Apparatus for Input of Control Signals for Moving an Object

• US 20110063212A1
• Filed: 04/16/2009
• Published: 03/17/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: SpaceControl GmbH & Co. KG
• Original Assignee: SpaceControl GmbH & Co. KG
• Inventors: Ries, Michael, Engelhardt, Manfred
• Application Number:
  US12/988,126
• Publication Number:
  US 20110063212A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/157
• 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 3/03549 Trackballs G06F3/03541 takes precedence
• 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

In one embodiment an apparatus for input of control signals is for moving an object in three spatial directions and three rotational directions and for connection to a computational unit with a display which displays at least partial areas of the object. The apparatus comprises a carrier element, an input element which is moveable with respect to the carrier element for input of the control signals, and an actuator, which is arranged at the carrier element. The actuator is designed as a rotatable or slideable element in order to detect further inputs of a user and extends at least partially around the input element.

Claims

1. Apparatus for input of control signals for moving an object in three spatial directions and three rotational directions for connection to a computational unit with a display which displays at least partial areas of the object, the apparatus comprising:

a. a carrier element;

b. an input element movable relative to the carrier element for input of the control signals;

c. an actuator arranged at the carrier element or at the input element;

d. wherein the actuator is designed so as to influence the size of the object on the display and/or a sensitivity of the input of at least one control signal.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is designed as a rotatable element which is rotatably arranged around the input element.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator encompasses the input element in a circle.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the grip surface of the actuator is curved orthogonal to the rotational direction of the actuator.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is designed so as to select a choice in a display of the carrier element.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is designed so as to detect sensitivity of the input of control signals.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the carrier element comprises keys for additional inputs of a user, and wherein the lighting of the keys depends on a selectable function of the apparatus.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input element is arranged on printed circuit board of the carrier element.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a movement of the actuator is detected by a photo sensor or a light barrier.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a cover plate of the carrier element comprises a preferably circular recess through which a part of input element extends.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the actuator is arranged at the boundary of the recess.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input element comprises exchangeable grip areas.

15. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is designed so that the control signals are for moving an object in less than three spatial directions and/or less than three rotational directions.

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

16. Apparatus for input of control signals for moving an object in three spatial directions and three rotational directions for connection to a computational unit with a display which displays at least partial areas of the object, the apparatus comprising:

a. a carrier element;

b. an input element movable relative to the carrier element for input of the control signals;

c. an actuator arranged at the carrier element;

d. wherein the actuator is designed as a rotatable or slideable element in order to detect further inputs of a user; and

e. wherein the actuator extends at least partially around the input element.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the actuator is designed as a rotatable element which is rotatably arranged around the input element.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the grip surface of the actuator is curved orthogonal to the rotational direction of the actuator.

19. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the actuator encompasses the input element in a circle.

20. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the actuator is designed so as to select a choice in a display of the carrier element.

21. Apparatus for input of control signals for moving an object in three spatial directions and three rotational directions for connection to a computational unit with a display which displays at least partial areas of the object, the apparatus comprising:

a. a carrier element;

b. an input element movable relative to the carrier element for input of the control signals;

c. an actuator arranged at the input element;

d. wherein the actuator is designed as a rotatable or slideable element for detecting additional inputs of a user.

22. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the actuator is designed as a rotatable element which is rotatably arranged around the input element.

23. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the grip surface of the actuator is curved orthogonal to the rotational direction of the actuator.

24. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the actuator encompasses the input element in a circle.

25. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the actuator is designed so as to select a choice in a display of the carrier element.