the load 108, such that the load 108 is stabilized in a defined or desired orientation in response to said compensation. The gimbal assembly 104 comprises a plurality of gimbals. As used herein, a gimbal is defined as a pivoted structure that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis. For example, using a set of three gimbals, one mounted on the other with orthogonal principal axes (e.g. pitch, roll, and yaw axes), may allow an object mounted on the innermost gimbal to remain in a fixed orientation independent of external stimuli. More broadly, a gimbal assembly of at least two gimbals provides for angular movement about a least two different axes. The gimbal assembly can be configured to angularly move an object about two or more axes, e.g. three orthogonal axes or even six axes. In some embodiments, the axes may be collinear or coplanar. In some embodiments, the axes may be located on different planes. In some embodiments, the axes are generally perpendicular to one another, such as the three orthogonal principal axes. In some embodiments, there may be additional axes parallel to one or more of the principal axes. These additional axes can be used to provide finer or more precise angular motions, with the principal axes providing the coarser angular motions.

In one embodiment as shown in Figure 3, the gimbal assembly 104 comprises a first gimbal 104a with a first axis 106a. The user handle 102 is pivotally coupled to the first gimbal 104a via a first pivot joint 1 10a, such that the user handle 102 is angularly moveable about the first axis 106a which is the pitch axis. The gimbal assembly 104 further comprises a second gimbal 104b with a second axis 106b. The load 108 is pivotally coupled to the second gimbal 104b via a second pivot joint 1 10b, such that the load 108 is angularly moveable about the second axis 106b which is the roll axis.

The user handle 102 and load 108 are thus angularly moveable relative to each other about the first axis 106a and second axis 106b. The first gimbal 104a and second gimbal 104b cooperate so that the load 108 can be stabilized or maintained in a defined orientation or direction when the user handle 102 is being manipulated or moved by the user. For example, when the user manipulates the user handle 102 and angularly moves it about the first axis 106a and/or second axis 106b relative to the load 108, the angular motion of the user handle 102 may deviate the load 108 from the defined orientation, e.g. a vertical downward orientation. The load 108 angularly moves, by gravity, about the first axis 106a and/or second axis 106b to compensate for said deviation caused by angular motion of the user handle 102 and return to the defined orientation. Accordingly, the load 108 is angularly moveable for compensation or counteraction of angular motion of the user handle 102, such that the load 108 is stabilized or stabilizable in the defined orientation in response to said compensation.

In the embodiment as shown in Figure 3, the first gimbal 104a is rotatable about the pitch axis and the second gimbal 104b is rotatable about the roll axis. In another embodiment, the first gimbal 104a may be rotatable about the roll axis and the second gimbal 104b may be rotatable about the pitch axis. It will be appreciated that the gimbal assembly 104 may be arranged with any combination or permutation of gimbals positioned between the user handle 102 and load 108.

In the embodiment as shown in Figure 3, the first gimbal 104a and second gimbal 104b are immovably coupled to each other, such that the user handle 102 and load 108 are angularly moveable relative to each other about the pitch axis and roll axis only. In another embodiment, the gimbal assembly 104 further comprises a third gimbal angularly moveable a third axis or the yaw axis, wherein each of the first gimbal 104a and second gimbal 104b are pivotally coupled to the third gimbal via third pivot joints. A gimbal assembly 104 with three gimbals in such a configuration would enable the user handle 102 and load 108 to angularly move more freely relative to each other about the three orthogonal principal axes. It will be appreciated that the three gimbals may be arranged in any combination or permutation. In another embodiment, there may be additional gimbals angularly moveable about additional axes that are parallel to one or more of the pitch, roll, and yaw axes, wherein these additional axes provide for finer or more precise angular motions. Ideally, the pivot joints 1 10 are frictionless so that the load 108 would not deviate from the defined orientation regardless of the angular motion of the user handle 102, or at the least returns quickly to the desired vertically downward orientation after deviation therefrom. However, in reality, there is always some friction in the pivot joints 1 10 due to weight of the load 108. Friction in the pivot joints 1 10 would cause the load 108 to deviate from the defined orientation when the user is moving the user handle 102. Depending on the frictional forces, the load 108 may take some time, e.g. a few seconds, for gravity to weigh is down and return it to the defined orientation. If the frictional forces are too high or if the pivot joints 1 10 are securely fastened, the load 108 would simply follow the motion of the user handle 102 and would not return to the defined orientation, unless the user manually does so.

