System and method for converting radio control transmitter and joystick controller signals into universal serial bus signals

• US 20050091423A1
• Filed: 11/17/2004
• Published: 04/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Horizon Hobby, Llc
• Original Assignee: Hobbico Incorporated
• Inventors: Williams, Mark D., Kemp, Scott, Cloud, Neal E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,010,628 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 710/15
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/002 Specific input/output arrangements not covered by G06F3/01 - G06F3/16 other optical apparatus G02B27/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/038 Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry

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.

Claims

1. A method for connecting a radio control transmitter to a computer, the method comprising the steps of:

connecting the radio control transmitter to an adapter, the adapter being suitable for receiving an control signal from the radio control transmitter and for converting the 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.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the adapter is built into a joystick controller.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the joystick controller is capable of providing a self-generated control signal to the adapter when the radio control transmitter is inactive.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the joystick controller includes at least one two-axis gimbal.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the joystick controller also includes at least one switch, at least one knob, and at least one trim.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, in the step of connecting the radio control transmitter, the radio control transmitter is connected to the adapter with an adapter cord.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the adapter cord is suitable for connecting to a Mode 2 radio control transmitter.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the adapter cord is suitable for connecting to a Mode 1 radio control transmitter.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, in the step of connecting the adapter to the USB port, the adapter is connected to the USB port with a USB connector.

10. A method for connecting a radio control transmitter to a computer, the method comprising the steps of:

connecting the radio control transmitter to an adapter included with a joystick controller, the adapter being suitable for receiving a control signal from the radio control transmitter and for converting the 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.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the joystick controller is capable of providing a self-generated control signal to the adapter when the radio control transmitter is inactive.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the joystick controller includes at least one two-axis gimbal.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the joystick controller also includes at least one switch, at least one knob, and at least one trim.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein, in the step of connecting the radio control transmitter, the radio control transmitter is connected to the adapter with an adapter cord.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the adapter cord is suitable for connecting to a Mode 2 radio control transmitter.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the adapter cord is suitable for connecting to a Mode 1 radio control transmitter.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein, in the step of connecting the adapter to the USB port, the adapter is connected to the USB port with a USB connector.

18. A system for connecting a radio control transmitter to a computer, the system comprising:

means for connecting the radio control transmitter to an adapter, the adapter being suitable for receiving a control signal from the radio control transmitter and for converting the 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.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the adapter is part of a joystick controller.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the joystick controller is capable of providing a self-generated control signal to the adapter when the radio control transmitter is inactive.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the joystick controller includes at least one two-axis gimbal.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the joystick controller also includes at least one switch, at least one knob, and at least one trim.

23. The system of claim 18, wherein the means for connecting the radio control transmitter includes an adapter cord.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the adapter cord is suitable for connecting to a Mode 2 radio control transmitter.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein the adapter cord is suitable for connecting to a Mode 1 radio control transmitter.

26. The method of claim 18, wherein the means for connecting the adapter to the USB port includes a USB connector.

27-48. -48. (canceled)