Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
21~757~
JOYSTICK WITH SINGLE PLATE GIMBAL
The present invention relates to a joystick device amd in particular to a joystick device for
5 providing input to a computer.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Mamy computers such as am IBM PC~, XT, AT, 386 and/or 486 computer of a Macintosh~
10 computer are provided or retrofitted with a gameport. Various stimdards for gameports have been
used. A common standard is that described m '-IBM Game Control Adapter" m IBM Technical
Reference: Options amd Adapters, Vol. 2, March 18, 1986, incorporated herern by re6rence.
Accordmg to this st~mdard, the gameport provides between four and eight Iines (along
with various voltage or groumd lines). Accordrng to the standard, at lesst two, amd np to fomr, Irnes are
15 coupled to a variable resistor m am external device, snch as the type of variable resistor fommd m a
typical joystick mput device. Typically, a joystick permits commection of two variable resistors to two
of the lines, amd one to four button or trigger signals over one to four of the remamrng lines. A second
joystick may provide for coupling of first and second variable resistors through two additional Irnes.
Among the various types of joystick devices which have been designed m the past, the
20 joystick described m U.S. Patent 5,113,179 issued May 12, 1992 to Scott-Jackson, et al., rncorporated
herein by reference, provides fust and second gimbal plates 15 amd 17, each moveable m one of two
orihogonal directions. Although the device described in this patent is highly effective and useful for
mamy applications, it would be desirable, where possible, to provide a joystick which c~m be more
'~ produced, such as providmg a joysdck with fewer parts, with reduction m toler~mce
25 requrred between associated parts, and havmg parts which are more " "~ stable and easier to
mold. Additionally, it would be desrrable to provide a joystick which cam be made thrnner tham .
previous devices.
Most joysticks used m connection with Desktop computers are either a switch type or a
proportional type. A proportional joystick provides mformation regarding the arnormt of deflection of
30 the joystick in lef -right, and for fore-af directions (or combrnations thereof). In a switch type
joystick, movement of the joystick to the lefl issues a "left on" signal, movement to the right issues a
rright on" signal, movement forward issues am "up-on" sigmal, and movement af issues a "down-on"
sigmal. Thus, the switch-type joystick provides no mformation regarding the amount of movement lef~
right, up or down, but only the presence of absence of movement. For this type of joystick, movement
35 rn a diagonal drrection cam result m two of the fom switches or signals "on." Some switch type mput
devices can mclude a large number of switches. However, a proportional joystick is different from a
switch joystick because the proportional output from the proportionsl joystick cam be provided with
amy desrred degree of movement ;' ' by providing a proportional movement detector with
sufficiently fune resolution. In some proportional joysticks, movement (or position) is detected or
40 mdicated usmg a variable resistor. By usrng a sufficiently high quality variable resistor, the
I
2~47~7a
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proportional joystick ean provide am output that discrimmates any amount of joystick movement, no
matter how small. A switch type joystick, on the other hand, is limited rn its ;' of position
or movement by the number of switches provided.
Some previous joysticks provide for adjustment of the amolmt of tension, i.e., the amount of
5 force, as perceived by the user, tendmg to restore the s'dck to the neutral or central position. However,
some devices do not provide the user with a deshable degree of control over tension m various
dhrections of movement. Aceordmgly it would be ~ to provide a joystick in which the user
has an mcreased amoumt of control over tension adjustment m various directions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present mvention, a joystick is provided which achieves a
joystick fimction usmg only a smgle gimbal plate. Where desired, twistmg of the plate cam be rnhibited
amd/or prevented. Proferably, tension adjustrnent is provided which is mdependent for each of the
15 joystick axis drrections (left, right, fore, aft).
The present hnvention mcludes a recognition of problems or shortcommgs of previous
devices. Previous joystick devices for computers have typically provided a first proportional signal
over a first gameport "axis Ime" indicative of pivoting movement of a control stick rn a frrst, usnally
left-right, drrection amd a second proportional signal over a second gameport "axis Ime" indicative of
pivotmg movement of the control stick rn a second drrection typically ~ to the frrst
direction, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the present mvention one or more of the axis
outputs is indicative rotational movement of a control device (such as rotation about a substantially
vertical axis, m the normal operatulg position) amd preferably another output of am axis data is
mdicative of Imear slidmg movement of a control device.
In one enviromment, the device cam be configured to chamge or limit the r;mge of movement of
the stick or the control device, such as by allowmg the user to switch between a circular range of
movemen~ a square r;mge of movement, or combinations thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DFIAWD~GS
Fig. I is a perspective, view of a joystick apparatus accordmg to am embodrment of the present
mvention with the joys'dck cable umplugged;
Fig. 2 is a top plam view of the apparatus of Fig. I;
Fig. 3 is a fiow chart of a process according to am embodiment of the present mvention;
3s Fig. 4A, shown on two sheets as Figs. 4A-1 amd 4A-2, is an mverted, exploded, partially cut-
away perspective view of apparatus accordmg to an embodrment of the present mvention;
Fig. 4B is a top plan view of the ghmbal plate amd adjacent components of Fig. 4A.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the bottom housmg section of the embodiment of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is am exploded perspective view of a second confrol unit of the embodiment of Fig. I;
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2147~75
Fig. 7 is an mverted perspective exploded view, partially broken away of apparatus according
to an embodiment of Fig. I;
Fig. 8, shown on two sheets as Figs. 8A and 8B, is an nnverted exploded perspective view of
apparatus accordnng to an embodnment of the present imvention;
Figs. 9A and 98 are schematic perspective views showing ranges of control stick movement
accordrng to embodnments of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a block diagram of apparatus in a joystick for using configuration information; amd
Fig. I l depicts, nn tabular form, an example of configuration rnformation stored nn a memory.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM80DIMENT
Fig. I shows the external appearance of a joystick accordrng to one embodiment of the present
rnvention. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, a fust pivotable joystick shaft l lO is coupled to the joysticlc
handle 112. Preferably, a handle 112 can be easily hlstalled or removed, e.g., so that users may easily
15 mstall different styles of handles for different uses or to ' user preferences. To facilitate
ease of rnstallation, am easy-to-couple plug sucb as a Tl "clip"-type connector 114 and ~
socket 116, allow the user to easily comnect or discommect whing bet veen tbe handle 112 and chrcuitry
in the base 118. In the depicted embodiment, the handle 112 can be held hn place on the shaft 110 by
removable fasteners such as bolts and nuts, screws, latches and the like. The joystick shaf 110 and
20 attached handle 112 are pivotable 135a, 135b, 137a, 137b along a fnst, fore-aft axis 136a-136b and a
lef -right axis 1 38a-1 38b, or combrnations thereof, as described more fully below.
