The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 23, 2007
Filed:
Mar. 14, 2002
Toyotaro Tokimoto, Yokohama, JP;
Oishi Masatoshi, Yokohama, JP;
Toyotaro Tokimoto, Yokohama, JP;
Oishi Masatoshi, Yokohama, JP;
Avix Inc., Kanagawa, JP;
Abstract
An input device for improving man-machine interface, for use in connection with a data processing system such as a computer, 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. The input device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a fluid mediumsealed inside a chamber, a control movement transmission mechanismconnected to the chamber, a control data generating devicewhich monitors and converts the operation of the inflow and outflow control mechanism into electrical signals, a transmission circuitfor transmitting the signals output by the control data generating deviceto a computer, a fluid flow variable restriction deviceable to variably control the volume of fluid flowing through the restrictor pipe, and a receiver circuitcapable of driving the fluid flow variable restriction devicebased on control response signals output from the computer. The fluid mediumflows into and out of the chamberthrough the restrictor pipe. The mechanism operates in a manner as to control the fluid flow into and out of the chamberthrough the restrictor pipe. The fluid flow condition is generated by operator-induced volume changes in the chamber