To address this, in some embodiments, the electronic input device 100 comprises a set of actuation mechanisms 1 12 pivotally coupled to the gimbal assembly 104 for controlling angular motion of the load 108. Particularly, the actuation mechanisms 1 12 control angular motion of the load 108 to compensate for angular motion of the user handle 102 and stabilize the load 108 in the defined orientation. The actuation mechanisms 1 12 may comprise brushed motors and/or brushless motors. Some examples include, but are not limited to, servomotors, stepper motors, and gear motors, each of which may be brushed or brushless.

In one embodiment, the actuation mechanisms 1 12 comprise a first actuation mechanism 1 12a pivotally coupled to the first gimbal 104a and immovably coupled to the user handle 102, the first actuation mechanism 1 12a for controlling angular motion of the load 108 about the first axis 106a relative to the user handle 102. The actuation mechanisms 1 12 further comprise a second actuation mechanism 1 12b pivotally coupled to the second gimbal 104b and immovably coupled to the load 108, the second actuation mechanism 1 12b for controlling angular motion of the load 108 about the second axis 106b relative to the user handle 102. In another embodiment, both the first gimbal 104a and second gimbal 104b are pivotally coupled to one actuation mechanism 1 12 that controls angular motion of the load 108 about both the first axis 106a and second axis 106b relative to the user handle 102. The actuation mechanisms 1 12 control angular motion of the load 108 about the axes 106 relative to the user handle 102 by applying a torque to the load 108. In one embodiment, the first actuation mechanism 1 12a applies a torque to the load 108 via the first gimbal 104a and second gimbal 104b, wherein the applied torque can cause the load 108 to angularly move about the first axis 106a relative to the user handle 102. Similarly, the second actuation mechanism 1 12b applies a torque to the load 108 via the second gimbal 104b, wherein the applied torque can cause the load 108 to angularly move about the second axis 106b relative to the user handle 102.

The torques applied by the actuation mechanisms 1 12 may facilitate angular motion of the load 108 to return to the defined orientation, especially if there is too much friction in the pivot joints 1 10. Furthermore, the torques applied may vary to adjust the angular velocity of the load 108. For example, the torques may be applied at a certain direction and magnitude to speed up angular motion of the load 108. Alternatively, the torque may be applied in another direction and magnitude to resist angular motion of the load 108, such as to slow down angular motion of the load 108. Thus, the actuation mechanisms 1 12 can apply the torques accordingly to facilitate reliable orientating of the load 108 and stabilize the load 108 in the defined orientation.

The load 108 is stabilized in the defined orientation such that it is almost always maintained or anchored in the defined orientation. The electronic input device 100 may have two anchoring modes - "Anchoring Off" and "Anchoring On". In "Anchoring Off" mode, the load 108 follows angular motion of the user handle 102 and may only anchor to the vertically downward orientation due to gravity. In "Anchoring On" mode, the actuation mechanisms 1 12 controls angular motion of the load 108 to stabilize it in the defined orientation. In one embodiment, the defined orientation is predefined as vertically downward. The load 108 would return to the vertically downward orientation with assistance from the actuation mechanisms 1 12 if "Anchoring On" mode is activated. In another embodiment, the defined orientation is definable by the user, such as by controlling the gimbal assembly 104, load 108, and actuation mechanisms 1 12. For example, the user may activate "Anchoring Off" mode and manipulate the gimbal assembly 104 and load 108 to the desired and defined orientation. This desired orientation may be 45 degrees upward from the vertically downward orientation, or vertically upward pointing to the ceiling. The user then activates the "Anchoring On" mode and the actuation mechanisms 1 12 would apply suitable torques to hold and maintain the load 108 in the defined orientation. Notably, deviations from the defined orientation would be compensated by angular motions of the load 108 to return the load 108 to the defined orientation.

