Haptic feedback for directional control pads
US6563487B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/329
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A haptic feedback control device coupled to a host computer and outputting forces to a user of the control device. The control device includes a housing, a direction pad capable of being contacted by the user in at least two different locations to provide two different directional signals to the host computer, and a computer-controlled actuator that outputs a force directly on the direction pad. A sensor, such as one or more contact switches, can detects when the locations of the direction pad have been contacted or pressed by the user. The actuator can be a linear or rotary actuator that outputs a force on the direction pad, e.g. approximately perpendicular to the top surface of the direction pad. The actuator can output a vibration or a pulse tactile sensation on the direction pad in coordination with interactions or events in a computer graphical environment or functions of a controlled electronic device. The control device can be a game controller, a mouse, a remote control device, or other type of device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.