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 controlling imagery, comprising the steps of: 
 pressing, variably, a first button for varying the imagery,    receiving a first break-over tactile feedback.    
   
   
       2 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 1  wherein said receiving of said first break-over tactile feedback is preceded by the variable pressing of said first button.  
   
   
       3 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 1  further comprising the steps of: 
 pressing, variably, a second button for varying the imagery,    receiving a second break-over tactile feedback.    
   
   
       4 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 3  wherein said receiving of said second break-over tactile feedback is preceded by the variable pressing of said second button.  
   
   
       5 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 3  further comprising the step of: 
 inputting variably, two-axes inputs using a first two-axes structure, said inputting variably for varying the imagery.    
   
   
       6 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 5  further comprising the step of: 
 inputting variably, two-axes inputs using a second two-axes structure, for varying the imagery.    
   
   
       7 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 6  further comprising the step of: 
 depressing with varying pressure a single-finger depressible button for varying the imagery.    
   
   
       8 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 6  further comprising the step of: 
 inputting two-axes inputs using a third two-axes structure, for controlling the imagery.    
   
   
       9 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 8  further comprising the step of: 
 depressing with varying pressure a single-finger depressible button for varying the imagery.    
   
   
       10 . A method of controlling imagery by controlling variable output of at least one variable output sensor actuated by a single finger depressible button, comprising the steps: 
 pressing, variably, said button, thus    actuating said sensor, said sensor    outputting a signal, said signal representing intensity of the pressing,    varying the imagery according to said signal,    providing, at least through said button, a break-over tactile feedback.    
   
   
       11 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 10  wherein a second variable output sensor is actuated by a second single finger depressible button, further comprising the steps: 
 pressing, variably, said second button, thus    actuating said second sensor, said second sensor    outputting a second signal, said second signal representing intensity of the pressing of said second button,    varying the imagery according to said second signal,    providing at least through said second button a second break-over tactile feedback.    
   
   
       12 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 11  further comprising the step of: 
 providing an active tactile feedback.    
   
   
       13 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 12  further comprising the step of: 
 operating a first two-axes input structure for varying the imagery.    
   
   
       14 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 13  further comprising the step of: 
 operating a second two-axes input structure for varying the imagery.    
   
   
       15 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 14  further comprising the step of: 
 depressing with varying pressure a third finger depressible button causing varying change of said imagery.    
   
   
       16 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 14  further comprising the step of: 
 operating a third two-axes input structure for controlling the imagery.    
   
   
       17 . A method of controlling imagery according to  claim 16  further comprising the step of: 
 depressing with varying pressure a fourth finger depressible button causing varying change of said imagery.