Dongle joystick

Abstract

A portable data storage device (dongle) is configured to serve as a joystick. A method and system are supplied for using the dongle joystick to modify the presentation of an a electric media content item over a host and for using the dongle joystick as a user input interface to select a content item to be presented over a host or to select a datum to be stored. One portion of the dongle joystick is connected to the host and held stationary while a user imposes a force on a second part of the joystick to select and play content. The dongle joystick may include a processor to process output into a format compatible with a legacy playing device host.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a host attached to a dongle joystick.

FIGS. 2 a-2d are side views of a second embodiment of a dongle joystick, the second embodiment being controlled by folding an appendage

FIG. 3 a is a front view of a conventional computer monitor serving as host for a dongle joystick of a third embodiment of the present invention.

• • FIG. 3b is a detailed cutaway view of the dongle joystick of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 a is a three-dimensional view of an adaptor used in a fourth embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 4 b is a flowchart showing a method of supplying an input to a host according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention in which the dongle joystick is made of a flexible material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The principles and operation of a dongle joystick according to the present invention may be s better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

The present invention is a system and a method for user input to a host by means of a dongle connected to a stable socket on the host. The dongle functions as a joystick and is mechanically supported by the socket. The socket grips a connector of the dongle and holds the connector steady while the user manually applies force to the body of the dongle. A sensor registers the force and relays an output to the host. The output varies according to the direction and magnitude of the force. The host interprets variations in the sensor output and effects a particular command associated with a particular output of the sensor.

Attention is now called to FIG. 1: a side view of a first embodiment 100 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a host 120 is a TV set. A socket 130 is rigidly mounted onto host 120. Socket 130 is a stable socket, which grips [stabilizes by applying a force and a moment] a connector 115 of dongle joystick 110 thereby coupling dongle joystick 110 to the outer surface of host 120. Socket 130 also serves as a data connection between dongle joystick 110 and host 120. A user inputs commands to host 120 by applying a force to dongle joystick 110 with the user's hand 135. The force is counteracted by a force and a moment on socket 130 so that dongle joystick 110 remains effectively steady. Thus, when user hand 125 applies a force to dongle joystick 110, link 140 is affected by an applied stress. The direction (up, down, left, right) and magnitude of stress on link 140 is detected by sensors in link 140 of dongle joystick 110. Output of the sensors of link 140 provide information that is translated by a processor in dongle joystick 110 into digital commands or into X and Y coordinates on a screen of host 120. The digital commands are presented to host 120 in a format adapted to host 120. Thus, dongle joystick 110 can be used with a variety of hosts without requiring loading of drivers into the host. Furthermore, dongle joystick 110 can be used with a variety of non-programmable dumb hosts by automatically adjusting the output format of dongle joystick 110 to be compatible with the particular host. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dongle joystick automatically senses the input format of the host and adjusts the output format automatically (transparently in regards to both the host and the user).

Alternatively, output of the sensors can be directed directly to the host to be interpreted by a processor of the host. In such an alternative embodiment, the host includes a processor and driver routines to facilitate interpretation of sensor output.

The conversion of directional pressure on the Dongle Joystick into graphical commands to move a cursor on a screen is performed in a way similar to the operation of the TrackPoint™ pointing device found in IBM™ notebook computers as produced by IBM™ Almaden Research Center, 650 Harry Road, San Jose, Calif. 95120-6099.

In addition to positioning the cursor on the screen, dongle joystick 110 also enables the user to provide commands, similar to clicking on buttons on a computer mouse or a joystick. This is done by providing momentary buttons 117a and 117b that are operated by the user once the cursor has been positioned on the proper menu item.

Alternatively host 120 may have a built in input device (for example a keyboard). In such a case the user interface will include both dongle joystick 110 and the host input device. Input from the host input device may provide a direct interface between host 120 and the user, or the host input device may be used as a user interface to a processor contained in dongle joystick 110. In the later case, communication between host 120 and dongle joystick 110 is two-way. Similarly, when there is two-way communication between host 120 and dongle joystick 110, a processor or data storage in host 120 may send commands or supply data to dongle joystick 110.

