Control knob with multiple degrees of freedom and force feedback

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6154201
SERIAL NO

09179382

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

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Abstract

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The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob. Detent forces can be provided for the knob by overlapping and adjusting ranges of closely-spaced detents in the rotary degree of freedom of the knob.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

  • IMMERSION CORPORATION

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Braun, Adam C Sunnyvale, CA 83 7718
Levin, Michael D Sunnyvale, CA 24 1745
Martin, Kenneth M Palo Alto, CA 103 15010
Rosenberg, Louis B San Jose, CA 348 43188
Schena, Bruce M Menlo Park, CA 168 29542

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