U.S. patent application number 15/268936 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-05 for image controller.
This patent application is currently assigned to Anascape, Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Anascape, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Brad A. Armstrong.
Application Number | 20170001110 15/268936 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35095805 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170001110 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Armstrong; Brad A. |
January 5, 2017 |
Image Controller
Abstract
Appropriately structured multiple-axes controllers comprised of
a single input member moveable in 6 DOF. Some, most, or all of the
6 DOF sensors are preferably supported on a generally single plane,
such as on a printed flexible membrane sensor sheet or circuit
board sheet. Secondary inputs add functionality independent of the
6 DOF sensors. The member may support a display therein. The
controllers structured for added functionality such as, web
browsing, telephone, GPS, e-mail, scanning, etc. The controllers
may communicate with hosts and displays.
Inventors: |
Armstrong; Brad A.; (Tyler,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Anascape, Ltd. |
Tyler |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Anascape, Ltd.
Tyler
TX
|
Family ID: |
35095805 |
Appl. No.: |
15/268936 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11240331 |
Sep 30, 2005 |
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15268936 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/1031 20130101;
A63F 13/25 20140902; G06F 3/016 20130101; A63F 13/235 20140902;
G06F 3/0213 20130101; A63F 2300/1056 20130101; A63F 13/06 20130101;
G06F 3/0338 20130101; G06F 3/0346 20130101; A63F 2300/1043
20130101; G06F 3/0354 20130101; A63F 2300/1037 20130101; A63F
13/332 20140902; G06F 3/03549 20130101; A63F 2300/1006 20130101;
G06F 3/033 20130101; A63F 13/24 20140902; A63F 13/285 20140902 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/24 20060101
A63F013/24; A63F 13/235 20060101 A63F013/235; A63F 13/332 20060101
A63F013/332; G06F 3/0354 20060101 G06F003/0354; G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01; G06F 3/02 20060101 G06F003/02; G06F 3/0338 20060101
G06F003/0338; G06F 3/0346 20060101 G06F003/0346; A63F 13/285
20060101 A63F013/285; A63F 13/25 20060101 A63F013/25 |
Claims
1. A controller, comprising: a single input member operable in six
degrees of freedom (6 DOF), said single input member having an
unlimited amount of travel; a converter comprising a flat sheet, a
plurality of sensors and electronic circuitry, wherein said
converter detects physical 6 DOF movements and/or rotations of said
single input member and converts said movements and/or rotations of
said single input member into electrical signals that carry
information describing, at least in part, said single input
member's movements and/or rotations; a first sheet having
electronic components, wherein said first sheet is connected to
said converter; a multiple layer second sheet comprising an array
of sensors and circuitry, wherein said multiple layer second sheet
is connected to said first sheet and wherein said multiple layer
second sheet is configured to detect user input; wherein said user
input comprising keyboarding functions, numeric input functions, on
and off functions, volume control functions, select functions,
and/or electronic game functions; memory; a display; and a power
source.
2. The controller of claim 1, wherein said controller is a
telephone.
3. The controller of claim 1, wherein said multiple layer second
sheet is at least part of a pressure sensitive input containing
pressure sensitive input circuitry and wherein said pressure
sensitive input is configured to detect at least three readable
states of said user's input wherein said three readable states are
no pressure, low pressure applied by said user, and high pressure
applied by said user.
4. The controller of claim 1, wherein said controller is
wearable.
5. The telephone of claim 2, further comprising a pressure
sensitive input and a tactile feedback mechanism; said pressure
sensitive input configured to detect at least three readable states
of said user's input wherein said three readable states are no
pressure, low pressure applied by said user, and high pressure
applied by said user; and said tactile feedback mechanism is
configured to cause the user to discern a tactile sensation when
said user activates said pressure sensitive input.
6. The telephone of claim 2, further comprising circuitry enabling
a scanning function.
7. The telephone of claim 2, further comprising: an active tactile
feedback device and wireless communication circuitry wherein said
tactile feedback device is configured to receive signals via
wireless communication to activate said active tactile feedback
device.
8. The telephone of claim 2. further comprising a mechanism or
mechanisms and mechanism circuitry; wherein said mechanism
circuitry is configured to detect user input into said multiple
layer second sheet and relay a signal to said mechanism or
mechanisms to provide an audible and/or tactile indication of said
multiple layer second sheet activation by said user.
9. The telephone of claim 2, wherein said keyboarding functions of
said multiple layer second sheet are configured to detect at least
40 inputs including alphabetic inputs, numerical inputs, and/or
spacebar inputs.
10. The telephone of claim 2, further comprising a host, said host
configured to communicate wirelessly with said telephone.
11. A controller comprising: a single input member operable in 6
DOF, said single input member having unrestrained movement; a
converter containing one or more movement sensors, said converter
configured to detect 6 DOF physical movements and/or rotations of
said single input member and convert said physical movements and/or
rotations of said single input member into electrical signals that
carry information describing, at least in part, said movements
and/or rotations of said single input member; a finger input
surface associated with at least one finger input sensor, said
finger input surface configured to receive input, other than from
said converter; a flat flexible membrane sheet containing
conductive traces, wherein said flat flexible membrane sheet is
bent; memory; a display; and a power source; and a circuit board
sheet, said circuit board sheet electronically connected to said
converter, said at least one finger input sensor, said flexible
membrane sheet, said memory and said power source.
12. The controller of claim 11, wherein said controller is a
telephone.
13. The controller of claim 11, wherein said controller is a
wearable.
14. The controller of claim 12, further comprising: an audible
and/or tactile feedback mechanism or mechanisms having audible
and/or tactile feedback circuitry configurable so that when said at
least one finger input surface is activated an audible and/or
tactile indication is discernable by a user.
15. The telephone of claim 12, further comprising an active tactile
feedback mechanism having tactile feedback circuitry and wireless
communication circuitry; said tactile feedback circuitry configured
to activate said active tactile feedback mechanism when a signal is
received via wireless communication by said telephone.
16. The controller of claim 11, wherein said controller is
configurable to be worn on the head.
17. The telephone of claim 12, further comprising a host, said host
configured to communicate wirelessly with said telephone.
18. The controller of claim 11 configured to store in memory
information at least in part representative of said electrical
signals that carry information describing, at least in part, said
movements and/or rotations of said single input member.
19. A device comprising: a single input member operable in 6 DOF,
said single input member having unrestricted movement, a converter
comprising at least substratum, sensors, and electronic circuitry;
wherein said converter detects 6 DOF movements and/or rotations of
said single input member and converts physical movements and/or
rotations of said single input member into electrical signals that
carry information describing, at least in part, said single input
member's movements and/or rotations; a finger input surface
associated with at least one finger input surface sensor, said at
least one finger input surface configured to receive input, other
than from converter; said converter connected to a circuit board
sheet; a display; memory; and a power source, wherein the
converter, memory and power source are housed, at least in part,
within said single input member.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein said at least one finger input
surface is configured for keyboarding functions, numeric input
functions, select functions, and electronic game functions.
21. The device of claim 19, wherein the device is a telephone, said
telephone further comprising: a host, said host configured to
communicate wirelessly with said device.
22. The device of claim 19 further comprising an audible and/or
tactile feedback mechanism or mechanisms having audible and/or
tactile feedback circuitry configurable so that when said at least
one finger input surface is activated an audible and/or tactile
indication is discernable by a user.
23. The device of claim 59, wherein the said at least one finger
input surface with associated sensor or sensors is configured to
detect at least three readable states of a user's input.
24. A process for controlling imagery on a display comprising:
physically moving and/or rotating and detecting a single input
handle housing operable in 6 DOF, said single input handle housing
having an unlimited amount of travel wherein said single input
housing including: a converter comprising substratum, sensors, and
electronic circuitry, wherein said converter detects 6 DOF
movements and/or rotations of said single input housing and
converts physical movements and/or rotations of said single input
housing into electrical signals that carry information describing,
at least in part, said single input handle housing's movements
and/or rotations; a finger input surface associated with at least
one finger input surface sensor, said at least one finger input
surface configured to receive input, other than from said
converter; a display; memory; and a power source; converting
physical movements and/or rotations of said single input housing
into electrical signals; storing said information based at least in
part on said electrical signals in said memory; and generating
imagery, based at least in part on said information that is based
at least in part on said electrical signals, on said display.
25. The process of claim 24, wherein said single input handle
housing further including an audible and/or tactile feedback
mechanism or mechanisms and alerting a user with audible and/or
tactile feedback.
26. The process of claim 24, wherein said single input handle
housing further including circuitry that enables a scanning
function and preforming a scanning function.
27. The process of claim 24 further comprising: using said at least
one finger input surface to, at least in part, control an
electronic game.
28. The process of claim 24 further comprising: inputting
alphabetic information using said at least one finger input
surface.
29. The process of claim 24, wherein said at least one finger input
surface forms at, least part of, a pressure sensitive finger input
configured to sense a varying amount of pressure applied by a user
to said pressure sensitive finger input and generating a first
image in response to a first intensity of applied pressure and
generating a second image in response to a second intensity of
applied pressure.
30. The process of claim 24, further comprising rotating said
single input handle housing and causing an image on the display to
rotate.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/240,331 filed on Sep. 30, 2005, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to structuring for sheet supported
sensors and associated circuitry in hand-operated graphic image
controllers, and particularly six degree of freedom computer image
controllers which serve as interface input devices between the
human hand(s) and graphic image displays 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.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Although there are many related physical-to-electrical
hand-controlled interfacing devices for use as image controllers
taught in the prior art, none are structured similarly to the
present invention, and none offer all of the advantages provided by
the present invention.
[0006] In the highly competitive, cost-sensitive consumer
electronics marketplace, the retail sales price of an item is
normally closely coupled to its manufacturing cost. It is generally
agreed that the retail purchase price, or cost to the consumer, of
any item influences a consumer's purchasing decision. Thus, cost of
manufacture ultimately influences the desirability and value of an
item to the public at large. Generally, physical-to-electrical
converters embodied in hand operated electronic image controllers
such as trackballs, mouse type and joystick type, increase in
manufacturing cost as the number of degrees of freedom which can be
interpreted between a hand operable input member and a reference
member increase.
[0007] Typically in the prior art, a three degree of freedom
joystick type input device costs more to manufacture than a two
degree of freedom joystick, and a six degree of freedom (henceforth
6 DOF) joystick input device costs significantly more to
manufacture compared to a three degree of freedom joystick.
Likewise, a three or more degree of freedom mouse-type controller
costs more to manufacture than a standard two degree of freedom
mouse.
[0008] Manufacturing costs in such devices generally increase
because, for at least one reason, an increasing number of sensors
is necessary for the additional axes control, and the sensors in
the prior art, particularly with 6 DOF controllers having a single
input member, typically have been positioned in widely-spread three
dimensional constellations within the controller, thus requiring
multiple sensor mounts and mount locations and labor intensive,
thus costly, hand wiring with individually insulated wires from the
sensors to a normally centralized circuitry location remote from
the sensors.
[0009] In the prior art there exist 6 DOF controllers of a type
having a hand operable, single input member moveable in six degrees
of freedom for axes control relative to a reference member of the
controller. This type of controller having the 6 DOF operable input
member outputs a signal(s) for each degree of freedom input, and it
is this type of 6 DOF controller which is believed to be by far the
most easily used for 3-D graphics control, and it is with this type
of 6 DOF controller that the present invention is primarily
concerned.
[0010] In the prior art, 6 DOF controllers of the type having a
hand operable single input member utilize individual sensors and
sensor units (bidirectional sensors) mounted and positioned in a
widely-spread three dimensional constellation, due to the failure
to provide structuring for cooperative interaction with the
sensors, so that some, most or all of the sensors may to be brought
into or to exist in a generally single area and preferably in a
generally single plane or planes. The prior art fails to provide
structuring, such as a carriage member, for allowing cooperative
interaction with sensors. The prior art fails to demonstrate a
carriage member which typically carries a sheet member connecting
and supporting sensors.
[0011] Another failure in prior art 6 DOF controllers of the type
having a hand operable single input member is the failure to use or
anticipate use of inexpensive, flexible membrane sensor sheets,
which are initially flat when manufactured, and which include
sensors and conductive traces applied to the flat sheet structure.
Such flat sheet membrane sensors could be advantageously used as a
generally flat sensor support panel, or alternatively in bent or
three dimensionally formed shapes in 6 DOF controller structures
which utilize three dimensional constellation sensor mounting and
appropriate structures for cooperative interaction with the
sensors. The prior art in 6 DOF controllers of the type having a
hand operable single input member, has failed to use and anticipate
the use of, providing structures for cooperative interaction with
sensors all in a single area which would allow use of a flat
membrane sensor sheet or a flat printed circuit board supporting
the sensors and sensor conductors. The prior art in 6 DOF
controllers of the type having a hand operable single input member,
has failed to use or anticipate use of flat sheet substratum as the
foundation upon which to define or apply sensors such as by
printing with conductive ink, or to mount the sensors such as by
plug-in or soldered connection of the sensors, and preferably all
of the required sensors for 6 DOF, and even further, the electrical
conductors leading to and from the sensors in a printed or
otherwise applied fixed position.
[0012] One prior art device which exemplifies many individual
sensor units mounted in a widely-spread three dimensional
constellation due to the sensor activators being located in many
radically different elevations and planes, is shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,555,960 issued Dec. 3, 1985 to M. King.
[0013] The King device is a 6 DOF controller which has sensors,
which are load cells and rotary sensors such as potentiometers
which are placed in various locations scattered essentially all
over the controller. Such "scattered", individual sensor and sensor
unit mounting locations are required in the King controller due to
the failure to provide the structures for cooperative interaction
with the sensors to all be located or brought into a single area of
the controller, and thus the sensors in the King controller are not
arranged in a manner allowing conventional automated installation
such as on a generally flat circuit board, or for printed circuit
traces engaging or connecting the sensors to be utilized, such as
on a circuit board.
[0014] King also fails to anticipate the use of flexible membrane
sensor sheets which include sensors and printed conductive traces
which can be manufactured inexpensively in a flat sheet form, and
used in flat sheet form, or alternatively, bent into three
dimensionally formed shapes to position the sensors in three
dimensional constellations. Thus the sensors and associated
electrical conductors (wires) in the King device are believed to be
required to be hand installed, and the wires individually applied
to the sensors and then brought into a generally central area
during the manufacturing of the King controller. Such structuring
as in the King device is costly to manufacture, which accounts for,
at least in part, why 6 DOF controllers are very costly when
compared to two degree of freedom controllers.
[0015] Another problem in prior art controllers such as the King
device is reliability. In the King device, reliability is less than
optimum due to the typical single input member 6 DOF prior art
configuration of circuitry and sensors, because the hand wiring of
sensors to remote circuitry is subject to malfunctions such as
wires breaking, cold solder joints, and cross wiring due to error
of the human assembler, etc.
[0016] Another problem in the circuitry and sensors as configured
in typical prior art controllers, particularly 6 DOF controllers
such as that of King, is serviceability, testing, and quality
control during manufacturing, such as at the manufacturing plant
wherein testing is applied before shipping, or after sales to the
consumer such as with returns of defective controllers. The typical
widely-spread prior art sensor mounting and hand applied wiring
associated with the sensors renders trouble shooting and repair
more costly.
[0017] Another prior art disclosure believed somewhat relevant is
taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,919 issued Mar. 29, 1994 to M. Chang.
The Chang device is basically a six degree of freedom computer
controller for computer graphics, and includes a generally flat
plane printed circuit board on which all of the sensors are
mounted. However, as will become appreciated, in Chang's
controller, the lack of a hand operable single input member
operable in six degrees of freedom has many significant
disadvantages. Further, the Chang controller does not have any
input member capable of being manipulated in 6 DOF relative to any
reference member of the controller, which yields additional
significant disadvantages.
[0018] The Chang controller is structured as a mouse type input
device having a roller ball on the underside requiring travel of
the input device and housing thereof along a surface for rolling
the underside ball for input of information pertaining to two axes
of linear movement, which is typical of "mouse" type controllers.
The Chang device includes a rotary thumb wheel mounted on the side
of the housing to mimic linear movement of the housing along a
third axis. The Chang device also includes a second roller ball
(trackball) exposed for manual rotation on the upper surface of the
housing, and upper trackball is provided to allow the user to input
information pertaining to rotation about the three mutually
perpendicular or orthogonal axes conventionally referred to as yaw,
pitch and roll.
[0019] Major disadvantages which I believe exist in the Chang
device, which do not exist in the present invention, include the
requirement that the trackball housing be moved along a surface in
order to input linear moment information. This requirement of
surface contacting travel prohibits the use of the Chang device as
a completely hand held controller, and prohibits the Chang
controller from being incorporated into a multiple-purpose
controller such as a hand held television remote controller or a
conventional computer keyboard. Additionally, substantial physical
space is required on a desk or table on which to propel a mouse
type controller.
[0020] Another disadvantage of the Chang controller is that it is
believed to be difficult to use, or in other words, the mouse
roller ball on the underside of the housing which inputs linear
moment information in some directions, is not capable of inputs in
all linear directions, and thus the Chang device includes the thumb
wheel off to the housing side which is utilized to emulate,
approximate or represent linear movement along the third axis. The
hand movements required to move linearly utilizing pushing of the
mouse housing for some directions, and the actuation of the thumb
wheel for other directions is not intuitive and is thus confusing
and difficult for the user.
[0021] Further, a mouse type controller such as Chang's cannot
provide the desirable aspect of automatic return-to-center along
the linear axes, or in other words, with a mouse, the user must
actively move the mouse back to center (and center is often not
easily determined by the user) since there are no feasible
arrangements for the use of return-to-center springs or resilient
structuring.
[0022] Additionally, the Chang device appears relatively expensive
to manufacture, for at least one reason due to the use of six
rotary encoders, three of which are utilized for linear inputs.
Rotary encoders are relatively expensive compared to many other
sensor types. Encoders can provide advantages in some instances for
rotary inputs. Compared to some other types of sensors, rotary
encoders are not only more expensive, but have significant
disadvantages as linear input sensors.
[0023] The Chang controller does not have a single input member
such as one ball or one handle which can be operated (causing
representative electrical output) in six degrees of freedom. Nor
can any one Chang input member be manipulated (moved) relative to a
reference member on the controller in six degrees of freedom. Thus,
the Chang device is functionally and structurally deficient.
[0024] In addition to the above considerations Ogata et al U.S.
Pat. No. 6,001,014 with an earliest Priority date claimed of Oct.
1, 1996 is relevant art to the current claims but is not prior art.
Ogata et al is described here because it has been held against an
earlier filing of related claims of Applicant. While Ogata et al
has too late a date to be considered prior art to the current
claims, Ogata et al does disclose closely related structures to the
teachings herein. Applicant has taught many novel structures
herein, including but not limited to a single 6 degrees of freedom
(6 DOF) input member which is in combination with other input
members having lessor degrees of freedom. Also Applicant's
teachings include controllers with input members, similar to Ogata
et al, having fewer than 6 degrees of freedom as taught in the
originally filed drawings and specification. These input members
having lessor degrees of freedom, as taught herein, are often novel
and inventive structures in their own right and in combination with
the cost reducing sheet connections of sensors, as mentioned above,
comprising inventive controllers which overcome various limitations
of the prior art.
[0025] Therefore, there exists a need for further improvements in
the field of six degree of freedom controllers for graphics control
such as on or through a computer and monitor or television screen
or any display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The following summary and detailed description is of best
modes and preferred structures for carrying out the invention, and
although there are clearly changes which could be made to that
which is specifically herein described and shown in the included
drawings, for the sake of brevity of this disclosure, all of these
changes which fall within the true scope of the present invention
have not herein been detailed.
[0027] My nine following U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.
10/028,071; 10/042,027; 09/551,513; 10/437,395; 10/165,156;
09/896,680; 09/941,310; 09/754,477; 09/733,468 are all herein
incorporated by reference.
[0028] This application has been submitted as a
Continuation-in-Part rather than a Continuation because of the
above incorporations by reference.
[0029] In order that 6 DOF controllers be more affordable, and for
a user to be easily able to control objects and/or navigate a
viewpoint within a three-dimensional graphics display, I have
developed improved, low-cost hand operated 6 DOF controllers for
use with a computer or computerized television or the like host
device. The controllers provide structuring for converting full six
degrees of freedom physical input provided by a human hand on a
hand operable single input member into representative outputs or
signals useful either directly or indirectly for controlling or
assisting in controlling graphic image displays. The present
controllers sense hand inputs on the input member via movement or
force influenced sensors, and send information describing rotation
or rotational force of the hand operable input member in either
direction about three mutually perpendicular bidirectional axes
herein referred to as yaw, pitch and roll, (or first, second and
third); and information describing linear moment of the hand
operable input member along the axes to a host computer or like
graphics generation device for control of graphics of a display,
thus six degrees of freedom of movement or force against the input
member are converted to input-representative signals for control of
graphics images.
[0030] The present controllers include the hand operable input
member defined in relationship to a reference member of the
controller. The input member can be a trackball operable relative
to a housing (reference member) as described in my above mentioned
co-pending application, or alternatively, the input member can be
any handle fit to be manipulated by a human hand, such as a
joystick type handle, but in either case, the input member accepts
6 DOF of hand input relative to the reference member, and the
converter acts or operates from the hand inputs to cause
influencing of the sensors which inform or shape electricity to be
used as, or to produce such as by way of processing, an output
signal suitable for a host device to at least in part control the
image on the display of the host device.
[0031] The present 6 DOF controller provides structuring for
sensors to be located, in some embodiments, in a generally single
plane, such as on a substantially flat flexible membrane sensor
sheet, or a circuit board sheet. The use of flat sheet mounted or
positioned sensors preferably electrically connected with
fixed-place trace circuitry provides the advantages of very low
cost sensor and associated sensor circuit manufacturing; ease in
replacing a malfunctioning sensor or conductor by entire sheet
replacement, and increased reliability due to the elimination of
individually insulated wires to the sensors.
[0032] The use of sheet supported sensors and associated circuits
enable the use of highly automated circuit and sensor defining and
locating, resulting in lower manufacturing costs and higher product
reliability. The utilization of flat sheet substratum supporting
the sensors, and preferably sensor circuitry in conductive
fixed-place trace form, provides many advantages, with one being
the allowance of a short or low profile 6 DOF controller, and
another, as previously mentioned, lower cost in manufacturing. In
at least one preferred embodiment, all sensors for 6 DOF are
positioned on one substantially flat sheet member, such as a
circuit board sheet or membrane sensor sheet, and electrically
conductive traces are applied to the sheet members and engaging the
sensors. The conductive traces can be used to bring electricity to
the sensors, depending on the sensor type selected to be utilized,
and to conduct electricity controlled, shaped or informed by the
sensor to an electronic processor or cable-out lead or the
like.
[0033] As will be detailed in reference to a present embodiment of
6 DOF controller, the sensors and conductive traces can be
manufactured on a generally flat flexible membrane sensor sheet
material such as a non-conductive plastic sheet, which then may or
may not be bent into a three dimensional configuration, even a
widely-spread 3-D sensor constellation, thus sheet supported sensor
structuring provides the advantages of very low cost sensor and
associated sensor circuit manufacturing; ease in replacing a
malfunctioning sensor or conductor by entire sheet replacement, and
increased reliability due to the elimination of individually
insulated wires to the sensors.
[0034] The present invention solves the aforementioned prior art
problems associated with 6 DOF controllers having one 6 DOF input
member, with multiple, individually hand mounted and positioned
sensors or sensor units in widely-spread three dimensional
constellations, and the problems of hand applied wiring of
individually insulated wire to the individual sensors or sensor
units. The present 6 DOF controller solves these problems primarily
with sheet supported sensor structuring and most associated
circuitry on the sheet which is at least initially flat when the
sensors and conductive circuit traces are applied; the sheet
circuitry and sensors being an arrangement particularly well suited
for automated manufacturing, and well suited for fast and simple
test-point trouble shooting and single board or "sheet" unit
replacement if malfunction occurs. Hand applying of the sensors and
associated electrical conductors onto the flat sheet is not outside
the scope of the invention, but is not as great of an advancement,
for reasons of cost and reliability, compared to utilizing
automated manufacturing processes that are currently in wide
use.
[0035] Automated manufacturing of circuit boards with fixed-place
trace conductors, sensors, discrete electronic components and
integrated chips is in wide use today for television, computer,
video and stereo manufacturing for example, and can employ the
plugging-in of sensor and electrical components with computer
controlled machinery, and the application of conductive trace
conductors onto the otherwise non-conductive circuit board sheets
is usually performed using automatic machinery, wherein the solder
or conductive material adheres to printed fluxed or non-etched
areas where electrical connections and conductive traces are
desired, although other processes are used. Automated manufacturing
of flat, flexible membrane sensor sheets is in wide use today for
computer keyboards, programmable computer keypads, and consumer
electronics control pads, to name just a few for example. Flexible
membrane sensor sheets are currently being manufactured by way of
utilizing non-conductive flexible plastics sheets, and printing
thereon with electrically conductive ink when the sheets are laying
flat, to define circuit conductors and contact switches (sensors).
Usually, and this is believed well known, printed contact switches
on flexible membranes utilizes three layers of plastic sheets for
normal contact pair separation, with a first contact on one outer
sheet, and a second contact of the pair on the opposite outer
sheet, and a third inner sheet separating the aligned contact pair,
but with a small hole in the inner sheet allowing one contact to be
pressed inward through the hole to contact the other aligned
contact of the pair, thus closing the circuit. A conductor trace of
printed conductive ink is printed on each of the outer sheets and
connects to the contact of that sheet. The contacts are also
normally defined with conductive ink. Although this flexible
membrane sensor structure in formed of multiple sheets stacked upon
one another, it will herein generally be referred to as a membrane
sensor sheet since it functions as a single unit. The printed
conductive inks remain, or can be formulated to remain flexible
after curing, and this allows the flexible membrane sensor sheet to
be bent without the printed circuits breaking. Flexible membrane
sensor sheets can be cut into many shapes before or after the
application of the sensors and associated circuits.
[0036] For the purposes of this teaching, specification and claims,
the term "sensor" or "sensors" is considered to include not only
simple on/off, off/on contact switches, but also proportional
sensors such as, proximity sensors, variable resistive and/or
capacitive sensors, piezo sensors, variable voltage/amperage
limiting or amplifying sensors, potentiometers, resistive and
optical sensors or encoders and the like, and also other
electricity-controlling, shaping or informing devices influenced by
movement or force. Pressure sensitive variable resistance materials
incorporated into sensors applied directly on flexible membranes,
circuit boards and sensor packages mounted on sheet structures are
anticipated as being highly useful as proportional sensors and
desirable in 6 DOF controllers of the types herein disclosed.
[0037] For the purposes of this teaching, specification and claims,
it is important to define the terms: "manipulate, operate and
converter".
[0038] The term "manipulate", and all derivatives (manipulated,
manipulating, manipulatable, manipulation, etc.), is used in the
context of the input member being manipulatable in 6 DOF relative
to the reference member. This means that the input member or handle
can be linearly moved along and/or rotated about the three mutually
perpendicular axes in 6 DOF but it does not necessarily mean that
sensors are being stimulated or that the device is outputting a
representative signal. It only means that it can be moved and/or
rotated in such a manner. It may or may not be stimulating sensors
or outputting information representative of the handle
manipulation. A handle capable of being "manipulated" in 6 DOF
means only that it can be linearly moved and/or rotated relative to
the reference member.