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c and 2d show a second embodiment 200 of a dongle joystick 210. In embodiment 200, dongle joystick 210 includes a connector 215, which is stably connected to a host 220 and mechanically supported (held effectively steady for commonly encountered forces) by a socket 230. Socket 230 is rigidly mounted in the front plate of host 220. Alternatively, socket 230 may be rigidly mounted onto a piece of furniture (for example onto desk or onto the hand rest of a chair in which the user sits) or socket 230 may be rigidly connected onto a building (for example socket 220 may be built into a power strip which is mounted on an office wall) or socket 230 may be rigidly mounted onto a vehicle (for example onto the dashboard of a car). Dongle Joystick 210 includes an appendage 212. Connector 215 and the first portion of dongle joystick 210 are connected to a second portion of dongle joystick 210, appendage 212, by a link which is a hinged micro switch 214. A cursor moves on a display of host 220 according to the output of hinged micro switch 214. Particularly, the cursor moves according to the geometric relationship between a first part of dongle joystick 210 (connector 215) and a second portion of dongle joystick 210 (appendage 212). A user controls movement of the cursor by mechanically deflecting appendage 212 to an appropriate angle. Each of FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, FIG. 2c and FIG. 2d shows appendage 212 at a particular angle.

When appendage 212 is deflected in an upward direction as shown in FIG. 2a, the cursor moves upward at a constant velocity. To stop movement of the cursor, appendage 212 is returned to the fully straight position (FIG. 2b). When appendage 212 is deflected in a downward position (FIG. 2c), the cursor moves downwards at a constant velocity. When appendage 212 is deflected at a 45-degree angle upward (FIG. 2d), the cursor moves upward at a reduced velocity.

In embodiment 200 the configuration of appendage 212 is sensed using hinged micro switch 214. Alternatively, dongle joystick 210 may include a potentiometer, a shaft encoder, a momentary switch, one or more one-dimensional bi-directional sensors or a strain gauge to sense—in a discrete or analog way—the deflection of appendage 212 relative to the first portion of dongle joystick 210 or to sense a stress or strain on the dongle. The use of such sensor is well known in the art of joystick design and is similar to an ordinary joysticks, such those available from Happ®, 106 Garlisch Drive, Elk Grove, Ill. 60007, USA.

One who is skilled in the art will be aware that controlling dongle joystick 210 does not require fine motor skills (separate control of individual fingers). Rather appendage 212 can be moved by means of gross motor activity [for example pushing appendage 212 with a whole hand]. Furthermore, a user can tactilely perceive the configuration of dongle joystick 210 (meaning that the user can determine whether appendage 212 is in the up, down or straight position by feel without having to look at dongle joystick 210 or host 220). Furthermore, while dongle joystick 210 is mechanically supported by socket 230, dongle joystick 210 can be controlled using one hand. Thus, dongle joystick 210 can be employed conveniently by a user whose attention is occupied, for example a driver.

Alternatively, dongle joystick 210 may be customized for the needs of a particular user. Thus, buttons can be located on the joystick to accommodate use by a left-handed user. Similarly, the joystick can be designed to facilitate access by a physically limited user (whether the user be limited due to a physical handicap or due to the configuration of vehicle that the user is driving or due to an environmental factor [for example due to severe cold the user is required to wear thick gloves]). Thus, a dongle joystick according to the present invention can provide access for a handicapped user to multiple devices without needing a built in custom interface on each device. For example a person lacking fine motor skills, who is inhibited from operating at dial or a key pad, can use the present invention to view movies on a TV set or listen to music on a hi fidelity sound system without requiring use of the native controls of each of these devices, which include a dial that requires fine motor skills.

FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3b show a third embodiment 300 of the present invention. FIG. 3a illustrates a host 320, which is a conventional computer monitor equipped with a USB socket 330. Host 320 includes a built in speaker 321, a display screen 322 and other controls and indicators typical to computer monitor (not shown). Host 320 also includes USB socket 330 rigidly mounted on the front panel of the monitor for connecting the monitor to a computer. When a dongle joystick 310 of the present invention is plugged into socket 330, dongle joystick 310 provides graphical data to host 320 in the same form as a conventional desktop computer. For example, in FIG. 3a dongle joystick 310 commands host 320 to display an initial menu of options including text menu items 323a-h and icons 324a-b. Particularly, there is a cursor 326 whose movement is controlled by a four-way switch 312 (see FIG. 3b) to choose an option. Alternatively, host 320 may itself have a means to show a cursor 326 responsive to information arriving from dongle joystick 310. The means for displaying a cursor on the screen are known in the art and are found in any personal computer. Examples of host devices that supply a means to show a cursor include but are not limited to a DVD player, a MP4 player and a computer game.

In the example of embodiment 300 the user chooses text menu item 323a to watch a movie (Bambi) or chooses text menu item 323b to listen to music (Beethoven) or chooses text menu item 323c to play a game (pong) or chooses text menu item 323d to watch a network telecast over the Internet (the NBC news) or chooses text menu item 323e to adjust the settings of dongle joystick 310 or chooses text menu item 323f to record a telecast or chooses text menu item 323g to browse the Internet or chooses text menu item 323h to shut down dongle joystick 310 permitting safe removal of dongle joystick 310 from host 320. Choosing is accomplished by using four-way switch 312 to direct cursor 326 to the desired item and clicking momentary switch 317a to make the choice. Dongle Joystick 310 also includes a second portion 313 whose function is described below.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 3b, which is a detailed cutout view of dongle joystick 310 of third embodiment 300 of the present invention. Dongle joystick 310 includes a processor 306, which acts as a microcomputer, processing commands and receiving user input. Output of processor 306 goes to a graphics card 304, which translates graphics commands into standard input form for a variety of host devices and send the output to a USB connector 315 which is a first portion of dongle joystick 310. In the example of embodiment 300, graphics card 304 outputs VGA graphics data to a standard computer monitor such as host 320. Graphics card 304 can also output standard television signals for a legacy dumb TV set. Graphics card 304 also outputs standard audio formats for input to audio devices (alternatively dongle joystick 310 may also include an earphone jack for audio output in addition to connector 315). Thus in the example of embodiment 300 data is transferred from dongle joystick 310 to host 320 in the form of graphics commands or digital or analogue image data. In an alternative example dongle joystick 310 can be connected to a desktop computer and data can be transferred as files either from the desktop computer to dongle joystick 310 or from dongle joystick 310 to the desktop computer.

Connected to processor 306 is also a non-volatile memory 311. Alternatively, non-volatile memory 311 may be a removable memory card that fits reversibly into a standard slot that is built into dongle joystick 310 (for example an SD memory card and slot). Thus, in embodiment 300 as illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, along with programs necessary to drive dongle joystick 310, volatile memory 311 includes the following data: a web browser program, an MP4 version of the movie Snow White, a MP3 version of Beethoven's 5^th symphony, and a program to drive the game pong. User input to processor 306 is supplied by momentary switch 317a. Particularly, connector 315, is connected to the body of dongle joystick 310 via a momentary switch 317a and springs 318a and 318b such that when connector 315 is held effectively stationary by socket 330, and the body of joystick dongle 310 is pushed toward socket 330, the body of dongle joystick 310 moves in the direction of connector 315 closing (clicking) momentary switch 317a.

User input to processor 306 is also supplied by four-way switch 312. As explained below, four-way-switch is operated by deflecting second portion 313. Four-way switch 312 is a momentary switch which functions similarly to a standard four-way momentary-micro-switch (as included on many prior art mobile phones) allowing a user to input directional information. In previous art mobile phones a four-way-switch is operated with the thumb of a user (by pressing the edges of the switch) while the phone is held in the palm of the user's hand. As will be clarified below, due to the larger size and freer movement of second portion 313 of dongle joystick 310 in comparison to the four-way momentary-micro-switch of a prior art mobile phones it is possible (when connector 315 is held effectively stationary by socket 330) for a user to operate four-way-switch 312 and momentary switch 317a with one hand using only gross motor activity. Particularly, when connector 315 is inserted into socket 330 horizontally into the page (as shown in FIG. 3a) then four-way-switch is operated by pushing second portion 313 up, down, left, or right; whereas momentary switch 317a is operated (clicked) by pushing second portion 313 (or the body of joystick 310) into the page.

