System and method for converting radio control transmitter and joystick controller signals into universal serial bus signals
First Claim
1. A method for connecting a radio control transmitter to a computer, the method comprising the steps of:
- connecting with a cable the radio control transmitter to an external joystick controller, wherein the joystick controller is capable of generating and providing a first control signal to an adapter when the radio control transmitter is inactive;
connecting the joystick controller to the adapter, the adapter being suitable for receiving the first control signal generated by the joystick controller, and for receiving a second control signal generated externally by the radio control transmitter and converting the second control signal into USB format data; and
connecting the adapter to a USB port, the USB port being suitable for receiving the USB format data and for providing the USB format data to software loaded on the computer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for converting joystick controller generated analog and digital signals into Universal Serial Bus (USB) format, or for converting imported pulse position modulated (PPM) encoded signals from an external radio control (RC) transmitter into USB format data. The device is used, in an embodiment, for controlling simulated RC model aircraft as displayed, for example on a personal computer screen through the use of computer software. In an embodiment, the device includes a pair of two-axis gimbals, an auxiliary channel control potentiometer, and various control key switches to generate analog and digital joystick type signals as a result of direct manipulation by a user. The device also includes microcontroller circuitry for importing PPM signals, such as PPM signals generated by a commercially available model aircraft RC transmitter, to a USB port signal for interface with a computer.
28 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for connecting a radio control transmitter to a computer, the method comprising the steps of:
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connecting with a cable the radio control transmitter to an external joystick controller, wherein the joystick controller is capable of generating and providing a first control signal to an adapter when the radio control transmitter is inactive; connecting the joystick controller to the adapter, the adapter being suitable for receiving the first control signal generated by the joystick controller, and for receiving a second control signal generated externally by the radio control transmitter and converting the second control signal into USB format data; and connecting the adapter to a USB port, the USB port being suitable for receiving the USB format data and for providing the USB format data to software loaded on the computer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for connecting a radio control transmitter to a computer, the method comprising the steps of:
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connecting with a cable the radio control transmitter to an external adapter included with a joystick controller external to the radio control transmitter, the adapter being suitable for receiving a first control signal generated by the joystick controller, and for receiving a second control signal generated by the radio control transmitter and for converting the second control signal into USB format data; and connecting the adapter to a USB port, the USB port being suitable for receiving the USB format data and for providing the USB format data to software loaded on the computer. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A system for connecting a radio control transmitter to a computer, the system comprising:
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means for connecting the radio control transmitter to an external joystick controller, wherein the joystick controller is capable of generating and providing a first control signal to an adapter when the radio control transmitter is inactive; connecting the joystick controller to the adapter, the adapter being suitable for receiving the first control signal generated by the joystick controller, and for receiving a second control signal generated externally by the radio control transmitter and converting the second control signal into USB format data; and means connecting the adapter to a USB port, the USB port being suitable for receiving the USB format data and for providing the USB format data to software loaded on the computer. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification