Optical dual function joystick
US4856785A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 1983 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05G2009/04759
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A joystick actuator for controlling the positioning of objects, for instance, displays on CRTs, having a pivotally mounted control stick operatively engaging and driving a pair of optical-mask members. The optical-mask members are retained for rectilinear sliding motion relative to fixed mounted opto-switches and include spaced fins positioned to interrupt light communication within respective opto-switches. Positioning of the opto-switches and spacing of the mask fins are selected to provide successive unblocking of the interrupted light communication as the control column is displaced from neutral thereby encoding both the direction and magnitude of stick deflection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.