Four-way-switch 312 includes semi-flexible plastic arms 316a and 316b, momentary switches 317a and 317b, and a spring-hinged micro-switch 314. Semi-flexible plastic arms 316a and 316b are made of slightly flexible plastic. Thus semi-flexible plastic arms 316a and 316b remain stiff to a force applied along the arms, but semi-flexible plastic arms 316a and 316b bend when a strong moment is applied. Therefore when second portion 313 is pressed directly forward (in FIG. 3a this is into the page [in the positive z direction as shown in axes 350]) then semi-flexible plastic arms 316a and 316b remain straight and force is applied to the body of dongle joystick 310 closing momentary switch 317a. On the other hand, when a moment is exerted on semi-flexible plastic arms 316a and 316b by pushing second portion 313 to the side, semi-flexible plastic arms 316a and 316b bend until the force is removed at which time semi-flexible plastic arms 316a and 316b return to their original straight shape. Particularly, if a rightward force (in the negative x direction in FIG. 3a) is applied to second portion 313, then Semi-flexible plastic arms 316a and 316b bend rightward and momentary switch 317b is closed. If a leftward force is applied to second portion 313, then momentary switch 317c is closed. Upward and downward deflections (in the positive and negative y directions of FIG. 3a) of second portion 313 are registered by spring-hinged micro-switch 314 which is similar to hinged micro-switch 214 except that spring-hinged micro-switch 314 is a momentary switch with a spring that automatically returns spring-hinged micro-switch 314 to the straight position when no force is applied. The stiffness of semi-flexible plastic arms 316a and 316b is chosen such that the moment needed to work spring-hinged micro-switch 314 is less then the moment needed to bend semi-flexible plastic arms 316a and 316b.

The link between second portion 313 and connector 315 includes four-way-switch 312 and momentary switch 317a. Applying a force to second portion 313 affects the link by bending semi-flexible plastic arms 316a-b or by moving the body of dongle joystick 310 towards connector 315 (thereby closing momentary switch 317a) or by causing a vertical deflection (working spring-hinged micro-switch 314). One who is skilled in the art of mechanical/electrical switches will understand that there are many alternative methods to measure deflections of second part 313.

Connected to processor 306 are also a wireless modem 308 and an antenna 309 to permit direct communication between dongle joystick 310 and a third device over the Internet (direct communication means that signals pass directly from the user through dongle joystick 310 to the internet without passing through the host system) via a wireless communication channel (examples of a third device include the computer of the user's bank or an email server). Thus, the user can fill out an Internet form using dongle joystick 310 as a user input device directly to the Internet without passing personal information through (either the processor, or the user interface of) the host device. Authorization information for the Internet is stored in non-volatile memory 311. In embodiment 300, user authorization to dongle joystick 310 is supplied by a “password code” entered by pressing a string of commands via four-way switch 312 and momentary switch 317a. For example the password entry sequence for a particular user could be push up on four way switch 312 press momentary switch 317a three times and press right on four-way switch 312. Alternatively along with or in place of a password, authorization information may include biometric data (for example a fingerprint or a voice print) supplied by a measuring device or other authorization information known in the art. It will be clear to one skilled in the art that use of a simple switch for both user authorization and user input makes dongle joystick 310 smaller and less expensive than a dongle including a dedicated authorization interface.

One who is skilled in the art will note that dongle joystick 310 does not include an internal power source (for example a battery). This is due to the fact that dongle joystick 310 is designed to plug into self-powered USB socket 320 from which dongle joystick 310 receives power. This lack of internal power source allows further miniaturization of dongle joystick 310.

Alternatively, dongle joystick 310 may include a USB-TV tuner and deliver to host 320 a broadcast television content item.

It will be understood that dongle joystick 310 enables a considerable improvement in security over prior art devices. Particularly, in many applications [for example bank machines, computers labs (as in Universities), and Internet cafes, a user must transfer passwords to protected accounts through the local computer/interface. This leads to a possibility of identity theft. Therefore, prior art security dongles have been developed wherein possession of the dongle (with or without a password entered through the local system) constitutes user authorization. Prior art security dongles can be stolen and since the user password is still not protected from the local user interface, there is still a chance of identity theft. Using dongle joystick 310 the user password is transmitted directly from dongle joystick 310, which is in constant possession of the user, to the user's Internet server and never passes through a third party local computer or user interface; thus offering better protection from identity theft.

It will also be understood, that dongle joystick 310 allows a supplier (for example a internet cafe or a university computer lab) to give access to a high quality dumb user interface (input and output) without exposing the supplier's computer to computer viruses or pirate programs.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 4a, which is an illustration of an adaptor 432 which serves as a stable socket in a fourth embodiment 400 of a dongle joystick according to the present invention. In example of the fourth embodiment a host 420 is legacy electronic sound system (capable of producing hi fidelity sound but having no native programmability or information processing capacity).