[0039] The term "operate", and all derivatives (operated,
operating, operable, operation, etc.) is used in the context of the
input member being operable in 6 DOF relative to the reference
member. This means that the handle can be linearly moved along
and/or rotated about the three mutually perpendicular axes in 6 DOF
and it does necessarily mean that sensors are being stimulated and
that the device is outputting a signal representative of the input
operation.
[0040] The term "converter", and all affiliated words and
derivatives (convert, converts, converted, conversion, etc.) is
used in the context of a physical to electrical converter. Meaning
this is a device that changes (converts) real world physical or
mechanical movements and/or rotations of the input member (input)
into electrical signals (output) carrying information describing,
at least in part, the nature of the input member movement and/or
rotation.
[0041] Also, for the purposes of this teaching, specification and
claims, it is important to define the terms: "joystick-type"
controller and "trackball-type" controller. The term
"joystick-type" controller and the term "trackball-type" controller
represent two different kinds of hand operated input controllers
which both have a hand operable input member (handle or trackball)
which is operated relative to a reference member (base, shaft or
housing). The difference in these two types of controllers is: The
input member of the joystick-type controller may be manipulatable
or operable in up to 6 DOF but the freedom of the input member is
only to move or rotate within a limited range of travel relative to
the reference member; On the other hand, the input member of a
trackball type device, typically being spherical in shape, has an
unlimited amount of travel about the rotational axes. A 6 DOF
trackball-type embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, and 6 DOF
joystick type embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 13-36.
[0042] A primary object of the invention is to provide a 6 DOF
image controller (physical-to-electrical converter), which includes
a single input member being hand operable relative to a reference
member of the controller, and the controller providing structure
with the advantage of mounting the sensors in a generally single
area or on at least one planar area, such as on a generally flat
flexible membrane sensor sheet or circuit board sheet, so that the
controller can be highly reliable and relatively inexpensive to
manufacture.
[0043] Another object of the invention is to provide an easy to use
6 DOF controller physical-to-electrical converter) which includes a
single input member being hand operable relative to a reference
member of the controller, and which provides the advantage of
structure for cooperative interaction with the sensors positioned
in a three dimensional constellation, with the sensors and
associated circuit conductors initially applied to flexible
substantially flat sheet material, which is then bent or otherwise
formed into a suitable three dimensional constellation appropriate
for circuit trace routing and sensor location mounting.
[0044] Another object of the invention is to provide an easy to use
6 DOF controller, which includes a single input member hand
operable relative to a reference member of the controller, and
which has the advantage that it can be manufactured relatively
inexpensively using sensors and associated circuits of types and
positional layout capable of being assembled and/or defined with
automated manufacturing processes on flat sheet material.
[0045] Another object of the invention is to provide an easy to use
6 DOF controller, which includes a single input member hand
operable relative to a reference member of the controller, and
which has the advantage that it can be manufactured using highly
reliable automated manufacturing processes on flat sheet material,
thus essentially eliminating errors of assembly such as erroneously
routed wiring connections, cold or poor solder connections,
etc.
[0046] Another object of the invention is to provide an easy to use
6 DOF controller, which includes a single input member hand
operable relative to a reference member of the controller, and
which has the advantage that it can be manufactured using sensors
and associated circuits on flat sheet material so that
serviceability and repair are easily and inexpensively achieved by
a simple sheet replacement.
[0047] Another object of the invention is to provide a 6 DOF
controller which is structured in such a manner as to allow the
controller to be made with a relatively low profile input member,
which offers many advantages in packaging for sale, operation in
various embodiments and environments (such as a low profile 6 DOF
handle integrated into a keyboard so that other surrounding keys
can still be easily accessed) and function of the device (such as
still allowing room for active tactile feedback means within a
still small low handle shape). An example of an active tactile
feedback means is an electric motor with shaft and offset weight
within a handle for providing active tactile feedback, as shown in
drawing FIG. 21.
[0048] Another object of the invention is to provide and meet the
aforementioned objects in a 6 DOF controller which allows for the
application and advantage of sensor choice. The invention can be
constructed with sensors as simple as electrical contacts or more
sophisticated proportional and pressure-sensitive variable output
sensors, or the like. The printed circuit board provides great ease
in using a wide variety of sensor types which can be plugged into
or formed onto the board with automated component installing
machinery, and the flexible membrane sensor sheet can also utilize
a variety of sensors such as contact pairs and pressure-sensitive
variable output sensors (pressure-sensitive variable resistors)
printed or otherwise placed onto flexible membrane sensor
sheets.
[0049] Another object of the invention is to provide and meet the
aforementioned objects in a six degree of freedom controller
providing the advantage of versatility of complex movements wherein
all three perpendicular Cartesian coordinates (three mutually
perpendicular axes herein referred to as yaw, pitch and roll) are
interpreted bi-directionally, both in a linear fashion as in
movement along or force down any axis, and a rotational fashion as
in rotation or force about any axis. These linear and rotational
interpretations can be combined in every possible way to describe
every possible interpretation of three dimensions.
[0050] These, as well as further objects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood upon consideration
of the remaining specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] FIG. 1 is a top view of a trackball type embodiment of the
invention within a housing specific for a carriage and the
trackball.
[0052] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the FIG. 1
embodiment taken at line 2.
[0053] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional end view taken at line 3 of FIG.
1.
[0054] FIG. 4 is a partial illustration of the carriage, the
trackball and a track frame between two walls.
[0055] FIG. 5 is an illustration showing a portion of a slightly
varied carriage, the trackball, and a collet which is rotatable
about the trackball which can be used within the scope of the
present invention. A rotary encoder is shown as an example of a
sensor in contact with the bottom of the collet.
[0056] FIG. 6 is an illustration basically showing another form of
the rotatable collet.
[0057] FIG. 7 shows three mutually perpendicular axes herein
referred to as first, second and third, or respectively roll, pitch
and yaw axes, which are shown having a mutual point of intersection
at the center of the input member which is shown as a trackball but
may be any hand manipulated input member.
[0058] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a housing structured specific
for the carriage and trackball, and one which is generally
flat-bottomed and thus structured suitably to rest upon a support
surface such as a table or desk when utilized. A broken outline
indicates the possibility of an additional extension which is
ergonomically designed as a wrist and forearm rest.
[0059] FIG. 9 is the carriage and trackball in a band held housing
sized and shaped to be grasped in a hand of a user while the user
controls graphic images with the controller.
[0060] FIG. 10 is the carriage and trackball housed in an otherwise
relatively conventional computer keyboard having well over 40 keys
for the alphabet, numbers 1-9, a spacebar and other function
keys.
[0061] FIG. 11 represents a display such as a computer or
television with display showing a cube displayed three
dimensionally.
[0062] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional end view of a joystick
type embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is or can be
structured identically to the FIG. 1 trackball embodiment, with the
exception of an elongated graspable handle engaged on an exposed
portion of the ball.
[0063] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of another joystick
embodiment of the current invention exhibiting structuring enabling
use of a membrane sensor sheet.
[0064] FIG. 14 shows a membrane sensor sheet in flat form.
[0065] FIG. 15 shows a membrane sensor sheet in the folded 3-D
configuration.
[0066] FIG. 16 shows all sensors in mechanical flat mount and right
angle mount packages as they may be positioned on a rigid flat
sheet, such as a circuit board sheet.
[0067] FIG. 17 shows a membrane sensor sheet in a variation where
all 6 DOF sensors are positioned on a flat plane.
[0068] FIG. 18 shows structuring of the membrane sensor sheet as
described in FIG. 17 as a novel appendage on an otherwise
conventional membrane sensor sheet such as is found in a typical
modern computer keyboard.
[0069] FIG. 19 shows an external view of a 6 DOF controller in
accordance with the present invention positioned where the arrow
key pad would be on an otherwise common computer keyboard
housing.
[0070] FIG. 20 shows an exploded view of a two-planar embodiment
having rocker-arm actuators.
[0071] FIG. 21 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 20.
[0072] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the rocker-arm actuators
of the embodiment of FIGS. 20-21.
[0073] FIG. 23-25 show various side views of two-armed rocker arm
actuators in operation.
[0074] FIG. 26 shows a top view of a rocker arm layout and its
reduced area by using two one-armed actuators.
[0075] FIG. 27 shows a side view of a one-armed rocker
actuator.
[0076] FIG. 28 shows an exploded view of the handle of the
embodiment of FIGS. 20 and 21.
[0077] FIG. 29 shows an otherwise typical computer keyboard
membrane with custom appendages to fit into and be actuated by the
structures of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-28 located in the
arrow pad region of an otherwise typical computer keyboard.
[0078] FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of a 6 DOF handle
integrated into an otherwise typical remote control device such as
are used to control TVs, VCRs, Cable Boxes, and some computers,
etc.
[0079] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the device of FIG. 30 in
dashed lines and an internal view of a membrane shaped to fit the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-29.
[0080] FIG. 32 shows a side view of a 6 DOF two planar device using
one circuit board per plane for support of sensors and electronics
with eight sensors located on a plane in the base and four sensors
located on a plane in the handle.
[0081] FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of a third axis translation
component for the embodiment shown in FIG. 32.
[0082] FIG. 34 shows a side view of the component of FIG. 34 in a
carriage.
[0083] FIG. 35 shows a perspective view of the components shown in
FIGS. 32-34.
[0084] FIG. 36 shows a side view of a two planar embodiment using
circuit boards but having substantially different sensor placements
and structuring, with eight sensors located on a plane in the
handle and four sensors on a plane in the base.
[0085] FIG. 37 shows a side cross-section view of a typical Prior
art right angle solder mount sensor package for a momentary-On
switch sensor.
[0086] FIG. 38 shows a side cross-section view of a horizontal or
flat solder mount sensor package containing a proportional pressure
sensitive element internally.
[0087] FIG. 39 shows a side cross-section view of a proportional
membrane sensor having a metallic dome cap actuator in the
non-activated position.
[0088] FIG. 40 shows a side cross-section view of a proportional
membrane sensor having a metallic dome cap actuator in the
activated position.
[0089] FIG. 41 shows a side cross-section view of a compound
membrane sensor having multiple simple On/Off switched elements
piggy backed one on top of another.
[0090] FIG. 42 shows a side cross-section view of a compound
membrane sensor having both a simple On/Off switched element and a
proportional element which are simultaneously activated.
[0091] FIG. 43 shows a side cross-section view of two compound
sensors of the type shown in the FIG. 42 arranged to create a
single bidirectional proportional sensor.
[0092] FIG. 44 shows a side cross-section view of two
uni-directional proportional sensors electrically connected to form
a single bidirectional sensor with a central null area.
[0093] FIG. 45 shows a perspective view of a generic rocker arm
actuator operating a bidirectional rotary sensor.
[0094] FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of a generic rocker arm
actuator operating a bidirectional optical sensor.
[0095] FIG. 47 shows a perspective view of the sensors of FIGS. 45
and 46 as they can be embodied within a handle.
[0096] FIG. 48 shows a side cross-section view of a novel structure
for anchoring a membrane sensor in position and also for holding
sensor actuating structures in position.
[0097] FIG. 49 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG.
41.
[0098] FIG. 50 shows a median cross-section view of the embodiment
of FIGS. 48 and 49 but in right angle variation.
[0099] FIG. 51 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.
[0100] FIG. 52 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.
[0101] FIG. 53 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.
[0102] FIG. 54 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.
[0103] FIG. 55 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.
[0104] FIG. 56 shows a hand holdable remote controller in
accordance with the present invention, including buttons of
individual type and 2-way and 4-way type.
[0105] FIG. 57 shows a hand holdable telephone in accordance with
the present invention, including buttons of individual type and
2-way and 4-way type.
[0106] FIG. 58 shows a wrist watch in accordance with the present
invention having a housing, a display within the housing, and at
least one analog button.
[0107] FIG. 59 shows a household clock in accordance with the
present invention having a housing, a display within the housing,
and at least one analog button.
[0108] FIG. 60 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).
[0109] FIG. 61 shows an exploded view of a hand-held game system or
PDA in accordance with the invention.
[0110] FIG. 62 shows a block diagram in accordance with the
invention.
[0111] FIG. 63 shows a block diagram in accordance with the
invention.
[0112] FIG. 64 shows a block diagram in accordance with the
invention.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0113] Referring now to the drawings in general, and particularly
to drawing FIGS. 1 through 11 for a description a trackball-type
embodiment 9 exemplifying principles of the invention.
Joystick-type embodiments further exemplifying the principles of
the invention are then described as additional preferred
embodiments of the invention.
[0114] With reference to FIGS. 1-4 in particular wherein
trackball-type embodiment 9, being a hand operable 6 DOF controller
for outputting control information is illustrated showing a
rectangular housing 10 which is considered a reference member
relative to which is operated trackball 12 which in this example is
the hand operable single input member operable in full six degrees
of freedom. FIGS. 2-3 being cross-sectional views of the FIG. 1
embodiment showing housing 10 which can at least in part support,
retain and protect moveable carriage 14.
[0115] As may be appreciated already from the above writing and
drawings, carriage 14 is supported at least in part within housing
10 and with structuring for allowing carriage 14 to be moveable or
moved in all linear directions relative to housing 10, for example,
left, right, forward, rearward, up and down, and in the possible
combinations thereof. Furthermore, housing 10 may be specific for
the present six degree of freedom controller as exemplified in
FIGS. 1-3 and 8, or the housing 10 of another functional device
such as an otherwise typical hand held remote control housing or
computer keyboard housing as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively,
and offering or including functions such as keyboarding, cursor
control, on/off, volume control, channel control and the like in
addition to that offered by the present six degree of freedom
controller. Housing 10 may be in effect the panel or panels of a
control console of a vehicle or machine. Housing 10 may be any size
within reason, although trackball 12, any exposed part of carriage
14 or housing 10 intended to be manually controlled or hand held
should of course be correctly sized to interface with the human
hand or hands. When housing 10 is too large to allow easy use of
the housing walls upon which to place carriage movement stops
(stationary walls or posts to limit movement of the carriage) or
sensor actuators or sensor supports such as would be likely with
the keyboard housing of FIG. 10 wherein the housing side walls are
a substantial distance apart, then walls, partitions or posts
specific for these purposes may be placed in any desired and
advantageous location within housing 10 as shown for example in
FIG. 2 wherein actuators 100 and 104 are shown extending vertically
upward from the interior bottom of housing 10, inward of the
interior side walls of the housing, and supporting or serving as a
switch/sensor actuator, or a second component of the sensor, such
as a second component of a two piece proximity sensor for example.
