Image controller

Abstract

Methods of using image controllers 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. Some preferred embodiments used also incorporate proportional sensors with tactile feed allowing user variable inputs to cause imagery to be variably controlled.

1 . A method of interacting with an image controller controlling at least a three-dimensional object image, comprising: 
 receiving a first signal from said image controller, said first signal derived from a pressure-sensitive analog sensor associated with a single independent depressible button positioned on said image controller, said first signal used to control said three-dimensional object image, and    sending a second signal to said image controller, said second signal used to provide an active tactile feedback vibration felt by a hand of a human user, the act of sending said second signal results from virtual contact of said three-dimensional object image caused by the act of receiving said first signal.    
   
   
       2 . A method of interacting with an image controller according to  claim 1  further comprising 
 receiving a third signal and a fourth signal, the third and fourth signals used as three-dimensional viewpoint navigating commands.    
   
   
       3 . A method of interacting with an image controller according to  claim 2  wherein the third and fourth signals are provided by two bi-directional proportional sensors located within said image controller.  
   
   
       4 . A method of interacting with an image controller according to  claim 3  wherein a fifth signal is provided by a third bidirectional proportional sensor and a sixth signal is provided by a fourth bidirectional proportional sensor located within said image controller; and said button having a tactile resilient structure providing a user discernable tactile feedback upon depression of said button; at least two of the sensors connected to at least one sheet.  
   
   
       5 . A method of using an image controller controlling at least a three-dimensional object image, comprising the acts: 
 receiving a three-dimensional object command from at least one of four bi-directional proportional sensors, and    sending an active tactile feedback command to said image controller, the act of sending results from virtual contact of the three-dimensional object caused by the act of receiving, whereby the sending of the active tactile feedback command causes vibration to be felt by a hand of a human user, the vibration related to contacting of the three-dimensional object image.    
   
   
       6 . A method of using an image controller according to  claim 5  further including the act 
 receiving a three-dimensional viewpoint navigating command from said image controller.    
   
   
       7 . A method of using an image controller according to  claim 6  wherein the three-dimensional commands are provided at least in part by four unidirectional sensors located in said image controller.  
   
   
       8 . A method of using an image controller according to  claim 7  wherein the three-dimensional commands are provided at least in part by activation of two single independent buttons positioned to activate proportional sensors located within said image controller.  
   
   
       9 . A method of using an image controller according to  claim 8  wherein at least one of said buttons has a tactile resilient structure providing a user discernable tactile feedback upon depression of the button; at least two of the sensors connected to at least one sheet.