Dual-Mode Input Device Switching Between Pointing and Joystick Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices, such as pointing and joystick devices, require operators to switch between modes or use both devices simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies and dexterity challenges, especially in gaming applications where seamless control is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A single input device with a housing, tracking assembly, and actuators that can switch between pointing and joystick modes, allowing for the transmission of both pointing and joystick signals, and featuring a center/hold mode to manage joystick data seamlessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single input device is used for both pointing and joystick functions, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is designed to perform both pointing device functions and joystick functions using a single device. The controller can transmit either pointing device signals or joystick signals based on the current mode, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate devices for each function type.
Solution Approach 2:
The input device incorporates a mode switch that dynamically changes the operational state of the device between pointing mode and joystick mode. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to adapt its signal transmission behavior based on the selected mode, enabling versatility without requiring multiple static device configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators use pointing device and joystick device simultaneously, then control capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to dexterity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of a pointing device and a joystick device into a single unified input device. By merging these two separate control mechanisms into one device with a single actuator and tracking assembly, operators can access both pointing and joystick control capabilities without needing to manually switch between or coordinate multiple separate devices, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining control capability.
3Ease of operation
If operators switch between pointing device and joystick device, then ease of operation is improved for individual tasks, but loss of time increases due to switching
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is pre-configured with the capability to perform both pointing and joystick functions, with a mode switch that can quickly transition between operational states. This preliminary preparation of dual functionality within a single device eliminates the need for physical switching between separate devices, allowing operators to rapidly transition between control modes without the time loss associated with picking up or reconfiguring separate input devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device having a pointing mode and a joystick mode is disclosed. The input device includes a housing, a tracking assembly, and at least one actuator. In some aspects of the invention, a controller is located within the housing to receive input from the tracking assembly and the actuator, and the controller transmits a pointing device recognition signal and a joystick device recognition signal to a host upon connection of the input device to the host. In another aspect of the invention, the actuator may be utilized to switch between a repeat and center mode, wherein the input device repeats a joystick signal when in the pointing mode and the hold mode. Additional aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer-readable media with computer executable instructions.