The method of operation of embodiment 400 is illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 4b. The first step is supplying 402 (FIG. 4b) the host system including a stable socket (in this case a ordinary microphone jack 430 and adapter 432) for dongle joystick 110 of FIG. 1. For clarity, a set of axes is depicted 450 where the positive x-direction is leftward along the page, the positive y-direction is vertically upward along the page and the positive z-direction is into the page. Thus inserting 404 dongle joystick 110 into host 420 consists of the steps of plugging dongle joystick 110 into adapter 432 and plugging adapter 423 into jack 430 of legacy stereo system, host 420. Once adapter 432 is plugged into microphone jack 430, jack 430 mechanically supports adapter 432 (and dongle joystick 110) by preventing translation of adapter 432 along the front panel of host 420 (in either the y or z-directions). Jack 430 also prevents translation in the positive x-direction beyond the point of maximum insertion into host 420. Because jack 430 includes a spring contact, jack 430 also provides resistance to translation in the negative x-direction (out of the host panel). Thus, adaptor 432 is rigidly mounted onto host 420 in the y direction, in the z direction and in the positive x direction (meaning moving adaptor 432 in the positive or negative y direction or in the positive or negative y-direction or in the positive x direction will also move the host) and adaptor 432 is not rigidly mounted onto host 420 in the negative x direction (meaning that pulling adaptor 432 in the negative x direction will move adapter 432 independently of host 420). On the other hand, because the legacy microphone jack 430 is round (unlike more modern stable sockets such as USB socket 330), jack 430 can rotate around the axis of the insertion hole. Nevertheless, this does not cause difficulty to a user because the top and bottom of dongle 110 is easily tactilely perceptible (a user can feel that dongle 110 is right-side-up because top button 117a is near the insertion point and bottom button 117b is near the back of dongle 110).

Unlike USB socket 320, jack 420 does not supply electrical power to dongle joystick 110. Thus, in the example of embodiment 400, dongle joystick 110 includes an internal power source (for example a miniature battery or a DC power input jack that can be connected via a transformer to normal line current in a house or to a car cigarette lighter). It is emphasized that dongle joystick 110 requires less power than an ordinary miniature computing device or even an MP3 player because dongle joystick 110 does not include a back lighted display screen. Therefore, even in the case where dongle joystick 110 includes a battery, the battery is smaller and lasts longer than the battery of a prior art portable player.

In an alternative embodiment, dongle joystick 110 does not have its own power supply, but is externally powered by adapter 432. In such a case adapter 432 would include an internal power supply (a battery) or an external power supply (for example via a DC adapter).

Since legacy audio device, host 420 has no processing ability, all processing and messaging is preformed transparently and internally by dongle joystick 110 and host 420 is blind to all processing and messages. All output of dongle joystick 110 is interpreted as a conventional electronic audio signal.

Once the physical connection between dongle joystick 110 and host 420 has been made, communication is established 406 between dongle joystick 110 and host 420. In the example of embodiment 400, communication is one way (dongle joystick 110 sends electronic signals to host 420 and the signals are broadcast as sounds over a loudspeaker, but dongle joystick 110 does not receive signals back from host 420). Therefore, the user must manually command dongle joystick 110 to begin functioning in a legacy audio connection mode by simultaneously pressing buttons 117a and 117b.

Alternatively adapter 432 may also include a signaling system, which signals to dongle joystick 110 that dongle joystick 110 is connected to a legacy audio device (thus automating the establishment 406 of communication and making it unnecessary for the user to press a button in order to establish communication).

After the connection is established 406 the user signals to dongle joystick 110 by pressing button 117b (serving as a menu button). Dongle joystick 110 then conveys 408 a startup menu to the user. Because host 420 does not have any visual display, the menu is conveyed 408 audibly. Particularly, in the example of embodiment 400, dongle joystick 110 syntheses a voice menu stating, “Main menu: up to play an MP3 file, Down to play a Wav file, left to disconnect, right for setup menu.” The main menu is represented in FIG. 4 by menu tree 413a. Dongle joystick then waits 410 for user input. The user may now modify the presented content (for example he can change the presented content between a content item or a menu, or he can start, stop or change the parameters of play of a content item).

