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. Some preferred embodiments also incorporate proportional sensors allowing user variable inputs to cause imagery to be variably controlled.

1 . A controller used in controlling imagery of an electronic game, the controller comprising: 
 a housing; associated with the housing are a plurality of    input members receiving inputs from a user; the input members positioned to activate    sensors sensing the inputs by the user and providing outputs related to the sensed inputs, the outputs at least in part controlling the electronic game;    a first of the input members is a stick which is depressible toward the housing, the stick is additionally moveable on two mutually perpendicular axes,    a second of the input members is a finger depressible button, the button is associated with a proportional pressure-sensitive variable output sensor of the sensors, the proportional pressure-sensitive variable output sensor receiving varying input force and providing a variable output representing the varying input force;    a third of the input members is a rotatable member;    structure forming a part of the controller providing feedback detectable by the user when making inputs.    
   
   
       2 . A controller used in controlling imagery of an electronic game, the controller comprising: 
 a housing; associated with the housing are a plurality of    input members receiving inputs from a user; the input members positioned to activate    sensors, said sensors sensing the inputs by the user and providing electrical outputs related to the sensed inputs, the outputs at least in part controlling the electronic game;    a first of the input members is a member moveable on two mutually perpendicular axes;    a second of the input members is a finger depressible first button, the first button is associated with a proportional pressure-sensitive variable output sensor of the sensors, the proportional pressure-sensitive variable output sensor receiving varying input force and providing a variable output representing the varying input force;    a third of the input members is a rotatable member;    a fourth of the input members is a finger depressible second button, the second button is associated with an On/Off output sensor of the sensors.    
   
   
       3 . A controller according to  claim 2  further comprising: the first of the input members is depressible activating a tactile sensor of the sensors, toward the housing along an axis mutually perpendicular to said two mutually perpendicular axes.  
   
   
       4 . A controller according to  claim 3  further comprising a motor with weight mounted in said controller, said motor with weight providing active tactile feedback.  
   
   
       5 . A controller used in controlling imagery shown on a display, the display connected to an image generation device, the controller comprising: 
 a housing; associated with the housing are a plurality of    members receiving physical inputs from a human user; the members receiving physical inputs are positioned to activate    sensors, said sensors sensing the inputs by the user and providing outputs related to the sensed inputs, the outputs at least in part controlling the imagery;    a first of the members receiving physical inputs is a stick moveable on two axes,    a second of the members receiving physical inputs is a finger depressible first button, the first button is associated with a first proportional pressure-sensitive variable output sensor of the sensors, the first proportional pressure-sensitive variable output sensor receiving varying input force and providing a variable output representing the varying input force;    a third of the members receiving physical inputs is a finger depressible second button, the second button is associated with a second proportional pressure-sensitive variable output sensor of the sensors, the second proportional pressure-sensitive variable output sensor receiving varying input force and providing a variable output representing the varying input force;    a fourth of the members receiving physical inputs is a finger depressible third button, the third button is associated with an On/Off output sensor of the sensors.    
   
   
       6 . A controller according to  claim 5  further comprising a motor with weight mounted in said controller providing active tactile feedback.  
   
   
       7 . A hand-held controller controlling an electronic game, the controller comprising: 
 a housing sized to be hand-held; associated with the housing are a plurality of    structural elements receiving inputs from a human user; the structural elements receiving inputs are positioned to activate    sensors, the sensors sensing the inputs by the user and providing outputs related to the sensed inputs, the outputs at least in part controlling the electronic game;    a first of the structural elements receiving the inputs is a stick element moveable on two axes and structured to activate at least a first proportional sensor and a second proportional sensor of the sensors,    a second of the structural elements receiving the inputs is a finger depressible first button, the first button is associated with a third proportional sensor of the sensors, the third proportional sensor receiving varying input and providing a variable output representing the varying input;    a third of the structural elements receiving the inputs is a finger depressible second button, the second button is associated with a fourth proportional sensor of the sensors, the fourth proportional sensor receiving varying input and providing a variable output representing the varying input;    a fourth of the structural elements is a function key positioned to activate an On/Off sensor of the sensors.    
   
   
       8 . A hand-held controller in communication with a image generation machine controlling an electronic game, the controller comprising: 
 a housing sized to be hand-held; associated with the housing are a plurality of    structural elements receiving inputs from a human user; the structural elements receiving inputs are positioned to activate    sensors, the sensors sensing the inputs by the user and providing outputs related to the sensed inputs, the outputs controlling the electronic game;    a first of the structural elements receiving inputs is a finger depressible first button, the first button is associated with a first proportional sensor of the sensors, the first proportional sensor receiving varying input and providing a variable output representing the varying input;    a second of the structural elements receiving inputs is a finger depressible second button, the second button is associated with a second proportional sensor of the sensors, the second proportional sensor receiving varying input and providing a variable output representing the varying input;    a third of the structural elements is a function key positioned to activate an On/Off sensor of the sensors;    a fourth of the structural elements receiving inputs is a stick element controllable on two axes.