Patent ID: 6437703
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: A63F,H01H

Abstract:
A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device, the sensor comprising:a base member having at least one recess formed therein which is partially defined by a peripheral wall thereof; at least four switches disposed within the peripheral wall at intervals of approximately ninety degrees; and a trigger mechanism disposed within the recess, the trigger mechanism comprising three trigger balls and a retainer member rotatably connected to the base member and operative to maintain the trigger balls in side-by-side relation to each other, the trigger mechanism being freely movably about the peripheral wall of the base member; the sensor being operative to generate a plurality of different states corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a reference plane, the movement of the sensor relative to the reference plane facilitating the movement of the trigger mechanism within the recess, with a low state being generated when the trigger mechanism is not in contact with any of the switches, four different high states being generated corresponding to contact between the trigger mechanism and respective ones of the switches, and four additional different high states being generated corresponding to the trigger mechanism being in simultaneous contact with any pair of the switches separated by a ninety degree interval.