The user chooses 412 to browse MP3 files by applying an upward force to the back of dongle joystick 110. Upon sensing the effect of the force (upward stress) on link 140, dongle joystick 110 reads the name of the first (in alphabetical order) MP3 file in the storage of dongle joystick 110 and synthesizes the voice message, “Bach Eine Kleine Nacht Music, right to play, up to next song, down to previous song, left to return to main menu.” The menu of MP3 options is represented in FIG. 4 by menu tree 413b. The user then scrolls 414 to the next song by pushing down on dongle joystick 110. Upon sensing an downward strain, dongle joystick 110 reads the name of the next MP3 file and synthesizes the voice “Beethoven symphony 5, right to play, up to next song, down to previous song, left to return to main menu.” The user selects 416 Beethoven's fifth by pressing right on dongle joystick 110 and dongle joystick 110 synthesizes the announcement “up increase volume, down decrease volume, right fast forward, left rewind, top button pause, bottom button return to MP3 scroll menu” and plays 418 the file by transferring the data, a conventional analogue electronic audio signal, across USB connector 115 and adapter 432 to socket 430 and host 420. Host 420 amplifies the signal and passes it to loudspeakers creating the desired sound.

While Beethoven's fifth is playing, dongle joystick 110 continues to wait 410 for a signal from the user. While music is playing, the user may increase volume by pushing up on dongle joystick 110, or the user may decrease volume by pushing down on dongle joystick 110 or the user may fast forward by pushing right on dongle joystick 110 or the user may rewind by pushing left on dongle joystick 110. The user may also pause by pushing top button 117a. The user may also return to the previous menu (the MP3 scroll menu) by pushing bottom button 117b.

Continuing the example of the operation of embodiment 400 the user presses bottom button 417b. Upon sensing that button 417b has been depressed dongle joystick 110 synthesizes the message announcing the current file and options, “Beethoven symphony 5, right to play, up to next song, down to previous song, left to return to main menu.” The user chooses 412 to end the session by pressing left on dongle joystick 110. Dongle joystick 110 then powers down and the user removes dongle joystick 110 from adapter 432.

Attention is now called to FIG. 5, which illustrates a fifth embodiment 500 of a dongle joystick 510 according to the present invention. In the example of embodiment 500 dongle joystick 510 is reversibly operatively connected to host 120 of FIG. 1 via stable socket 130. The intermediate portion of dongle joystick 510 is flexible and thus acts as a link 540 joining a proximal portion 512 of dongle joystick 510 to a distal portion 513. The material of the body of dongle joystick 510 (including proximal portion 512, link 540, and distal portion 513) is made of a flexible material whose electrical properties change with stress. A set of electrode sensors measures these changes in electrical properties. Connector 515 and proximal portion 512 are held effectively stationary by socket 130. Thus, when a user 535 deflects (pulls, pushes or twists by applying a force or moment to) distal portion 513, stress is applied to link 540 causing a change in electrical properties. Each deflection of distal portion 513 (twisting or bending of link 540) produces a corresponding output pattern from the set of electrode sensors. The sensors of link 540 provide information that is translated by a processor in dongle joystick 510 into digital commands or into X and Y coordinates on a screen of host 120.

For example, the flexible material of link 540 may be wound of multiple pressure sensitive fibers that change conductivity in reaction to strain. Electrode pair sensors measure conductivity on various axes across link 540. A distinctive pattern of changes in conductivity is produced by each displacement of distal portion 513. Each pattern of conductivity changes brings about a distinctive pattern output across various electrode pairs. For example bending downwards results in compression on the lower side of link 540 and stretching on the uppers side. Pressure sensitive conductive flexible materials and sensors suitable for use in dongle joystick 510 exist in the previous art for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,652,395 and 4,988,981 and in US patent application 2006/0107762 and such a material (marketed as a Bend Sensor®) is available from Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc. 106 West 12200 South Draper, Utah 84020.

