Multi-function input device and system

• US 4,910,503 A
• Filed: 06/15/1987
• Issued: 03/20/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stephen L. Brodsky
• Original Assignee: Stephen L. Brodsky
• Inventors: Brodsky, Stephen L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brigance, Gerald
• Application Number:
  US07/062,553
• Time in Patent Office: 1,009 Days
• Field of Search: 340/709, 340/706, 340/711, 340/712, 340/365 R, 340/365 VL, 340/364, 273/148 B, 350/637, 200/177, 200/179, 200/176, 200/178
• US Class Current: 345/161
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 9/047 the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks for switches H01H25/04

Abstract

An input device for providing X and Y coordinate analog input values and an associated function selection to a computer. There is a support plate and a multiposition function selection switch having an output indicating the position thereof. There is also selector apparatus carried by the support plate and operably connected for moving the function selection switch between its positions. There are coordinate generators for generating X and Y coordinate analog values at outputs thereof and activator apparatus carried in combination with the selector apparatus and operably connected to the coordinate generators for changing the X and Y analog values being output. The selector apparatus may comprise an annular member disposed parallel to the plane of the support plate with the activator apparatus disposed within the annular member. The function selection switch is a rotatable switch and the annular member is rotatable about a perpendicular axis to move the function selection switch between its positions. The preferred activator is a joystick member pivotal about a point adjacent the plane in which the annular member is disposed and also rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and operably connected to move the function selection switch between its positions when rotated. The preferred rotatable switch is a switch capable of indicating an infinite number of positions wherein a pair of switches actuated by a cam member provide direction and positional stepping information to associated logic.

Claims

1. A switch which can indicate an infinite number of positions about a rotary axis for use in providing position selection inputs to a computer comprising:

(a) a multi-lobed cam member rotatable about the axis and having a switch position between each adjacent pair of said lobes;

(b) first and second switches disposed for sequential operation by said lobes as said cam member is rotated, the sequence of operation of said switches being a function of the direction said cam member is rotated; and

,

(c) logic means connected to said switches for determining the direction of rotation of said cam member from the sequence of operation of said switches and for counting positions from a known starting point as said switches are closed and opened by said lobes a presently selected position count being output to the computer whereby the presently selected position as input by the computer is equal to the number of positions said cam member is presently rotated about the axis from said known starting point.

2. The switch of claim 1 wherein:

said first and second switches each have a spring biased actuating arm riding along said lobes and into valleys between said lobes whereby said actuating arms act as detents to cause said cam member to snap from position to position.

3. A switch which can indicate an infinite number of positions about a rotary axis for use in providing position selection inputs to a computer comprising:

(a) a multi-lobed cam member rotatable about the axis and having a switch position between each adjacent pair of said lobes;

(b) first and second switches disposed for sequential operation by said lobes as said cam member is rotated, said first and second switches each having a spring biased actuating arm riding along said lobes and into valleys between said lobes whereby said actuating arms act as detents to cause said cam member to snap from position to position, the sequence of operation of said switches being a function of the direction said cam member is rotated; and

,

(c) logic means connected to said switches for determining the direction of rotation of said cam member from the sequence of operation of said switches and for counting positions from a known starting point as said switches are closed and opened by said lobes a presently selected position count being output to the computer whereby the presently selected position as input by the computer is equal to the number of position said cam member is presently rotated about the axis from said known starting point.