Actuator 100 functions in conjunction with forward sensor 102, and
actuator 104 functions in conjunction with rearward sensor 106 in
this example. FIG. 3 illustrates for example the use of side walls
18 of housing 10 as the sensor actuators 116 and 120 or press
plates for right sensor 118 and left sensor 122. Housing 10 in most
all applications will be made of rigid or semi-rigid plastics for
cost, weight and strength considerations, although other materials
might be functionally suitable.
[0116] Although it must be noted that within the scope of the
invention carriage 14 functions may conceivably be provided with
numerous structures, carriage 14 is shown in the drawings as
including a lower member 20 and an upper member 22 positioned above
lower member 20. In this example, lower member 20 is shown as a
rigid sheet member such as a circuit board, but could be structured
as a rigid sheet supporting a flexible membrane sensor sheet having
at least circuitry in the form of electrically conductive circuit
traces which are stationary on the sheet member. Lower and upper
members 20, 22 in this example are each plate-like and rectangular,
are in spaced parallel relationship to one another, are
horizontally disposed, and are rigidly connected to one another via
vertically oriented rigid connecting posts 24. Upper member 22 and
lower member 20 are preferably of rigid materials such as rigid
plastics, as are connecting posts 24 which may be integrally molded
as one part with upper member 22 and connected to lower member 20
utilizing a mushroom-head shaped snap connector end on each posts
24 snapped through holes in member 20, or with screws passed upward
through holes in member 20 and threadably engaged in holes in the
bottom terminal ends of posts 24. Glue or adhesives could be used
to connect posts 24 to lower member 20. Typically four connecting
posts 24 would be used as indicated in dotted outline in FIG. 1
although the posts could easily be substituted with equivalent
structures such as two walls, etc. The separate lower member 20
which is then attached to upper member 22, allows member 20 to be
flat on each side and more suitably shaped and structured to allow
circuit traces and sensors to be applied utilizing automated
machinery, without upper member 22 being in the way. Upper member
22 includes an opening 26 in which trackball 12 resides and extends
partly therethrough, and opening 26 may include an annular raised
lip or ring such as a threaded ring 28 or the like for engaging a
cooperatively structured collet 16 such as one having threading at
the bottom edge thereof, or it may be an opening absent any raised
lip or extending collet as illustrated in FIG. 8 wherein trackball
12 is shown extending upward through opening 26 in upper member 22.
Trackball 12 also might be exposed in great part (more than 50
percent) without using collet 16 by utilizing an arm extending
upward from carriage 14 and partially over trackball 12 is such a
manner as to retain trackball 12 in unison with carriage 14 for all
linear movements. Collet 16, if utilized, serves as an easily
gripped member allowing the human hand to move carriage 14 and thus
trackball 12 in any linear direction desired, although when collet
16 is not utilized, trackball 12 can be grasped by the fingers of
the hand to also move carriage 14 in any linear direction. If a
graspable collet is not used, then the exposed portion of trackball
12 is available for grasping with the fingers to apply force in any
linear direction, much like a basketball player grasps a basketball
in one hand or in the fingers.
[0117] Lower member 20 of carriage 14 preferably physically
supports wheels, rollers, bearing or slide members or smooth
surfaces which otherwise aid in supporting trackball 12 in a freely
spherically rotatable manner, and in the example illustrated, three
mutually perpendicular encoders (sensors) 124, 126, 128 mounted on
the upper surface of lower member 20 for sensing rotation,
direction and amount of rotation of trackball 12 about the yaw,
pitch and roll axes include rotatable wheels upon and against which
trackball 12 rests, and is thereby rotatably supported. In most
applications, the weight of trackball 12 and its most common
positioning within the supporting rotatable wheels of the encoders
causes sufficient frictional engagement between the encoder wheels
and trackball 12 so that rotation of the trackball causes rotation
of one or more of the encoders, depending upon the axis about which
trackball 12 is rotated. The structure of carriage 14 and collet 16
if the extending collet is used, is sufficiently close in fit to
trackball 12 to render a substantial link in linear movement
between carriage 14, collet 16 and trackball 12. In other words,
linear movements in trackball 12 are substantially equal to linear
movement of carriage 14 and collet 16. It should be noted that I
consider collet 16 as shown in FIG. 2 and some other drawings,
whether it is a fixed or rotatable collet (to be detailed) to be
part of carriage 14 since it is supported or fastened to carriage
14 and moves therewith. As previously stated, carriage 14 is
supported with structuring for allowing movement in all linear
directions relative to housing 10, for example, left and right
which is linear movement along the pitch axis in this example;
forward and rearward which is linear movement along the roll axis
in this example; up and down which is linear movement along the yaw
axis in this example; and in the possible combinations thereof, and
sensors are positioned to detect and provide (output) information
related to such linear movements of carriage 14 relative to housing
10. Clearly since trackball 12 and collet 16 are linked to move
linearly with carriage 14, trackball 12 can be moved linearly in
all directions relative to housing 10, wherein housing 10 is
considered the reference member. I prefer carriage 14 to be not
rotatable relative to housing 10 since rotation interpretations
about the three mutually perpendicular axes (see FIG. 7) are
provided via trackball 12 and encoders 124, 126, 128 for sensing
spherical rotation of trackball 12 about yaw, pitch and roll.
Therefore, I prefer carriage 14 to be supported or retained in such
a manner and by appropriate structure to allow carriage 14 to be
moved linearly in all possible directions, but prevented from being
axially rotated relative to housing 10 so that trackball 12 can be
rotated when desired without carriage 14 unintentionally being
rotated, and this so the encoders (or whatever rotational sensors
which may be utilized) will be rotated. I would consider it to be
within the scope of the invention if carriage 14 was to be
supported in a manner which would allow limited axial rotation
thereof, although I believe this to be an undesirable aspect.
[0118] Although the structuring to physically support carriage 14
so it can be moved in any linear direction can conceivably be
accomplished through numerous structural arrangements, two are
illustrated for example, with a first shown in FIGS. 1-4, and a
second shown in FIG. 6. I prefer there be a return-to-center aspect
regarding carriage 14, and preferably a center null associated with
this return-to-center wherein no significant linear sensor
activation occurs. This carriage return-to-center and to center
null can conceivably be accomplished with numerous structures, but
one structure which should be readily understandable and therefore
makes a good example is to simply utilize on/off switches as the
carriage position linear sensors for moment related information
output, with the switches including activation buttons which are
outwardly spring biased, wherein carriage 14 can be pushed against
one of the switches to the point of activating the switch (closing
or opening a set of electrical contacts), which of course sends or
outputs information relating to this event via allowing or
interrupting current flow, and the button spring being depressed by
carriage 14 would then push carriage 14 back toward the center and
the null position upon the user releasing pressure toward that
particular switch. Furthermore, as mentioned above, if such an
on/off switch using spring biasing were to be of a type which made
a detectable click or snap upon being activated by pressure from
carriage 14, and this is a commonly available snap switch, then
this click or snap could be felt or heard by the user, and thus the
user would be provided information alerting him of the activation
or possibly deactivation of the switch. Snapping or clicking
mechanisms which are not sensors can of course be installed when
sensors of a type which are silent are used, and tactile or audible
signals indicating sensor activation or deactivation is
desired.
[0119] With reference to FIGS. 2-3, expanded foam rubber 30 is
shown placed against the bottom interior of housing 10 and
underneath lower member 20 of carriage 14. Snap or spring biased
switches as described above may be used in conjunction with foam
rubber 30. Foam rubber 30 is a resiliently compressible and thus
spring material. Foam rubber 30, and other spring materials such as
coiled compression springs, leaf springs and the like could
conceivably be used instead of foam rubber, however foam rubber
functions well, is inexpensive, readily available and easily shaped
or cut. I have even considered suspending carriage 14 on tension
springs hung from the underside interior of housing 10, but this
seems to be an excessively complicated structure compared to using
foam rubber as shown and described. Foam rubber 30 in the example
of FIGS. 2-3 is a rectangular piece having a center cut-out or
opening at 32 to allow for the interaction of down sensor 110 shown
mounted on the underside of lower member 20 with actuator 108
specific for interaction with down sensor 110 located beneath the
sensor 110. The actuator 108 for down sensor 110 is sized to allow
the abutment or actuation of the down sensor 110 no matter where
carriage 14 has been moved laterally when the user wishes to push
down on carriage 14 to activate the sensor 110. Foam rubber 30
being compressible will allow the user to push down on trackball 12
or collet 16, or possibly the exposed top of carriage 14 (upper
member 22) to push carriage 14 downward to activate the down sensor
110. This pushing downward compresses the foam rubber 30, and when
the user releases the downward pressure, the foam rubber 30 being
resilient pushes carriage 14 upward again to deactivate the down
sensor 110 and to move carriage 14 into the center null position.
Foam rubber 30 in the example shown in FIGS. 2-3 is rectangular and
slightly larger in all dimensions than the size of lower member 20,
and the foam rubber 30 is affixed to the underside of lower member
20 such as by glue or mechanical fasteners so that the foam is
securely affixed to the lower member (carriage). Since the foam
rubber 30 is slightly larger than the lower member 20, the foam
rubber 30 extends outward laterally beyond all peripheral sides of
the lower member 20. This extending portion of the foam rubber 30
serves as a spring bumper which as shown in FIG. 2 is compressed
against actuators 100, 104 (or housing side walls 18 under some
circumstances) prior to the sensors 102, 106 shown on the left and
right being activated, and in the case of the FIG. 3 drawing is
compressed against the side walls 18 of housing 10 prior to the
sensors 118, 122 shown on the left and right being activated. When
the user releases the pushing pressure, the compressed foam rubber
30 will push carriage 14 back toward the center null position, as
the foam rubber 30 is normally in a partially extended state, being
able to be compressed and to then spring back. The up sensor 114
shown in FIG. 2 is shown mounted on the top of the lower member 20,
and the weight of carriage 14 is normally sufficient to pull
carriage 14 and sensor 114 downward away from its actuator 112 upon
release of upward pulling pressure by the user, although a spring
such as a foam rubber pad or the like could conceivably be placed
between the underside of the housing top panel and the upper member
22 to push carriage 14 downward to deactivate the up sensor 114 if
weight and gravity were insufficient or unavailable such as in
outer space. The actuator 112 for the up sensor 114 is shown
suspended from the interior underside of the housing top portion,
and is a member which may be formed as an integral component of
housing 10 if desired. The actuator 112 for the up sensor 114 may
be simply a plate or panel against which a snap switch mounted on
carriage 14 strikes or is pressed against, or it may be a second
component of the sensor, or may be supporting a second component of
the sensor such as the second component of a two piece proximity
sensor, and this is generally true of all of the actuators shown
and described. Also generally true of all of the actuators shown
and described is that they must be sufficiently large and or
properly positioned be useful even when carriage 14 is moved to any
allowed extreme position.
[0120] In FIGS. 2-4 is track frame 34 located under the top of
housing 10. Track frame 34 is free to be moved vertically within
housing 10, which will allow carriage 14 to be moved vertically to
activate the up or down sensors 114, 110. Additionally from FIGS.
2-3 it can be seen that carriage 14 is sized and shaped relative to
housing 10 and components within housing 10 such as the actuators
to allow carriage 14 to be moved in all linear directions, although
only in small amounts in the example shown. I prefer the linear
movement requirements from the center null to activating a sensor
or sensors to be small, although the distances could be made
substantial if desired. The track frame 34 is a structure which can
be utilized to positively prevent axial rotation of carriage 14.
The foam rubber 30 of FIGS. 2-3 being positioned tightly between
either walls or actuators or both on the four peripheral sides of
the foam normally serves to a satisfactory degree as an anti-axial
rotation structure for carriage 14, however, for more positive
prevention of axial rotation of carriage 14, track frame 34 or like
structure may be applied. As shown in FIG. 4, track frame 34 is a
rectangular frame opened centrally in which upper member 22 is
slidably retained. Two oppositely disposed sides of frame 34 are
abutted, but slidably so, against and between two stationary
parallel walls which may be side walls 18 of housing 10 or
partitions installed specific for this purpose. The lower member 20
in this arrangement would be supported by resting on foam rubber
30, and if upper member 22 were pushed forward or rearward for
example, frame 34 would slide between the walls 18. Frame 34 can
also move up and down sliding between the walls 18, but due to the
close fit, the frame 34 will not axially rotate between the walls
18. The upper member 22 fits lengthwise snugly yet slidably between
two oppositely disposed U-shaped track sides of frame 34 as can be
seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, but is narrower than the width of the frame
34 as can be seen in FIGS. 3-4, and thus when upper member 22 is
pushed forward and rearward (for example) it pushes frame 34 with
it due to the close fit in this direction between the frame 34 and
upper member 22, and when upper member 22 is pushed left and right
(for example) it slides in the U-shaped track portion of frame 34,
as the frame 34 cannot move in these directions due to its close
abutment against the parallel walls 18. When upper member 22 is
moved up and down, track frame 34 moves up and down also, as does
the balance of carriage 14 and trackball 12. It should be
remembered that in this example, upper member 22 and lower member
20 are rigidly tied together with connecting posts 24, and that the
members 20 and 22 constitute components of carriage 14, and that
the carriage is to be manually controlled linearly via a hand
applying force to collet 16 or the trackball or both, or possibly
an exposed portion of the upper member 22 as mentioned previously.
