Joystick controller using magnetic position sensors and a resili

Details Joystick controller using magnetic position sensors and a resili Joystick controller using magnetic position sensors and a resili

1994-11-25

1998-11-03

Saras, Steven

Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system

Display peripheral interface input device

Cursor mark position control device

74471XY, G09G 508

Patent

active

058315969

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention, in its first aspect, relates to a controller of the type including a control arm to which an external force is applied, and measurements of the movement of the control arm in response to the applied force are used to control other apparatus.
In some controllers, a rigid control arm is pivotally mounted upon a body and biased towards a centre position by a spring or springs. When a force is applied to the control arm, the spring(s) allow(s) the control arm to pivot with respect to the body. The position of the control arm is determined using the output of switches, potentiometers or other sensors which are positioned around the control arm. When the force is removed, the control arm returns to its original position under the action of the spring(s).
In other controllers, a rigid control arm, having at its top a knob which is held between the fingers, is mounted on a base. A number of strain gauge elements are positioned around the control arm and arranged to measure any strain applied to the control arm. The control arm is rigidly attached to the base and scarcely flexes or moves with respect to the base when a force is applied to the control arm (the maximum amount of permitted movement at the knob is typically as little as 0.05 mm, and therefore the arm essentially feels rigid). These types of controller lack "feel" and it is therefore difficult to exercise the required control accurately. Furthermore, it is difficult to ensure that the output of the controller corresponding to the centre position is consistent every time that the external force is removed.


BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a controller comprising a resilient control arm arranged to flex under the action of an applied force, and at least one sensor for measuring the flexure of the control arm.
The amount of permitted flexure at that part of the arm which is held in use is usually at least 1 mm (and is preferably about 5 to 7 mm) in order to give the required sense of movement when the arm is flexed.
Said at least one sensor preferably includes a sensor member which is mounted for movement with the control arm on a tube which is secured to the control arm at or near to a part of the latter which is held in use.
In a preferred embodiment, said sensor member is arranged to tilt about a point intermediate the ends of the control arm. Preferably, the point is located within the volume of the sensor member, and more preferably is located substantially at the centre of the sensor member.
Preferably, means are provided for limiting flexing movement of said resilient control arm about said pivot point. Most conveniently, said means for limiting flexure of the resilient control arm comprises a tapered wall of a body member relative to which the resilient control arm can flex.
Preferably the controller further comprises a support. The control arm may be rigidly connected to the support. The control arm is arranged to return to a first position when an applied force is removed from the control arm.
Preferably the controller further comprises processing means, responsive to the at least one sensor, for providing a signal dependent on the flexure of the control arm. The processing means may have a non-linear transfer function. The signal may be substantially proportional to the flexure of the control arm. Alternatively the signal may be held at a first predetermined value until the control arm has been flexed by a predetermined amount. The signal may then deviate from the first predetermined value by an amount dependent upon the amount of flexure in excess of the predetermined amount. Alternatively the signal may change abruptly to a second or further predetermined value in response to flexure of the control arm in excess of the predetermined amount.
As a further alternative, a region of reduced sensitivity may be provided so that the signal changes by a reduced amount for a given change in flexure of the control arm until the magnitude o

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