Patent Application
20110254777
This invention relates to an interface device and, more specifically, to an interface device for measuring an applied force and producing an output signal.
A variety of known interface devices permit interaction between a user and external devices, such as personal computers. These known interface devices, such as conventional computer mouse devices, are moveable by a user to selectively alter the appearance of a display associated with an external device. For example, a conventional computer mouse can be moved to control the two-dimensional position of a cursor graphically depicted on a computer monitor display. Known interface devices also have one or more elements for receiving an action by the user and communicating the action to an external device. For example, a conventional computer mouse has buttons that can be pressed by a user to select an icon or other graphic depicted on a computer monitor display. However, the elements for receiving user actions in known interface devices are only capable of receiving and recognizing binary actions in which only two user responses are possible, such as “on/off” or “yes/no.” Thus, known interface devices are incapable of receiving and recognizing non-binary actions in which user responses within a continuous range of options are possible. Additionally, known interface devices are only capable of tolerating a small force from the user before the known interface devices are damaged or the user is injured due to the rigid nature of the interface devices.
Accordingly, there is a need in the pertinent art for an interface device that is capable of receiving and recognizing a range of user actions. There is also a need in the pertinent art for an interface device that is capable of tolerating a force from a user without being damaged or causing injury to the user.
Described herein is an interface device for measuring a force applied by a user. In one aspect, the interface device comprises a deformable body positioned on a support housing. In another aspect, the deformable body contains a fluid medium. The interface device also comprises at least one pressure sensor in fluid communication with the fluid medium. The pressure sensor generates a pressure signal in response to the application of the force to the deformable body. In an additional aspect, the interface device comprises processing circuitry for receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensor and producing an output signal corresponding to the force applied by the user. In use, the interface device is configured to communicate with one or more external devices, including computers and gaming consoles.
These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:
The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.
The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof.
As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a pressure sensor” can include two or more such pressure sensors unless the context indicates otherwise.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to an interface device for measuring a force applied to at least a portion thereof. In one aspect, as depicted in
In another aspect, the interface device comprises a body 20 positioned on the support housing 12, the body being deformable along at least a portion thereof. In an additional aspect, the deformable portion of the body 20 can define a central chamber 22. In a further aspect, the body 20 can comprise an outer surface 24 and an opposed, base surface 26, with the outer surface of the body defining thereon a contact surface 25 for receiving the force F. It is contemplated that the deformable portion of the body 20 can be configured to substantially recover its shape upon removal of the force F from the contact surface 25. It is further contemplated that the contact surface 25 can be shaped to receive a portion of a human body, such as, for example and without limitation, a human hand or foot. In one aspect, the contact surface 25 can have a substantially circular shape as depicted in
In another aspect, the outer surface 24 of the body 20 can comprise a woven fabric. In this aspect, the outer surface 24 of the body 20 can comprise a woven synthetic fabric, such as, for example and without limitation, a polyester fabric, an aramid fabric, a nylon fabric, and the like. It is also contemplated that the outer surface 24 of the body 20 can comprise natural fibers, such as, for example and without limitation, cotton and silk. In a further aspect, the outer surface 24 of the body 20 can comprise at least one of spandex, elastane, and polyurethane-polyurea copolymers as are conventionally known in the pertinent art, including, for example and without limitation, Lycra® fibers manufactured by INVISTA, Inc. In an additional aspect, the base surface 26 of the body 20 can comprise silicone. In this aspect, the outer surface 24 can comprise silicone rubber having a Shore A durometer ranging from about 10 to about 70.
In a further aspect, the body 20 can comprise a fluid medium 28 which can be disposed within the central chamber 22 of the body. It is contemplated that the fluid medium 28 can comprise a gelatinous material, such as, for example and without limitation, silicone gel. It is further contemplated that the gelatinous material can have a desired viscosity ranging from about 1 milliPascal-second to about 500 milliPascal-seconds, more preferably from about 10 milliPascal-seconds to about 400 milliPascal-seconds, and most preferably from about 100 milliPascal-seconds to about 200 milliPascal-seconds. In another aspect, the gelatinous material can have a desired durometer ranging from about 1 to about 30, more preferably from about 2 to about 25, and most preferably from about 5 to about 20, as measured on the 0 to 100 scale of a PTC Model 302 SL Hardness Tester manufactured by Pacific Transducer Corporation.
