U.S. patent application number 10/028071 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-09 for proportional controls used with displayed imagery.
Invention is credited to Armstrong, Brad A..
Application Number | 20020055384 10/028071 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24272198 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020055384 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Armstrong, Brad A. |
May 9, 2002 |
Proportional controls used with displayed imagery
Abstract
Proportional (or analog) controls for controlling imagery shown
by a display, and more particularly electronic game imagery shown
on a television. Proportional controls creating signals according
to varying depression applied by a finger or thumb finger of a
human user to the proportional control. In one preferred embodiment
the proportional controls include resilient dome caps for providing
tactile feedback to the user. In another preferred embodiment the
proportional controls are included in a controller with active
tactile feedback. In another preferred embodiment multiple axes of
input are taught and the structures of the various preferred
embodiments are taught in combination for controlling
three-dimensional electronic game imagery and communicating tactile
feedback to the user.
Inventors: |
Armstrong, Brad A.; (Carson
City, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Brad A. Armstrong
P.O. Box 1419
Paradise
CA
95967
US
|
Family ID: |
24272198 |
Appl. No.: |
10/028071 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10028071 |
Dec 21, 2001 |
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09568662 |
May 10, 2000 |
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09568662 |
May 10, 2000 |
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08942450 |
Oct 1, 1997 |
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10028071 |
Dec 21, 2001 |
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09721848 |
Nov 22, 2000 |
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09721848 |
Nov 22, 2000 |
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08677378 |
Jul 5, 1996 |
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08677378 |
Jul 5, 1996 |
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07847619 |
Mar 5, 1992 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/1056 20130101;
G06F 3/03548 20130101; A63F 13/00 20130101; G06F 3/0485 20130101;
H01H 13/785 20130101; H01H 13/70 20130101; A63F 13/06 20130101;
G04G 21/08 20130101; A63F 9/24 20130101; G06F 1/1601 20130101; A63F
2300/10 20130101; G06F 2200/1612 20130101; H01H 2201/036 20130101;
A63F 2300/1037 20130101; G06F 3/04847 20130101; H01H 2229/047
20130101; H01H 13/702 20130101; G05B 2219/23033 20130101; H01H
2221/018 20130101; H01H 2221/012 20130101; H01H 2215/006 20130101;
H01H 2215/004 20130101; G06F 1/1662 20130101; G06F 3/0489 20130101;
H01H 2237/002 20130101; H01H 2231/008 20130101; G06F 1/1626
20130101; A63F 2300/204 20130101; H01H 2229/046 20130101; G04G
21/00 20130101; G06F 3/0338 20130101; G06F 3/03549 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/37 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An electronic device for controlling imagery, comprising: a
housing; electronic circuitry located in said housing; a general
image display located in said housing, said general image display
operatively connected to said circuitry; at least one finger
depressible surface in part exposed on said housing, said at least
one finger depressible surface operatively connected to at least
one pressure-sensitive analog sensor, said pressure-sensitive
analog sensor for inputting a signal to said circuitry, said signal
having variable value depending on variable pressure applied to
said at least one finger depressible surface; said circuitry
structured to receive said signal and to provide variable visual
feedback data shown by said general image display, said variable
visual feedback data at least in part representing the variable
pressure applied to said at least one finger depressible surface,
whereby said variable visual feedback data may be controlled at
varying rates according to variable pressure applied to said at
least one finger depressible surface.
2. An electronic device according to claim 1 wherein said at least
one finger depressible surface is a first depressible surface, said
electronic device further includes a finger depressible surface
which is a second depressible surface in part exposed on said
housing, said second depressible surface operatively connected to a
second pressure-sensitive analog sensor, said second
pressure-sensitive analog sensor for inputting a second signal to
said circuitry, said second signal having variable value depending
on variable pressure applied to said second depressible surface;
said circuitry structured to receive said second signal and to
provide variable visual feedback data shown by said general image
display, said variable visual feedback data at least in part
representing the variable pressure applied to said second
depressible surface, whereby said variable visual feedback data may
be scrolled at varying rates according to variable pressure applied
to said second depressible surface.
3. An electronic device according to claim 2 wherein said first
depressible surface and said second depressible surface are thumb
depressible single individual buttons.
4. An electronic device according to claim 3 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
5. An electronic device according to claim 2 wherein said
electronic device is a desktop display or monitor.
6. An electronic device according to claim 5 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
7. An electronic device according to claim 2 wherein said
electronic device is a telephone.
8. An electronic device according to claim 7 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
9. An electronic device according to claim 3 wherein said
electronic device is a hand-held game system, and said thumb
depressible single individual buttons are located in a right hand
area of said housing.
10. An electronic device according to claim 9 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
11. An electronic device according to claim 10 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured with resilient
dome caps, said dome caps providing said tactile feedback.
12. An electronic device according to claim 5 wherein said first
depressible and second depressible surface are portions of a 2-way
rocker located on said desktop monitor.
13. An electronic device according to claim 12 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
14. An electronic device according to claim 3 wherein said hand
holdable electronic device is a hand-held wireless web browser.
15. An electronic device according to claim 14 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
16. An electronic device according to claim 3 wherein said hand
holdable electronic device is a hand-held remote controller.
17. An electronic device according to claim 16 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
18. An electronic device according to claim 5 wherein said first
depressible and second depressible surface are portions of a 4-way
rocker located on said desktop monitor.
