CONTROL INPUT DEVICE

Abstract

A control input device for a linked system comprising: a plurality of proximity sensors provided evenly spaced around a ring defined on a common sensor platform, each proximity sensor operable to determine the relative proximity of any objects within a detection zone associated with the proximity sensor and output a proximity signal in response; a core unit operable to receive proximity signals from each proximity sensor and output a directional signal in response thereto; a communication unit operable to communicate the directional signal to the linked system; and one or more illumination units associated with each proximity sensor, wherein the one or more illumination units associated with each proximity sensor are operated in response to the proximity signal output by the associated proximity sensor to indicate directionality of a motion relative to the plurality of sensors.

Claims

1. A control input device for a linked system comprising: a plurality of proximity sensors provided evenly spaced around a ring defined on a common sensor platform, each proximity sensor operable to determine the relative proximity of any objects within a detection zone associated with the proximity sensor and output a proximity signal in response; a core unit operable to receive proximity signals from each proximity sensor and output a directional signal in response thereto; a communication unit operable to communicate the directional signal to the linked system; and one or more illumination units associated with each proximity sensor, wherein the one or more illumination units associated with each proximity sensor are operated in response to the proximity signal output by the associated proximity sensor to indicate directionality of a motion relative to the plurality of sensors.

2. A control input device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the proximity sensors are active infrared proximity sensors.

3. A control input device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each proximity sensor has a detection zone.

4. A control input device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each proximity sensor is operable in consecutive dedicated operation windows.

5. A control input device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the output of the one or more illumination units associated with each proximity sensor is varied in response to the proximity signal output by the associated proximity sensor.

6. A control input device as claimed in claim 5 wherein output variation includes variations in intensity, colour or period of illumination.

7. A control input device as claimed in claim 6 wherein each illumination unit associated with a proximity sensor undergoes the same variation.

8. A control input device as claimed in claim 6 wherein different variations are undergone by different illumination units associated with a proximity sensor.

9. A control input device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the illumination units are provided on the sensor platform.

10. A control input device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the illumination units are evenly spaced around a ring defined on the sensor platform.

11. A control input device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the illumination units are provided with a light diffuser.

12. A control input device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the core unit is operable to process the received core signals to calculate the directional signal.

13. A control input device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the calculation includes performing a weighted sum of the individual proximity signals.

14. A control input device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the core unit is operable to determine the proximity signal by collating the most recent proximity signals from, each proximity sensor.

15. A control input device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the collated proximity signals are then processed by the linked system.

16. A control input device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device comprises a decorative token operable as a light diffuser.

17. A control input device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the decorative token is provided with one or more token illumination units operable to illuminate the decorative token.

18. A control input device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the output of the token illumination units is varied in response to the directional signal.

19. A method of operating a control input device of the type comprising a plurality of proximity sensors, each proximity sensor operable to determine the relative proximity of any objects within a detection zone associated with the proximity sensor and output a proximity signal in response, and one or more illumination units associated with each proximity sensor, the method comprising the steps of: receiving proximity signals from each proximity sensor and outputting a directional signal in response thereto; communicating the directional signal to the linked system; and operating said illumination units associated with each proximity sensor in response to the proximity signal output by the associated proximity sensor.

20. A method of controlling a system comprising the steps of providing a control input device according to claim 18; and moving an object within a detection zone of the control input device so as to generate a directional signal; and varying operation of the stem in response to the generated directional signal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a control input device according to an embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 2a shows a top view of a first embodiment of a control input device;

[0033] FIG. 2b shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of a control input device;

[0034] FIG. 2c shows an exploded view of the first embodiment of a control input device;

[0035] FIG. 3a shows a top view of a second embodiment of a control input device;

[0036] FIG. 3b shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of a control input device; and

[0037] FIG. 3c shows an exploded view of the second embodiment of a control input device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Turning now to FIG. 1, a control input device 10 comprises a plurality of proximity sensors 2, each operable to detect the relative proximity of an object 1. The object 1, may be a user's hand or the like. The proximity sensors 2 are each provided with associated illumination units 5, typically LEDs so as to form a sensor and feedback assembly. In the illustrated example, there are four such assemblies (A, B, C, D) and two illumination units 5 associated with each assembly A, B, C, D. The skilled man will nevertheless appreciate that different numbers of assemblies A, B, C, D and different numbers of illuminations units 5 per assembly may be provided.

[0039] Each proximity sensor comprises an infrared emitter 3, typically an LED and an infrared receiver 4, typically a photodiode. The emitter 3 is operable to emit an infrared beam and the receiver 4 is operable to detect reflections of the infrared beam from the object 1. By determining the time interval between emission and receipt, the proximity sensor 2 can determine the proximity of the object 1. The proximity sensor 2 can therefore output a proximity signal in response to the detected proximity of the object 1.

[0040] A core unit 6 is operable to receive the proximity signal output by each proximity sensor 2. By performing a weighted sum on the proximity signals, the core unit can calculate the relative proximity of the object 1 to each proximity sensor 2. This relative proximity can be converted to a corresponding directional signal and communicated to a linked system 9, such as a computer via a communication unit 7. Typically, the communication unit 7 is a wireless communication unit operable according to a standard protocol such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy or the like. The directional signal can thus provide a control input for the system 9. For example, the directional signal may be used to control the motion of a character or sprite in a computer game or the position of a cursor on a computer display.

[0041] In alternative embodiments, the core unit 6 may simply collate output proximity signals and processing may be carried out after transmission to the linked system 9.

[0042] To avoid discrepancies due to reflected beams being detected by adjacent proximity sensors 2, each sensor 2 may be operated in sequential sensing windows. For example, each assembly A, B, C, D may be actively operated for sequential 11 ms periods. This would allow a full proximity sensing for each of the four assemblies to be completed in 44 ms.

