Input device for improving man-machine interface

Abstract

An input device for improving man-machine interface is disclosed. The input device provides a more direct and natural relationship between the control movements of an operator and the output from the data processing system. One embodiment of the input device includes a fluid medium sealed inside a chamber, a control movement transmission mechanism connected to the chamber, a control data generating device monitoring and converting the operation of the inflow and outflow control mechanism into electrical signals, a transmission circuit for transmitting the signals to a computer, a fluid flow variable restriction device to variably control the volume of fluid flowing through the restrictor pipe, and a receiver circuit for driving the fluid flow variable restriction device based on control response signals output from the computer. The fluid medium flows into and out of the chamber through the restrictor pipe under control of the various mechanisms.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 097,083, filed Mar. 13, 2002, which is a continuation of the U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 035,617, filed Mar. 5, 1998, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application 9-61176, filed Mar. 14, 1997, the entire contents of which applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a man-machine interface, also referred to as an input device, of the type generally used to manually input control signals to a computer or other data processing systems. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Manually controlled signal input devices used with data processing systems often take the form of pointing devices typically including a mouse or joystick. These pointing devices are controlled by a human operator in order to control movement of a cursor on a computer scr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a means of forming an improved interface between the human operator and the machine through an input device capable of providing a more direct and natural feeling of connection between the control movements of the human operator and the corresponding screen display as output by a data processing device.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, a feeling of direct and natural response is lacking between the operation of the pointing device and corresponding output of the host device as viewed by the graphic conditions displayed on the screen.

This lack of natural response results in a non-direct feeling of control and low level of interface between the human operator and the apparatus.

As a result, persons unfamiliar or unskilled in the use of a data processing or other computer-controlled devices have trouble adapting to their operation, and often give up before the necessary skill is attained.

Furthermore, people who become skilled in the operation of the devices are forced to adapt to the shortcomings of conventional pointing devices, and in doing so expend time and effort in developing a skill which should be unnecessary.

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