Proportional controls used with displayed imagery

• US 20020055384A1
• Filed: 12/21/2001
• Published: 05/09/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/05/1992
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Brad A. Armstrong
• Original Assignee: Brad A. Armstrong
• Inventors: Armstrong, Brad A.
• Application Number:
  US10/028,071
• Publication Number:
  US 20020055384A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/37
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/20 Input arrangements for video game devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/218 using pressure sensors, e.g. generating a signal proportional to the pressure applied by the player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/92 Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/10 characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1037 being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1056 involving pressure sensitive buttons
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/204 the platform being a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/24 Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for video games A63F13/00; computerized gaming systems G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 21/00 Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 21/08 Touch switches specially adapted for time-pieces
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23033 Variable pressure on key gives input value
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1601 Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays constructional details related to flat displays integrated in a portable computer, e.g. laptop, handheld computer G06F1/1637; constructional details related to television receivers H04N5/64
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1662 Details related to the integrated keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1612 Flat panel monitor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03548 Sliders, in which the moving part moves in a plane
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03549 Trackballs G06F3/03541 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04847 : Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0485 : Scrolling or panning
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0489 : using dedicated keyboard keys or combinations thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/70 : having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard mounting together a plurality of independent switches H02B
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/702 : with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/785 : characterised by the material of the contacts, e.g. conductive polymers
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2201/036 : Variable resistance
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/004 : Collapsible dome or bubble
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/006 : Only mechanical function
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/012 : Joy stick type
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/018 : Tumbler
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/046 : Multi-colour or double shot injection moulding
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/047 : Preformed layer in mould
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2231/008 : Video game
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2237/002 : Bell crank

Abstract

Proportional (or analog) controls for controlling imagery shown by a display, and more particularly electronic game imagery shown on a television. Proportional controls creating signals according to varying depression applied by a finger or thumb finger of a human user to the proportional control. In one preferred embodiment the proportional controls include resilient dome caps for providing tactile feedback to the user. In another preferred embodiment the proportional controls are included in a controller with active tactile feedback. In another preferred embodiment multiple axes of input are taught and the structures of the various preferred embodiments are taught in combination for controlling three-dimensional electronic game imagery and communicating tactile feedback to the user.

Claims

1. An electronic device for controlling imagery, comprising:

a housing;

electronic circuitry located in said housing;

a general image display located in said housing, said general image display operatively connected to said circuitry;

at least one finger depressible surface in part exposed on said housing, said at least one finger depressible surface operatively connected to

at least one pressure-sensitive analog sensor, said pressure-sensitive analog sensor for inputting a signal to said circuitry, said signal having variable value depending on variable pressure applied to said at least one finger depressible surface;

said circuitry structured to receive said signal and to provide variable visual feedback data shown by said general image display, said variable visual feedback data at least in part representing the variable pressure applied to said at least one finger depressible surface, whereby said variable visual feedback data may be controlled at varying rates according to variable pressure applied to said at least one finger depressible surface.

2. An electronic device according to claim 1 wherein said at least one finger depressible surface is a first depressible surface, said electronic device further includes a finger depressible surface which is a second depressible surface in part exposed on said housing, said second depressible surface operatively connected to

a second pressure-sensitive analog sensor, said second pressure-sensitive analog sensor for inputting a second signal to said circuitry, said second signal having variable value depending on variable pressure applied to said second depressible surface;

said circuitry structured to receive said second signal and to provide variable visual feedback data shown by said general image display, said variable visual feedback data at least in part representing the variable pressure applied to said second depressible surface, whereby said variable visual feedback data may be scrolled at varying rates according to variable pressure applied to said second depressible surface.

3. An electronic device according to claim 2 wherein said first depressible surface and said second depressible surface are thumb depressible single individual buttons.

4. An electronic device according to claim 3 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

5. An electronic device according to claim 2 wherein said electronic device is a desktop display or monitor.

6. An electronic device according to claim 5 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

7. An electronic device according to claim 2 wherein said electronic device is a telephone.

8. An electronic device according to claim 7 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

9. An electronic device according to claim 3 wherein said electronic device is a hand-held game system, and said thumb depressible single individual buttons are located in a right hand area of said housing.

10. An electronic device according to claim 9 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

11. An electronic device according to claim 10 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured with resilient dome caps, said dome caps providing said tactile feedback.

12. An electronic device according to claim 5 wherein said first depressible and second depressible surface are portions of a 2-way rocker located on said desktop monitor.

13. An electronic device according to claim 12 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

14. An electronic device according to claim 3 wherein said hand holdable electronic device is a hand-held wireless web browser.

15. An electronic device according to claim 14 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

16. An electronic device according to claim 3 wherein said hand holdable electronic device is a hand-held remote controller.

17. An electronic device according to claim 16 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

18. An electronic device according to claim 5 wherein said first depressible and second depressible surface are portions of a 4-way rocker located on said desktop monitor.

19. An electronic device according to claim 18 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

20. A household device for controlling time imagery, comprising:

a housing;

electronic circuitry located in said housing, said electronic circuitry at least calculating units of time;

a time display located in said housing, said time display operatively connected to said circuitry;

said time display displaying time information;

at least one finger depressible surface in part exposed on said housing, said at least one finger depressible surface operatively connected to

at least one pressure-sensitive analog sensor, said pressure-sensitive analog sensor for inputting a signal to said circuitry, said signal having variable value depending on variable pressure applied to said at least one finger depressible surface;

said circuitry structured to receive said signal and to cause said time display to provide visual feedback time information, said visual feedback time information changeable at a variable rate representing the variable pressure applied to said at least one finger depressible surface.

