Patent ID: 6628266
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: G05G,G06F

Abstract:
A joystick controller for a portable radio communication device having a control member and an elasto-resistive material layer disposed in abutting relationship with the control member, the elasto-resistive material being an electrical insulator when in a relaxed state and an electrical conductor when in a stressed state, the control member being mounted for movement with respect to the elasto-resistive material layer between non-operative and operative positions, wherein the non-operative position is such that a user does not actuate the control member, the control member accordingly does not stress the elasto-resistive material layer, the elasto-resistive material layer accordingly is in a relaxed state and thereby acts as an electrical insulator, and the operative position is such that a user actuates the control member, the control member accordingly stresses the elasto-resistive material layer, the elasto-resistive material layer accordingly is in a stressed state and thereby acts as an electrical conductor, the amount of current conducted by the elasto-resistive material layer being proportionally responsive to the degree of stress applied on the elasto-resistive material layer by the control member, whereby said amount is indicative of the configuration of the control member in relation to the elasto-resistive material layer, and wherein the elasto-resistive material layer is arranged to bias the control member to return the non-operative position when it is released from the operative position.