As described above, the electronic input device 100 may be used in communication with an electronic machine or computer to play a game, such as a flight simulation game or a first-person shooter (FPS) game. Particularly, the electronic input device 100 complemented with a HMD with VR/AR technologies for a more immersive gaming experience. The electronic input device 100 may be used for playing games while seated or standing. For example, an FPS game is played with the user standing up as running / walking is required by the game. One advantage of the electronic input device 100 is that the user can hold the electronic input device 100 in mid-air and play the game with it. The angular motion compensation stabilizes the load 108 in the defined orientation, thereby providing a stable fulcrum in mid-air on which the user can manipulate the user handle 102 in the same manner as a joystick on a stable base. It will be appreciated that the load 108 provides the stable base in a similar manner as how a ballast stabilizes a ship. When the user is controlling the electronic input device 100, angular motion of the user handle 102 relative to the load 108 would cause minimal deviations of the load 108 from the defined orientation due to the gimbal assembly 104 and compensation from the actuation mechanisms 1 12. The stable fulcrum provided by the load 108 in the defined orientation enables the user to manipulate the user handle 102 accurately as if it were a joystick on a stable base. For example, the user may be playing a flight simulation game on the electronic machine and is piloting an airplane. Angular motions of the user handle 102 are communicated as control signals to the electronic machine to correspondingly move the airplane. For example, pulling back the user handle 102 about the first axis 106a may make the airplane climb, while tiling the user handle 102 about the second axis 106a to the left may make the airplane bank to the left.

In some embodiments, the actuation mechanisms 1 12 control angular motion of the load 108 to generate force feedback to the user. Particularly, the actuation mechanisms 1 12 compensate by applying torques to the load 108 in response to said compensation, wherein the torques applied cause the force feedback to the user. The force feedback, e.g. haptic feedback, is felt by the user whenever he/she manipulates the user handle 102 in various directions. For example, if the user is continuously manipulating the user handle 102, the actuation mechanisms 1 12 generate continuous force feedbacks in response to compensation of said manipulation. The force feedbacks provide an improved gaming experience to the user as they vary according to the game and to how the game is being played. For example, if the torques speed up angular motion of the load 108 to the defined orientation, the quick response time would make the force feedback feel lighter to the user. This may happen in a flight simulation game when the piloted airplane is under negligible turbulence. Conversely, if the torques resist / slow down angular motion of the load 108 to the defined orientation, the slow response time would make the force feedback feel heavier to the user. This may happen in a flight simulation game when the piloted airplane is under strong turbulence. There may also be a difference in feel or sensation of the force feedback if different airplanes are used in the same game and by the same user. A larger airplane travelling faster may result in the user feeling heavier force feedback, while a smaller airplane travelling slower may result in the user feeling lighter force feedback. The actuation mechanisms 1 12 may apply strong torques to suddenly terminate angular motion of the load 108, resulting in sudden heavy force feedback to the user. This may happen if during the flight simulation game, the airplane experiences avionics anomalies that cause the airplane's engine to stall and/or the user to lose pilot control of the airplane.

In another game such as an FPS game, the actuation mechanisms 1 12 may apply torques to generate force feedback representing effects of firing weapons / guns. For example, repetitive torques may be applied to generate force feedback in the form of vibrations. The vibrations represent the sensation of shooting a machine gun in the FPS game. The actuation mechanisms 1 12 may also apply the torques according to recoil forces of the weapons used in the FPS game. For example, the force feedback from shooting a small calibre pistol would feel lighter than the force feedback from shooting a large calibre rifle. Thus, the actuation mechanisms 1 12 can control variables of the force feedback, e.g. frequency, direction, and magnitude, to represent a variety of weapon / gun effects for various weapons / guns.

In another game such as a tennis game, the user may swing the electronic input device 100 like a tennis racquet. The actuation mechanisms 1 12 may generate strong force feedback if the user swings the electronic input device 100 hard, such that there is hard impact from the "tennis ball" on the "tennis racquet" in the game. Conversely, the actuation mechanisms 1 12 may generate light force feedback if the user swings the electronic input device 100 lightly, such that there is soft impact (or even a near miss) from the "tennis ball" on the "tennis racquet" in the game.

