Hand-held computer interactive device

• US 8,035,629 B2
• Filed: 12/01/2006
• Issued: 10/11/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/18/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Incorporated (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Daniel, Tyler Jon
• Primary Examiner(s): Hjerpe; Richard
• Assistant Examiner(s): Shapiro; Leonid
• Application Number:
  US11/607,209
• Publication Number:
  US 20070075966A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,775 Days
• Field of Search: 345/204, 345156-158, 345/169
• US Class Current: 345/204
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/212 using sensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat or leg activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/213 comprising photodetecting means, e.g. cameras, photodiodes or infrared cells A63F13/219, A63F13/655 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/218 using pressure sensors, e.g. generating a signal proportional to the pressure applied by the player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/22 Setup operations, e.g. calibration, key configuration or button assignment
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/428 involving motion or position input signals, e.g. signals representing the rotation of an input controller or a player's arm motions sensed by accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1018 Calibration; Key and button assignment
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1031 using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1037 being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1056 involving pressure sensitive buttons
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1093 using visible light
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/014 Hand-worn input/output arrangements, e.g. data gloves
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user

Abstract

In one embodiment an input device is provided. The input device includes a central body. A response and communications system is included in the input device. The response and communication system enables communication between the input device and a computing device. At least one protrusion extending from the central body are included. The central body and the at least one protrusion are configured to capture a user'"'"'s hand movements. The input device is configured to be held by the user. An input detection program, a computing system, computer program instructions and a method for communicating commands to a computer system from an external input device are provided.

Claims

1. An input device configured to be held by a user, comprising:

a central body configured to sit within a palm of the user'"'"'s hand;

a response and communications system incorporated with the central body, the response and communication system enabling communication between the input device and a computing device; and

a plurality of protrusions extending from the central body, wherein the central body and the plurality of protrusions are configured to rest on a palm side surface of the user'"'"'s hand and each of the plurality of protrusions extends to accommodate a finger or thumb on the user'"'"'s hand, wherein the protrusions are composed of a material that offers resistance, whereby the material allows the protrusions to be squeezed into a closed position when the user applies pressure and to return to an open position when the user releases the pressure,

wherein the central body and the plurality of protrusions are configured to capture a user'"'"'s hand movements as the user applies and releases said pressure, wherein the input device is configured to fit with a user'"'"'s hand according to the natural bend of a user'"'"'s fingers; and

a latching mechanism incorporated into the central body, the latching mechanism configured to hold the plurality of protrusions in a closed state.

2. The input device of claim 1, wherein the central body and each of the plurality of protrusions include,

a vibrator configured to provide tactile feedback to a user.

3. The input device of claim 2, wherein a hardness and a pattern of a vibration generated by the vibrator are controlled.

4. The input device of claim 1, wherein the response and communication system transmits signals to a device to be controlled, the signals defined by the user'"'"'s hand movements.

5. The input device of claim 1, wherein the latching mechanism is spring activated through a button operably connected to an end of the central body.