Because proximal portion 512 is held effectively stationary with respect to stable socket 130 therefore by detecting bending of link 540 the sensors of dongle joystick 510 also detect the spatial relation between a surface on host 510 (for example the surface is marked by axes 550a which is associated with a hypothetical surface defined as the xy-plane of axes 550a) and distal portion 513. Axes 550a and therefore the surface defined as the xy-plane of axes 550a are fixed in relation to stable socket 130 which is in turn fixed in relation to the front panel of host 120. The magnitude of the displacement (distance) between the surface (the xy-plane of axes 550a) and distal portion 513 is defined as the linear distance between a reference point on the surface (the origin of axes 550a) and distal portion 513. Thus, when no force is applied to dongle joystick 510, dongle joystick 510 is straight and the magnitude of the displacement is the unstressed length of dongle joystick 510. In its unstressed state, dongle joystick 510 is straight. Therefore, in the unstressed state, the direction of displacement between the surface and distal portion 513 is the axes of stable socket 130 (which is the negative x direction of axes 550a). When a force is applied to distal portion 513 (as shown in FIG. 5) then spatial relationship between the surface and distal portion 513 is that the displacement is in the direction of angle 570 in the xy-plane and the distance (magnitude of the displacement) is the length of line 572 (which is slightly less than the unstressed length of dongle joystick 510), and the orientation of distal portion 513 has been rotated around the z′ axis as is shown by axes 550b. When a user twists dongle joystick around the x′ axis then the orientation of distal portion 513 changes, but the displacement between the surface and distal portion 513 remains unchanged. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that any convenient measure of location and orientation may be used. For example displacement may be defined in Cartesian coordinates. Alternatively, displacement may be defined in a spherical coordinate system (a radial distance and two angles) or a cylindrical coordinate system (distance from a planar surface and angle and radial coordinate to the closest point on that surface) or alternatively a coordinate system may be related to an intrinsic coordinate system related to dongle joystick 510. For example displacement may be defined in terms of a radius of curvature, an orientation of bending and a degree of compression (defining the curvilinear length of dongle joystick 510).

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.

Claims

1. A portable data storage device comprising: a) a non-volatile memory for storing a datum selected by a user;b) a connector for reversibly operationally coupling the portable data storage device to a surface, andc) a sensor configured to sense a spatial relation between a portion of the portable data storage device and said surface while said connecter is reversibly operationally coupled to said surface.

2. The portable data storage device of claim 1, wherein said datum is transferred between the portable data storage device and a second device according to an output of said sensor.

3. The portable data storage device of claim 1, wherein said spatial relation includes at least one relation selected from the group consisting of a direction of displacement of said portion with respect to said surface, a magnitude of displacement of said portion with respect to said surface, an orientation of said portion with respect to said surface, a rate of change of a magnitude of displacement of said portion with respect to said surface, a rate of change of a direction of displacement between said portion and said surface, a rate of change of an orientation of said portion with respect to said surface, an acceleration of said portion with respect to said surface.

4. The portable data storage device of claim 1, wherein said surface is located on a host.

5. The portable data storage device of claim 4 wherein said host is configured to serve a function including at least one function selected from the group consisting of providing a feedback to said user from said sensor, reporting a contents of said non-volatile memory, playing an electronic entertainment content item, identifying said datum, and reporting a state of the portable storage device.

6. The portable data storage device of claim 5, wherein said electronic entertainment item is stored in said non-volatile memory.

7. The portable data storage device of claim 5, further configured such that said playing is according to an output of said sensor.

8. The portable data storage device of claim 1, wherein said datum is supplied by at least one source selected from the group consisting of a host, the Internet, an input communicated via said sensor, a VCR, a microphone, and a broadcast signal.

9. The portable data storage device of claim 1, wherein said datum is selected by said user from a plurality of data by means of manipulating said portion.

10. The portable data storage device of claim 1, wherein said portion is configured so that said user changes said spatial relation using only a gross motor activity.

11. The portable data storage device of claim 1, further configured to serve as a USB-TV and wherein said datum includes a USB-TV program.

12. The portable data storage device of claim 1, further comprising: d) a processor configured to perform at least one function selected from the group consisting of adjusting a format of an output of the portable data storage device, adjusting a format of said datum, and issuing a command to a second device.

13. The portable data storage device of claim 1, wherein said sensor includes at least one apparatus selected from the group consisting of a one-dimensional bi-directional sensor, a potentiometer, a shaft encoder, and a strain gauge.

14. A system for data storage comprising: a) a portable data storage device including a non-volatile memory for storing a datum selected by a user;b) a host including a surface, said portable data storage device being reversibly operationally coupled to said surface using a connector, andc) a sensor configured to sense a spatial relation between a portion of said portable data storage device and said surface while said portable data storage device is reversibly operationally coupled to said surface.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein said datum is transferred between said portable data storage device and a second device according to an output of said sensor.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein said spatial relation includes at least one relation selected from the group consisting of a direction of displacement of said portion with respect to said surface, a magnitude of displacement of said portion with respect to said surface, an orientation of said portion with respect to said surface, a rate of change of a magnitude of displacement of said portion with respect to said surface, a rate of change of a direction of displacement between said portion and said surface, a rate of change of an orientation of said portion with respect to said surface, an acceleration of said portion with respect to said surface.