In some embodiments, the electronic input device 100 comprises a set of computer processing components or modules 1 14 for determining said compensation of angular motion of the user handle 102 relative to the load 108. With reference to Figure 4, the user handle 102 comprises a housing 1 16 for the computer processing components 1 14. Specifically, the computing processing components 1 14 may be removably housed or stored inside the housing 1 16. The housing 1 16 may be covered by a housing cover 1 18. The housing 1 16 may further store a removable battery / in-built battery for powering the electronic input device 100, such as a lithium polymer battery.

The computer processing devices 1 14 comprise an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a gyroscope sensor, and an accelerometer. The gyroscope sensor may be a MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) triple-axis gyroscope providing three degrees of freedom (DOFs) and for measuring changes in orientation / direction within the three DOFs. The accelerometer may be a triple-axis one that also provides three DOFs for measuring accelerations or changes in velocity within the three DOFs. Optionally, the computer processing device 1 14 may comprise a magnetometer, such as a triple-axis one, for measuring magnetic fields. Particularly, the magnetometer may be used as a compass to determine absolute orientation with respect to the Earth.

The IMU is a microcontroller that determines motions or deviations of the user handle 102 about the axes 106 relative to the load 108 as the user manipulates the user handle 102. Said determination is based on measurements from the gyroscope sensor, accelerometer, and optionally the magnetometer. The IMU further determines the appropriate compensation for the angular motions / deviations so as to angular move the load 108 and stabilize the 108 in the defined orientation. The computer processing devices 1 14 are communicatively connected to the actuation mechanisms 1 12 such that the IMU can transmit control signals to the actuation mechanisms 1 12 to effect the appropriate angular motion of the load 108 for compensation. The computer processing components 1 14 may comprise a communications component or module for communicating with the electronic machine. Particularly, the communications component is configured for transmitting and receiving control signals to and from the electronic machine. The electronic machine comprises a corresponding communications component integrated therewith or coupled thereto. The communications components may be based on one or more known wireless / contactless communications protocols, such as radio frequency (RF) and infrared, as will be readily known to the skilled person. Some examples of wireless communication protocols based on RF include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC) and XBee.

Before using the electronic input device 100 to play a game on the electronic machine, the user may need to calibrate the electronic input device 100 to suit his/her preferences. For example, the user may define the desired (or default) orientation of the load 108. Some users may prefer the defined orientation being vertically downward while others may prefer the defined orientation to be pointing slightly forward from the vertically downward orientation. The user-defined orientation may also be dependent on the game that is being played and/or for simulations of certain actions. For example, the defined orientation may be pointing the load 108 directly forward so that the user may manipulate the user handle 102 to simulate a handshake motion.

In another example, the user may be playing a flight simulation game and is piloting an airplane. When the game begins and the user is gripping the user handle 102, the IMU registers the position of the user handle 102 with respect to the axes 196 and load 108 as reference for subsequent measurements. As the user manipulates the user handle 102 to play the game, motions (angular and linear) of the user handle 102 are measured by the gyroscope, accelerometer, and optionally magnetometer. The communications component then transmits the measurements to the electronic machine in the form of control signals. The game then processes the measurements and moves the airplane accordingly. Furthermore, the IMU may calculate the appropriate compensation or counteraction based on the angular motions of the user handle 102, especially if the load 108 has deviated from the defined orientation. Appropriate actions are taken to return the load 108 to the defined orientation, as has been described above.

In some embodiments as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the electronic input device 100 comprises a set of user input components or modules 120 positioned on the user handle 102 for controlling a set of operations on the electronic machine. For example, the user input components 120 may control firing of a weapon / gun in an FPS game executable on the electronic machine. The user input components 120 may comprise one or more of buttons, switches, touch sensors, directional pads, and the like.

In some embodiments, the load 108 is a solid structure with a fixed weight, e.g. 100 grams. In some embodiments with reference to Figure 5, the load 108 is a shell structure comprising a hollow region 122 which can be closed with a load cover 124. The load 108 further comprises a number of weights 126, e.g. ball bearings, stored in the hollow region 122. The weight of the load 108 is adjustable by the user to suit his/her preferences. Particularly, the user may increase / decrease the weight of the load by adding / removing one or more of the weights 126, respectively. Users with stronger arms may prefer a heavier load 108 for better feel or sensation of controlling the user handle 102 and of the force feedback generated by the actuation mechanisms 1 12. Conversely, users who are not as strong may prefer a lighter load 108 to avoid overstraining their arms, especially if a game is to be played for a long duration with the electronic input device 100.

