Computer interface device
First Claim
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1. A device for communicating with a host computer, comprising:
- a base;
a handle having a plurality of input members for generating a set of command signals, said command signals comprising combination binagrams;
means for mounting said handle upon said base such that said handle is manipulatable within a three-dimensional coordinate reference frame centered about a preselected origin within said handle, said reference frame having three orthogonal axes, said axes intersecting at said origin, said handle being manipulatable relative to said base;
means for producing a set of orientation signals that define the orientation of said handle relative to said base;
means for communicating said set of command signals and said set of orientation signals to said host computer;
said handle comprising a handle housing adapted to fit within a grasp of a user;
a keypad including a plurality of pushbuttons that have a raised rest position relative to said base housing;
a first lever mounted on the outside of said handle housing adapted to move in two distinct directions relative to said handle housing; and
a second lever disposed partially within said handle housing adapted to move in four distinct directions relative to said handle housing.
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Abstract
A computer interface device includes a gimbal mounted handle having a plurality of input members for effectively communicating navigation and command signals to a computer. This invention provides a user with six degrees of freedom for navigation within a virtual reality world while simultaneously enabling a user to enter a series of commands in order to effectively communicate a user'"'"'s intentions to a computer to effect a change within a virtual reality world.
84 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A device for communicating with a host computer, comprising:
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a base; a handle having a plurality of input members for generating a set of command signals, said command signals comprising combination binagrams; means for mounting said handle upon said base such that said handle is manipulatable within a three-dimensional coordinate reference frame centered about a preselected origin within said handle, said reference frame having three orthogonal axes, said axes intersecting at said origin, said handle being manipulatable relative to said base; means for producing a set of orientation signals that define the orientation of said handle relative to said base; means for communicating said set of command signals and said set of orientation signals to said host computer; said handle comprising a handle housing adapted to fit within a grasp of a user; a keypad including a plurality of pushbuttons that have a raised rest position relative to said base housing; a first lever mounted on the outside of said handle housing adapted to move in two distinct directions relative to said handle housing; and a second lever disposed partially within said handle housing adapted to move in four distinct directions relative to said handle housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification