Image controller

• US 20060028435A1
• Filed: 09/30/2005
• Published: 02/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/1995
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Anascape, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Anascape, Ltd.
• Inventors: Armstrong, Brad A.
• Application Number:
  US11/240,326
• Publication Number:
  US 20060028435A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• 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 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/25 Output arrangements for video game devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/332 using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1006 having additional degrees of freedom
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1031 using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
• 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 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1056 involving pressure sensitive buttons
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0213 Arrangements providing an integrated pointing device in a keyboard, e.g. trackball, mini-joystick for pointing devices integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/169; joysticks G05G9/047; constructional details of pointing devices G06F3/033
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/033 Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user , e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor digitisers characterised by the transducing means G06F3/041
• 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 3/0346 with detection of the device orientation or free movement in a 3D space, e.g. 3D mice, 6-DOF [six degrees of freedom] pointers using gyroscopes, accelerometers or tilt-sensors
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0354 with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03549 Trackballs G06F3/03541 takes precedence

Abstract

An image controller structured for allowing inputs to be converted or translated into electrical outputs, one preferred controller structured with at least a sufficient number of sensors to aid in controlling three-dimensional objects and navigating a three-dimensional viewpoint shown by a display. Preferred embodiments also incorporate active tactile feedback and proportional button sensors allowing user variable inputs to cause imagery to be variably controlled.

Claims

1. A method of controlling imagery, comprising the steps of:

pressing, variably, a first button for varying the imagery,

receiving a first break-over tactile feedback.

2. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 1 wherein said receiving of said first break-over tactile feedback is preceded by the variable pressing of said first button.

3. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

pressing, variably, a second button for varying the imagery,

receiving a second break-over tactile feedback.

4. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 3 wherein said receiving of said second break-over tactile feedback is preceded by the variable pressing of said second button.

5. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 3 further comprising the step of:

inputting variably, two-axes inputs using a first two-axes structure, said inputting variably for varying the imagery.

6. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 5 further comprising the step of:

inputting variably, two-axes inputs using a second two-axes structure, for varying the imagery.

7. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 6 further comprising the step of:

depressing with varying pressure a single-finger depressible button for varying the imagery.

8. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 6 further comprising the step of:

inputting two-axes inputs using a third two-axes structure, for controlling the imagery.

9. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 8 further comprising the step of:

depressing with varying pressure a single-finger depressible button for varying the imagery.

10. A method of controlling imagery by controlling variable output of at least one variable output sensor actuated by a single finger depressible button, comprising the steps:

pressing, variably, said button, thus

actuating said sensor, said sensor

outputting a signal, said signal representing intensity of the pressing,

varying the imagery according to said signal,

providing, at least through said button, a break-over tactile feedback.

11. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 10 wherein a second variable output sensor is actuated by a second single finger depressible button, further comprising the steps:

pressing, variably, said second button, thus

actuating said second sensor, said second sensor

outputting a second signal, said second signal representing intensity of the pressing of said second button,

varying the imagery according to said second signal,

providing at least through said second button a second break-over tactile feedback.

12. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 11 further comprising the step of:

providing an active tactile feedback.

13. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 12 further comprising the step of:

operating a first two-axes input structure for varying the imagery.

14. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 13 further comprising the step of:

operating a second two-axes input structure for varying the imagery.

15. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 14 further comprising the step of:

depressing with varying pressure a third finger depressible button causing varying change of said imagery.

16. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 14 further comprising the step of:

operating a third two-axes input structure for controlling the imagery.

17. A method of controlling imagery according to claim 16 further comprising the step of:

depressing with varying pressure a fourth finger depressible button causing varying change of said imagery.