Various embodiments have been described in relation to using the electronic input device 100 as a VR/AR controller for playing games on the electronic machine, e.g. a computer. In some other embodiments, the electronic input device 100 may be used to operate other electronic machines such as heavy industrial machinery. Some industrial machinery may comprise robotic arms for performing various functions. In one example, the electronic machine may be a camera crane that controls the position of a camera mounted thereon via controlled actuations of the robotic arms. In another example, the electronic machine may be an industrial gripper with robotic arms that actuate to position the gripper accordingly. In such examples, the electronic input device 100 may be used to remotely control actuations of the robotic arms. Motions of the user handle 102 are processed and converted to corresponding actuations of the robotic arms.

In some embodiments, the electronic input device 100 is cooperable with one or more other electronic input devices 100. For example, as shown in Figure 6, a pair of electronic input devices 100 may be wirelessly and communicatively linked or connected together via a communication link or connection 128, such that they can be cooperatively used to play games on the electronic machine or operate robotic arms of the electronic machine. The communication link 128 for the pair of electronic input devices 100 may be based on one or more known wireless / contactless communications protocols, such as BLE, RF, and infrared, as will be readily known to the skilled person. For example, one of the electronic input device 100 broadcasts a beacon signal for the other electronic input device 100 to detect, upon which both electronic input devices 100 form the communication link 128 and pairs together.

The pair of electronic input devices 100 may be operated by one user or by a pair of users. In one example, a user may operate one electronic input device 100 in each hand for playing games on the electronic machine, such as to simulate firing two weapons / guns in an FPS game, or to simulate sporting activities like skiing and boat rowing. In another example, the electronic machine is some industrial machinery with multiple robotic arms and both electronic input devices 100 may be operable to concurrently control the robotic arms. In yet another example, two users may operate one electronic input device 100 each, such as to play a two-player game on the electronic machine.

In some embodiments, the electronic input device 100 is coupleable to the one or more electronic input devices 100 via the respective user handles 102. With reference to Figure 7, an electronic integrated input device 200 comprises a plurality of electronic input devices 100 coupled together to cooperatively communicate with the electronic machine. The coupling forms a communication link of known communication protocols between the electronic input devices 100 such that they can be cooperatively used to play games on the electronic machine as a single integrated device or controller. The user may operate the electronic integrated input device 200 (with one or both hands) to play games on the electronic machine, such as to simulate paddling / kayaking in a sporting game.

In some embodiments, each electronic input device 100 comprises a set of motion sensors for detecting user gestures. For example, the motion sensors may recognize certain gestures made by the user proximate to or with the electronic input device 100. These gestures may be processed by the motion sensors to appropriate control signals to control operations on the electronic machine. Furthermore, the motion sensors in an electronic integrated input device 200 may collectively detect user gestures. In one example, the user may operate the electronic integrated input device 200 to play an archery game on the electronic machine. The user may hold the electronic integrated input device 200 in one hand simulating a bow, and perform gestures with the other hand to simulate drawing and releasing of an arrow. The motion sensors detect the gestures and the gestures are subsequently processed and converted to corresponding drawing and releasing of the arrow in the archery game.

In some embodiments, the electronic integrated input device 200 comprise three or more electronic input devices 100 coupled together. The electronic integrated input device 200 may comprise an intermediary component, such as a multi-joint component, wherein each electronic input device 100 is coupled to the intermediary component. For example, three electronic input devices 100 may be coupled together via the intermediary component, and the electronic integrated input device 200 may be used to simulate a three-spoke wheel or a discus in the appropriate games.

In the foregoing detailed description, embodiments of the present disclosure in relation to an electronic input device are described with reference to the provided figures. The description of the various embodiments herein is not intended to call out or be limited only to specific or particular representations of the present disclosure, but merely to illustrate non-limiting examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure serves to address at least one of the mentioned problems and issues associated with the prior art. Although only some embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein, it will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure that a variety of changes and/or modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure as well as the scope of the following claims is not limited to embodiments described herein.