In the depicted embodrment, a number of user-activatable buttons 122a- 122f (Fig. 1), some of
a "trigger" type 122g-122h (Fig. 4A) are provided and communicate to the base unit 118 usrng cable
124 and connector 114. Additional user-activatable buttons 132a-132d, 134a-134c are provided on the
25 body or chassis portions of the device 118. An rndicator light such as l:o,S~: ,, diode (LED) 158
provides mformation about the status of the joystick such as power status, button statns (as described
below) and the like.
The moveable shaft 110 and handle 112 provide a frrst proportional control unit. A second
control unit 144 is moveable by linearly sliding nn a second fore-aft axis 146a-146b and is capable of at
30 least limited rotation clockwise 148a or ~ .h.~k~ 148b, about a substantially vertical axis 152.
In the depicted embodiment, the second control device 144 rn the depicted embodiment, mcludes a
numberofuser-activatablebnttons 154a-d, 156a-d.
Fig. 4A is an exploded view of the main portion of the apparatus nn an upside-down or
inverted position. For clarity, rn Fig. 4A-2, handle 112 is shown rotated from its fnnal position. When
35 assembled, hamdle 112 will be rotated about 90 401 to the relative position shown nn Figs. I and 2.
The housrng 118 mclndes a lower housing 402 and an upper housing 404. Coupled to the shaft 110 is
a handle ball 36 whose center defmes the pomt about which the handle 112 pivots. ~he upper housing
404 includes a pair of oppositely disposed slots or keyways 40a, 40b, which slidably receive ball pins
or keys 42a, 42b. Opening 20 in the upper housing 404 'i the shaft 110. The openimg 20
.. , . ... , .... , . , ., .. , , .. ,, . , . , . , .. _ . , . , .. ,, . , . _ .. , . .. .. , _ , ... ... . . . . . .
. .
2147S7~
hasaslopedinteriorsurface23whichabutsball36andpermitspivotablemotionoftbesbafillO,bllt
prevents rotation thereof about the longitudinal axis of shaft 110 when the pins 42a, 42b are engaged im
fne slots 40a, 40b. The lower hemisphere of ball 3 6 (which is the upper hemisphere m the mverted
view of Fig. 4A) is received in am openmg 406 of spider member 408. Spider member 408 is fr~edly
coupled to the upper housing 404 via screws 41 Oa, 41 Ob received m sockets 41 2a, 41 2b, and this way
the ball 36 is rotatably mounted between the sloped mterior surface 23 amd the collar 412 of opening
406. A single gimbal plate 416 mcludes an opennng 418 confgured to receive am actuatmg structure
coupled to the ball 36. Providing a single gimbal plate, rather than requn ing two or more stacked
structures, contributes to the ability to provide a thm overall base structure.
First and second electronic circuits such as provided on printed circuit boards 422, 424
via plng-m leads 426. A cable 428 is commected to circuit board 424, e.g., for
,,withacomputer. Inoneembodnment,thedistalendofcable428imcludesaD15
coupler for commecting to a gameport, amd/or conmectors for couplmg to a keyboard port andlor for
receiving a keyboard cable.
Gimbalplate416ismoveablethroughoutar~mgeofmotion(describedmorethoronghly
below) preferably remammg substanlially m its own plame which is pre&rably substantially
to the control stick when it is m its central or neutral position 472. Keepnng movement
of the gimbal plate 416 snbstantially m its own plane (rather than, e.g., pivotmg wifh the joystick)
contributes to providing a thnn overall base structure.
Gnmbal plate 416 is biased towards a central position by adjustable tensionmg assemblies
432a, b, c, d. Each tensionmg assembly 432 mcludes am adjustment slider 436a, b, c, d, bearmg balls
438a, b, c, d Sprmgs 442a, b, c, d, amd spring cups 444a, b, c, d. Side walls 446a-h of spider 408 amd
side walls 502a-502h (Fig. 5) extending from the mterior surface of bottom honsmg member 402
cooperate to form a guideway for retamnng bearing balls 448, springs 442 and cups 444 aligned along
tensioning axes 452a, b, c, d while permittmg limited Innear movement along the tensionmg axes.
