Controllers with moveable actuators

Abstract

A controller can include a controller body having a cavity disposed in a back side of the controller body, a module member that is physically distinct and separate from the controller body removably coupleable to the controller body, the module member having a body sized and shaped to be received in the cavity, and at least one actuator that protrudes from a side of the member body.

1 . A module member detachably coupleable to a back side of a controller having a cavity, the module member comprising:
 a module member body sized and shaped to be received in the cavity;   a processor disposed in the module member body; and   at least one actuator that is coupleable to the module member body, the at least one actuator extending outwardly from a side of the module member body.   
     
     
         2 . The module member of  claim 1  wherein the at least one actuator extends outwardly in a horizontal direction. 
     
     
         3 . The module member of  claim 1  wherein movement of the at least one actuator controls an on-screen function of a game. 
     
     
         4 . The module member of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a switch mechanism disposed in the module member body, the switch mechanism configured to be activated by movement of the at least one actuator.   
     
     
         5 . The module member of  claim 4  wherein activation of the switch mechanism controls an on-screen function of a game. 
     
     
         6 . The module member of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a locking mechanism disposed in the module member body, the locking mechanism configured to detachably couple the module member body to the back side of the controller.   
     
     
         7 . The module member of  claim 6  wherein the locking mechanism includes a tab that is sized and shaped to be detachably coupled to a recess disposed in the back side of the controller. 
     
     
         8 . A module member removably coupleable to a back side of a controller having a cavity, the module member comprising:
 a module member body sized and shaped to be received in the cavity;   a first lever that extends outwardly from a first side of the module member body;   a second lever that extends outwardly from a second side of the module member body;   a printed circuit board disposed in the module member body; and   a switch mechanism disposed in the module member body and configured to be activated by movement of the first and second levers, activation of the switch mechanism controlling an on-screen function of a game.   
     
     
         9 . The module member of  claim 8  wherein the first lever extends outwardly in a first horizontal direction and the second lever extends outwardly in a second horizontal direction. 
     
     
         10 . The module member of  claim 8  wherein the switch mechanism includes a first mechanical switch button disposed in the module member body and arranged to be positioned adjacent to the first lever. 
     
     
         11 . The module member of  claim 10  wherein the switch mechanism includes a second mechanical switch button disposed in the module member body and arranged to be positioned adjacent to the second lever. 
     
     
         12 . The module member of  claim 11  wherein each of the first mechanical switch button and the second mechanical switch button is electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. 
     
     
         13 . The module member of  claim 8  wherein the module member body includes a female connector pin that is coupleable to a male connector pin of the controller. 
     
     
         14 . The module member of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a locking mechanism disposed in the module member body, the locking mechanism configured to detachably couple the module member body to the back side of the controller.   
     
     
         15 . The module member of  claim 14  wherein the locking mechanism includes a tab that is sized and shaped to be detachably coupled to a recess disposed in the back side of the controller.