19. An electronic device according to claim 18 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
20. A household device for controlling time imagery, comprising: a
housing; electronic circuitry located in said housing, said
electronic circuitry at least calculating units of time; a time
display located in said housing, said time display operatively
connected to said circuitry; said time display displaying time
information; at least one finger depressible surface in part
exposed on said housing, said at least one finger depressible
surface operatively connected to at least one pressure-sensitive
analog sensor, said pressure-sensitive analog sensor for inputting
a signal to said circuitry, said signal having variable value
depending on variable pressure applied to said at least one finger
depressible surface; said circuitry structured to receive said
signal and to cause said time display to provide visual feedback
time information, said visual feedback time information changeable
at a variable rate representing the variable pressure applied to
said at least one finger depressible surface.
21. A household device according to claim 20 wherein said at least
one finger depressible surface is a first depressible surface, said
electronic device further includes a finger depressible surface
which is a second depressible surface in part exposed on said
housing, said second depressible surface operatively connected to a
second pressure-sensitive analog sensor, said second
pressure-sensitive analog sensor for inputting a second signal to
said circuitry, said second signal having variable value depending
on variable pressure applied to said second depressible surface;
said time display having at least three seven-element numeric
displays, said circuitry structured to receive said second signal
and to cause said time display to provide visual feedback time
information changeable at a variable rate representing the variable
pressure applied to said second depressible surface.
22. A household device according to claim 21 wherein said first
depressible surface and said second depressible surface are
depressible single individual buttons.
23. A household device according to claim 22 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
24. A household device according to claim 22 wherein said device is
a household clock.
25. A household device according to claim 24 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
26. A household device according to claim 22 wherein said device is
a coffee maker.
27. A household device according to claim 26 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
28. A household device according to claim 22 wherein said device is
an oven.
29. A household device according to claim 28 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
30. A household device according to claim 28 wherein said oven is a
microwave oven.
31. A household device according to claim 30 wherein the
pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile
feedback.
32. An electronic game imagery control device, comprising: a
proportional sensor providing a varying value according to varying
depression applied by a finger of a user to said proportional
sensor; associated with said proportional sensor is structure
providing user discernable tactile feedback, said tactile feedback
communicated to the user; circuitry connected to said proportional
sensor, said circuitry reading said varying value from said
proportional sensor and causing representative varying of said
electronic game imagery.
33. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 32
wherein said proportional sensor is a pressure-sensitive
proportional sensor.
34. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 32
wherein said structure providing user discernable tactile feedback
comprises active tactile feedback.
35. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 32
wherein said structure providing user discernable tactile feedback
comprises a resilient dome cap supplying a passive tactile feedback
to the finger of the user, said passive tactile feedback has a
break-over threshold supplied by depression of said dome cap.
36. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 35
wherein said structure providing user discernable tactile feedback
also comprises active tactile feedback.
37. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 36
wherein said proportional sensor is a pressure-sensitive
proportional sensor.
38. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 37
wherein said proportional sensor is activated by a thumb
depressible single individual button located in a right-hand area
of a housing.
39. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 34
wherein said active tactile feedback includes a motor and offset
weight.
40. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 36
wherein said active tactile feedback includes a motor and offset
weight.
41. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 40
wherein said control device supports a first bi-directional axis
structure, said first bi-directional axis structure capable of
controlling two axes of the electronic game imagery.
42. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 41
wherein said control device supports a second bi-directional axis
structure, said second bi-directional axis structure capable of
controlling a second two axes of the electronic game imagery.
43. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 42
wherein said control device supports a third bi-directional axis
structure, said third bi-directional axis structure capable of
controlling a third two axes of the electronic game imagery.
44. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 40
wherein said control device supports a first two bi-directional
sensors, operation of said first two bi-directional sensors
creating outputs used to control a first two axes of the electronic
game imagery.
45. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 44
wherein said control device supports four codependent
uni-directional sensors, operation of said four codependent
uni-directional sensors creating outputs used to control a second
two axes of the electronic game imagery.
46. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 45
wherein said control device supports a second two bi-directional
sensors, operation of said second two bi-directional sensors
creating outputs used to control a third two axes of the electronic
game imagery.
47. An electronic game imagery control device, comprising: a
proportional sensor providing a varying value according to varying
depression applied by a finger of a user to said proportional
sensor; associated with said proportional sensor is structure
providing user discernable tactile feedback communicated to the
user; circuitry connected to said proportional sensor, said
circuitry reading said varying value from said proportional sensor
and causing representative varying of said electronic game imagery;
a first two bi-directional sensors supported within said control
device, operation of said first two bi-directional sensors creating
outputs used to control a first two axes of the electronic game
imagery; four codependent uni-directional sensors supported within
said control device, operation of said four codependent
uni-directional sensors creating outputs used to control a second
two axes of the electronic game imagery; a second two
bi-directional sensors supported within said control device,
operation of said second two bi-directional sensors creating
outputs used to control a third two axes of the electronic game
imagery.
48. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 47
wherein said proportional sensor is a pressure-sensitive
proportional sensor.
49. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 47
wherein said structure providing user discernable tactile feedback
comprises active tactile feedback.
50. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 47
wherein said structure providing user discernable tactile feedback
comprises a resilient dome cap supplying a passive tactile feedback
to the finger of the user, said passive tactile feedback has a
break-over threshold supplied by depression of said dome cap.
51. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 50
wherein said structure providing user discernable tactile feedback
also comprises active tactile feedback.
52. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 51
wherein said proportional sensor is a pressure-sensitive
proportional sensor.
53. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 52
wherein said proportional sensor is activated by a thumb
depressible single individual button located in a right-hand area
of a housing.
54. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 49
wherein said active tactile feedback includes a motor and offset
weight.
55. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 51
wherein said active tactile feedback includes a motor and offset
weight.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of allowed U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/568,662 filed May 10, 2000 which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/942,450
filed Oct. 1, 1997 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,802. This
application is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 09/721,848 filed Nov. 22, 2000 which is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/677,378 filed Jul. 5, 1996
and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,525 which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 847,619 filed Mar. 5, 1992 and now
U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,828. A priority claim under 35 USC 120 is made
to the above specified applications/patents for the present
application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention in one form or from one viewpoint
involves an electronic device including a combination of a
electronic visual display in or on a housing, electronic circuitry
in the housing, and at least one finger or thumb depressible
surface associated with a proportional or analog sensor. An analog
signal of variable value from the analog sensor is utilized by the
circuitry to control or manipulate one or more functions of the
electronic device. The resultant control manipulation from the
analog sensor is in some manner indicated or displayed on the
display at least at the time the user is pressing the depressible
surface, thereby the human user is provided data related to a new
state or setting brought about, or in the process of being brought
about, by manipulating the variable value of the analog sensor
through controlled varied amounts of finger pressure applied to the
analog sensor. Based upon the feedback on the display, the user may
terminate, increase or decrease the finger pressure on the
depressible surface of the analog sensor.
[0004] The present invention in another form involves controls used
to control electronic imagery as shown on an electronic visual
display or television. The invention relates to input controllers
which serve as interface input devices between the human (hands and
or fingers) and image displays and electronics such as a computer
or television display, a head mount display or any display capable
of being viewed or perceived as being viewed by a human.
[0005] 2. Brief Description of Related Prior Art
[0006] Displays, housings, electronics and proportional or analog
controls do exist in the prior art as documented by the herewith
submitted prior art and the prior art of record in my above
mentioned U.S. Patents and Applications. The present invention,
however, does not exist in the prior art and is of significant and
substantial value as will become fully appreciated with continued
reading.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The drawings and specifications of application Ser. Nos.
09/568,662 and 08/942,450 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,802) are herein
incorporated by reference only for the positive teachings and data
therein. Also incorporated by reference only for the positive
teachings are the drawings and specifications of my U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,310,606; 6,222,525; 6,208,271; 6,135,886; 5,999,084; 5,589,828
and 5,565,891. Also incorporated by reference only for the positive
teachings and positive filing date are the drawings and
specifications of my U.S. Disclosure Document, Document number
381081 filed on Nov. 22, 1995 at the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office and available for reading in the file wrapper of my U.S.
Pat. No. 6,222,525. Also herein incorporated by reference is the
specification and drawings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,227 issued Feb.
2, 1982, this patent incorporated only for its positive teachings
of membrane or sheet based analog sensors. A reading of the
incorporated patents, particularly U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,222,525,
6,310,606 and 5,589,828 forming a portion of the instant
specification will be helpful in more quickly appreciating the
present inventions.
[0008] The present invention, at least from one viewpoint, is an
electronic device, which may take many forms as herein disclosed,
including an electronic visual display displaying game imagery,
electronic circuitry, at least one proportional sensor allowing
human input, the sensor outputting a variable or analog a signal of
variable value utilized by the circuitry to control or manipulate a
function(s) of the device and shown or indicated in the displayed
imagery. The proportional sensor receives input from the human
user, such as by pressure applied by a user's finger (the word
finger or fingers or digit can be herein used to include the thumb)
to a pressible surface or button, varied pressure (input) applied
by the user determines varied value of the signal, and this allows
the user to select rates of change, the rate of change in some way
being displayed in the imagery on the display to allow the user to
choose more or less pressure (input), or to terminate pressure
(input). The resultant control manipulation from the analog
variable value is in some manner indicated or made visually
detectable as feedback on the display at least at the time the
proportional sensor is being depressed, and this to allow the
intelligent application of finger or input pressure by the user to
the sensor. Some examples of functions which can be manipulated,
controlled or changed, and at variable rates dependant upon user
applied pressure or input for example only, include menus or lists
displayed on telephones, television program menus and the like,
numeric settings such as related to time, temperature or number of
units or channels. Some additional examples of electronic devices
described in accordance with the invention include desktop
displays, hand-held game systems, electronic game consoles and
programs (software) used with electronic displays and remote
controllers, personal digital assistants (PDA), electronic books,
wireless web browsers, time display clocks, cooking ovens, pagers,
remote controller such as used with TVs, stereos, etc., and coffee
makers with displays. The displays, general image or numeric can be
flat screen, thin screen, projection, CRT, non-CRT, LCD, LED,
plasma and or any other suitable type and in many applications are
seven-element numeric displays such as are commonly used to display
number of units or time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a desktop display supported by a desk stand
having a housing and a display screen mounted within the housing.
The housing is shown having 4-way and 2-way analog rockers.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a hand-held game system, in the nature of a
Nintendo GAMEBOY.TM. unit, or future variants of such, or the like
and modified in accordance with the present invention. A display
and 4-way and 2-way analog rockers and individual analog buttons
are shown in a housing.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a personal digital assistant (PDA), in the
nature of a PALM PILOT by 3COM or the like and modified in
accordance with the present invention, including a housing, a
display screen mounted within the housing, and 2-way and 4-way
analog rockers, and buttons.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows an electronic book or the like and modified in
accordance with the present invention. Shown is a housing and a
display screen mounted within the housing, and 4-way and 2-way
analog rocker buttons.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a wireless internet web browser or the like and
modified in accordance with the present invention. Shown is a
housing and a display screen mounted within the housing, and
various analog buttons.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a 2-way analog rocker as
may be employed with the invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of a 4-way analog rocker as
may be employed with the invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 shows a hand holdable remote controller in accordance
with the present invention, including buttons of individual type
and 2-way and 4-way type.