In an additional aspect, the interface device 10 can comprise at least one pressure sensor 30 in communication with the fluid medium 28 and configured to produce a pressure signal which is indicative of the pressure created by application of the force F upon the contact surface 25. It is further contemplated that the pressure signal can be an analog signal. In one aspect, the at least one pressure sensor 30 can be a piezoelectric strain gauge pressure sensor and, in particular, can be a Wheatstone bridge piezoelectric strain gauge pressure sensor. In another aspect, each sensor 30 of the at least one pressure sensor can have a desired resolution, which corresponds to the smallest change in pressure that can be detected by each sensor. In this aspect, the desired resolution of each sensor 30 can be less than about 70 kiliPascals.
In one aspect, the at least one pressure sensor 30 can be positioned within the inner chamber 18 of the support housing 12. In a further aspect, at least a portion of each pressure sensor 30 of the at least one pressure sensor can be disposed within the central chamber 22 of the body 20 such that each pressure sensor is in communication with the fluid medium 28. In this aspect, it is contemplated that the outer surface 24 of the body 20 can define a plurality of openings. It is further contemplated that at least one pressure sensor 30 of the plurality of pressure sensors can be received within an opening of the plurality of openings in the outer surface 24 of the body 20. In still a further aspect, and with reference to
In one aspect, the interface device 10 can comprise processing circuitry 32 configured to receive the pressure signal from the at least one pressure signal to produce an output signal resulting from the processing of the pressure signal. It is further contemplated that the output signal can be a digital signal. In an additional aspect, and with reference to
In another aspect, the interface device 10 can comprise means for communicating the pressure signal from the at least one pressure sensor 30 to the processing circuitry 32. In this aspect, it is contemplated that the means for communicating the pressure signal can comprise any conventional electrical communication mechanism, such as, for example and without limitation, electrical wiring, electrical cables, optical fibers, an infrared transmitter such as a conventional remote control, and a conventional wireless transmitter.
In a further aspect, the support housing 12 can have a recessed portion 13 as depicted in
In one aspect, and with reference to
In another aspect, and with reference to
In operation, when no force is applied to the contact surface 25 of the body 20, it is contemplated that the fluid medium 28 disposed within the central chamber 22 of the body 20 will be at rest at a constant pressure, and, consequently, the at least one pressure sensor 30 will not sense any pressure differential. When the force F is applied to the contact surface 25, it is contemplated that a pressure gradient centered at the origin position will develop within the fluid medium 28 as depicted in
Optionally, in an additional aspect, the interface device 10 can further comprise visual display means 36 which can be in electrical communication with the processing circuitry 32. In a further aspect, the visual display means 36 can be configured to display the output signal of the at least one pressure sensor 30. It is contemplated that the visual display means 36 can be positioned external to the support housing 12. Alternatively, the visual display means 36 can be attached to an external surface of the support housing 12. It is further contemplated that the visual display means 36 can comprise any conventional electrical display, such as, for example and without limitation, a single light emitting diode (LED's), a one-dimensional array of LED's, a two-dimensional array of LED's, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a conventional display monitor.
In another aspect, the interface device 10 can optionally comprise sound generating means 38 which can be in electrical communication with the processing circuitry 32. In an additional aspect, the sound generating means 38 can be configured to generate an audible response corresponding to the output signal of the at least one pressure sensor 30. It is contemplated that the sound generating means 38 can be positioned external to the support housing 12. Alternatively, the sound generating means 38 can be positioned within the inner chamber 18 of the support housing 12. In a further aspect, the sound generating means 38 can comprise an amplifier. In still a further aspect, the sound generating means 38 can comprise at least one of a speaker and a buzzer. In another aspect, the sound generating means 38 can comprise volume adjustment controls 40 for adjusting the level of sound of the audible response.
