Virtual reality / augmented reality handheld controller sensing

A method comprising:

• employing a plurality of sensors associated with a handheld controller, wherein each of the plurality of sensors comprises one of a hover, touch, and force/pressure sensor, and
• positioning the plurality of sensors in a pattern on a touch pad located on the handheld controller;
• generating, by one or more of the plurality of sensors, sensor data associated with the position of a user's hand and finger in relation to the handheld controller;
• combining the sensor data from the plurality of sensors to form aggregate sensor data;
• sensing, by at least three of the plurality of sensors, contact by at least one of the user's fingers;
• sending the aggregate sensor data to a processor;
• and
• calculating, by the processor executing an algorithm, a position of the finger in 3 dimensions, wherein the position of the finger is determined by triangulation using the aggregate sensor data.

An apparatus comprising:

• a handheld controller;
• a touch pad located on the handheld controller;
• a plurality of hover, touch, and force/pressure sensors positioned on the touch pad, wherein the sensors sense when a user's hand and fingers is in contact with the sensor;
• aggregate sensor data formed by the plurality of sensors, wherein the aggregate sensor data is comprised of sensor data from multiple sensors simultaneously;
• and
• a processor, wherein the processor executes an algorithm using the aggregate sensor data.