Directional input device with knob

• US 20070242060A1
• Filed: 04/13/2006
• Published: 10/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies International Sales Pte Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP PTE Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Inventors: Cheah, Chiang
• Granted Patent: US 7,677,754 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/184
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts

Abstract

A controller with a dial for manipulating objects in a computer environment. The dial is in communication with an optical encoder system using the reflective method. A knob is attached to the dial and provides both a reference point for the rotational position of the dial and a tactile element allowing the user to rotate the dial.

Claims

1. A controller for manipulating an object in a computer application comprising:

a base;

a dial rotatably attached to the base, the dial allowing manipulation of the object in the computer application;

an optical encoder system in operable communication with the dial using reflection; and

a knob attached to the dial providing a reference point for the rotational position of the dial.

2. The controller of claim 1 wherein the manipulation corresponds to scrolling.

3. The controller of claim 1 wherein the manipulation corresponds to turning.

4. The controller of claim 1 wherein the manipulation corresponds to zooming.

5. The controller of claim 1 wherein the dial is shaped as an annulus.

6. The controller of claim 1 wherein the knob is collapsible.

7. The controller of claim 6 further comprising a spring that biases the knob in an elevated position.

8. The controller of claim 6 wherein the knob folds down to retract.

9. The controller of claim 1 wherein the dial is substantially flat.

10. The controller of claim 1 wherein the dial is embedded in the base.

11. The controller of claim 10 wherein the dial has a major plane that is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the base on which the dial is embedded.

12. The controller of claim 1 wherein the dial is continuously rotatable in each direction.

13. The controller of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a game console.

14. The controller of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a game controller.

15. The controller of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a mouse.

16. The controller of claim 1 wherein the optical encoder system comprises an illuminating source, a light sensor, and optically reflective material.

17. The controller of claim 16 wherein the optically reflective material is attached to the dial.

18. The controller of claim 16 wherein the illuminating source is a light emitting diode.

19. The controller of claim 16 wherein the light sensor detects both speed and direction of the dial.

20. A controller for manipulating an object in a computer application comprising:

a base;

a substantially flat dial that is rotatably attached to said base, the dial allowing a manipulation of the object in the computer application;

an optical encoder system in operable communication with the dial; and

a collapsible knob attached to the dial providing a reference point for the rotational position of the dial.