Sliders 436a-d are mounted to permit movement along slidnng axes 454a-454d. In the
depicted embodiment, moumting to ' slidmg is provided by engagement of slider bottom
surface guides 456a, b, c, d (Fi3. 4) with tabs 458a-d foumd m the ilmer surface of the upper housmg
portion 404 amd/or tracking of thumb posts 462a, b, c, d m slots 464a, b, c, d formed in the lower
3 0 housimg 402 Sliders 436a, b, c, d defme mclmed cam surfaces 466 for contacting bearing balls 438a,
b, c, d. By movement of amy or all of the sliders 436 and on axes 454a-d, the .,~ " 3 bearing
balls 43 8a-d will ride along inclined cam sm faces 466 so as to adjust the distlmce of the bearnng balls
438 from the hamdle neutral axis 472. Preferably, the cam surfaces 466 are scalloped so that outward
force on the bearing balls 438 provided by sprmgs 442 will urge the sliders to amd retam the sliders at
discrete positions along axis 454 ~ to the concave regions of the scalloped cam edges 466.
If the sliders are set such that there is greater restornng force for one dnection tham for the
opposite direction, this difference m force will, neverlheless, not, in itself, result im displacement of the
. , . . , . , _
~ 2147~7~
gimbal from its centered position because the spring cups can not exteDd past walls 447a, b, c, d which
are parallel with the flat cup-contact edged of the gimbal plate 416.
As depicted in Fig. 4B, as a slider is moved from a fust low-tension position 436d' towards a
high-tension position 436d, the .,u.. . " v bearing ball moves from a outward position 438d' to an
5 inner position 438d This movement of the bearing ball 438 along axes 452 affeds the amount of
compression on springs 442 (when the gimbal plate 416 is in the neutral position with the opening 419
centered on axis 472). The amount of compression on the four springs 442a, b, c, d determines the
force conveyed from the spring cups 444a, b, c, d to the gimbal plate 416, and thus, the amount of
tension or resist~mce to handle pivûting perceived by the user in each of the four diredions 136a, b,
10 138a, b. The tension adjustment for the four directions is mdependent m the sense that it is possible to
move any of the sliders 436a, b, c, d without moving other sliders, and thus, to set the amount of
compression on any of the springs 444a, b, c, d without affecting compression on other springs.
Preferably, the shaft 110 is biased towards a central or neutral position, aligned on axis 472. I:or
example, the device cfm be confgured such that the end flat surface of the aduating strudure 420
15 bears against a planar region 504 in the inner surface of lower honsing 402 (Fig. 5) such that
movement of hamdle 110 away from the position aligms along axis 472 is met by an amount of
resistance as tbe flat surface of actuating surface 420 bears against snrface 504. Thus, the amount of
resist~mce felt by a user when moving the hamdle 112 in a direction 136a, b, 138a, b (or combinations
thereof) will be the sum of the resistance arismg hrom the shafl neutral biasing force amd the resistsmce
20 arismg from the force transmit~ed from the springs 442, via the cups 444 to the gimbal plate 416 which
is coupled to the actnating surface 420 via openmg 418. The ability to adjust resistfmce usmg
movement of components substantially ~ ,u~ i ,ul u to the (neutral) joystick axis contributes to the
ability to provide a thin overall base structure.
When shafl 110 is pivoted, pivoting movement is ccntered about a pivot pornt located at the
25 central ball 36. As the user mamipulates the control stick to pivot it such that upper end 480 moves im
theaftdirecdon136b(Fig.9A)theoppositeend420OfthestickIlûwillmovemtheopposite
direction 137b, causing the actuatmg structure 420 to move the grmbal plate 416 from the central
position to a forward position 484b agamst the urgmg of spring 442b. Similarly, movement of the
stick so tbat the stick top 482 is moved forward 136a causes the gimbal plate 416 to move in the afl
30 direction 137a. Movement of the stick I lû in the left direction 138a (Fig. 9B) causes the opposite end
420 to move m the opposite direction 139a amd movement of the stick 110 such that the top 482 moves
to the right 138b results m movement of the gimbal plate 416 in the opposite direction 139b, e.g., lo
position 484c agarnst the nrging of spring 442c. Movements m other directions, e.g., direction 135
(Fig. 9A) will have components along both the fore-aft axis 136a, 136b and left-right axis 138a, 138b,
35 causmgmovementofthegimbalplate416inadirectionwhichhascomponentsalongboththefore-aft
axis 137a, 137b and lef -right axis 139a, 139b.
Thus, as control stick 110 is moved along the fore-af axis 136a, 136b, the gmnbal plate 416 is
moved m an opposite fore-aft direction 1 37a, 137b causmg the edge of openmg 554b to move variable
... .. ........ . ..
~ 2147S7~
resister slider button 552a while variable resister slider bunon 552b rides in slot 554a without
subst~mtial movemene. In this way, fhe fore-aft movement of control stick 110 is translated nnto an
electrical proportional signal, namely a variable resistmce output from variable resister 556a without
amy chamge in the resist~mce of variable resister 556b. Snmilarly, movement of the stick 110 m a left-
rigbtdirection 138a, 138bcausesmovementofthegnmbalplate416alongaxis 139a, 139bsothat
edges of slot 554a cause lateral movement of slider bunon 552b of variable resister 556b while slider
button 552a rides within slot 554a without any subst~mtial movement thereof. Thus, movement of the
hmdle 112tmdthusstick 110alongtheleft-rightaxis 138a, 138bistsnslatedmtoamelectrical
proportional signal, namely a variable resistance out,out from variable resister 556b. Circuitry on
prmtedcircuitboard442providesCouplnngofthevariableresistmceoutputbYresiStes552a,5æbto
circuitry on circuit board 424. In one embodiment, the variable resist~mces 552a, 552b are provided
via cable 428 to pins 3 amd 6 of a gameport to provide a st~mdard "X-A" axis and "Y-A~ axis input
tbrougb a standard compnter gameport as described m "IBM Game Control Adapter" supra.