[0017] FIG. 9 shows a hand holdable telephone in accordance with
the present invention, including buttons of individual type and
2-way and 4-way type.
[0018] FIG. 10 shows a wrist watch in accordance with the present
invention having a housing, a display within the housing, and at
least one analog button.
[0019] FIG. 11 shows a household clock in accordance with the
present invention having a housing, a display within the housing,
and at least one analog button.
[0020] FIG. 12 shows a microwave oven or standard gas or electric
oven in accordance with the present invention, the oven having a
housing, a display within the housing, and at least one analog
sensor.
[0021] FIG. 13 shows an image scanner machine in accordance with
the present invention. The scanner machine has a housing, located
on the upper side of the housing is a display and a 2-way analog
rocker/analog button or analog membrane sensor(s).
[0022] FIG. 14 shows a coffee maker in accordance with the
invention. The coffee maker has a housing, a display located on the
front lower portion of the housing, and a 2-way analog rocker or
membrane analog sensors located on the housing adjacent to the
display.
[0023] FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of a hand-held game system or
PDA in accordance with the invention.
[0024] FIG. 16 shows a block diagram in accordance with the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 17 shows a block diagram in accordance with the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 18 shows a block diagram in accordance with the
invention.
[0027] Additional drawings and descriptions illustrating that which
is also in accordance with the inventions for example are in my
incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,222,525 and 5,589,828 and the
continuations thereof and should be reviewed.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0028] Herein incorporated by reference is my U.S. Provisional
application No. 60/133,682 filed May 11, 1999, titled ANALOG
CONTROLS HOUSED WITH ELECTRONIC DISPLAYS for the teachings of the
present invention therein.
[0029] Also herein incorporated by reference is my U.S.
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 08/942,450 filed Oct. 1, 1997,
title GAME CONTROLLER WITH ANALOG PRESSURE SENSOR(S), now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,102,802; this disclosure incorporated by reference primarily
for the positive teachings therein of structuring and methods of
use and the reading of analog sensors such as elastomeric dome-cap
style positioned in end-use for depression directly or in-directly
by a human digit with varying degrees of force. Additionally, 4-way
analog rockers, 2-way analog rocker buttons and individual analog
push buttons are described in detail in my disclosure titled GAME
CONTROLLER WITH ANALOG PRESSURE SENSOR(S).
[0030] Also herein incorporated by reference is my U.S.
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 09/122,269 filed Jul. 24,
1998, titled VARIABLE-CONDUCTANCE SENSOR WITH ELASTOMERIC DOME-CAP,
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,886; this disclosure incorporated by
reference primarily for the positive teachings therein of
structuring and methods of use and the reading of analog sensors
such as elastomeric dome-cap sensors positioned in end-use for
depression directly or in-directly by a human digit with varying
degrees of force, and for data related to possible digital bit
assigning to various states or levels of conductivity of the analog
sensors wherein the differing bit assignment can be used indicative
of differing pressures applied by the human user to the analog or
pressure-sensitive variable-conductance sensor(s).
[0031] Also herein incorporated by reference is my U.S. Pat. No.
5,999,084 issued Dec. 7, 1999 titled VARIABLE-CONDUCTANCE SENSOR;
this Patent incorporated by reference primarily for the positive
teachings therein of structuring and methods of use and the reading
of analog sensors as with my packaged type such as with a
conductive dome providing a tactile feedback, circuit elements and
pressure-sensitive variable-conductance material engaged or
engagable with the circuit elements to provide analog output or the
like; the sensor positioned in end-use for depression directly or
in-directly such as by a human digit with varying degrees of force.
This sensor provides tactile feedback at approximate activation and
deactivation of the analog pressure sensitive material, the
disclosure describing the benefits which can be gained with an
analog sensor providing bi or uni-directional tactile feedback.
[0032] Also incorporated herein is my pending U.S. Non-Provisional
application version of the Provisional appli. 60/135,085 filed May
20, 1999 titled KEYBOARD WITH DEPRESSIBLE ANALOG SCROLL CONTROL,
the Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 09/563,109 filed May 2,
2000. This disclosure also includes a modified USB software code on
3.5" floppy which although specifically directed to my Mouse With
Analog Buttons of application Ser. No. 09/167,314, it can clearly
be readily modified to operate with the present invention, although
those skilled in the art will agree numerous suitable software
codes can be readily applied with little modification to interface
between the hardware of a keyboard in accordance with the invention
and software, ROM, hardware, etc. of a computer to be manipulated
by the present keyboard. The modified code is one which includes a
bit assignment for each scroll direction and associated with each
button associated with that direction, and which is arranged along
with electronics to repeat the direction-identifying code at a
variable rate of repeat when the user is depressing the associated
button, the rate of repeat (scrolling) indicative of the read value
of the analog sensor, i.e., pressure-sensitive variable-conductance
material and the amount of depressive force the human user is
applying thereto. Greater details of this Variable-Rate On/Off
Messaging System are provided in my pending U.S. Provisional
application filed May 10, 1999, Application No. 60/133,319 and
herein incorporated by reference, and this for the teaching of the
varied "ON" or "OFF" signal rate of sending, the rate of the simple
message being dependant or resultant of the amount of pressure
applied or the varied value single of a pressure-sensitive analog
element. Certainly other suitable codes and the like can be
utilized within the scope of the invention. For more data regarding
software or firmware codes, go to cypress.com on the world wide
web.
