Directional controller apparatus for a video or computer input

• US 4,567,479 A
• Filed: 12/23/1982
• Issued: 01/28/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Barry S. Boyd
• Original Assignee: Barry S. Boyd
• Inventors: Boyd, Barry S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Caldwell, Sr., John W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Brier, Jeffery A.
• Application Number:
  US06/452,687
• Time in Patent Office: 1,132 Days
• Field of Search: 273/148 B, 200/6 A, 340/709, 340/825.19, 128/782
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/012 Head tracking input arrangements
• 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

Abstract

A cranial controller for supplying directional signals to a computer input is provided in which the controller is affixed to the head of an incapacitated user and by selectively moving his or her head one of several mercury switches is activated to send a directional control signal corresponding to the selected cranial movement to a computer console or video device. In addition, the user'"'"'s mouth provides a pressure source for activating a vacuum controlled switch in the controller for providing a function signal to the computer input.

Claims

1. A cranially supported computer input device for use with a computer, comprising a switch control housing having a first set of position-responsive switches and a second set of position-responsive switches arranged relative to said first set of position responsive switches, a vacuum-pressure-operated switch in said housing, means in said housing for adjusting a position of one set of said sets of switches to a horizontal position, cranial support means for cranially supporting said housing, and circuit means connecting said sets of switches and said vacuum-pressure-operated switch to said computer, whereby different functions of said computer are controlled by the position of said switches and the state of said vacuum-pressure-operated switch.