17. The system of claim 14 wherein said host is configured to serve a function including at least one function selected from the group consisting of providing a feedback to the user from said sensor, reporting a contents of said non-volatile memory, playing an electronic entertainment content item, identifying said datum, and reporting a state of said portable storage device.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said electronic entertainment item is stored in said non-volatile memory.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein said portable data storage device is configured such that said playing is according to an output of said sensor.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein said datum is supplied by at least one source selected from the group consisting of a host, the Internet, an input communicated via said sensor, a VCR, a microphone, and a broadcast signal.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein said datum is selected by said user from a plurality of data by means of manipulating said portion.

22. The system of claim 14, wherein said portion is configured so that said user changes said spatial relation using only a gross motor activity.

23. The system of claim 14, wherein said portable data storage device is configured to serve as a USB-TV and wherein said datum includes a USB-TV program.

24. The system of claim 14, further comprising: d) a processor contained in said portable data storage device, said processor being configured to perform at least one function selected from the group consisting of adjusting a format of an output of said portable data storage device, adjusting a format of said datum, and issuing a command to a second device.

25. The system of claim 14, wherein said sensor includes at least one apparatus selected from the group consisting of a one-dimensional bi-directional sensor, a potentiometer, a shaft encoder, and a strain gauge.

26. A method for data storage comprising the steps of: a) coupling a portable data storage device to a surface using a connector;b) sensing a spatial relation between a portion of said portable data storage device and said surface;c) selecting a datum;d) storing said datum on a non-volatile memory of said portable data storage device.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of: e) Performing an action according to an output of said step of sensing, said action including at least one action selected from the group consisting of transferring said datum between said portable data storage device and a host, selecting said datum, transferring said datum between said portable storage device and a second device, and playing an electronic media content item.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein said step of sensing a spatial relation includes at least one action selected from the group consisting of sensing a direction of displacement of said portion with respect to said surface, sensing a magnitude of displacement of said portion with respect to said surface, sensing an orientation of said portion with respect to said surface, sensing a change in a magnitude of displacement of said portion with respect to said surface, sensing a change in a direction of displacement between said portion and said surface, sensing a change in an orientation of said portion with respect to said surface, sensing an acceleration of said portion with respect to said surface.

29. The method of claim 26 further comprising the step of e) functioning of a host, said functioning including at least one service selected from the group consisting of providing a feedback to a user from said step of sensing, reporting a contents of said non-volatile memory, playing an electronic entertainment content item, identifying said datum, and reporting a state of said portable storage device.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said datum is an electronic entertainment item.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein said playing is according to an output of said step of sensing.

32. The method of claim 26, wherein said step of selecting a datum is from a source including at least one source selected from the group consisting of a host, the Internet, an input communicated via said sensor, a VCR, a microphone, and a broadcast signal.

33. The method of claim 26, wherein said step of selecting is performed by a user through manipulating said portion.

34. The method of claim 26, further including the step of e) changing by a user of said spatial relation through only a gross motor activity of said user.

35. The method of claim 26, wherein said portable data storage device serves as a USB-TV and wherein said datum includes a USB-TV program.

36. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of: e) adjusting a format of an output of said portable data storage device using a processor contained in said portable data storage device.

37. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of: e) adjusting a format of said datum using a processor contained in said portable data storage device.

38. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of: e) issuing a command to a second device using a processor contained in said portable data storage device.

39. A system comprising: a) a host;b) a stable socket configured to support communication with said host;c) a dongle joystick including: (i) a connector configured to facilitate communication with said host via said stable socket wherein while said connector is reversibly operationally coupled to said stable socket a first portion of said dongle joystick is held effectively stationary in respect to said stable socket;(ii) a link joining a second portion of said dongle joystick to said first portion, and(iii) a sensor configured to supply an output in response to a force affecting said link;wherein a presentation of an electronic media content item on said host is modified according to said output of said sensor.

40. A method for modifying a presentation of an electronic media content item to a user comprising the steps: a) connecting a dongle to a host playing system via a stable socket, said stable socket holding stationary a first portion of said dongle with respect to said stable socket;b) conveying to the user via said host playing system a menu containing a plurality of playing options, andc) applying of a force by the user to a second portion of said dongle, said force affecting a link connecting said first portion to a second portion of said dongle, whereby one option from among said plurality of options is selected according to said affecting.