Patent · US Active

Controller with transformable surface topology

US9029721B2 · kind B2 · utility

37Cited by
7References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 20, 2010
Grant dateMay 12, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 8, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA63F2300/1043
  • WIPO fieldFurniture, games
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A control device includes an input mechanism having an actuation surface that is configurable by a user between at least two different surface topologies. In a first configuration, the surface topology may provide a first shape for receiving user input and in a second configuration provide a second shape for receiving user input. The actuation surface in one example includes the upper surface of an input pad having a plurality of input arms and the upper surface of a fill pad having a plurality of fill tabs. At least one of the input pad and the fill pad may be moved in a direction of an axis perpendicular to the face of the control device to change the distance between the upper surfaces. The actuation surface in one example is rotatable to cause translation of at least one of the pads in the direction of the perpendicular axis.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.