[0033] Also herein incorporated by reference is my U.S.
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 08/677,378 filed Jul. 5, 1996
titled IMAGE CONTROLLERS AND SENSORS (as amended) now U.S. Pat. No.
6,222,525 particularly, but not exclusively, for the proportional
sensors used with tactile feedback described therein for imagery
control.
[0034] My U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,310,606 and 5,589,828 are also herein
incorporated by reference for numerous reasons and including
proportional sensors used with tactile feedback described therein
for imagery control.
[0035] Also herein incorporated by reference is my U.S.
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 09/148,806 filed Sep. 4, 1998,
title REMOTE CONTROLLER WITH ANALOG BUTTON(S), now U.S. Pat. No.
6,208,271. This disclosure incorporated by reference primarily for
the positive teachings therein of structuring and methods for dual
purpose sensors capable of both analog and On/Off modes.
[0036] Also herein incorporated by reference is U.S. Pat. No.
4,314,227 issued Feb. 2, 1982, this patent incorporated only for
its positive teachings of membrane or sheet based analog
sensors.
[0037] With reference now to the drawings for a more detailed
description of various arrangements in accordance with the present
invention from one viewpoint and provided not to be limiting but to
be helpful in understanding the inventions.
[0038] FIGS. 1-15 indicate various consumer electronic devices in
accordance with the invention and having a housing 11, a display 22
associated with housing 11, i.e. mounted on or in the housing 11,
and at least one analog sensor 26 having a depressible surface area
associated with the display. Analog sensors 26 can be ganged in
2-way and 4-way units such as rockers 14, 16 and 18, or can be in
single button or surface form such as shown at 19 in some of the
drawings. The analog sensor 26 in a preferred structure has a
pressure-sensitive variable-conductance material for providing a
variable signal varying with differing amounts of user finger
applied pressure, however, the associated circuitry can be
structured to additionally read a rapid press and release on the
sensor as a momentary-On used to supply a single increment signal,
e.g., single step numeric increase/decrease or scroll up/down. As
the user's finger depresses the sensor material, its conductivity
is read by associated circuitry, such as a microcontroller, reading
the time of charge or discharge of a capacitor as determined by the
conductivity of the analog sensor material. The devices shown in
FIGS. 1-15 already have internal microcontrollers or even more
complex circuitry, and one of average skill in the art can readily
apply the analog buttons/sensors/analog rockers/analog membrane
sensors to the indicated art with an understanding of this
disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a desktop display or monitor 1 supported by a
desk stand 13 having a housing 11 and a display 22 mounted within
housing 11. The display 22 can be either a CRT or Non-CRT
technology or any suitable display. At the lower left corner of the
housing is shown a 4-way analog rocker 18. Also shown is a 4-way
analog rocker 18 in the lower right hand corner to illustrate
various possible locations for 4-way analog rockers 18. Shown at
the lower center of the housing 11 is a 2-way analog rocker 16
which can serve as an X axis or horizontal control or scroller, and
at the right side of housing 11 is shown a 2-way analog rocker 14
which can serve as a Y axis or vertical control or scroller. The
rocker depressible surfaces operate analog sensors 26 or from
another view form components thereof.
[0040] For all embodiments shown herein, the 4-way analog rockers
18 can each also serve as X axis or horizontal control, and as Y
axis or vertical control or scroller manipulated by the user's
thumb and or fingers (digits). It is anticipated that the 4-way
analog rocker serves largely the same purposes as two perpendicular
2-way analog rockers, and while the embodiments shown herein
demonstrate both 2-way and 4-way rockers, for most purposes an
embodiment will need only one 4-way rocker or one or more 2-way
rockers, or an equivalent number of single analog push buttons.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows a hand-held game system 2, in the nature of a
Nintendo GAMEBOY unit, or future variants of such, or the like and
modified in accordance with the present invention. U.S. Classes 273
& 463 contain many prior art patents describing electronic game
systems for those wishing more information thereon. Shown in FIG. 2
is a housing 11 and a display 22 mounted within the housing. At the
lower left corner of the housing is shown a 4-way analog rocker 18.
Shown at the lower center of the housing is a 2-way analog rocker
16 which can serve as an X axis, horizontal control or scroller,
and at the left, on the narrow side of the housing, is shown a
2-way analog rocker 14 which can serve as a Y axis, vertical
control or scroller. Also shown, at the lower right hand corner are
buttons 19 and 20, 3 buttons are shown for example illustrating
that one or more can be applied. The analog button(s) 19 can be
used for variable control of imagery or other functions dependant
upon applied (the amount) digit pressure. Button 20 in this example
functions as a momentary-On non-analog switch. It should be
recognized that the analog sensors 26 can also function as
momentary-On, On/Off non-analog switches, and the embodiments
herein may at times be advantaged by analog functionality and at
other times by On/Off switch functionality.
[0042] The positions of the shown analog rockers and buttons on
this and all figures are for example to illustrate various possible
locations for analog rockers and/or buttons associated with
displays in accordance with the invention.
