Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-01
2001-06-12
Saras, Steven (Department: 2775)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
C345S157000, C345S175000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06246391
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a three dimensional computer input device having six degrees of freedom and exhibiting force feedback in response to user-initiated motion of the input device.
2. Description of the Related Art
The ability to depict a cursor in three dimensional space on a computer screen necessitates the ability to move the cursor throughout the three-dimensional space using a user controlled computer input device. Another useful characteristic for a computer input device is to provide tactile feedback to the user in response to user-initiated motion.
The computer mouse is the most widely used device for selectively moving a cursor on a computer display screen. Other common input devices are the track ball and touch screen. However, all of these input devices are restricted to 2 dimensional motion.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,924, the disclosed space ball has the ability to detect three dimensionally applied forces and torques. This device does not, however, provide tactile feedback to the user.
Joysticks are also commonly used as input devices. U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,828 discloses a joystick that is movable at its base in three dimensions and provides feedback in the form of springs. Detectors at the base detect the three dimensional motion of the base. A ball that is graspable by the user is movably connected to the top of the joystick such that it rotates about all three coordinate axes. The ball includes detectors for detecting rotation of the ball. This device thus detects six degrees of motion. It is, however, complex to build, at least in part because for each degree of freedom, two one-dimensional detectors are used—one for positive motion and one for negative motion. Twelve separate detectors, six at the base of the joystick and six at the ball of the joystick, are therefore required to realize the full functionality of this prior art device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The three-dimensional (3D) computer input device of the present invention includes a ball, a frame, and at least three spring elements connecting the ball to the frame. Each spring element is connected to a two-dimensional (2D) position sensor positioned at the connection of the spring with either the ball or the frame. The springs are preferably all connected and extend along a common plane. The frame may be constructed as a square or rectangularly-shaped housing lying in this plane and peripherally surrounding the ball with the ball positioned at a center of the square. In this manner, the frame can define a reference. In use, the user grasps the ball and pushes it forward or pulls it backward, or rotatably turns or twists the ball to variably control cursor movement or otherwise indicate intended motion.
The 2D position sensors may employ, for example, a pressure sensor design, a 2D design having a roller ball with electronically sensed movement in the x and y directions, or a gimbal design. Input buttons generally corresponding to those such as are found on a mouse may be located directly on the ball, or at another location on the frame, or otherwise remote from the ball.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4536746 (1985-08-01), Gobeli
patent: 4782327 (1988-11-01), Kley et al.
patent: 4879556 (1989-11-01), Duimel
patent: 5128671 (1992-07-01), Thomas, Jr.
patent: 5286024 (1994-02-01), Winblad
patent: 5589828 (1996-12-01), Armstrong
patent: 5589854 (1996-12-01), Tsai
patent: 5591924 (1997-01-01), Hilton
patent: 5694153 (1997-12-01), Aoyagi et al.
patent: 5786997 (1998-07-01), Hoyt et al.
patent: 5854622 (1998-12-01), Brannon
patent: 5896164 (1999-04-01), Orbach et al.
patent: 5929846 (1999-07-01), Rosenberg et al.
Alphonse Fritz
Lucent Technologies - Inc.
Saras Steven
LandOfFree
Three-dimensional tactile feedback computer input device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Three-dimensional tactile feedback computer input device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Three-dimensional tactile feedback computer input device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2484912