In tbe depicted embodiment, the amoumt of pivotimg of the control stick 110 m amy particular
drrectionisln~nited,atleastbycontactofthecollar487withthesurfacelO90ftbehousnngtopinthe
region of the opening 20. Other devices for limitmg motion could also be used such as contact of pins
42a, 42b with the upper surfaces (bottom surfaces m the view of Fig. 4A) of the slots 40a, 40b and/or
contact of the edge of the actuatnng structure 420 with lower housing sidewalls 506a, b, c, d. In this
way, at least when the sliders 436 are set to a low or minnmum tension, fhe locus of points defmed by
theend4820fthestickllOwhenmovedtoanextremepositionmamydnectiondefmesaclosed
shape. Inoneembodiment,theshapedefmedbytheextremepositionsofthehamdle IlOhas, ineach
quadr~mt, at least portions which are curved, and, m one embodiment, defmes j Lil.,l~ in each
quadrtmt, so that together, the locus of the pomts defmed by the extreme positions of the end of the
handle is a circle 902. It would also be possible to configure the device to define other shapes.
Drfferent rhapes for the extreme positions of handles are useful for different pmposes o~
applicatior~s. Mamy game applications are configmed to operate most satisfactorily when the extreme
position locus 902 is cnrcular. In other galne or simulation situations, it is preferable to provide a rtmge
of movement of the joystick 110 such that the extreme positions defune a shape which is curved nn
some quadrants amd straight nn other quadr~mts. For example, nn some drivmg simulation situations, it
is preferred to provide a range of motion such that the extreme positions defme a shape which is flat in
the fore-aft direction 904a, 904b, but which is curved m the left-right quadrants 906c, 906d. As
amother example, some software, such as some flight snmulator software, preferably includes
cali~ration, such as by instructing the user to move the stick 110 to a "corner" position. In these
situations, it is preferable to provide a range of movement which is flat m all four qnadramts, e.g.,
defunmg a square 904a, 904b, 904c, 904d.
According to one embodiment, the apparatus cim be configured to modify the shape of the
locus of extreme pomrs 902, preferably m a . ' ...,., fashion such that the user can modify the
shape of the locus of pomts nn amy given quadrant. In one embodiment, the user can modify the shape
, . ... .. . . .. .. ... ... . . .
~ 21~75~
in the fore quadr;mt between a curved shape 906a amd a flat shape 906b, can modify the shape m the
aft quadrant between curved shape 906b and flat shape 904b, can modify the shape in the left quadrant
between curved shape 906c and flat shape 904c, and can modify the shape in the right quadrant
between curved shape 906d and flat shape 904d.
One system for effectimg this shape modification can be described in connection with Fig. 4B.
Extending ontward from the spring cups 444 are stop posts 49Za, b, c, d. When the slider is m the low-
tension position 436d', the bearing ball is in am ontetmost position 438d'. Assummg the gimbal plate
416 is centeted, the dist;mce 494 from the outer end of the stop peg 492d to the beatmg ball 438b' is
10 sufficiendy large that wher. the handle 110 is moved to the extreme fotward posidon 910a, thus
movmg gimbal plate 416 to its extreme position in directiorl 137a, i.e., towards bearing ball 438d',
there is clearfmce between peg 492d and beatmg ball 43 8d'. However, when the slider is moved to the
high-tension position 436d the bearmg ball is moved to am hmer-most location 438d smd the spacmg
496 between the stop peg 492d amd the beating ball 438d is sufficiently small that the peg 492 contacts
15 the beatmg ball 438d when the stick 110 has been moved forward to a position 910b which is shott of
the extreme position 91 Oa amd which intetsects Iine 904a. This dist;mce 496 will be mamtairled
regardless ofthe left-right position ofthe gimbal plate 416 amd thus the limitation on movement m the
forward direction 904a will be flat tather than cutved. In this way, the user may select between a
forward e~lreme shape 904a which is flat (by positioning slider in the high-tension position 436d) amd
20 a shape 906a m the fotward quadrant which is cutved (by positionmg slider 436d in a location other
than the I _' t~;uu location). Other ways of chamgmg the shape of the extreme positions of the
handle csm be used snch as aLowing the user to position moveable vertical pegs 498a-h, limitmg the
freedom of movement of plate 416 amd the like.
In some embodiments it is desired to restram or prevent twisting of the gimbal plate 416, i.e.,
25 rotation around axis 472. In the depicted embodiment, twistmg ofthe plate 416 is discouraged by
engagement of the substantially flat ilmer surfaces of spring cups 444 with the ~ . " _
substantially flat edges of the gimbal plate 416. For this reason, it is deshable, for at least some
, to provide a configuration in which there is always at least some force of each of the
fourspringcups444agamsta~ edgeofthegimbalplate416,i.e.,toavoid"free-floatmg"
30 ofthegimbalplate416hnanydirection. Thus,evenhmthel~ settingmfheembodimentof
Fig. 4B, the sprmgs 442 are at least partially compressed.
Similarly,insome. ~lv itisdesirabletoavoidtwistingorrotationoftheshaftllO
amd/or handle 112. In the depicted embodiment, twisting of the shaft 110 is avoided by engagement of
the pims 42a, 42b m the slots 40a, 40b.