In an additional aspect, the interface device can optionally comprise a memory. In this aspect, the memory can be in electrical communication with the processing circuitry 32, and configured to store at least one of the following: selected output signals of the at least one pressure sensor; audible response data; device configuration data; and device performance data. It is contemplated that the audible response data stored on the memory can comprise one or more audio tracks. It is further contemplated that the device configuration data can comprise information regarding user-controlled performance specifications. It is still further contemplated that the device performance data stored on the memory can comprise information regarding the performance of the interface device 10. In another aspect, the memory can be configured to store timestamp values corresponding to the time at which an output signal was generated. In yet another aspect, the memory can be configured to store device identification information, such as, for example and without limitation, at least one of a serial number and a manufacturing batch number of the interface device 10.
In a further aspect, the processing circuitry 32 of the interface device 10 can comprise means for transmitting information to, and receiving information from, one or more external devices. In this aspect, the means for transmitting information 42 can be configured to transmit selected output signals of the at least one pressure sensor 30 to the one or more external devices. In an additional aspect, and with reference to
It is contemplated that the means for transmitting information 42 can comprise at least one of a universal serial bus (USB) port, a wireless communications port, or other conventional data communications port. As depicted in
As depicted in
In a further aspect, and with reference to
In use, the interface device as described herein permits electrical communication with one or more external devices through various methods. In one aspect, a method for electrically communicating with one or more external devices comprises providing an interface device as described herein. In another aspect, the method for electrically communicating with one or more external devices comprises selectively applying a force at an origin position relative to the contact surface of the body of the interface device. In this aspect, the force can be selectively applied at the origin position such that the operation of at least one application stored on a memory of the one or more external devices is adjusted. For example, the at least one application can be configured to receive an output signal from the processing circuitry and to perform a corresponding action within each respective application. It is contemplated that the at least one application can comprise, for example and without limitation, a game application, a computer aided design (CAD) application, a computer art design application, and the like. Flowcharts depicting exemplary uses of the interface device are provided in
The interface devices and systems disclosed herein can be used in a variety of interactive applications. For example, the interface device can be used as a force measurement game. In this example, a user can smash the contact surface of the body with the goal of applying the greatest possible force to the contact surface. The processor can process the resultant pressure signals to produce an output signal indicative of the magnitude of the force applied by the user. Based upon the output signal, the processor can direct the visual display means to graphically display a representation the strength of the user. In addition, the processor can direct the sound generating means to produce an audible response corresponding to the level of strength exhibited by the user. It is contemplated that these functions can also be performed by external devices as disclosed herein.
In another example, the interface device can be placed in electrical communication with a personal computer or gaming console. In this example, the interface device can cooperate with a keyboard or other accessory to function as a game controller. The keyboard or other accessory item can be used to control directional movement during the course of the game. A user can concurrently apply a force to the contact surface at a desired magnitude so as to control the magnitude of an action required by the game, such as, for example and without limitation, the velocity of a projectile.
In other gaming examples, the interface device can be used to control both two-dimensional movement during the course of a game and the magnitude of an action required by the game. For example, a user can move his or her finger(s) across the contact surface to control the movement of a game character or item, and the user can apply a force to the contact surface so as to control the magnitude of an action to be completed by the game character or item during the course of the game, such as, for example and without limitation, accelerating, stopping, swinging, throwing, and the like.
In a further example, the interface device can be used to interact with a CAD application. In this example, the interface can be placed in electrical communication with a personal computer running the CAD application. When the CAD application is running, a user can move his or her finger(s) across the contact surface to control movement of a cursor on a visual display means in communication with the personal computer. The user can also apply a selected force to the contact surface to control the degree to which a selected modeling tool is virtually applied to a CAD model within the CAD application.
In still a further example, the interface device can be used to interact with a computer art design application. In this example, the interface can be placed in electrical communication with a personal computer running the computer art design application. When the computer art design application is running, a user can move his or her finger(s) across the contact surface to control movement of a cursor on a visual display means in communication with the personal computer. The user can also apply a selected force to the contact surface to control the magnitude of a virtual effect that is applied to a computerized work, such as, for example and without limitation, the size of a paintbrush or the opacity of a color.
Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims which follow.
