Control knob with multiple degrees of freedom and force feedback
US6154201A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20262
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob. Detent forces can be provided for the knob by overlapping and adjusting ranges of closely-spaced detents in the rotary degree of freedom of the knob.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.