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. An active tactile feedback vibrator is mounted as a component of the controller for providing vibration to be felt by a user. Embodiments incorporate six proportional signals allowing user variable inputs to cause imagery to be variably controlled.

1 . A method of interacting with a television displayed game, comprising: 
 receiving a first proportional signal representing depression of a single finger depressible independent first button located on a controller, said first proportional signal at least in part controlling the game imagery;    receiving a first On signal representing output from a first On/Off switch activated by depression of said first button, said first On signal at least in part controlling the game imagery;    receiving a second proportional signal representing depression of a single finger depressible independent second button located on said controller, said second proportional signal at least in part controlling the game imagery;    receiving a second On signal representing output from a second On/Off switch activated by depression of said second button, said second On signal at least in part controlling the game imagery;    receiving a third proportional signal from said controller;    receiving a fourth proportional signal from said controller, the third proportional signal and the fourth proportional signal representing output from sensors activated by two axes movement of a first member;    receiving a fifth proportional signal from said controller;    receiving a sixth proportional signal from said controller, the fifth proportional signal and the sixth proportional signal representing output from sensors activated by two axes movement of a second member;    the third, fourth, fifth and sixth proportional signals at least in part controlling the game imagery.    
   
   
       2 . A method according to  claim 1  further comprising: 
 sending an active tactile feedback signal to said controller causing a motor to rotate an offset weight providing vibration.    
   
   
       3 . A method of controlling a game displayed on a television, comprising: 
 receiving a first proportional signal from a controller, the first proportional signal representing output from a proportional sensor activated by a single independent first button depressible by a single finger of a human user;    receiving a second proportional signal from the controller, the second proportional signal representing output from a second proportional sensor activated by a single independent second button depressible by a single finger of the human user;    receiving a third proportional signal from the controller; and    receiving a fourth proportional signal from the controller, the third proportional signal and the fourth proportional signal represent output from sensors activated by two axes movement of a first member;    receiving a fifth proportional signal from the controller;    receiving a sixth proportional signal from the controller, the fifth proportional signal and the sixth proportional signal represent output from sensors activated by two axes movement of a second member, the third, fourth, fifth and sixth proportional signals at least in part controlling the game imagery;    receiving a seventh signal from the controller; and    receiving an eighth signal from the controller, the seventh signal and the eighth signal represent output from sensors activated by two axes movement of a third member, the seventh signal and the eighth signal at least in part controlling the game imagery.    
   
   
       4 . A method according to  claim 3  further comprising: 
 sending an active tactile feedback signal to the controller causing a motor to rotate an offset weight providing vibration.    
   
   
       5 . A method according to  claim 3  further comprising: 
 receiving a first On signal representing output of a first On/Off switch activated by depression of said first button, said first On signal at least in part controlling the game imagery;    receiving a second On signal representing output of a second On/Off switch activated by depression of said second button, said second On signal at least in part controlling the game imagery.    
   
   
       6 . A method according to  claim 5  further comprising: 
 sending an active tactile feedback signal to the controller causing a motor to rotate an offset weight providing vibration.    
   
   
       7 . A method of interacting with three-dimensional imagery shown by a display, comprising: 
 receiving a first proportional signal representing depression of a single finger depressible independent first button located on a two-hand-held controller, said first proportional signal at least in part controlling the three-dimensional imagery;    receiving a first On signal from a first On/Off switch representing depression of said first button, said first On signal at least in part controlling the three-dimensional imagery;    receiving a second proportional signal representing depression of a single finger depressible independent second button located on said two-hand-held controller, said second proportional signal at least in part controlling the three-dimensional imagery;    receiving a second On signal from a second On/Off switch representing depression of said second button, said second On signal at least in part controlling the three-dimensional imagery;    receiving a third proportional signal,    receiving a fourth proportional signal,    receiving a fifth proportional signal,    receiving a sixth proportional signal,    the third, fourth, fifth and sixth proportional signals at least in part controlling the three-dimensional imagery.    
   
   
       8 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein a user discernable passive tactile feedback is provided to a finger of a user by depression of said first button.