However, as noted above, and as depicted m Fig. I, m at least one embodiment of the present
invention, it is desirable to provide a cûntrol device which csm be twisted or rotated, such as about am
axis 152 ~ u~ u,ul~ to an axis 1 46a, 1 46b defming a first, preferably linear, direction of movement
of the control device 144. In the depicted embodiment, axis 152 is substantially vertical when the
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21~7~75
apparatus is in the normal use attitLde. As depicted m Fig. 2, the control device 144 can be moYed
along axis 146a, 146b from a forward-most position 141a, in drrection 146b to a rearward-most
position 147b and/or can be rotated about axis 152 clockwise to a left-most rotation 149a and counter-
clockwise to a right-most rotation 1 49b. Preferably, it is possible to rotate the control umit while it is in
any position along the longitudinal axis 146a, 146b. fhus, thc user can change the position of control
device 144 to provide fust and second proportional "axis" signals, one rndicatrng the amoumt of
displacemeDt along axis 146a, 146b and the other rndicatmg the amoumt of rotation abont axis 152. In
one embodiment of the invention, mforrnation about rotation or position abont axis 152 is provided to
the computer through a gameport, along the "B" joystick X-axis Irne, information abont position or
displacement along axis 146a, 146b is provided along the "B" joystick Y-axis Iine, information about
thepositionormovemer~tofthehandlell2alongthefore-aftaxisl36a,136bisprovidedtothecomputer through a gameport on the "A" joystick Y-axis Ime, and mformation about the position or
movGment of the handle 112 along the lef -right axis 138a, 138b is provided along the "A ' joystick X-
axis Irne. Other combinations are possible such as permittrng twist of the handle 112 about axis 472
and transmittrng irlformation about the amount and drrection of twist to the computer over, e.g., the "X-
B" axis Iine andlor permittmg the user to manipulate the handle 112 up and down along a vertical axis
152 and pl ovidrng information about the drrection and amount of movement along axis 152 to the
computer, e.g., over the Y-B axis line. Other types of rotational control devices csm also be used. For
example, it is possible to provide a joystick such that it can be rotated abont its longitudiDal axis and
the amount of rotaUon can be used to provide a proportional output over one of the joystick axis IrDes.
In amofher embodrment, a control cam be configured with a T-shaped slidrng or pivotmg handle, srmilar
to that provided m some automobiles as a shift lever. In this embodrment, the user may provide
rohtion aloDg the longitudmal axis (the rstem" of the T) for controlling proportional output over one of
the gameport axis ines, by grasping the cross piece of the T-handle and twisting or rotatrng.
2s As depicted in Fig. 6, in one embodiment, the control device 144 rDcludes a lower housiDg
602 and an upper housmg 604. As seen in Fig. 7, lower housrng 602 mcludes a well 702. The exterior
surface of the well thus defmes a fust table surface 606 verticaOy displaced from the plane of tDe rrmer
surface 608 ofthe housing 602. A slot 610 formed rn the table 606 ' guide rail 612a,
612bofpincarrier614topermitslidingmovementofprncarrier614rnlateraldirection616. Pm704
extendsdownwardly(rntheviewofFig.6)fromthelowersurfaceofpincarrier614. Aspring618is
held rn a fixed, tensioned position with respect to the lower housmg 602 by engagement with tabs
6æa, b, c. Sprmg 618 biases pin carrier 614 to a central position such that prD 704 is normally
centered m the well 702. Spring 61B provides a force urgmg the controller 144 to a
central rotational location, i.e., midway between positions 149a and 149b, as described more
thoroughly below.
Upper housnng 604 nncludes a plurality of button openings 632a, b, c, d for receiving button
actuators 634a, b, c, d and holes 636a, b, c, d for receiving button plungers 638a, b, c, d. Button
plungers 638a, b, c, d are preferably formed as an integral part of elastomeric resilient bntton plate 642
. _ _ _ _ . . ....... , .. . . . .... .. . . ...... . ..... .. _ . _ _ _ .
2117~
which also mcludes plungers 634a-d, 634a'-634d'. Button plungers 638a d, 644a-d, 644a'-644d' se
aligned with printed cncuit board normally-open switches 646a-m, respectively. Each normally-open
switch comprises two spaced ~ conductive regions. Each plunger 638, 644 contains a
core of conductive material such that when a plunger is depressed, the conductive core contacts both of
5 the mter-digitating conductive regions of the ~,UII. , ~ switch, electrically bridging
the regions amd thus closmg the switch.
Fig. 7 depicts similar switch components, nnclndmg button actuators 132a, 1 32b, 1 32c, 1 32d,
1 32e, elastomeric button plates 706a, 706b defunmg plungers 134a- 1 34d, 708a-708e, each having a
conductive core 71 û for bridgnng ~ ~ " normally-open switches comprisnng spaced mter-
10 digitatmgconductiveregionsonthetopsurface(notshown)ofprnntedcncuitboard712.
Control member bracket 716 nn the upper housing 4û4 contarns a slot 718 for receivnng squarepost 7æ. Fork member 724 contan~s a square hole 726 engagnng square post 722 so that when c
ontrol
member 144 is rotated about axis 1527 fork 724 will pivot 728 in response. Slidmg hble 732 nncludes
a post 734 captured between the tines 736a-736b of the fork 724. The fork 724 and plate 734 are
15 sandwiched between bracket 716 amd plate 742. The table 732 is conpled to the plate 742 by bracket
744 and ledge 746 so as to permit table 732 to move laterally 748 withm bracket 744 as the pm 734 is
moYed in response to pivotnng 728 of the fork 724 when the control unit 144 is rotated about axis 152
Table 732 mcludes a slot 752 for engaging variable resistor slider button 754. Slot 752 is elongated so
that button 754 can move witbin the slot 752 as the table 732 is carried 762 with longitudnnal
2û movement 146a, 146b of the control unit 144 as described below. Thus, the rotation of control unit
144 abont axis 152 causes rotation of square post 7æ transmitting pivotnng movement 728 to the fork
724. Pivoting movement 728 canses lateral movement 748 of post 734 and thus of slot 752 causing
slider button 754 of the variable resistor 764 to move laterally. In this way, rotational movement of the
control unit 144 is translated into a proportional electrical parameter, namely a variable resistance.
