Image controller

• US 20060033708A1
• Filed: 09/30/2005
• Published: 02/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/1995
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Anascape, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Anascape, Ltd.
• Inventors: Armstrong, Brad A.
• Application Number:
  US11/240,329
• Publication Number:
  US 20060033708A1
• 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

Methods of using image controllers 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. An active tactile feedback vibrator is mounted as a component of the controller for providing vibration to be felt by a user. Some preferred embodiments used also incorporate proportional sensors with tactile feed allowing user variable inputs to cause imagery to be variably controlled.

Claims

1. A method of interacting with an image controller controlling at least a three-dimensional object image, comprising:

receiving a first signal from said image controller, said first signal derived from a pressure-sensitive analog sensor associated with a single independent depressible button positioned on said image controller, said first signal used to control said three-dimensional object image, and

sending a second signal to said image controller, said second signal used to provide an active tactile feedback vibration felt by a hand of a human user, the act of sending said second signal results from virtual contact of said three-dimensional object image caused by the act of receiving said first signal.

2. A method of interacting with an image controller according to claim 1 further comprising

receiving a third signal and a fourth signal, the third and fourth signals used as three-dimensional viewpoint navigating commands.

3. A method of interacting with an image controller according to claim 2 wherein the third and fourth signals are provided by two bi-directional proportional sensors located within said image controller.

4. A method of interacting with an image controller according to claim 3 wherein a fifth signal is provided by a third bidirectional proportional sensor and a sixth signal is provided by a fourth bidirectional proportional sensor located within said image controller;

and said button having a tactile resilient structure providing a user discernable tactile feedback upon depression of said button;

at least two of the sensors connected to at least one sheet.

5. A method of using an image controller controlling at least a three-dimensional object image, comprising the acts:

receiving a three-dimensional object command from at least one of four bi-directional proportional sensors, and

sending an active tactile feedback command to said image controller, the act of sending results from virtual contact of the three-dimensional object caused by the act of receiving, whereby the sending of the active tactile feedback command causes vibration to be felt by a hand of a human user, the vibration related to contacting of the three-dimensional object image.

6. A method of using an image controller according to claim 5 further including the act

receiving a three-dimensional viewpoint navigating command from said image controller.

7. A method of using an image controller according to claim 6 wherein the three-dimensional commands are provided at least in part by four unidirectional sensors located in said image controller.

8. A method of using an image controller according to claim 7 wherein the three-dimensional commands are provided at least in part by activation of two single independent buttons positioned to activate proportional sensors located within said image controller.

9. A method of using an image controller according to claim 8 wherein at least one of said buttons has a tactile resilient structure providing a user discernable tactile feedback upon depression of the button;

at least two of the sensors connected to at least one sheet.