[0043] FIG. 3 shows a personal digital assistant (PDA) 3, in the
nature of a PALM PILOT by 3COM or the like and modified in
accordance with the present invention. Shown in FIG. 3 is a housing
11 and a display 22 mounted within housing 11. At the lower left
corner of the housing is shown a 4-way analog rocker 18. Shown at
the lower center of the housing is a 2-way analog rocker 16 which
can serve as an X axis control or scroller, and at the left, on the
side of the housing, is shown a 2-way analog rocker 14 which can
serve as a Y axis control or scroller. Also shown, at the lower
right hand corner are at least on analog button 19, and at least
one button 20 capable of serving as an On/Off switch. The analog
buttons can be used for variable control of imagery or other
functions. The positions of the shown analog rockers and buttons on
this and all figures are for example to illustrate various possible
locations for analog rockers and/or buttons associated with display
in accordance with the invention. Also shown in broken lines is a
4-way analog rocker 18 on the back side of housing 11 which may be
located anywhere on the back side of housing 11, as could also
2-way rockers and analog buttons. The placement of the 2-way analog
rockers, 4-way analog rockers or single analog push button to the
back side of the housing can be applied to any of the embodiments
herein shown, and would allow viewing of the display while hold the
housing with the fingers on the back side of the housing and
manipulating the rockers and or buttons.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows an electronic book 4 or the like and modified
in accordance with the present invention. Shown in FIG. 4 is a
housing 11 and a display 22 mounted within the housing 11. At the
lower left corner of the housing is shown a 4-way analog rocker 18.
Shown at the left center of the housing is a 2-way analog rocker 14
which can serve as an Y axis or vertical control or scroller.
Although not shown, a 2-way X axis or horizontal analog rocker can
be mounted any place on the housing. Also shown in broken lines is
a 2-way analog rocker 14 on the back side of the housing 11 which
may be located anywhere on the back side of the housing. The analog
rockers can be used for variable control of imagery or other
functions. Also shown are two analog buttons 19.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows a wireless internet web browser 5 or the like
for browsing the world wide web and modified in accordance with the
present invention. Shown in FIG. 5 is a housing 11 and a display 22
mounted within the housing 11. On the right hand side of the
housing is shown a 4-way analog rocker 18. Shown at the lower right
front of the housing is a 2-way analog rocker 14 which can serve as
an Y axis or vertical control or scroller. Also shown in the lower
front center is a 2-way X axis or horizontal analog rocker 16 can
be mounted any place on the housing. Also shown on the lower right
side of the housing is a 2-way analog rocker 14 which can serve as
a Z axis or "zoom" control which is not shown in the other drawing
figures but which can clearly be applied thereto. Also shown are
analog and simple switch buttons 19 and 20.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a 2-way analog rocker 14 or
16 as may be employed in embodiments of the invention as an analog
sensor 26. Shown is a circuit board 40 with exposed interdigitated
circuit traces 44 as a common, 42, 46 as outs or switch legs; two
"pills" or disks of pressure-sensitive variable-conductance
material 38; two rubber-dome caps 36 positioned beneath a 2-way
rocker member 30. The 2-way rocker member 30 has a first
depressible surface 32 and a second depressible surface 34. Each
finger depressible surface 32, 34 for functioning by depression
with the shown respective dome-caps 36, pills 38 and the circuit
traces 42, 44, 46. It does not require a rocker to electrically
achieve that which is accomplished with a 2-way or 4-way, 14, 16,
18 rocker, as two separate or four separate depressible buttons or
surfaces (see FIG. 2 at 19) can be used although I prefer the
rocker format for ease of locating desired direction oriented
depressible surfaces simply by feel without having to look.
[0047] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of a 4-way analog rocker 18 as
may be employed in the embodiments of the current invention. Shown
is a circuit board 40 with exposed circuit traces indicated at 62
for four sensors 26. Also shown are four pressure-sensitive
variable-conductance pills or elements 38; a 4-way rubber-dome cap
unit 56 with each of the 4 dome caps 60 support by base 58 over a
"pill" or disk of pressure-sensitive variable-conductance material
38; and a 4-way rocker member having a first surface 48, a second
surface 50, and third surface 52, and a fourth depressible surface
54. Each surface for functioning by depression with the shown
respective dome-caps 60, pills 38 and circuitry 62 of the board 40.
This disclosure discloses that which can be viewed from numerous
points, but clearly herein described are improved methods,
structures, and also methods of manufacturing in accordance with
the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 8 shows a hand holdable remote controller 6 in
accordance with the present invention. Shown is a housing 11 and a
display 22 mounted within the housing 11. At the central left of
the housing is shown a 4-way analog rocker 18. Shown at the
mid-center of the housing is a 2-way analog rocker 16 which can
serve as an X axis, horizontal control or scroller. Shown at the
left side of the display on the housing is a 2-way analog rocker 14
which can serve as a Y axis, vertical control or scroller. Also
shown, at the right adjacent the 4-way rocker are single buttons 19
and 20.
[0049] A mix of analog sensors and simple switches can be applied
as desired in any of the illustrated embodiments, hybrids,
combinations or modifications of the embodiments shown herein.
[0050] FIG. 9 shows a hand holdable telephone 7 in accordance with
the present invention. Shown in FIG. 9 is a housing 11 and a
display 22 mounted within the housing. At the central left of the
housing 11 is shown a 4-way analog rocker 18. Shown at the
mid-center of the housing is a 2-way analog rocker 16 which can
serve as an X axis, horizontal control or scroller. Shown at the
left side of the display on the housing is a 2-way analog rocker 14
which can serve as a Y axis, vertical control or scroller. Also
shown, at the right adjacent the 4-way rocker 18 are single buttons
19 and 20.
