Ergonomic handheld input/output device
OwnerMark P. Donahueinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a conically-shaped, handheld device that can be used as a computer system input/output device, a gaming system controller, a remote control for various household electronic devices, an interface to a home network, etc. Inputs through the device can be received from various buttons, switches, panels, etc. disposed along a surface of the device as well as sensors embedded within the device. Outputs can be made through speakers, displays, and other transducers also disposed along the surface of the device or embedded with therein. Furthermore, the overall shape and size of the device can be adapted to an individual user through pneumatic bladders disposed within the device.
Claims20
An input/output device for a computer system, the input/output device comprising:
- a circular base portion;
- an enclosure coupled with and extending from the base portion, the enclosure forming a conically-shaped structure extending from the circular base;
- one or more input devices disposed on a surface of the enclosure;
- one or more inflatable air bladders disposed along an interior of the enclosure, wherein a change in a volume of air within the air bladders changes at least one of a size of the input/output device or a shape of the input/output device;
- and
- an interface coupled with each of the one or more input devices, the interface communicating input signals from the one or more input devices to the computer system.
A hand-held controller for a computer gaming system, the controller comprising:
- a circular base portion;
- an enclosure coupled with and extending from the base portion, the enclosure forming a conically-shaped structure extending from the circular base;
- a plurality of input devices disposed on a surface of the enclosure;
- one or more output devices disposed on a surface of the enclosure at an end of the controller opposite the base portion;
- one or more inflatable air bladders disposed along an interior of the enclosure, wherein a change in a volume of air within the air bladders changes at least one of a size of the input/output device or a shape of the input/output device;
- and
- an interface coupled with each input device of the plurality of input devices and each of the one or more output devices, the interface communicating input signals from the one or more input devices to the computer gaming system and output signals from the computer gaming system to the one or more output devices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.