25 However, longitudmal movement of control umit 144 along axis 1 46a, b causes button 754 to slide
withm slot 752 without moving button 754 and thus without chamging resistance of variable resistor
764. The amoumt of rotation around axis 152 is limited by contact of housing ears 522a, 522b with leR
and right side walls 772a, 772b of the well 7û2 into which the ears 522a, 522b extend. Post 704 is
captured between ears 522a, 5æb so that when control unit 144 is rotated about axis 152, post 704,
30 and thus pin table 614, is moved laterally 616 within slot 610. This movement is opposed by spring
618 and m this way spring 618 provides a force urgmg the contml umit 144 to a centered position. Ears
522a, 522b are elongated, defmmg an elongated slot 524 (Fig. 5) so that post 704 remams between the
ears 522a, 522b regardless of movement ofthe control umit 144 along axis 146a, 146b.
As control umit 144 moves along axis 146a, 146b, square post 722 moves within slot 718.
35 There is a substantial amount of clearance between post 722 and the sides of slot 718 to
the rotational movement about axis 152 The extent of movement of tbe control umit 144 along axis
146a, 1 46b is limited by contact of th~ ends of ears 522a, 522b with the fore and aR surfaces 776a,
776b of the well 702. As control unit 144 is moved along axis 146a, 146b, plate 742 is carried along
_ _ , . _ . . ... , ..... .... . ... ... .. .. . .. _ . . _ ...... . . .. . . _
214757~
so as to move in a ~u~ longitudinal diroction 778. An arm 782 extends from plQte 742 and
has an opening 784 engaging slide button 786 of variable resistor 788 mounted to circuit board 712.
Extension portion 792 of plate 742 bears agannst the inner edges of plates 792, 796 preventing any
substantial rotation of plate 742 in response to rotation of control unit 144 about axis 152. Movement
S of control nnit 144 along axis 146a, 146b canses longitudnnal moYement 778 of plate 742 and thns of
opening 784 causnng the variable resistor slider button 786 to move. In this way, movement of the
control unit 144 along axis 1 46a, 1 46b is trQnslated into an electrical proportional signal or parQmeter,
m this case a variable resistance.
Buttons 122a through 122f are preferably configured as elastomeric switch-closmg buttons
10 similar to those described above in connection with buttons 1 34a- 1 34c, usmg button plate 706b.
Buttons for triggers 122g, 122h are, in one embodiment, coupled to ul;~lV~W ;..h~ (not shown) within
thehousingofhandle 112. Electricalconnectionfromthebuttons 122a-122hcanbeprovidedto
circuit board 422 and thence to circuit board 424 via cable 124, connector 114 and circuit 116.
Electrical connection from buttons 156a-156d, 154a-154d are provided, via ribbon cable 652,
15 to circuit board 712 and thence, via ribbon cable 654, to circuit board 424. Information regarding the
status of the various buttons can be conveyed to the computer throngh the garneport, through a
keyboard port, or tbrough other ports such as a serial port, parallel port, mouse port and the like.
Which port is nsed and which Ime of which port is associated with which button
depends on how the application software amd/or driver software is configured. In one embodiment,
20 circuitty on printed circuit board 424 is configured so that different buttons can be associated with
different lines of the cable 428. This can be . " ' ' m various ways. In one example, depicted
in Fig. 10, a ...;..~,~" v-~vl receives information abont the state of each button, via an 10 port 1010
and stores a bit, w..~ to each buvon, in a status register 1012. Each bit m the status register
corresponds to a pre-determined one of the buttons and vhus for each bit position bn the status resister,
25 the value of the bit represents the svavls of the .,v.,c, " button, e.g., I may mdicate "button open"
and O may mdicate "button closed." The Illb~lVIJlO~ Vl 1008 vhen determbnes, for each physical
button, on which output line or output lines (if any) vhe status of vhat button is to be output. In the
embodiment of Fig. 10, the v~lv-~aaVl obtains this correlation mformation from a memory 1014.
Fig. I l, depicts, in tabular form, an example of this information. It is well known to those with skill m
30 vhe art how to store information such as that depicted m Fig. I l bn memory 1014 so vhat it can be
accessedbythe . v-.~vll008. InvheexampleofFig.ll,eachrowllOla,b,crepresentsone
of the physical buvtons and each column 1102 a, b, c represents one of the output Innes. A value of one
stored at an intersection of a row and colun~n mdicates that data for the physical button associated with
fhat row is to be output on vhe line associated with that colurnn. Fig. I l provides an example in which
35 there are only three buttons and three output lines altbough ovher numbers of buttons and output Imes
can be _ ' ' in a manner vhat will be apparent to vhose skilled bn vhe a~ In the exarnple of
Fig. I l, physical button one is not associated wivh any output line and vhus in this; '1,, the
status of physical button one will not be output to vhe computer. In this example, physical button two
. , , ... .. , .. , .. , ...... _, ..... ,,, ... , . , .. . ,,,, . _ . , , ., _ .. .. . .
