Moveable magnetic devices for electronic graphic displays

Abstract

The invention includes moveable magnetic devices, for use in conjunction with electronic displays associated with computers and electronic devices enable manual input devices and control devices to be joined to the display, whereby the electronic device may be controlled, inputs may be made thereto, and the electronic display may be altered in correspondence to these inputs. In one aspect, the invention includes a fader controller comprised of a longitudinally extending track having a portion thereof extending over an image area of an electronic display, and a fader cap joined to the track for longitudinal sliding translation therealong. A plurality of permanent magnets are spaced along the track, and the fader cap includes at least one electromagnet. Conductive rails extend longitudinally on the track, and the fader cap includes contacts that electrically engage the conductive rails. Some of the fader cap contacts are connected to the electromagnet(s), and at least one track interacts with one contact on the fader cap to detect the instantaneous position of the fader cap. The electromagnets are actuated to translate the fader cap distally or proximally along the track. In another aspect, the invention provides a magnetic arrangement for joining one or more controller device to a flat panel electronic display, whereby controllers such as switches, knobs, and faders (slide controllers) may be superposed on the display.