[0051] Shown at the bottom center of the housing is a keypad 23 for
selecting or inputting numbers or letters. Also shown is a
microphone 24, a speaker 25 and an antenna 26. It is anticipated
that this telephone will have the traditional functions of a
telephone and the additional ability to receive data, for example
e-mail, stock prices, sports scores and general information which
may be scrolled at variable rates desired by the user and selected
by varying finger pressure on an analog sensor 26, thus maximizing
the limited display area of a small display 22 such as is easily
accommodated in a hand-held phone 7.
[0052] FIG. 10 shows a wrist watch 8 in accordance with the present
invention having a housing 11, a display 22 within the housing, and
at least one analog button 19 (two buttons shown, the two buttons
could be formed as a 2-way analog rocker) located on the right side
of the housing. The analog buttons may be used to change the
time/date or other information shown in the display. It is
anticipated that significant benefit will be derived from being
able to change the time/date at a variable user controlled rate
dependant upon the pressure applied by the user to at least one
analog button and possibly two buttons, one controlling change rate
of ascending numbers, and the second button or the second end of a
2-way analog rocker controlling change rate of descending
numbers.
[0053] FIG. 11 shows a household clock 9 in accordance with the
present invention having a housing 11, a display 22 within the
housing, and at least one analog button sensor 26 (two 2-way analog
rockers 14 are shown) located on the top side of the housing 11.
The analog rockers 14 may be used to change the time, such as
bi-directionally, one rocker for minutes and the other for hours,
or other information shown in the display 22. Also clock 9 could be
manipulated or set by one rocker 14 for both hours and minutes, or
by individual analog buttons (not shown). Display 22 is shown
comprised of three seven segment numeric displays 28 which provide
visual feedback as the human user sets the time. It is anticipated
that significant benefit will be derived from being able to change
the time indicated at a variable user controlled rate dependant
upon the pressure applied by the user to at least one analog button
and possibly two buttons, one controlling change rate of ascending
numbers, and the second button or the second end of a 2-way analog
rocker controlling change rate of descending numbers. One 2-way
analog rocker is shown for changing hours, and one 2-way analog
rocker is shown for changing minutes. With variable rate analog
sensors, it is possible to have a very convenient controllable time
change function with only a single analog button, because the high
rate of change associated with high pressure applied by the user to
a button can allow large time changes from minutes to hours in a
convenient easy, quick manner for the user.
[0054] FIG. 12 shows a microwave oven or gas or electric oven, oven
10 in accordance with the present invention. Shown in FIG. 12 is
the oven 10 having a housing 11, a display 22 within the housing,
and at least one analog button sensor 26 (one 2-way analog rocker
14 is shown and also the possibility of analog membrane sensors 26
are taught) located on the front face of the housing. Also shown is
a door 29 with door release 30. The analog rocker/sensor(s) may be
used to change the time or other information shown in the display
22. It is anticipated that significant benefit will be derived from
being able to change the time indicated at a variable user
controlled rate dependant upon the pressure applied by the user to
at least one analog button and possibly two buttons, one
controlling change rate of ascending numbers, and the second analog
button or the second end of a 2-way analog rocker controlling
change rate of descending numbers.
[0055] FIG. 13 shows an image scanner machine 15 in accordance with
the present invention. The scanner or scanning machine 15 has a
housing 11, located on the upper side of the housing is a display
22 and a 2-way analog rocker 14, analog button 19 or analog
membrane sensor(s) 26. It is anticipated that an advantage is given
to the user by being able to variably control the changing of the
rate of selection of the number of copies to be made.
[0056] FIG. 14 shows a coffee brewing machine or maker 17 in
accordance with the invention. The coffee maker has a housing 11, a
display 22 located on the front lower portion of the housing, and a
2-way analog rocker 14 or membrane analog sensors 26 located on the
housing adjacent to the display. The analog
rockers/buttons/membranes may be used to change the time or other
information shown in the display. Display 22 is shown comprised of
three seven segment numeric displays 28 which provide visual
feedback as the human user sets the time. It is anticipated that
significant benefit will be derived from being able to change the
time indicated at a variable user controlled rate dependant upon
the pressure applied by the user to at least one analog button and
possibly two buttons, one controlling change rate of ascending
numbers, and the second button or the second end of a 2-way analog
rocker controlling change rate of descending numbers.
[0057] FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of a hand-held game system 2
or PDA 3 or other electronic device in accordance with the
invention such as a pager, telephone, remote controller, GPS
(global positioning receiver), web browser, TV, real time traffic
mapper, wireless data terminal or the like.
[0058] FIG. 15 shows an exploded view in accordance with the
present invention, including display 22 in a housing 11. Housing 11
additionally supports analog sensor 26 which may be structured as
momentary-On switches 20 or as analog sensors 26 either in the
4-way rocker 18 structure or as single button 19 depressible
surface. A 2-way analog rocker 14 or 16 can be installed. The 4-way
rocker 18 is exposed through hole in the left hand area of housing
11, and the buttons 19 and 20 are exposed through holes in the
right hand area of housing 11. The holes allow exposure of
depressible surfaces of analog sensors 26 or buttons 20 which are
momentary-On switches for "start", "select" functions and an
"analog" toggling button for changing the state between analog mode
and binary mode of operation, whereby the user may select, for
example, 4-way rocker 18 and/or buttons 19 or 20 to be either
momentary-On switches or analog output sensors 26 selecting how the
information received from the sensors 26 or buttons 20 is processed
by circuitry 53 which preferably includes ASIC circuitry. Sensors
26 or material 38 thereof interact with circuit traces 55 on the
circuit board 40 contained within housing 11. Circuit board 40 also
supports circuitry 53 connected to the circuit traces 55, display
22 and removable module 64. Numerous structures of analog sensors
26 are shown including circuit board 40, traces 55 analog material
38 (pressure-sensitive variable-conductive material), rubber dome
caps 60 (or 36 in the 2-way or single button in FIG. 15) and
depressible surfaces or surface areas as parts of both a thumb
(digit) depressible 4-way rocker 18 and individually thumb
depressible buttons. Module 64 is positioned to be inserted into a
module receiving socket in the housing 11. Within the scope of this
invention, module 64 can be structured with a electro-magnetic
receiver and/or transmitter such as indicated by RF antenna 68 or
IR (infrared) receiver and/or transmitter 70 in combination with
RAM memory and possibly other circuitry within module 64 enabling
module 64 to function in a great diversity of applications such as
module 64 may enable a paging function, telephone function, GPS
function, wireless web browser, remote controller function for
controlling television and/or set-top box, and programable memory
containing any suitable software, data, suitable circuitry and the
like.