[0043] The illumination units 5 associated with each proximity sensor 2 are operated in response to the output proximity signal. In particular, the intensity or colour of the light output by the illumination units 5 associated with a proximity sensor are varied in response to the proximity of the detected object 1 to the proximity sensor 2. In one example, the illumination units may be operable to emit more intense light as the relative proximity of the object 1 to the proximity sensor increases.

[0044] The above operation of the illumination units thus provides a user with ready visual feedback as to the operation of the control device 10. Beneficially, this feedback does not require mechanical motion between components of the device 10. Additionally, this feedback does not necessarily obscure an area of a display screen of the linked system.

[0045] Turning now to FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c, one embodiment of a control device 100 according to the present embodiments is shown. In this embodiment, the control device 100 is provided within a housing 110. Within the housing 110 is a sensor platform 108, typically a PCB, upon which four proximity sensors 102 are mounted. The proximity sensors 102 are evenly spaced along a ring concentric with the sensing platform 108. Typically, a core unit (not shown) and communication unit (not shown) would be formed on or mounted to the sensor platform 108.

[0046] The housing 110 comprises a base 111 for receiving the sensor platform 108 and a top 112, which engages with the base 111. A ring diffuser 113 is retained between the top 112 and the sensor platform 108. The ring diffuser 113 fits over illumination units 105 associated with each proximity sensor 102. Accordingly, operation of and variation of operation of illumination units 105 can be readily perceived by a user.

[0047] A further illumination unit 109 is provided at the centre of the sensor platform 108. The further illumination unit 109 is covered by a decorative token 115, which is retained in position relative to the sensor platform 108 by a cap 114. The decorative token 115 is typically at least partially transparent or translucent so as to display a decorative element when illumination unit 109 is operative. In some embodiments, illumination unit 109 is operative at all times that device 100 is switched on.

[0048] In this embodiment, between the cap 114 and the ring diffuser 113 is defined an aperture 107. This aperture 107 allows for the emission of beams by proximity sensors 102 and the detection of reflected beams by the proximity sensors 102. In some embodiments, the aperture 107 may be covered or filled by a transparent material to provide further protection for the proximity sensors 102. The relative proximity of an object such as hand 101 can therefore be determined and a corresponding direction signal generated. Motion of the hand 110 as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2b can vary the relative proximity detected by each proximity sensor 102 and hence the generated directional signal. This varied directional signal can thus provide a control input for a linked system (not shown).

[0049] The embodiment shown further illustrates a power button 116 which is retained between base 111 and top 112. The power button may be actuated by a user to operate power switch 117 mounted on sensor platform 108. This can switch device 100 on or off. A light pipe 117 is also retained between base 111 and top 112. This can direct light from any of the illumination units 105, 109 or another dedicated illumination unit to the exterior of housing 110. This can provide a visual confirmation of the power status of the device 100.

[0050] The base 111 can additionally retain some gripping elements 119. The gripping elements 119 are typically formed or a resilient material and help retain the device 100 in position when resting on a surface.

[0051] In the embodiment shown, the device 100 further comprises a power supply 120 comprising a battery holder 121 retained between base 111 and sensor platform 108, battery contacts 122 fitted to battery holder 121 and batteries 123. The batteries 123 may be removable and/or rechargeable.

[0052] Turning now to FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c, another embodiment of a control device 200 according to the present embodiments is shown. In this embodiment, the control device 200 is provided within a housing 210. Within the housing 210 is a sensor platform 108, typically a PCB, upon which four proximity sensors 202 are mounted. The proximity sensors 202 are evenly spaced along a ring concentric with the sensing platform 208. Typically, a core unit (not shown) and communication unit (not shown) would be formed on or mounted to the sensor platform 208. A further illumination unit 209 is provided at the centre of the sensor platform 208.

[0053] The housing 210 comprises a base 211 for receiving the sensor platform 208 and a top 212, which engages with the base 211. A cover 213 is retained between the top 212 and the sensor platform 208. The cover 213 fits over illumination units 205 associated with each proximity sensor 202. The cover 213 is typically at least partially transparent or translucent around its edges. Accordingly, operation of and variation of operation of illumination units 205 can be readily perceived by a user.

[0054] The cover 213 is typically at least partially transparent or translucent in a central portion so as to display a decorative element when illumination unit 209 is operative. In some embodiments, illumination unit 109 is operative at all times that device 100 is switched on.

[0055] In this embodiment, between the cover 213 is provided with apertures 207. The apertures 207 allows for the emission of beams by proximity sensors 202 and the detection of reflected beams by the proximity sensors 202. In some embodiments, the apertures 207 may be covered or filled by a transparent material to provide further protection for the proximity sensors 102. The relative proximity of an object such as hand 201 can therefore be determined and a corresponding direction signal generated. Motion of the hand 201 as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3b can vary the relative proximity detected by each proximity sensor 202 and hence the generated directional signal. This varied directional signal can thus provide a control input for a linked system (not shown).

[0056] The embodiment shown further illustrates a power button 216 which is retained between base 211 and top 212. The power button may be actuated by a user to operate power switch 217 mounted on sensor platform 208. This can switch device 200 on or off. A light pipe 217 is also retained between base 211 and top 212. This can direct light from any of the illumination units 205, 209 or another dedicated illumination unit to the exterior of housing 210. This can provide a visual confirmation of the power status of the device 200.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the device 200 further comprises a power supply 220 comprising a battery holder 221 retained between base 211 and sensor platform 208, battery contacts 222 fitted to battery holder 221 and batteries 223. The batteries 223 may be removable and/or rechargeable.

[0058] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.