Microprocessor interface device

• US 4,540,176 A
• Filed: 08/25/1983
• Issued: 09/10/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Sanders Associates, INC. (BAE Systems Plc)
• Inventors: Baer, Ralph H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yu, Mickey
• Application Number:
  US06/526,307
• Time in Patent Office: 747 Days
• Field of Search: 446/327, 446/297, 446/299, 446/484, 446/491, 446/302, 446/295, 446/405, 446/304, 446/305, 446/391, 446/306, 446/300, 446/301, 446/353, 446/354, 434/310, 434/311, 434/312, 434/313, 434/314, 434/315, 364/410, 273/85 G, 273/148 B
• US Class Current: 463/37
• 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 3/03542 Light pens for emitting or receiving light

Abstract

A user interface device for interfacing with a microprocessor driving a video display. The device is particularly adapted for the use of small children in interfacing with a microprocessor operating to drive a video game or a personal computer. The device comprises a hand puppet adapted to be worn on the user'"'"'s hand. Pressure-sensitive switches, a light pen, a motion detector, and a speaker are included within the puppet'"'"'s head and body to allow input by the user through the devices within the puppet and output by the microprocessor at the puppet over the speaker.

Claims

1. A user interface device for interfacing with a microprocessor of a video game unit comprising:

(a) a hand puppet adapted to be worn on the user'"'"'s hand;

(b) input swith means disposed within said puppet developing input signals to the microprocessor, said input switch means functioning in conjunction with the user'"'"'s hand within the puppet; and

,

(c) first connector means for operably connecting said input switch means to the microprocessor as an input thereto.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein:

(a) said puppet includes an arm and hand portions; and

,

(b) said input switch means includes a switch disposed within said hand portion adapted to be activated by the user pushing said hand portion against a resilient surface.

3. The device of claim 1 and additionally comprising:

(a) a loudspeaker disposed within said puppet; and

,

(b) second connector means for operably connecting said loudspeaker to the microprocessor to be driven thereby.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein:

(a) the microprocessor is controlling a magnetic audio tape player; and

,

(b) said loudspeaker is connected to said output of said magnetic tape player.

5. The device of claim 1, further including

light pen means for generating an output signal as a function of light entering an input opening thereof when said input opening is placed against the video display being driven by the microprocessor.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein:

said puppet includes a protruding portion and said light pen means is disposed within said protruding portion.

7. The device of claim 1, further including

motion detecting means for generating an output signal as a result of motion of said puppet.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein:

(a) said puppet includes a head portion and said motion detecting means is disposed in said head portion; and

,

(b) said motion means is adapted to generate a first output signal portion in response to said head portion being nodded "yes" and a second output signal portion in response to said head portion being shaken "no".

9. The device of claim 7 wherein:

said motion detecting means is adapted to sense up and down motion signifying "excitement" or the like.

10. The device of claim 1, further including sensor means for indicating the attitude of said puppet such as vertical, lying down, or the like.

11. The device of claim 7 wherein:

said motion detecting means includes sensor means for indicating the velocity of motion of said puppet.