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US Patent 6344791 - Variable sensor with tactile feedback

US Patent Issued on February 5, 2002
Estimated Patent Expiration Date: Icon_subject June 21, 2020Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
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Abstract

Structures and methods for using an analog sensor in combination with a user discernable snap-through threshold feedback, the feedback may be created by a dome-cap element of the sensor. The threshold feedback, sensed by a human user's finger, indicates activation and deactivation of the analog sensor. Tactile analog sensor(s) are structurally combined with: a second kind of tactile feedback referred to as active tactile feedback, flexible sheet sensor elements, pivotal analog buttons, and game imagery controls.

Other References

  • S.F. Kambic, IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 20 No. 5 Oct. 1977
  • Questel-Orbit QWEB pp. 1-24 (submitted herewith) The Individual "Questel" disclosures are herein-individually listed, and full and "best" copies are provided for review
  • IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin pp. 230-235 Feb. 1990 Mouse Ball-Actuating Device With Force And Tactile Feedback Research Disclosure Nov. 1987 28373 Joystick with Tactile Feedbac

Inventor

Application

No. 599095 filed on 06/21/2000

US Classes:

338/114, Deformable338/99, Surfaces pressed together (e.g., compressible type)463/37Hand manipulated (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc.)

Field of Search

463/36, Player-actuated control structure (e.g., brain-wave or body signal, bar-code wand, foot pedal, etc.)463/37, Hand manipulated (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc.)345/156, DISPLAY PERIPHERAL INTERFACE INPUT DEVICE345/159, Having variable cursor speed345/161, Joystick273/148R, GAMES ACCESSORIES273/459, MISCELLANEOUS273/460, Electric338/99, Surfaces pressed together (e.g., compressible type)338/114, Deformable338/47Force-actuated

Examiners

Primary: O'Neill, Michael
Assistant: Jones, Scott E.

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International Class

H01C 010/10

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