It should be noted that a space 36 or clearance is provided between
the upper portion of the housing surrounding trackball 12, carriage
14 or collet 16 to allow movement of carriage 14 laterally, since
carriage 14 and trackball 12 move independent of housing 10. The
space 36 or crack may be covered with flexible or rubbery sheet
material or any suitable boot or seal arrangement to exclude
debris, or the space 36 (crack) may be kept (manufactured) narrow
or small to be less likely to collect debris.
[0121] Another example of using foam rubber 30 is shown in FIG. 6
wherein the foam 30 is located atop a stationary shelf 38 within
housing 10, and directly under upper member 22 which rests atop of
the foam rubber 30. Foam rubber 30 extends beyond shelf 38 inward
as may be seen in the drawing. The inward most edges of the foam
rubber 30 are abutted against the vertical connecting posts 24 of
carriage 14. Carriage 14 being supported by foam rubber 30 being
between the underside of upper member 22 and the top of the shelf
38 is allowed to be moved in all linear directions, and the foam
rubber 30 abutting connecting posts 24 and abutting the interior of
the housing walls as shown functions as a return-to-center and
return to null arrangement much like that described for the FIGS.
2-3 structural arrangement. The shelf 38 in this example should be
on all interior sidewalls of housing 10, or at least under some
resilient foam placed about the periphery of carriage 14. It should
be noted clearance above upper member 22 and the top interior
surface of housing 10 must be provided to allow upward movement of
carriage 14 with pulling action to activate the up sensor 114, and
the support for carriage 14 such as the foam rubber must allow
carriage 14 to move away and to clear the activation of the up
sensor 114 upon the termination of the upward pulling pressure on
carriage 14, and this principle applies in most if not all
embodiments of the invention.
[0122] With reference to FIGS. 5-6 for a brief description of an
optional arrangement wherein collet 16 can be rotatably attached to
upper member 22 allowing collet 16 to be manually rotated about
trackball 12, as opposed to being non-rotatably affixed to upper
member 22 as in the FIGS. 1-3 embodiment. The rotatable collet of
FIGS. 5-6 may at least for some users be an easier process to
achieve rotation about the yaw axis as compared to rotating
trackball 12 at least in terms of rotation about yaw. The rotating
collet may be able to rotate 360 degrees as in FIG. 5, or only in
part rotatable as in FIG. 6 wherein collet 16 can only move through
a short arc back and forth, being limited such as by a
multiple-position rocker style sensor 158. Both of the collets 16
shown in FIGS. 5-6 are connected to the upper member 22 via a loose
fit tongue and groove connection shown for example at 170, the
tongue being an upward extension of upper member 22 and the groove
being a component of collet 16 and engaged over the tongue. In FIG.
5 an optical encoder 168 is shown as an example of a sensor in
contact with the bottom of collet 16 so that rotation of collet 16
in either direction rotates the optical wheel of the encoder 168,
this could be achieved by gear teeth around the outer periphery of
a drive wheel of encoder 168 mated to gear teeth around the bottom
of collet 16, and the encoder outputs information indicative of the
direction and amount of rotation of collet 16 about the yaw axis.
In FIG. 6 a rocker style sensor assembly 158 includes a T-shaped
member and having a vertical center arm 160 engaged within a groove
in the underside of collet 16, and the T-shaped member being
pivotally supported at a lower center so that the two oppositely
disposed lateral arms 162 may be pivotally moved up and down
dependent upon the direction of rotation of the collet to interact
with a direction indicating negative sensor 164 and a direction
indicating positive sensor 166 shown mounted on lower member 20.
The negative and positive sensors 164, 166 may be simple on/off
switches, or may be more sophisticated sensors which indicate
degree or pressure in addition to the direction collet 16 has been
rotated, such as by varying voltage via resistance changes, or by
varying electrical output such as with piezo electric material and
the like. When a rotatable collet is used, a sensor is used to
detect rotation of collet 16 as described above, but this does not
bar still having a sensor (encoder) in communication with trackball
12 for detecting rotation of the trackball about the yaw axis, and
this would give the user the option of rotating about yaw via the
trackball or the rotatable collet. Further, the trackball 12 input
member may be interpretable on all six axes as previously
described, and the rotatable collet can serve as an additional
secondary input member for whatever use may be desired by a
software designer or end-user.
[0123] I prefer most all of the circuits, switches and sensors be
mounted on carriage 14, and more particularly the lower member 20,
which is a sheet member, and this being an advantage for
maintaining low cost in manufacturing. Dependent upon the type and
sophistication of the sensors utilized in the present controller,
and the electronics and/or software and electronics of the host
graphics image generation device which the present invention is
intended to interface, and at least in part control, there may be
little more than flexible electrical conductors connected to on/off
switches mounted on the lower member 20, with the flexible
conductors leaving the lower member to exit housing 10 via a cord
156 connectable to the host image generation device, or leaving
circuitry on lower member 20 to connect to an emitter of
electromagnetic radiation (not shown) mounted on housing 10 for
communicating the linear moment and rotational information with the
host device via wireless communication such as via infra red light
or radio signals. Lower member 20 may be a printed circuit board
having sensors, integrated and or discrete electronic components
thereon, and in FIG. 2 an application specific integrated circuit
chip is illustrated at 130 which could be utilized for
computations, encoding, memory, signal translations such as analog
to digital conversions, data formatting for communication to the
host device, serial and/or parallel communications interfacing, and
the like steps or processes. The specific circuitry and electronics
built onto or into the present invention will in all likelihood be
different when the invention is built primarily for use with a
personal desk top computer than when it is built primarily for use
with an interactive television or television based electronic game
for example. Any required electrical power for electronics or
sensors or output signals may be provided by batteries within
housing 10, or via a connected cord or any other suitable power
source. A combination of electrical power inputs may be used, and
this would depend on the particular application for which the
controller was designed.
[0124] As previously mentioned, housing 10 may be in numerous
forms, for example, FIG. 8 is an illustration of housing 10
structured specifically for carriage 14 and trackball 12, and one
which is structured to rest upon a support surface such as a table
or desk when utilized, and this unit may be used to replace a
typical mouse used with a computer. An optional extending portion
142 is shown indicated in dotted outline, and which is
ergonomically designed as a wrist and forearm rest. The embodiment
shown in FIG. 8 is also shown with two thumb select switches 144
and two finger select switches 146 (secondary input members) which
may be included to be used as function select switches as is common
on a trackball, mouse or joy stick. A further example of a useful
housing 10 is shown in FIG. 9 wherein a hand held housing 10 sized
and shaped to be grasped in a hand of a user while the user
controls graphic images with the controller in accordance with the
present invention is shown. This "remote control" style version of
the invention may be direct wired with long flexible conductors to
the host graphic image generation device (computer or television
for example), but is preferably a wireless remote controller which
sends information to the graphics generation device via wireless
electromagnetic radiation indicated at 138. The FIG. 9 remote
control is battery powered with a battery in compartment 134, and
may include a scan or program window shown at 132 for allowing
programming of internal electronics. This version may prove to be
particularly useful with interactive television and interactive
three-dimensional displays such as are commonly referred to as
virtual reality displays, and most likely will include additional
function keys 136 for on/off, volume, channel selection, special
functions and the like.
[0125] FIG. 10 shows carriage 14 and trackball 12 (embodiment 9)
housed in an otherwise relatively conventional computer keyboard
140. Embodiment 9 is shown replacing the arrow-keypad, although is
can be incorporated into other areas of the keyboard 140.
Embodiments 172 and 200, to be disclosed, can also be incorporated
into a computer or like keyboard, and as will become
appreciated.
[0126] FIG. 11 represents a desk top computer 148 as an example of
a graphic image generation device, and shown on the display 150
(computer monitor) is a cube 152 displayed three dimensionally. An
electromagnetic signal receiver window is shown at 154 for
receiving signals such as are sent via a wireless communicating
version of the present invention such as that shown in FIG. 9.
Alternatively the keyboard 140 of FIG. 10 could be connected to the
host image generation device via flexible conductor set 156 to
allow typical keyboarding when desired, and control of graphic
images with the use of the present six degree of freedom controller
when desired.
[0127] With reference now to FIG. 12, wherein a partial
cross-sectional end view of a joystick type embodiment 172 of the
invention is shown. Embodiment 172 is or can be structured
identically to the FIGS. 1-3 trackball embodiment, with the
exception of an elongated graspable handle 174 engaged, by any
suitable connecting arrangement on an exposed portion of the ball
12, such as by integral molding or casting, or connecting with
adhesives or screws, etc. Full 6 DOF is provided with embodiment
172, as the user grasps handle 174 and can control carriage 14 and
ball 12 with linear and rotational forces applied to handle 174.
The input member in embodiment 172 is considered handle 174, and
the reference member is considered housing 10. Embodiment 172 can
include housings in numerous shapes and sizes such as the housing
10 shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 for example.
[0128] At this point in the description, it is believed those
skilled in the art can build and use at least one embodiment of the
invention, and further can build and use a trackball type and a
joystick type embodiment in accordance with the present invention
without having to resort to undue experimentation, however further
joystick type embodiments in accordance with the present invention
will be described to further exemplify the broad scope of the
invention.
[0129] FIGS. 13-21 show variations on a joystick-type embodiment
200 which is a hand operated 6 DOF physical/mechanical to
electrical converter for image control which has all 6 axes
bi-directionally mechanically resolved in a pure fashion to the
respective individual sensors representing each axis. Further
embodiment 200 teaches all necessary sensors located within a
handle 202. Embodiment 200 further teaches structuring enabling the
possible location upon a single sheet of all necessary sensors for
a 6 DOF controller device.
[0130] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of joystick embodiment 200 of
the current invention exhibiting structuring enabling use of a
membrane sensor sheet 206. All 6 DOF operations of the input member
shown as joystick-type handle 202 (comprised of upper handle part
202.2 and lower handle part 202.1) relative to the reference member
shown as shaft 204 are translated to specific locations on membrane
sensor sheet 206.
[0131] Shown at the bottom of the drawing is shaft 204 which may or
may not be mounted to many different base-type or other structures.
Shaft 204 is shown as generally cylindrical and substantially
aligned, for purposes of description, along the yaw axis. Shaft 204
is substantially hollow to allow passage of the membrane tail,
wiring or electrically connecting material, and is made of a
generally rigid and strong material such as injection molded acetal
plastics or steel etc. Shaft 204 has fixed to one end a short
extending pedestal 210 and fixed to pedestal 210 is pivot ball 208.
Shaft 204 also has a yaw slide-rail 212. Slide-rail 212 is a
component that serves to keep translator 214 from rotating relative
to shaft 204 about the yaw axis while still allowing translator 214
to move vertically along the yaw axis. One skilled in the art will
readily recognize variants in the specifically drawn and described
structure after reading this disclosure. For example, slide rail
212 would not be necessary if shaft 204 were square shaped rather
than cylindrically shaped.
[0132] Substantially surrounding but not directly connected to
shaft 204 is a lower handle part 202.1 which is made of a
substantially rigid material and is shown having a round short
vertical outer wall and essentially flat bottom with a central
large round cut out area to allow for movement of handle 202
relative to shaft 204. Lower handle part 202.1 is fixed, preferably
by screws, to upper handle part 202.2 thus the two parts in unity
form handle 202 which encompasses all the remaining parts of this
embodiment. The flat bottom of lower handle part 202.1 is slidable
horizontally along the pitch and roll axes relative to the
essentially flat underside area of a first carriage member 216.
First carriage member 216 has centrally disposed an aperture which
is shown with edges forming a planar cut of a female spherical
section which is rotatably slidably mated to a male spherical
section of translator 214. Translator 214 has a vertical female
cylindrical aperture and yaw slide rail slot 213 to mate with shaft
204 as previously described. Translator 214 additionally has at its
upper edge two oppositely disposed anti-yaw tabs 218 which lay
essentially in a horizontal plane described by the pitch and roll
axes. Anti-yaw tabs 218 fit within substantially vertical slots
formed by rising posts 220 which are fixed to and preferably mold
integrally with carriage member 216. The functional result of
anti-yaw tabs 218 working within the slots and the mating of the
male spherical section of translator 214 with the female spherical
section of carriage member 216 creates the mechanical result that
while translator 218 is held substantially non rotatable relative
to shaft 204, carriage member 216 is rotatable about the pitch and
roll axes but not the yaw axis relative to both translator 214 and
the general reference member shaft 204. Rising posts 220 fixedly
connect first carriage member by screws, snap fit connectors, or
other connecting means to a second carriage member 222 which may in
some variations of this embodiment be a circuit board sheet
supporting all necessary sensors, but as shown in the embodiment of
FIG. 13 support sheet allows a formative and supportive backing for
membrane sensor sheet 206. Second carriage member 222 is made of a
rigid material such as, for example, injection molded acetal
plastic and is shown in FIG. 13 as being essentially a flat
circular plate with a circular cut out at its center and with six
downwardly extending plate like structures (as shown) which serve
as back supports for sensors located on flexible sensor membrane
206 which is bent or flexed (as shown) at appropriate locations to
allow sensors to be positioned correctly between the second
carriage member and the activating part for each individual
sensor.
[0133] In association with the sensors, in a preferred embodiment,
are resilient "tactile" return-to-center parts 226 (herein after
"tactile RTCs 226") which are shown in FIG. 13 as rubber dome cap
type activators. These tactile RTCs 226 are positioned between
sensors and activating mechanical hardware so that when the input
member is operated a specific piece of activating mechanical
hardware, member, or part (which specific activating part depends
on which specific sensor is being described) moves to impinge on
the local tactile RTC 226 and compresses it. As the
impinging/compressing force grows a force "break-over" threshold,
inherent in the tactile RTC 226, is overcome and the force rapidly
but temporarily decreases and the sensor is impinged and activated.
