Directional input device with knob
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A controller for manipulating an object in a computer application comprising:
- a base;
a dial rotatably attached to the base so that the dial can be rotated about a rotational axis, the dial having an outward face, the dial allowing manipulation of the object in the computer application;
an optical encoder system in operable communication with the dial using reflection; and
a knob attached to the dial that protrudes from the outward face of the dial providing a reference point for the rotational position of the dial, the knob including an upper surface that has a smaller surface area than the outward face of the dial, the knob being positioned on the dial at a distance from the rotational axis of the dial such that the knob does not intersect the rotational axis of the dial,wherein the knob is collapsible so that the distance between the upper surface of the knob and the outward face of the dial is reduced.
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Abstract
A controller with a dial for manipulating objects in a computer environment. The dial is in communication with an optical encoder system using the reflective method. A knob is attached to the dial and provides both a reference point for the rotational position of the dial and a tactile element allowing the user to rotate the dial.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A controller for manipulating an object in a computer application comprising:
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a base; a dial rotatably attached to the base so that the dial can be rotated about a rotational axis, the dial having an outward face, the dial allowing manipulation of the object in the computer application; an optical encoder system in operable communication with the dial using reflection; and a knob attached to the dial that protrudes from the outward face of the dial providing a reference point for the rotational position of the dial, the knob including an upper surface that has a smaller surface area than the outward face of the dial, the knob being positioned on the dial at a distance from the rotational axis of the dial such that the knob does not intersect the rotational axis of the dial, wherein the knob is collapsible so that the distance between the upper surface of the knob and the outward face of the dial is reduced. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A controller for manipulating an object in a computer application comprising:
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a base; a substantially flat dial that is rotatably attached to said base so that the dial can be rotated about a rotational axis, the dial having an annular outward face, the dial allowing a manipulation of the object in the computer application; an optical encoder system in operable communication with the dial; and a collapsible knob attached to the dial that can protrude from the annular outward face of the dial providing a reference point for the rotational position of the dial, the knob including an upper surface that has a smaller surface area than the annular outward face of the dial, the knob being positioned on the dial at a distance from the rotational axis of the dial such that the knob does not intersect the rotational axis of the dial, wherein the collapsible knob is configured so that the distance between the upper surface of the collapsible knob and the outward face of the dial is reduced when the collapsible knob is collapsed.
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Specification