Image controller

Abstract

An image controller structured for allowing inputs to be converted or translated into electrical outputs, one preferred controller structured with at least a sufficient number of sensors to aid in controlling three-dimensional objects and navigating a three-dimensional viewpoint shown by a display. Preferred embodiments also incorporate active tactile feedback and proportional button sensors allowing user variable inputs to cause imagery to be variably controlled.

1 . A method of navigating a viewpoint within a three-dimensional graphics display, comprising the steps of: 
 variably depressing a pivotal button, said pivotal button    activating a proportional sensor, said proportional sensor    outputting a signal at least in part useful for variably navigating the viewpoint.    
   
   
       2 . A method of navigating a viewpoint according to  claim 1  further including the step of 
 supplying active tactile feedback.    
   
   
       3 . A method of navigating a viewpoint according to  claim 2  further including the steps of: 
 variably depressing a second pivotal button, said second pivotal button    activating a second proportional sensor, said second proportional sensor    outputting a second signal at least in part useful for variably navigating the viewpoint.    
   
   
       4 . A method of navigating a viewpoint according to  claim 3  further including the step of: 
 operating, variably, a two-axes input structure for variably navigating the viewpoint.    
   
   
       5 . A method of navigating a viewpoint according to  claim 4  further including the step of: 
 operating, variably, a second two-axes input structure for variably navigating the viewpoint.    
   
   
       6 . A method of navigating a viewpoint according to  claim 5  further including the step of: 
 depressing with varying pressure, a single-finger depressible button associated with a pressure-sensitive sensor and a resilient dome cap having a substantially convexed portion for impinging electrically conductive material.    
   
   
       7 . A method of navigating a viewpoint according to  claim 5  further including the step of: 
 operating, variably, a third two-axes input structure for variably navigating the viewpoint.    
   
   
       8 . A method of navigating a viewpoint according to  claim 7  further including the step of: 
 depressing with varying pressure, a single-finger depressible button associated with a pressure-sensitive sensor and a resilient dome cap having a substantially convexed portion for impinging electrically conductive material.    
   
   
       9 . A method of controlling an object shown by a three-dimensional graphics display, comprising the steps of: 
 variably depressing a pivotal button, said pivotal button    activating a proportional sensor, said proportional sensor    outputting a signal at least in part useful for variably controlling the object.    
   
   
       10 . A method of controlling an object according to  claim 9  further including the step of 
 receiving active tactile feedback.    
   
   
       11 . A method of controlling an object according to  claim 10  further including the steps of: 
 variably depressing a second pivotal button, said second pivotal button    activating a second proportional sensor, said second proportional sensor    outputting a second signal at least in part useful for variably controlling the object.    
   
   
       12 . A method of controlling an object according to  claim 11  further including the step of: 
 operating, variably, a two-axes input structure for variably controlling the object.    
   
   
       13 . A method of controlling an object according to  claim 12  further including the step of: 
 operating, variably, a second two-axes input structure for variably controlling the object.    
   
   
       14 . A method of controlling an object according to  claim 13  further including the step of: 
 depressing with varying pressure, a single-finger depressible button associated with a pressure-sensitive sensor and a resilient dome cap having a substantially convexed portion for impinging electrically conductive material, said depressing with varying pressure for variably controlling the object.    
   
   
       15 . A method of controlling an object according to  claim 13  further including the step of: 
 operating, variably, a third two-axes input structure for variably controlling the object.    
   
   
       16 . A method of controlling an object according to  claim 15  further including the step of: 
 depressing with varying pressure, a single-finger depressible button associated with a pressure-sensitive sensor and a resilient dome cap having a substantially convexed portion for impinging electrically conductive material, said depressing with varying pressure for variably controlling the object.