~ 2147~75
is associated with output Ime two and thus the V,VIU~ VI lû08 will access status register 1û12 to
determrne the status of physiGal buGon two and will store the bit found at that bit location of the status
register in a bit position of am output register 1016 associated with output Irne two. In the example of
Fig. I l, physical button three is associated with both output line one amd output Iine two. Thus, in the
5 embodrment of Fig. I l, depression of button three presents a "button pressed" signal on two different
output Imes, YiL output line one amd output Ime two. In one embodnment of Fig. I l, output line two
provides information from two different buttons, vizA button number two amd button number three.
Preferably, mformation about the correlation of buttons with output lines is stored m a non-volatile
manner such as by using a non-volatile memory 1014. In one embodiment, the V,VI'V~ VI 1018 is
10 configured to receive data from the computer, e.g. over Ime 428 such as from the keyboard port of the
computer and to use this rnformation to configure or update the table (Fig. I l) stored in memory 1014.
In this way, it is possible for the computer to send mformation to tbe joystick, via, e.g., the keyboard
port, to determine the assoGiation or correlation of various physical buttons with various ontput Ihnes.
In one embodrment, information regardmg the association of output Imes with physical buttons, such
15 asmformationstoredmmemory 1014c~mbedownloadedfromthecomputertotbememory 1014.For example, when it is desnred to have different button-output Inne '1,, for different
software, the computer cam be configured to "~ download, to the joystick the appropriate or
preferred configuration each tnme a particular game or other application program is loaded or executed.
In one embodrment, the apparatus cam be configured to output mformation from one or more of the
20 proportional control devices such as the joystick and/or control unit over a Ime other tham one of the
gameport axis Imes, snch as a keyboard line, or a mouse port Inne. Similarly, the apparatus can be
confgnred to nse one or more buGons to ontput information over a gameport Iine normally used for
outpuG nng proportional information origrnating from a joystick.
In one embodhment, one or more buttons G;m have different fimctions depending on the past
25 activation of amother "selector" button. Preferably, the user can designate amy button as a selector
button. In this way, once a button has been selected as a selector, it is possible to assign, e.g., two
keyboard or joystick comm~md fimctions to each of the other buttons, namely a primary f~mction on a
secondary fumction. Pressing the selector button once activates the secondary mode for amy buGons
tbat have a secondary fimction assigned to them so tbat depressing a button results in the seconda~y
30 fimction. Pressing the selector button a second time reac~dvates the buttons' primary functions. In one
embodiment, the LED is used to mdicate when a secondary buGon fimction is aGtive, as described
below.
In one embodrment, any of the buttons G~m be assigned to one or more of the output lines in
such a way that activa~don of a button appears, to the computer, identical to activation of a typical
35 joysdck button (i.e., provides a button closed signal to the computer over a gameport button Ime)
amd or appears, to the computer, identiGal to pressmg one or more keyboard keys, mcludmg "modifier"
keys ("key . ' ") such as Alt, Ctrl, Shift, etc.
Il
.. .. ... ..... .. . .. _ .. . . . . ... ...
~ 2147575
In one embodiment, the apparatus can be configured snch that output from one of tbe
proportional controls (e.g., the joystick or the control umit) can be output either as the normal
proportional joystick control signals or over a keyboard line, to provide either absolnte or incremental
keyboard srmulations. In this regard, an "absolute" control or keyboard srmulation means that, as the
5 control is moved throngh a ramge of positions, different keyboard outputs are provided to the computer.
For example, m some computer games, the computer c;m receive keyboard numeric rnput, e.g., nnmber
keys 0-9. In this situation, the apparatus of the present mvention can be configured so that, as the
control device is moved e.g., from the aft-most position to the fore-most position, signals are sent out
over the output Imes to srmulate pressmg of keys 0-9 respectively. If desired, the user cam use this
10 mode to modify the effective range of movement of the control device over which variable output
occurs (e.g., by defmmg two or more of the extreme positions to be equal so that movement between
these positions does not result in a ch~mge of output to the computer, thus effectively reducmg the
range of the control device).
Incremental control mode is for use m connection wr~h software which accepts repeating use
15 of keyboard characters (e.g., the "+" amd "-" keys), such as for acceleradon or deceleration. In this
mode, as the nser moves the control device through the range of motion along one axis, the apparatus
outputs that nmmber of key strokes to the compute m~UII. , " _ to the position of the control device,
up to the maxrmmm rimge of response of the compnter to such key strokes.
According to one embodiment, the computer Gam be progrsmmed to create a lu.. ' ' ' '
20 'i, file usimg procedures such as that depicted m Fig. 3. In one embodiment, softwa¢e c;m
be provided to assist a user m creating a ' . ' ' ' ' configuration file. In one embod¢ment depicted
m Fig. 3, the computer f¢st displays am ¢mage or a list of the various bu¢ons and other controls on the
apparatus 1202. The user selects one of these controls 1204 amd the computer displays the various
funcdon choices for that control 1206. For example, for a bu¢on, the computer may allow the user to
25 choose among one or more of the st~md;¢d joystick button ontpnts, one or more st;mdard keyboard key
s¢okes or key combinationS amd/or s¢mulation of a proportional control output. The user selects, from
among the displayed choices, the primary function for the selected buttoA 1208. Optionally, the user
may also provide a secondary function for the selected button. In this case, the user must have
designated which of the buttons on the apparatus will be the mode selector bu¢on 1212. The user then
30 selects what will be the secondary function 1214, i.e., the function of the selected bntton when the
mode selector bu¢on has been activated. If des¢ed, the user may store notes 1216, i.e., a text file about
thec~nfi~ fion suchasalistofgamesorotherapplicationsassociatedwi¢hthis~nf~ fion After
the user has made all of the button assignments desired, the computer stores the ~
mformation, such as in a table form simila¢ to that depicted in Fig. I l in the computer's memory, ready
35 for downloadmg to the peripheral device 1218.