This break-over tactile threshold can be achieved with numerous
simple tactile structures, such as the rubber dome cap structures
illustrated as RTCs 226 in FIG. 13, or metallic dome cap structures
(which give an exceptionally strong clear feedback sensation) and
other more complex spring based break over structures. These
resilient break-over structures are typically used in the industry
for simple on-off switches, such as the audible and tactile
break-over switches commonly used to turn on and off lights in the
home, and in the operation of typical computer keyboard keys.
[0134] I believe that my structuring enabling the use of this
common break-over technology in a 6 DOF controller is a highly
novel and useful improvement in the field of 3D graphic image
controllers. Further, it can clearly be seen here, after study of
this disclosure, that tactile break-over devices can also be used
to great advantage in novel combination with proportional or
variable sensors within my mechanically resolved 6 DOF controller
structurings, and that this is a novel and very useful structure.
The resilient components RTCs 226, when compressed, are energized
within their internal molecular structure, to return to the
uncompressed state, thus when the user takes his hand off of the
input member, or relaxes the force input to the input member then
the resilient RTCs 226 push the mechanical parts of the controller
back off of the sensor and toward a central null position of the
input member. RTCs 226 serve to great advantage on all six axes in
most joystick type controllers and on the three linear axes in the
trackball type controller.
[0135] Positioned to activate sensors 207.03 through 207.06, as
shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, are sliding actuators which are impinged
upon by the inside surface of the outer wall of handle 202.
[0136] Above member 222 is a yaw translator plate 230 with an
oblong central cut out (as shown) and distending plate-like members
are two oppositely disposed yaw activators 231 which extend, when
assembled, down through the illustrated slots of member 222 to
activate sensors 207.07 and 207.08 when handle 202 is rotated back
and forth about the yaw axis.
[0137] On the upper surface of plate 230 are fixed or integrally
molded pitch slide rails 232 which are oriented substantially
parallel to the linear component of the pitch axis, and fit into
and slide within female complementary pitch slide slots 234 which
are molded into the underside of anti-rotating plate 236 which is
located above plate 230 and sandwiched between plate 230 and upper
handle part 202.2. Anti-rotating plate 236 is a plate like
structure with an oblong-shaped central cutout and on the upper
surface are molded roll slide slots 238 which are substantially
aligned with the linear component of the roll axis and through
which slide roll slide rails 240 which are integrally molded on the
inside surface of upper handle part 202.2.
[0138] Within the assembled embodiment 200 located at the
approximate center of handle 202 is pivot ball 208 which is fixed
to shaft 204. Pivot ball 208 is immediately surrounded on top and
sides by the recess within a linear yaw axis translator 242 which
is a substantially rigid structure having an oblong-shaped
horizontally protruding upper activating arm 244 (as shown) and on
its lower portion are snap-fit feet 246 or other attaching means or
structures for fixing a lower activating arm 248 to the bottom of
translator 242, thus pivot ball 208 becomes trapped within the
recess within translator 242 by the attachment of lower activating
arm 248 forming a classic ball in socket joint, wherein translator
242 is free to rotate about ball 208 on all rotational axes but not
free to move along any linear axis relative to ball 208 and shaft
204.
[0139] FIG. 14 shows membrane sensor sheet 206 in flat form as it
would appear after being printed with conductive pads for sensors
207 and conductive circuit traces 256 but prior to being cut from
sheet stock along cut line 254.
[0140] FIG. 15 shows a larger clearer view of membrane 206 and
second carriage member 222, with membrane 206 in the folded
configuration as it would fit on the membrane support sheet 222 and
the rubber dome cap tactile resilient activators 226 where they
would rest upon membrane 206 each one above a sensor 207.
[0141] FIG. 16 shows all sensors 207 in mechanical packages having
solder tangs that are solder mounted to the second carriage member,
which in this case, specifically, is a rigid circuit board sheet
250. Sensors 207.01 through 207.12 are positioned essentially in
the same locations as indicated in FIGS. 13 and 14. The different
sensor sheet technologies are shown to be interchangeable within
the novel structuring of the invention. Substituting circuit board
250 into the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 replaces the parts shown
in FIG. 15, specifically, membrane 206, second carriage member 222,
sliding actuators 228 and rubber dome caps 226 can all be replaced
by the structure of FIG. 16.
[0142] Whether on membrane sheet 206 or circuit board 250 specific
sensors 207 are activated by the following movements and rotations
with the respective structures described here:
[0143] linear input along the yaw axis in the positive direction
(move up) causes sensor 207.01 to be activated by upper activating
arm 244,
[0144] linear input along the yaw axis in the negative direction
(move down) causes sensor 207.02 to be activated by lower
activating arm 248,
[0145] linear input along the roll axis in the positive direction
(move forward) causes sensor 207.03 to be activated by the inner
surface of the outer wall of handle 202, (with rubber dome cap 226
and slide 228 on membrane variation),
[0146] linear input along the roll axis in the negative direction
(move back) causes sensor 207.04 to be activated by the inner
surface of the outer wall of handle 202, (with rubber dome cap 226
and slide 228 on membrane variation),
[0147] linear input along the pitch axis in the positive direction
(move right) causes sensor 207.05, to be activated by the inner
surface of the outer wall of handle 202, (with rubber dome cap 226
and slide 228 on membrane variation),
[0148] linear input along the pitch axis in the negative direction
(move left) causes sensor 207.06, to be activated by the inner
surface of the outer wall of handle 202, (with rubber dome cap 226
and slide 228 on membrane variation),
[0149] rotational input about the yaw axis in the positive
direction (turn right) causes sensor 207.07 to be activated by yaw
activator 231,
[0150] rotational input about the yaw axis in the negative
direction (turn left) causes sensor 207.08, to be activated by yaw
activator 231,
[0151] rotational input about the roll axis in the positive
direction (roll right) causes sensor 207.09 to be activated by the
top edge of translator 214,
[0152] rotational input about the roll axis in the negative
direction (roll left) causes sensor 207.10 to be activated by the
top edge of translator 214,
[0153] rotational input about the pitch axis in the positive
direction (look down) causes sensor 207.11 to be activated by the
top edge of translator 214,
[0154] rotational input about the pitch axis in the negative
direction (look down) causes sensor 208.12 to be activated by the
top edge of translator 214.
[0155] FIG. 17 shows membrane 206 in a variation where all 6 DOF
sensors 207 are positioned on a flexible membrane sensor sheet and
positioned on a single flat plane. All sensors are activated by
structuring acting on membrane 206 from the lower side as membrane
206 is pressed up against the second carriage member 222, except
for sensor 207.01 which is activated by structure from above
pressing sensor 207.01 down against a recessed support shelf 258
which is integrally molded as part of plate member 222. Shelf 258
is molded in such a way as to leave at least one side, and as drawn
two sides, open so that sensor 207.01 can be slid through the open
side during assembly to rest on recessed support shelf 258. Sensor
207.01 having a cut-out 260 near at least two edges of sensor
207.01 thus allowing positioning of membrane 206 with all sensors
207 on an essentially single plane. Sensors 207.03 through 207.08
which were flexed into right angle positioning in the variation of
FIGS. 13-15 are now all on the same plane and each is impinged upon
and activated by right angle translation structuring shown as a
rocker-arm activator 262 which pivots on an integrally molded
cylindrically shaped fulcrum 264 which is held in position by
saddle shaped upward protrusions 266 fixed to first carriage member
216 and saddle shaped downward protrusions 268 fixed to second
carriage member 222. This right angle translation structuring works
as follows: For example, if input member handle 202 is pressed to
move along the roll axis in a positive manner then a flattened area
along the inside surface of the outer wall of handle 202 impinges
upon the lower portion of rocker-arm activator 262 causing
activator 262 to pivot about fulcrum 264 and the upper part of
activator 262 impinges upon tactile resilient activator 226 (shown
here as a metallic dome cap) until sufficient force has built to
allow tactile actuator 226 to "snap through" and come to bear upon
and activate sensor 207.03. These structures do not have to have
"snap through" or tactile turn-on resilient structuring to be fully
functional, but this tactile turn-on resilient structuring is
believed to be novel in 6 DOF controllers and highly advantageous
in the feedback it offers to the user.
[0156] FIG. 18 shows structuring of membrane 206, as described in
FIG. 17, integrated into an otherwise typical computer keyboard
membrane 270 by connection of membrane tail 224 to keyboard
membrane 270 (which may be structured of the common three layer
membrane structuring, or single layer membrane structuring, or any
other type). In this embodiment shaft 204 is fixed to keyboard
housing 10 (shown in FIG. 19) and for assembly membrane 206 is
rolled up and inserted through shaft 204 and then unrolled where it
is positioned against member 222.
[0157] FIG. 19 shows an external view of a 6 DOF handle 202
positioned where the arrow key pad would be on an otherwise common
computer keyboard housing 10. With the current structuring many
different positionings of a 6 DOF handle on a keyboard are
possible, such as positioning handle 202 in the area normally
occupied by the numeric keypad, or on an ergonomically designed
keyboard having the large key bank of primarily alphabetic keys
divided into two banks angled apart positioning of handle 202
between the two alphabetic key banks is a distinct possibility,
etc. Further, in the common keyboard the 6 DOF operations can or
cannot emulate keys such as the arrow keys when handle 202 is
operated appropriately. An optimum keyboard may have proportional
sensors built into the membrane and output both proportional and
simple switched data. For example, an optimum keyboard may sense a
certain handle 202 movement and send out both a scan code value
representing an appropriate key stroke (such as an arrow key value)
and the keyboard may also output a proportional value representing
how intense the input operation is being made.
[0158] FIGS. 20-31 show another preferred embodiment exhibiting two
planar structuring. Two planar design offers some advantages. Such
a device still has all the benefits of a pure mechanically resolved
device and with two planar execution additional benefits are
realized, such as: the capability of exceptionally low profile
design for integration into computer keyboards and hand held remote
controllers, ready integration of finger operated buttons on the
handle for operating sensors incorporated into the sensor sheet,
space to place active tactile feedback means in a still small
handle, etc. An example of an active tactile feedback means is an
electric motor with shaft and offset weight within a handle for
providing active tactile feedback, as shown in drawing FIG. 21.
[0159] Referring to FIG. 20, an input member which is shown as a
hand manipulatable handle 300 is shown supported on a shaft 302.
Shaft 302 extends into a base or reference member housing 317.
Shaft 302 passes through a shaft guide first main hole 306 within a
sliding plate or platform called a first platform 352. Shaft 302
further passes through a shaft guide second main hole 310 located
in a second platform 322. FIG. 21 shows Platform 322 fixedly
attached to connecting structure shown as legs 312 which are fixed
to first platform 352, thus platform 322, connecting structure 312
and platform 352 cooperate together forming the structure of a
carriage 314.
[0160] First platform 352 is slidably retained along a first axis
by a sliding plate called an anti-rotating plate 350 which is
slidably retained along a second axis by at least one housing guide
308 which is fixed to housing 317. First platform 352 and plate 350
are further constrained by retaining shelf 316 and housing 317 from
linear movement along the yaw or third axis. Thus plate 350, guide
308, housing 317, and shelf 316 cooperate to form a carriage
support structure 316 in which platform 352 (and thus also carriage
314) is prohibited from significantly rotating on any axis, and
also is allowed to linearly move significantly along the first and
second axes (pitch and roll axes) but is prohibited from
significant movement along the third axis, relative to housing
317.
[0161] Within carriage 314, and platforms 352, 322, holes 306 and
310 cooperate to offer sufficient fit in the passage of shaft 302
to provide advantageous structural cooperation in two substantial
ways. The first is the provision of an anti-tilting structure 324
which prevents shaft 302 from significant tilting (rotating about
the first or second axes) relative to carriage 314. The second is
provision of two-axes structure where any and all linear movement
along parallel to the first and second axes (linear along length of
pitch and roll axes) by shaft 302 is coupled to equivalent movement
along parallel to the first and second axes of carriage 314.
[0162] A second endward region of shaft 302 as shown in FIG. 21 is
shaped with a male partial spherical shape 318 which slideably
contacts a complimentary female partial spherical shape 319 which
is part of handle 300, and shaft 302 also comprises a male pivot
protrusion having a pivot or rotational point located approximately
central to handle 300 and approximately at the center of the
spherical partial section shapes. Protrusion 346 provides a pivot
point for handle 300 and may mate to a female pivot receptacle.
Thus handle 300 can be rotational relative to shaft 302 yet coupled
for all linear movement along parallel to the first and second axes
with equivalent linear movement of shaft 302 and also two-axes
structure 326, therefore the above mentioned members connecting
handle 300 to shaft 302, and shaft 302 to carriage 314 serve as a
handle support structure 328 in which handle 300 is coupled for
equivalent movement with carriage 314 along parallel to the first
and second axes.
[0163] On carriage 314 are rocker-arm structures 364 shown mounted
on second platform 322. Rocker-arm structures 364 convert movement
of carriage 314 relative to housing 317 to a resilient
thermoplastic rubber (TPR) sheet 366 formed with a plurality of
"tactile" resilient dome cap structures 368. Resilient sheet 366
and second platform 322 sandwich sensors supported on a membrane
sensor sheet 330.
[0164] FIG. 22 shows the positioning of four rocker-arm structures
364 as they are mounted on second carriage part 322 which is shown
as a substantially flat plate that might be manufactured as a
traditional printed circuit board sheet bearing on-board sensors
and containing on-board active electronic circuitry 370 and a cable
372 for routing data to a graphics display device, or as a flat
rigid plate-like structure supporting a flexible membrane sensor
sheet 330. Shown on top of and essentially parallel to plate 322 is
rubber sheet 366 having a multiplicity of tactile resilient rubber
dome cap type actuators 368.
[0165] Rocker-arm structures 364 have at least the following
structure: a mounting structure 332, which is structure essentially
fixed to carriage 314 and is illustrated as a snap-fit design
having two legs which snap into slots within plate 322; a fulcrum
334, illustrated in all figures as a living hinge located at the
top of mounting structure 332 except in FIG. 24 where fulcrum 334
is illustrated as a more traditional cylindrical bore-and-core type
hinge; at least one sensor actuating arm 336, and in all drawings
rocker-arm structures 364 are illustrated as commonly having two
arms for actuating two sensors one on each side of mount 332,
except in drawings 26 and 27 where are illustrated one-armed
variants; and finally rocker-arm structures 364 have a
super-structure 338 by which the rocker-arm is activated or caused
to move against and actuate the associated sensor(s).