21. A household device according to claim 20 wherein said at least one finger depressible surface is a first depressible surface, said electronic device further includes a finger depressible surface which is a second depressible surface in part exposed on said housing, said second depressible surface operatively connected to

a second pressure-sensitive analog sensor, said second pressure-sensitive analog sensor for inputting a second signal to said circuitry, said second signal having variable value depending on variable pressure applied to said second depressible surface;

said time display having at least three seven-element numeric displays,

said circuitry structured to receive said second signal and to cause said time display to provide visual feedback time information changeable at a variable rate representing the variable pressure applied to said second depressible surface.

22. A household device according to claim 21 wherein said first depressible surface and said second depressible surface are depressible single individual buttons.

23. A household device according to claim 22 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

24. A household device according to claim 22 wherein said device is a household clock.

25. A household device according to claim 24 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

26. A household device according to claim 22 wherein said device is a coffee maker.

27. A household device according to claim 26 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

28. A household device according to claim 22 wherein said device is an oven.

29. A household device according to claim 28 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

30. A household device according to claim 28 wherein said oven is a microwave oven.

31. A household device according to claim 30 wherein the pressure-sensitive analog sensors are structured to provide tactile feedback.

32. An electronic game imagery control device, comprising:

a proportional sensor providing a varying value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a user to said proportional sensor;

associated with said proportional sensor is

structure providing user discernable tactile feedback, said tactile feedback communicated to the user;

circuitry connected to said proportional sensor, said circuitry reading said varying value from said proportional sensor and causing representative varying of said electronic game imagery.

33. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 32 wherein said proportional sensor is a pressure-sensitive proportional sensor.

34. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 32 wherein said structure providing user discernable tactile feedback comprises active tactile feedback.

35. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 32 wherein said structure providing user discernable tactile feedback comprises a resilient dome cap supplying a passive tactile feedback to the finger of the user, said passive tactile feedback has a break-over threshold supplied by depression of said dome cap.

36. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 35 wherein said structure providing user discernable tactile feedback also comprises active tactile feedback.

37. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 36 wherein said proportional sensor is a pressure-sensitive proportional sensor.

38. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 37 wherein said proportional sensor is activated by a thumb depressible single individual button located in a right-hand area of a housing.

39. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 34 wherein said active tactile feedback includes a motor and offset weight.

40. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 36 wherein said active tactile feedback includes a motor and offset weight.

41. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 40 wherein said control device supports a first bi-directional axis structure, said first bi-directional axis structure capable of controlling two axes of the electronic game imagery.

42. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 41 wherein said control device supports a second bi-directional axis structure, said second bi-directional axis structure capable of controlling a second two axes of the electronic game imagery.

43. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 42 wherein said control device supports a third bi-directional axis structure, said third bi-directional axis structure capable of controlling a third two axes of the electronic game imagery.

44. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 40 wherein said control device supports a first two bi-directional sensors, operation of said first two bi-directional sensors creating outputs used to control a first two axes of the electronic game imagery.

45. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 44 wherein said control device supports four codependent uni-directional sensors, operation of said four codependent uni-directional sensors creating outputs used to control a second two axes of the electronic game imagery.

46. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 45 wherein said control device supports a second two bi-directional sensors, operation of said second two bi-directional sensors creating outputs used to control a third two axes of the electronic game imagery.

48. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 47 wherein said proportional sensor is a pressure-sensitive proportional sensor.

49. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 47 wherein said structure providing user discernable tactile feedback comprises active tactile feedback.

50. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 47 wherein said structure providing user discernable tactile feedback comprises a resilient dome cap supplying a passive tactile feedback to the finger of the user, said passive tactile feedback has a break-over threshold supplied by depression of said dome cap.

51. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 50 wherein said structure providing user discernable tactile feedback also comprises active tactile feedback.

52. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 51 wherein said proportional sensor is a pressure-sensitive proportional sensor.

53. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 52 wherein said proportional sensor is activated by a thumb depressible single individual button located in a right-hand area of a housing.

54. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 49 wherein said active tactile feedback includes a motor and offset weight.

55. An electronic game imagery control device according to claim 51 wherein said active tactile feedback includes a motor and offset weight.

47. An electronic game imagery control device, comprising:

a proportional sensor providing a varying value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a user to said proportional sensor;

associated with said proportional sensor is

structure providing user discernable tactile feedback communicated to the user;

circuitry connected to said proportional sensor, said circuitry reading said varying value from said proportional sensor and causing representative varying of said electronic game imagery;

a first two bi-directional sensors supported within said control device, operation of said first two bi-directional sensors creating outputs used to control a first two axes of the electronic game imagery;

four codependent uni-directional sensors supported within said control device, operation of said four codependent uni-directional sensors creating outputs used to control a second two axes of the electronic game imagery;

a second two bi-directional sensors supported within said control device, operation of said second two bi-directional sensors creating outputs used to control a third two axes of the electronic game imagery.