[0059] FIGS. 16-18 show block diagrams in accordance with the
invention. Illustrated is a housing 11 containing two sensors 26,
one sensor 26 having depressible surface 80 and the other sensor 26
having depressible surface 82. The sensors 26 are connected to
circuitry 53 connected to a display 22. Also illustrated is a box
representing a human user 72 with the user's eye 74 receiving
visual feedback from display 22. The visual feedback received by
the eye 74 at least in part influences the depressive pressure
exerted by the user's finger 76 against sensor 26 which in turn is
read by circuitry 53 which controls the visual feedback displayed
on display 22, thus a closed loop feedback system is established in
which the user 72 receives immediate feedback concerning the
control of the electronic device according to the invention. The
state of circuitry 53, as controlled by the user, can control other
functions 78 of the electronic device.
[0060] FIG. 16 shows display 22 as a general image display. The
general image display 22 of FIG. 16 includes an upper area and a
lower area, thus a user may scroll data at varying rates from the
lower area to the upper area by pressing surface 80, and from the
upper area to the lower area by pressing surface 82.
[0061] FIG. 17 shows display 22 having two seven segment numeric
displays 28, thus the user may select numbers at a variable rate by
varying depression on sensors 26. For example, such selection may
be for number of copies to be made by a photocopy machine,
temperature setting of a thermostat, channel number on a television
and the like. Depression of surface 80 is arranged in this example
to cause a variable rate of ascending numbers according to the
level of depressive pressure applied to surface 80. Depression of
surface 82 is arranged in this example to cause a variable rate of
descending numbers according to the level of depressive pressure
applied to surface 82.
[0062] FIG. 18 shows display 22 having three seven segment numeric
displays 28 as are commonly used in time displays. Thus the user
may select at a variable rate, numbers representing timing, by
varying depression on sensors 26. In FIG. 18, depression of surface
80 is arranged in this example to cause a variable rate of
ascending numbers representing time according to the level of
depressive pressure applied to surface 80, and depression of
surface 82 is arranged in this example to cause a variable rate of
descending numbers according to the level of depressive pressure
applied to surface 82, or surfaces 80 and 82 can be arranged to
control hours and minutes individually. Clearly a clock can be
greatly advantaged by ascending and descending sensors 26 for both
hours and minutes adjustments.
[0063] The present electronic devices utilize proportional or
analog sensors and circuitry for reading at least three readable
states, analog values or conductance levels of each of the analog
sensors; the states, values, levels or the like may be or can be
varied voltages or currents (example only), and are varied
dependant upon depressive pressure applied to a finger depressible
button associated with each analog sensor. Button may be herein
treated as the finger depressible area of a rocker member such as a
2-way or 4-way or the like. The associated circuitry is structured
to read an immediate, instant or current state or value of the
analog sensors and to communicate representative control signals.
The at least three states of the active element (analog sensor) can
represent at least: 1) no pressure, 2) low pressure, and 3) high
pressure applied to the depressible surface by the human user's
finger or thumb (digit), the 3 level equating to rates of change.
The analog sensor and circuitry arrangement can be employed in a
manner wherein not just three but many states are read, thus
ensuring high resolution reading of a variably changing depressive
button pressure input. Preferably, many different user determinable
rates (many different states rate by the circuitry) are provided
between low and high pressure on the associated button so that the
user is provided, for example, very slow, slow, medium, fast and
very fast change rates. With the analog sensors, the user is
provided variable change rate control dependant upon the degree of
depressive pressure he or she applies to the button associated with
the analog sensor(s) which is indicated or made visually detectable
on the display at least at the time the analog sensor is being
depressed, and this to allow the intelligent application of finger
pressure by the user to the analog sensor. Based on the information
shown on the associated display, the user can choose to increase,
decrease or terminate finger pressure on the analog sensor. Such an
arrangement provides the user vastly improved control by allowing
the user to apply low pressure to have a slow rate of change, or to
apply high pressure to initiate very rapid change, and then to
reduce the applied pressure to the button to reduce the rate of
change in order to stop easily and precisely on a desired target or
within a desired area, such precise control is clearly advantageous
and desirable.
[0064] The invention can be viewed or defined in numerous ways
including structure and methods as those skilled in the art will
realize upon a reading of this disclosure presented to exemplify
rather than limit the invention. Thus, the invention should be
defined by the broadest possible interpretation of the claims.
Furthermore, the invention is not limited to proportional controls
mounted on the housing of an electronic display showing imagery, as
is clear from the incorporated patents such as U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,589,828; 6,222,525 and 6,310,525 wherein the controller is a
remote controller used with a display showing imagery.
* * * * *