Super-structure 338 is the distinctive part of the different two
armed rocker-arm types shown in FIGS. 20-22, of which are a V-slot
type 340, an H-slot type 342, and a T-bone type 345 of which there
are two rocker-arms being approximately identical but oriented
perpendicular to one another and being called a first t-bone 344
and a second t-bone 346 rocker-arm actuators.
[0166] FIG. 23 shows T-bone actuator 345 mounted to plate 322 by
mounting structure 352 and pivoting (shown actuating sensor in
dashed lines) about fulcrum 334 shown as a living hinge which is
connected to the bottom of two oppositely disposed actuating arms
336 above which is fixed super-structure 338 which is activated
into motion by a activating receptacle 339 that is fixed to the
reference member base or housing 10 by way of retaining shelf 316.
Under the opposite side of actuator 345 from dome cap 368 (which is
shown in dashed lines as being depressed and thus actuating sensor
207 located on flexible membrane sensor sheet 330) is illustrated a
packaged mechanical sensor 207 soldered to a flat circuit board
sheet. Thus, FIGS. 22 and 23 clearly show how the same inventive
structurings can translate mechanical or physical inputs to either
a flexible membrane sensor sheet or to a rigid circuit board sensor
sheet.
[0167] FIG. 24 shows H-slot actuator 342 as it is activated by
shaft pin 321 which is fixed within shaft 302. As shaft 302 moves
vertically or along the yaw or third axis then so in unison moves
shaft pin 321 and actuator 342.
[0168] A first end of shaft pin 321 passes through a beveled slot
within super structure 338 of rocker-arm H-slot type 342 in which
the slot is approximately perpendicular to the third axis and the
length of shaft 302, so that when shaft 302 and shaft pin 321 move
along the third axis rocker-arm 342 is moved in kind with one arm
descending to compress its respective resilient dome cap 368 and
upon collapse of dome cap 368 the respective underlying sensor is
actuated, as shown in FIG. 24. Of course movement of shaft 302 in
the opposite direction along the third axis likewise actuates the
opposite complimentary sensor of the sensor pair. Rotation within
operational limits of shaft 302 about its cylindrical center or
approximately about the third axis simply causes shaft pin 321 to
move within the slot and does not activate the H-type rocker-arm
342.
[0169] FIG. 25 shows activation of V-slot actuator 340. A second
end of shaft pin 321 passes through a slot of V-slot rocker-arm 340
which is activated in the converse of the above H-slot rocker arm
342. Movement of shaft 302 along the third or yaw axis simply
causes shaft pin 321 to move within the slot and not actuate V-type
rocker-arm 340, but rotation about the third axis causes shaft pin
321 to activate rocker-arm 340 in the following manner. Rotational
motion of shaft 302 conveyed to shaft pin 321 activates rocker-arm
340 causing compression of dome cap 368 and stimulation of the
sensor located on the membrane. Super structure 338 of rocker-arm
340 has a slot in structure slanting away from shaft 302. This is
to accommodate the increasing movement of pin 321 as it may change
in distance from fulcrum 334 when shaft 302 is moved along the
third axis. Thus the slope of the slot compensates for varying
effectiveness of shaft pin 321 so that rotation of shaft about the
third axis causes rotationally equivalent activation of rocker-arm
340 regardless of the distance shaft pin 321 is from fulcrum 334 of
rocker-arm 340.
[0170] FIGS. 26 and 27 show space savings structuring for the area
of second platform 322. This space savings may be valuable in
tightly constricted areas such as integration of the invention into
computer keyboards and hand held remote control devices. The layout
of second platform 322 as illustrated in FIGS. 20-22 is shown by a
dashed line indicating the original larger perimeter 371 the area
of the newer smaller platform 322 shown by solid line 372 and first
t-bone rocker-arm 346 has been divided into two separate one-armed
type 348 actuators each with its own mount 332, fulcrum 334, sensor
actuating arm 336, and super structure 338.
[0171] FIG. 28 shows structuring within handle 300 for support and
activation of sensors 207 supported on sensor membrane sheet 330
which may be supported within the inside upper portion of handle
300 or as shown here supported by a rigid support sheet 374 the
appendage of membrane 330 passes through shaft 302. Also shown here
are two buttons 378 for operation by the user's fingers. Buttons
378 have an exterior activating surface area 378 which can be
depressed by the user's finger(s) causing button structure 376 to
rotate about an integrated cylindrical fulcrum 380 which rests
within saddle supports fixed to handle 300. The pivoting motion of
button 376 causes the internal sensor actuating part 382 to rise
against resilient dome cap 368 and activate sensor(s) 384. This
button structuring is similar to that shown in FIG. 17 with the
exception that the structuring of FIG. 17 is completely internal
while this design has the button externally operated for additional
input (other than 6 DOF input) by the user's finger(s).
[0172] FIG. 29 shows a sensor membrane 330 of a three layer
traditional computer keyboard type, but with the inventive
exception of having two additional appendages designed for fitting
into the two planar structure design shown in FIGS. 20-28 for
incorporation in a keyboard as shown in FIG. 19. The appendage
having the longer attachment and a rounded head passes from inside
the keyboard housing 10 up through the shaft and into the handle
and the other appendage resides on carriage part 322 within housing
10.
[0173] FIG. 30 shows 6 DOF input member handle 300 integrated with
shaft 302 fixed to housing 10 of an otherwise normal wireless
remote control device, such as for operating a television, or other
device, etc.
[0174] FIG. 31 shows the device of FIG. 30 in dashed lines showing
an internal view of a likely form for membrane sensor sheet 330.
Membrane sheet 330 is shown connected to a circuit board sensor
sheet 250 that commonly is positioned under the normal input keys
and also contains electronic circuitry. Membrane tail 224 connects
from sheet 250 to the greater body of membrane 330 which in this
case is shown as a two planar type as shown in FIGS. 20-28. This
arrangement of sensors on two planes is quite ideal for many uses.
It allows the origin of all axes to remain within handle 300 and
yet much of the mechanical resolving structure is moved down into
housing 10 where space is more plentiful, thus handle 300 can be
made even smaller and even lower in profile, if desired.
Additionally, auxiliary secondary input buttons (select, fire
buttons, special function keys, etc.) are readily integrated in an
economical and rugged fashion for operation by the user's
finger(s).
[0175] FIGS. 33-35 show a preferred embodiment of the two planar
design without using rocker arms and having packaged sensors 207
shown here as simple mechanical flat-mount and right-angle-mount
switch packages, mounted on second carriage part 322 which, in this
embodiment, is a circuit board to which the sensor packages are
soldered, and also the sensor packages are solder mounted on a
second circuit board 423 within handle 400. This embodiment has
some parts and structures that are similar to equivalent parts in
earlier embodiments such as a hand operable input member shown as a
handle 400 supported on a shaft 402 which extends into a housing
which serves as a reference member or base 417 where it interfaces
with carriage 414. Carriage 414 is supported by a similar carriage
support structuring and carriage 414 has platform 352 with
distending legs 112 which connect to second carriage part 422
which, in this embodiment, is specifically a circuit board carrying
eight sensors for interpretation of four axes.
[0176] Specifically shown in FIG. 33 is a 3rd axis actuator part
450 which has a specific structuring that allows all sensor
mountings on the circuit board to be fully functional with flat and
right-angle-mount mechanical sensor packages. Actuator part 450 is
integrated to the end of shaft 402 that is in communication with
carriage 414. Actuator 450 may be integrated with shaft 402 as a
single, injection-molded part or actuator part 400 may be a
separate molded part fit over the end of shaft 402 and secured to
shaft 402 by a pin 452 passing through both shaft 402 and actuator
part 450. Actuator part 450 has at least a 3rd axis rotational
actuator 454 which is a plate-like member fixed to actuator part
450 and extending outward in a plane having substantially the 3rd
(yaw) axis as a member of that plane so that when shaft 402 rotates
in either direction about the 3rd axis, actuator part 454 moves
through space, actuating the appropriate right-angle-mount sensors
indicating a 3rd axis rotational movement in either the positive or
negative direction. Actuator part 450 has a 3rd axis negative
(yaw--move down) linear actuator 458 and a 3rd axis positive
(yaw--move up) linear actuator 456 which also are fixed to actuator
part 450 and extend outward from part 450 perpendicular to the 3rd
axis and substantially aligned with a plane parallel to the 1st and
2nd axes, so that when shaft 402 moves along the 3rd axis in a
positive direction, actuator 456 activates the appropriate flat
mount sensor indicating linear movement along the 3rd axis in a
positive direction, and when shaft 402 moves along the 3rd axis in
a negative direction, actuator 458 activates the appropriate flat
mount sensor indicating linear movement along the 3rd axis in a
negative direction.
[0177] FIG. 36 shows a final preferred embodiment having some
similar structures to earlier embodiments, especially those shown
in FIGS. 32-35, with the primary exception that in this embodiment
eight sensors are located within the hand operable input member
handle 500 and only four sensors are located within the reference
member housing 517. In this embodiment a similar carriage 514 is
located within housing 517 but shaft 502 is fixed to plate 552 of
carriage 514 so that shaft 502 is free to move only linearly within
a plane perpendicular to the 3rd (yaw) axis. A part shaped almost
identically to part 450 is fixed at the top of shaft 502. Sensors
207 within handle 500 are mounted to circuit board 523.
[0178] In the interest of brevity, it is appreciated that after
study of the earlier embodiments one skilled in the art will be
able to easily construct the full structuring of the embodiment of
FIG. 36 from this full illustration without an overly extensive
written description.
[0179] FIG. 37 shows a Prior Art right angle simple switched sensor
package as is commonly available in the industry. It is comprised
of a non-conductive rigid plastic body 600 supported by
electrically conductive solder mounting tangs 606 and 608 which are
typically made of metal. Electrically conductive tang 606 passes
from the exterior of body 600 to the interior where it resides in a
generally peripheral position of an internal cavity of body 600,
and electrically conductive tang 608 passes from the exterior of
body 600 to the interior where it resides in a generally central
position of the internal cavity. Positioned over the internal
portions of tangs 606 and 608 is a metallic dome cap 604 having
resilient momentary "snap-through" characteristics. Metallic dome
cap 604 typically resides in electrical contact with tang 606 on
the periphery and typically not in contact with centrally
positioned tang 608. Positioned to depress dome cap 604 is a
plunger 602 which is generally made on non-conductive rigid plastic
material. Dome cap 604 and plunger 602 are typically held in place
by a thin metallic plate 610 which is fixed to body 600 by plastic
melt riveting or other means. Plate 610 has an aperture large
enough for a portion of plunger 602 to protrude to pressed upon by
an outside force and thus to depress conductive dome cap past a
tactile snap-through threshold and down onto centrally disposed
conductive tang 608, thus completing an electrically closed circuit
between tangs 606 and 608.
[0180] FIG. 38 shows an even more typical sensor package body 600
in that it is horizontally mounted, which is the most common style.
But the sensor of FIG. 38 has an additional very important element.
In the inner cavity of body 600 and fixed above, and electrically
in connection with, centrally positioned conductive tang 608 is a
pressure sensitive electrical element 612, which may have a
conductive metallic plate 614 fixed to the upper surface of element
612 for optimal operation. Of course, this same design can be
integrated into the sensor of FIG. 37. Pressure element 612 is
constructed of a pressure sensitive material, such as for example,
molybdenum disulfide granules of approximately 600 grit size mixed
with a base material such as silicon rubber in, respectively, an
80-20 as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,471 issued to inventor
Robert J. Mitchell on Apr. 23, 1974, ratio, or other pressure
sensitive electrically regulating materials. I believe that
integration of pressure sensitive technology into a tactile-snap
through sensor package is novel and of great advantage in 6 DOF
controllers as shown herein and described in my earlier 6 DOF
controller patent applications.
[0181] FIGS. 39 and 40 show cross-section views, respectively, of a
non-actuated and an actuated flexible planar three layer membrane
comprised of an upper electrically non-conductive membrane layer
620, a mid electrically non-conductive membrane layer 622 and a
lower electrically non-conductive membrane layer 624 all positioned
essentially parallel to each other with upper layer 620 having an
electrically conductive trace 626 on its lower side and lower layer
624 having an electrically conductive trace 628 on its upper side
with mid layer 622 normally isolating the traces except in the
central switching or sensing region where mid layer 622 has an
aperture. In a traditional three layer flexible membrane sensor the
aperture in mid layer 622 is empty allowing upper layer 620 to be
depressed flexing down until electrically conductive trace 626
comes into contact with electrically conductive trace 628 of lower
layer 624 and completes an electrical connection, as is commonly
known in the prior art. The membrane layers are supported upon a
generally rigid membrane support structure 630 such as a rigid
plastic backing plate.
[0182] The membrane sensor shown is novel with the inclusion of a
pressure-sensitive electrically regulating element 638 disposed in
the sensing region, filling the traditionally empty aperture of mid
layer 622. Pressure element 638 remains in electrical contact with
broad conductive areas of conductive traces 626 and 628 at all
times. Pressure element 638 may be of a type having ohmic or
rectifying granular materials (such as 600 grit molybdenum
disulfide granules 80-98%) in a buffering base matter (such as
silicon rubber 2-20%) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,471
issued to inventor Robert J. Mitchell on Apr. 23, 1974, or other
pressure sensitive electrically regulating technology as may exist
and is capable of being integrated with membrane sheet
technology.
