Intrinsic console with positionable programmable multi-function multi-position controllers

• US 6,538,637 B1
• Filed: 10/22/1999
• Issued: 03/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Canadian Space Agency (Government of Canada)
• Original Assignee: Canadian Space Agency (Government of Canada)
• Inventors: Kor, Bouko James
• Primary Examiner(s): Lao, Lun-Yi
• Application Number:
  US09/425,046
• Time in Patent Office: 1,250 Days
• Field of Search: 361/680, 361/686, 180/170-174, 200/21.89, 200/5.R, 200/5.A, 200/5.B, 200/5.C, 348/734, 345/156-169, 463/37-38, 233/148.B, 340/825.72
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 2009/04774 with additional switches or sensors on the handle
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/965 Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch

Abstract

An intrinsic console, moveable with respect to a base between at least two locations, has one or more controllers (sliders, switches, joysticks). Typically a controller controls different devices in different locations (multi-function). The controller has at least two positions in each location, but may have different settings (slider, two-position switch—momentary or ON/OFF—three-position switch, etc.). The locations, functions, positions, and settings are microprocessor controlled, and reprogrammable. LED or LCD indicator displays can be incorporated with the controller, and similarly change with location. This reduces the absolute number of controllers necessary. The positions of levers and joysticks are digitally measured by optical emitters and detectors which pass light through apertures of known location, these measurements may be relative or absolute. The console is ideally pivotally mounted near the elbow of a vehicle or equipment operator.

Claims

1. An intrinsic console mounted on a base and movable between at least two distinct locations comprising at least one input controller, the at least one input controller mounted on the consol for controlling different electrical devices, the different electrical devices being controlled in dependence on the location of the intrinsic console and in dependence on the position of the at least one input controller.

2. Console of claim 1, wherein said controller'"'"'s position is controlled by microprocessor.

3. Console of claim 2, wherein said controller has a display indicating device controlled by said controller according to controller position in each console location, said display being controlled by microprocessor.

4. Console of claim 1, wherein said console location and controller position are monitored by sensors.

5. Console of claim 4, wherein the relative position of said console is determined by digital optical detectors receiving radiation from electromagnetic emitters passed through an apertured optical positioning member.

6. Console of claim 1, wherein said controller has a different number of control positions in different console locations.

7. Console of claim 6, wherein said controller is selected from toggle switch, slider, rotary switch, and joystick.

8. Intrinsic console of claim 1, wherein said input controller for a device comprises a lever and a microprocessor controlling a motor and the number of positions of said lever.

9. Intrinsic console of claim 8, wherein the positions of said input controller lever are monitored by sensors.

10. Intrinsic console of claim 9, wherein the relative position of said input controller lever is determined by digital optical detectors receiving radiation from electromagnetic emitters passed through an apertured optical positioning member.

11. Intrinsic console of claim 10, wherein the absolute position of said input controller lever is determined by digital optical detectors receiving radiation from electromagnetic emitters passed through commutation slots.

12. Intrinsic console of claim 8, wherein said input controller lever operates as a slider.

13. Intrinsic console of claim 8, wherein said input controller lever operates as a toggle switch.

14. Intrinsic console of claim 13, wherein said toggle switch has a plurality of distinct position settings, each position setting having at least two toggle positions.

15. Intrinsic console of claim 8, where said input controller lever is selected by said microprocessor to function as one of a slider or as a toggle switch, when said toggle switch is selected, a position setting is selected from a plurality of distinct position settings, each position setting having at least two toggle positions.

16. Intrinsic console of claim 1 wherein said input controller comprises a microprocessor controlled motor driving a gear train pivoting a control element.

17. Intrinsic console of claim 16 wherein said control element is a pivotable toggle having at least two control positions.

18. Intrinsic console of claim 16 wherein said control element is a pivotable slider lever.

19. Intrinsic console of claim 16 wherein said input controller comprises two microprocessor controlled motors driving separate gear trains pivoting a control element, each motor and gear train moving said control element in one of two perpendicular dimensions.

20. Intrinsic console of claim 19, wherein said control element is a joystick, wherein the position of the joystick handle is separately determined for each perpendicular dimension is determined by digital optical detectors receiving radiation from electromagnetic emitters passed through an apertured optical positioning member.