Control device with enhanced control aspects and method for programming same
US6717569B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 29, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/03543
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A control device that combines a movable pod, that is sized to comfortably support a user's hand, with control buttons that are easily commanded by the user's fingers and thumb without interfering with pod movement, thereby allowing the user to quickly, simultaneously, and intuitively, command multiple aspects of a user application software, such as a game. Preferably, the pod is movable simultaneously in three different directions: forward-and-backward, side-to-side; and axially about an axis. The device also uses the distance the pod is displaced from a neutral position as an additional control parameter for commanding the application software. In addition, control commands associated with the control buttons and movement of the pod may be programmed by the user either “on the fly” or by using a graphical user interface. Also, the device provides feedback to the user regarding the programmed status of each button and available pod movement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.