[0183] Also I believe it is novel to use a metallic "snap-through"
resilient dome cap 632 with for its excellent tactile turn-on feel
properties in combination with membrane sensors and especially with
membrane pressure sensors as shown, where metallic dome cap 632
resides on top of upper membrane layer 620 and is shown held in
place by silicon adhesive 636 adhering dome cap 632 to any generic
actuator 634. Generic actuator 634 may be the actuating surface
area of any part which brings pressure to bear for activation of a
sensor, for example, actuator 634 might be a nipple shaped
protrusion on the underside of rocker arm actuator arms 336 on the
embodiment of FIGS. 20-31, etc. Vibration lines 640 indicate an
energetic vibration emanating outward either through support 630 or
actuator 634 as a mechanical vibration transmitted through the
connected parts to the user's hand, or as air vibrations perceived
by the user's ear, and indicating the "snap-through" turn-on/off
sensation of resilient dome cap 632 as it impinges upon and
activates the sensor. With twelve possible singular input
operations, and a very large number of combined input operations
the user perceivable tactile sensation indicating sensor activation
is of high value to the operator of the device.
[0184] FIG. 41 shows a compound membrane sensor sheet 700
containing a multiple-layer staged sensor 701. Staged sensor 701 is
comprised by layering, one on top of the other, more than one
traditional simple membrane switch and sharing layering which can
be used in common. For example, the top layer of the lower sensor
and the bottom layer of the top sensor can be combined using both
sides of the common layer to full avail, thus two three layer
sensors are combined into one five layer sensor, etc. Staged sensor
701 can be useful in measuring increased activating force of the
impinging activator coming down on sensor 701 from above with
sufficient force first activates the upper sensor and with
sufficient additional force then activates the second sensor, and
so on. Many layered sensors are possible.
[0185] FIG. 42 shows a compound membrane sensor sheet 700
containing a compound sensor 702 which in essence is a commonly
known simple switched membrane sensor on top of my novel
proportional membrane sensor as described in the embodiment of
FIGS. 39 and 40, with the two respective sensors sharing the middle
sheet so that two three sheet sensors are combined into one five
sheet sensor. In combination with earlier drawings and descriptions
herein, and the commonly known prior art the compound sensor shown
here becomes self descriptive to one skilled in the art.
[0186] Some commonly known simple switched sensors use only a
single sheet rather than three sheets, with the single sheet having
both conductive traces sharing one surface area and the resilient
dome cap having a conductive element which when depressed connects
the conductive traces. One skilled in the art will also appreciate
that the novel compound sensor 702 may be made with less than five
sheets using such technology and judicious routing of conductive
traces.
[0187] Both the simple switched portion and the proportional
portion of sensor 702 are activated approximately simultaneously
when an activator impinges upon sensor 702 with the simple switched
sensor indicating an on state and the proportional sensor
indicating how much force is being brought to bear on sensor
702.
[0188] A novel sensor of this type, having both a simple switched
and a proportional component in combination with my novel keyboard
integrated devices, such as those shown in FIGS. 18, 19 and 29
demonstrate the design of having a 6 DOF controller which outputs
both a scan code keyboard type information) and a proportional
signal. This could be very useful in any multiple-axes controller
even strictly hand-held devices such as those taught in my
co-pending provisional application filed Sep. 5, 1995. Outputting
both scan codes and proportional signals (possibly to separate
keyboard and serial ports) could be of substantial value because
for all pre Windows95 machines virtually all 3-D graphics programs
already have software drivers to be driven by scan codes (with
programmable key maps) so that the 3-D software can controlled by
common keyboards. Outputting this data type allows my 6 DOF
controllers to interface with existing software that is
controllable by scan codes. Outputting both of these data types is
not dependent on this compound sensor rather it is simply
demonstrated here. Information gathered from any proportional
sensor can be massaged into these two different data output types
which are believed to be novel in regard to output of multiple-axes
controller devices and specifically for 6 DOF devices.
[0189] FIG. 43 shows a pair of compound sensors 702 integrated into
compound sensor sheet 700, the compound sensor on the left side is
identified as sensor 702.1 and the compound sensor on the right
side is identified as sensor 702.2. Sensor pairs are valuable
because a 6 DOF device has 6 axes which are interpreted
bi-directionally (move along the axis to the left or right, but not
both simultaneously). Simple switches and the pressure sensors so
far shown are unidirectional sensors so ideally a pair of
unidirectional sensors are used to describe each axis, thus six
pair of unidirectional sensors (twelve individual sensors) can
describe six degrees of freedom. Unidirectional sensors are highly
desirable from a cost stand point and from a superior functional
stand point, because they allow a natural null or play space for
accommodating inaccuracies of the human hand and for optimally
accommodating the passive turn-on tactile feedback where the user
can feel the different axes turn on and off with manipulation of
the input member as described earlier herein.
[0190] The pair of sensors 702.1 and 702.2 offer advantage, for
example, in a computer keyboard embodiment where the simple
switched portions may emulate key inputs and the proportional
portions may serve to create sophisticated 6 DOF outputs. Further,
for some applications an incremental output (simple switched) is
more desirable than a proportional output. Sensor 702 provides both
types of output in hardware. Finally, the compound sensor pair
offers structure to lessen the necessary electronics requirement
for reading the unidirectional proportional sensors. As shown if
FIG. 43 the simple switched portions have electrical connections
704 which make the switches electrically distinct from each other,
but the proportional sensor portions have electrical connections
704 which are in parallel, thus the proportional sensor portions
are not electrically distinct one from the other. The simple
switched portion yields information about which direction along or
about an axis and the proportional sensors yield information
representing intensity. Thus allowing only one analog channel to
read two unidirectional proportional sensors, and correspondingly,
only six analog channels to read twelve unidirectional sensors. A
savings in electronic circuit complexity.
[0191] FIG. 44 shows proportional sensors 638.1 and 638.2 in a
paired relationship within a membrane structure. Sensors 638.1 and
638.2 have in common a center electrical connection 710 which
connects to one side of both sensors 638.1 and 638.2 of the pair.
Each individual sensor has a second and distinct electrical
connection, being for sensor 638.1 electrical connection 706 and
for sensor 638.2 electrical connection 708. The sensors are
essentially in a center taped arrangement, so that the center
connection 710 can be read with one analog to digital converter
yielding bidirectional information, if, for example, connection 706
carries a substantial voltage and connection 708 is grounded. Thus
the mechanical and cost advantages of unidirectional proportional
sensors is utilized with economical electrical circuitry.
[0192] FIGS. 45-47 show bidirectional sensors mounted on circuit
board sheet means for creating 6 DOF functional structures with
previously described structures of the embodiment of FIGS. 20-28,
thus for full 6 DOF operability six bi-directional sensors would be
used. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 specifically shows a nine
sensor 6 DOF embodiment with three bidirectional rotational sensors
and six uni-directional linear sensors. The embodiments shown in
FIGS. 13-36 show twelve sensor 6 DOF embodiments with all sensors
being unidirectional sensors.
[0193] FIGS. 45 and 46 show generic rocker-arm type actuators 364
mounted on circuit board 322. Actuators 364 are shown without a
differentiating super-structure 338 because the illustrated novel
bidirectional sensor application could serve on any or all of the
actuators 364 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-27.
[0194] FIG. 45 shows a rotating member rocker-arm actuator 364
mounted on circuit board sheet 322 and a bi-directional sensor 750
such as a rotary encoder or potentiometer solder mounted to circuit
board sheet 322. The potentiometer (variable resistor) has a rotary
shaft 753 and terminals 755, terminals 755 are solder mounted to
the circuit board sheet 322. Bi-directional sensor 750 is shown
operationally connected to rocker arm 336 by a rack and pinion type
gear assembly with the rotary shaft to rotary sensor 750 bearing a
small gear or pinion gear 752 which is activated by riding on an
arced gear rack 754 fixed to one end of rocker-arm actuator 336 and
passing freely through an aperture 756 in sheet 322.
[0195] FIG. 46 is similar to FIG. 45 except that the bidirectional
sensor shown is an optical sensor having a light transmitting unit
760 and a light sensing unit 762 which are both solder mounted to
circuit board sheet 322 and are separated by an arc shaped light
regulating unit 764 such as a graduated optical filter or a
shuttering device which is fixed to one end of a actuator arm
336.
[0196] FIG. 47 shows sensors of the same type as described in FIGS.
45 and 46 but with the exception that they are shown with
structuring to operate within the handle such as in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 28.
[0197] FIGS. 48 and 49 respectfully show a cross-section view and
an exploded view of novel structuring for anchoring in a desired
position a flexible membrane sensor sheet 658 or at least a portion
of membrane sheet 658 carrying at least one sensor 660 and for
retaining in operational positions structure appropriate for
actuating mechanisms. Sensor 660 may be of either the common simple
switched type or my novel pressure sensitive proportional membrane
type. This embodiment is also for aligning and retaining sensor
actuating structures, of which I believe, especially valuable are
actuating structures of the resilient tactile type. A package
member 650 is a housing like structure shown here with four side
walls. Aligned along two of the opposing walls are downwardly
distending snap-fit legs 652 having a hook-like snap-fit shape at
the bottom most extremity. Package 652 might be made of an
injection molded plastic such as a resin from the acetal family
having excellent dimensional stability, rigidity and also
resiliency for the bending of snap fit legs 652 during mounting of
package 650 to a rigid support structure 630. The internal portion
of package 650 is a cavity within which is retained at least an
actuator shown here as a plunger 602 which is retained at least in
part within housing package 650 by an upper or top portion of
package 650 partially enclosing the package cavity but having an
aperture through which extends a portion of plunger 602 for being
depressed or activated by external forces. Resilient metallic dome
cap 604 is also shown within the cavity and located between plunger
602 and membrane sensor 660 which is supported on rigid support
structure 630. Rigid support structure 630 has two elongated
apertures 656 sized to allow the passage during mounting and
retention thereafter of snap-fit legs 652. Membrane 658, which may
be any sensor bearing membrane, also has elongated apertures 654
positioned around a membrane sensor shown here as sensor 660.
Apertures 654 being of size allowing the passage of snap fit legs
652.
[0198] The entire embodiment is assembled by positioning membrane
sensor sheet 658 or at least the portion of membrane sensor sheet
658 bearing a sensor and apertures 654 along side of support
structure 630 and aligning membrane apertures 654 with support
structure apertures 656, then, with housing package 650 containing
both plunger 602 and dome cap 604, pressing legs 652 through the
aligned apertures thus fixing the membrane sensor and actuating
plunger 602 in accurate and secure position for activation.
[0199] This novel membrane sensor anchoring and activating
structure may be useful for fixing into position a flexible
membrane and associated sensor(s) in a wide variety of
applications, not just for fixing a membrane having multiple
relatively long arms to fit a widely-spread set of sensors within a
6 DOF device such as for my co-pending application (Ser. No.
07/847,619, filed Mar. 5, 1992) and for finger activated buttons
which may be located elsewhere within the device, such as on either
the handle housing or the base housing, etc. This structuring also
offers tremendous advantage in many non 6 DOF applications where
hand wiring is now common. For example, typical assembly of two
axis joysticks involves hand wiring of numerous different finger
and thumb operated switches at various different positions located
within a handle and often includes additional switches located with
the base of the joystick also. The hand wiring to these widely
spread switch locations is error prone and expensive in labor, thus
this process could be greatly advantaged by employment of flexible
membrane based sensors, which is made possible by this novel
structuring.
[0200] FIG. 50 shows a right angle mount embodiment in common with
the device of FIGS. 48 and 49. The right angle mount embodiment has
a housing 650.1 formed much like housing 650 with the exception
that the aperture in the upper surface is not necessarily round to
accommodate passage of plunger 602 but rather the aperture may be
slot-shaped to accommodate passage of a right angle actuator 670
which upon external activation pivots about a fulcrum 676. Right
angle actuator 670 is structurally similar to the right angle
translator parts shown in FIG. 17 as part 262, in FIG. 27 as part
348 and in FIG. 28 as part 376. Specifically actuator 670 has an
externally exposed actuating nub 674 which is impinged upon by an
actuating part in a manner essentially parallel to mounting 630
thus pivoting about fulcrum 676 and causing an internal actuating
nub 672 to impinge downward upon dome cap 604. Fulcrum 676 is held
in place within housing 650.1 by a retainer 678 which may be
essentially ring like and with protrusions 680 which provide a
saddle for pivotal retainment of fulcrum 676.
[0201] The anchoring and retaining embodiments shown in FIGS. 48-50
provide an optimal low-cost of manufacture embodiment where ever
membrane sheet based sensors are shown in the current teaching and
can also operate to equal advantage providing structuring and
translating for sensors based on circuit board sheets.
[0202] 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.
[0203] 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.
[0204] 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.
[0205] 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 pressable 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 dependent 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.
[0206] FIGS. 51-61 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. 51-61 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.
[0207] FIG. 51 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.
[0208] FIG. 52 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.
52 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.
[0209] FIG. 53 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. 53 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.
[0210] FIG. 54 shows an electronic book 4 or the like and modified
in accordance with the present invention. Shown in FIG. 54 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.
[0211] FIG. 55 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. 55 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.
[0212] FIG. 56 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.
[0213] 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.
[0214] FIG. 57 shows a hand holdable telephone 7 in accordance with
the present invention. Shown in FIG. 57 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.
[0215] 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.
[0216] FIG. 58 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.
[0217] FIG. 59 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.
[0218] FIG. 60 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.
[0219] FIG. 61 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.
[0220] FIG. 61 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. 61) 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 electromagnetic
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 programmable memory
containing any suitable software, data, suitable circuitry and the
like.
[0221] FIGS. 62-64 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.
[0222] FIG. 64 shows display 22 as a general image display. The
general image display 22 of FIG. 64 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.
[0223] FIG. 63 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.
[0224] FIG. 64 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. 64, 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.
[0225] 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.
[0226] 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.
[0227] Although I have very specifically described best modes and
preferred structures and use of the invention, it should be
understood that many changes in the specific structures and modes
described and shown in my drawings may clearly be made without
departing from the true scope of the invention.
* * * * *