초록 ▼

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 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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A control knob device for providing input to a processor of a device, said control knob comprising:a control knob coupled to a grounded surface, said knob rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis extending through said knob, said knob also moveable in a plura

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A control knob device for providing input to a processor of a device, said control knob comprising:a control knob coupled to a grounded surface, said knob rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis extending through said knob, said knob also moveable in a plurality of transverse directions approximately perpendicular to said axis;a rotational sensor that detects a rotary position of said knob in said rotary degree of freedom, said position of said knob provided to said processor;a transverse sensor operative to detect a transverse position of said knob in any of said transverse directions, wherein said position of said knob in a particular transverse direction is provided to said processor to select one of a plurality of modes of said device to be active, wherein at least two of said transverse directions each select a different one of said modes; andan actuator coupled to said knob and operative to output a processor-controlled force sensation in said rotary degree of freedom about said axis, wherein said force sensation is based on said selected mode, and wherein one of said modes, when active, provides different force sensations to said knob than another one of said modes, when active.