Fig. 8 depicts amother configuration of the mvention which provides only a s¢ngle
proportional control unit, in this case, a joystick shaft 110 ard a smaller number of buttons 802 a-h on
the chassis. Al¢hough the configuration of the shaft, printed circuit boa¢d, spider, amd tension control
12
. . ,, ., ., ......... , . , . , . ,, . , .. , .. .. .. , _ .... , .. , ., , .. , ,, . , ., .. ,,, _ , . _,, _ , .... .
~ 21~73~
devices are somewhat different from the configuration depicted in Fig 4A, the function is substantially
the same as that described above for thoee elements. In this embodrment, first amd second trim
controls, including trirn control wheels 804a, b are coupled to wipers 41a, b which bear against pads of
a printed circuit board 44a, b mounted on bracket 806 and coupled, via connector 808 to printed circuit
5 board 424 in such a way that user adjustment of either or both of wheels 804a, b. Each provide a
proportional output, signal or other parameters, e.g., a variable resistance. The values of such
parameters can be provided to the computer, e.g., over one or more of the axis Imoe. Alternatively, the
proportional parameter can be used to modify one of the joystick axis signals (or other signals of the
device). For example, in one embodrment, control wheel 804a is used as a trim adjustment that offsets
10 the center value of the y-fore-aft axis of the joystick (i.e., modifies the signaJ output over gameport line
A-Y when the control stick is m the central or neutral position. This use of control wheel 804b might
be employed, e.g., in connection with a flight simulator software so that one does not have to hold the
joystick handle forward const mtly to maintarn level flight at full power, or to trim up" so one does
not have to hold the hamdle back to marntam an up elevator "climb" attitude.
In light of the above description, a number of advantages in the mvention cam be seen. The
proeent invention by, e.g., providing a one piece grmbal plate, provides a joystick device which, other
fhings being equal, requires fewer pa~ts, mvolves reduction of tolerancoe between associated palts, is
more ~ stable, is easier to mold and is thilmer than previous devices such as devices with
two gimbal plates. Twisting of the grmbal plate cam be reduced or avoided by mamtammg some
20 amoumt of sprrng force on all four sidoe of the gimbal plate durmg all tension settmgs. The present
mvention allows the user to select the shape of the perrmeter of the range of joystick motion, such as
selecting, ~ ' .. ;.." whether the perrmeter of the range of motion in a given quadrant is
substlmtially curved (e.g., a quarter-crrcle shape) or flat. Thus, the user c~m, m one embodrment, select
between a rimge of motion which is subst~mtially circular or which is substantially square (or quadr mt-
25 wise . thereof). In one embodiment, the user can mamipulate one or more of the controlmmits by rotatmg it, e.g., about a longitudrnal and/or substimtially vertical axis. The amount of rota
tion
c~m be detected amd a ~u. I~ I " ,, proportional signal can be provided, e.g., over an axis Ime of a
gameport. In one embodiment, the user can adjust the tension or resistance on joystick movement m
one direction or quadrant without affecting tension or resistance in other directions or quadrants. In
30 one embodiment, the user c~m ' ~ , adjust each quadr~mt tension. Preferably, the user can
select between a plurality of different tension settings to arrive at variable tension adjustment in an
independent fashion.
A number of variations and - of the invendon can be used. Although the
depicted embodrments provide for either a smgle joystick control or a joystick control amd a
35 ' ; . ~ control, other combinations can also be provided such as fu st and second joysticks, first
and second 1 '~ devices, rotating joysticks, T-handles, mouse controls, pen controls, track
ball controls, miniature ("eraser") joystick controls, and the like. Although in the depicted
embodiment, the handle 112 is easily removable so fbat the user c;m replace with different handles
, . _ _ . _ _ _ . . _ . . . _ . _ . _ _ .
2~7~7~
havingother.:....li"...~l;..-~fordifferentpurposes,itisalsopossibletoprovideadevicemwhichthe
handle is permanently mounted. A device can be provided with more or fewer total number of buttons,
with a distribution of buttons among chassis, joystick and rotatable control different from that depicted,
with different styles of buttons (e.g, v~ h~ rather than elastomeric buttons). Alvhough Fig I
depicts an apparatus havmg both a joystick and a rotatable control mounted to a single housing, it is
possible to provide for two or more housings, e.g., coupled by cables and/or mechamical linkages.
Although springs have been disclosed for providmg resist mce, other urgmg devices can be used such
as hydraulic or pnenmatic devices, magnetic structure devices, magnetic devices and the like.
Although variable resistors are disclosed for providmg proportional joystick position or movement
imdication, other items c~m be used mcludmg variable capacitor or inductor, solid state devices such as
aTnplifiers, optical devices such as photocells, variable width aper. lure, and the like. Although at least
some . " of vhe mvention can be used in connection with vhe aboYe - noted gameport
st mdard, fhe present mvention c~m be used m connecvdon with joysticks which are not limited to vhe
gameport standard, such as by providmg via keyboard amd/or mouse porls, or joysticks
nsed m comnection with devices other tham personal computers. It is possible to use some aspects of
the imvention wivhout usimg ovher aspects. For example, it is possible to provide a smgle grmbal plate
without prvvidmg for ease of replacemeDt of a joystick hamdle (such as by an easy-to-couple cable). It
is posslble to provide a control device rotatable about an axis without providing an imdependent
adjustment of tension.
~vhile the application has been described by way of a preferred embodiment amd ceriaim
variations and r ~ , other variations amd " ~ cam also be used, vhe imvention benng
defmed by the followimg claims.
