Patent Description:
In many control applications, a device such as a joystick can allow a user's control movements to be transformed into control signals. Such control signals can then be utilized to generate effects corresponding to the control movements. Examples of such control applications can include user inputs associated with, gaming, machine control, vehicle control, etc..

German Patent Application <CIT> relates to a joystick for use in commercial vehicles.

European Patent Application <CIT> relates to a joystick comprising a Hall sensor and a manufacturing process for the joystick.

<CIT> relates to a joystick with magnetic sensing.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a joystick device according to claim <NUM>.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a user input system according to claim <NUM>.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the inventions have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

The headings provided herein, if any, are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a joystick device <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a cutaway view of the same joystick device. In some embodiments, such a joystick can include a shaft <NUM> attached to a ball <NUM>, such that the ball <NUM> can be rotated with the shaft <NUM> while being retained by a pivot cover <NUM>. The pivot cover <NUM> can define an opening (e.g., circular opening) to accommodate pivoting motions of the shaft/ball assembly. The inner surface of the pivot cover <NUM> can generally mate with the curvature of the ball <NUM> to provide the foregoing retaining and pivoting functionalities.

In the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the pivot cover <NUM> can be a part of a cover structure <NUM> that partially or fully wraps around a housing <NUM>. Such an assembly of pivot cover <NUM> and the cover structure <NUM> can be implemented as a single piece (e.g., formed or stamped from metal sheet), or be assembled from separate pieces. In some embodiments, the cover structure <NUM> can include a plurality of mounting features <NUM> configured to allow mounting of the joystick device <NUM> on a platform structure, circuit board, etc..

Referring to the cutaway view of <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is shown to define an inner volume <NUM> dimensioned to accommodate a portion of the ball <NUM>, a magnet holder <NUM> with a magnet <NUM> therein, a spring carrier <NUM>, and a spring <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the inner volume <NUM> can have a rectangular (e.g., a square) shaped footprint, and each of the spring carrier <NUM> and the spring <NUM> can have a circular shaped footprint. For example, and assuming that the inner volume <NUM> has a square shaped footprint, the spring carrier <NUM> can have a circular shape having a diameter that is approximately equal to, or slightly less than, the side dimension of the square.

In some embodiments, the inner volume <NUM> can have a round (e.g., circular) shaped footprint, and each of the spring carrier <NUM> and the spring <NUM> can have a circular shaped footprint. For example, the spring carrier <NUM> can have a circular shape having a diameter that is approximately equal to, or slightly less than, the diameter of the circular shaped footprint of the inner volume <NUM>.

Referring to the cutaway view of <FIG>, the spring <NUM> can be a coil spring configured to have one end rest on a floor of the inner volume <NUM>, and the other end received into a circular groove on the corresponding side of the spring carrier <NUM>. Accordingly, the spring <NUM> pushes the spring carrier <NUM> against the assembly of the magnet <NUM> and the magnet holder <NUM>. In turn, the assembly of the magnet <NUM> and the magnet holder <NUM> pushes the ball <NUM> against the inner side of the pivot cover <NUM>, thereby allowing the shaft/ball assembly to be retained in a spring loaded manner while allowing pivoting motions of the shaft/ball assembly. As described herein, such pivoting motions can provide joystick control functionalities in X and Y directions. Examples of such X and Y control functionalities are described herein in greater detail.

As described herein, the foregoing configuration of the joystick device <NUM> can also allow the shaft/ball assembly to be moved along the Z direction. For example, if the shaft <NUM> is pushed towards the floor of the housing <NUM>, the shaft/ball assembly and the magnet <NUM> move toward the floor. If the pushing force is removed or reduced to a level less than the restorative force of the spring <NUM>, the shaft/ball assembly and the magnet <NUM> move away from the floor until the ball <NUM> engages the inner side of the pivot cover <NUM>. An example of such a Z control functionality is described herein in greater detail.

As described herein, the foregoing configuration of the joystick device <NUM> can also allow the shaft/ball assembly to be rotated. For example, the shaft <NUM> can be rotated about the axis of the shaft <NUM>, and such a rotation can be facilitated by the engagement of the ball <NUM> and the pivot cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, the engagement between the magnet (<NUM>)/holder (<NUM>) assembly and the spring carrier <NUM> can be configured (e.g., allow relative movement between engaging surfaces) to allow the foregoing rotation of the shaft/ball assembly. In some embodiments, the engagement between the spring <NUM> and the floor of the inner volume <NUM> can be configured (e.g., allow relative movement between engaging surfaces) to allow the foregoing rotation of the shaft/ball assembly, even if the engagement between the magnet (<NUM>)/holder (<NUM>) assembly and the spring carrier <NUM> does not provide such relative movement between engaging surfaces. An example of such a rotational control functionality is described herein in greater detail.

Referring to the cutaway view of <FIG>, the joystick device <NUM> can further include a sensor <NUM> implemented as, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Such a sensor can be positioned along the Z axis (e.g., embedded at least partially within the housing <NUM>), and be configured to provide magnetic sensing functionalities associated with the foregoing X, Y, Z and rotational motions of the shaft/ball assembly and the magnet <NUM>. As described herein, such magnetic sensing functionalities can be achieved in non-contact manners. Examples related to such a sensor are described herein in greater detail.

<FIG> shows that in some embodiments, the joystick device <NUM> can include a deformable dome structure <NUM> implemented between the spring carrier <NUM> and the floor of the housing <NUM>. Such a dome structure can be configured to deform and provide a clicking noise and/or feel when the shaft/ball assembly is pushed in a direction having a component parallel to the Z axis. It will be understood that such a clicking functionality may or may not be implemented in a joystick device having one or more features as described herein.

For example, <FIG> and <FIG> show side sectional views of respective joystick devices <NUM>, where the joystick device <NUM> of <FIG> does not include a dome structure, and the joystick device <NUM> of <FIG> includes a dome structure <NUM>. <FIG> show examples of various joystick motions in the context of the joystick device <NUM> of <FIG> (with the dome structure <NUM>); however, it will be understood that similar joystick motions can be performed with the joystick device <NUM> of <FIG> (without the dome structure).

<FIG> shows a side sectional view of a joystick device <NUM> that is similar to the example of <FIG>, but without a dome structure (<NUM> in <FIG>). <FIG> shows a side sectional view of a joystick device <NUM> that is essentially the same as the example of <FIG>. Accordingly, most of the various parts associated with <FIG> and <FIG> are described above in reference to <FIG>.

Referring to the example of <FIG>, it is noted that in some embodiments, a bump structure <NUM> can be provided on a surface of the spring carrier <NUM>. Such a bump structure can be dimensioned and positioned relative to the dome structure <NUM> so as to facilitate deformation of the dome structure <NUM>. An example of such a deformation of the dome structure <NUM> is described herein in greater detail.

<FIG> and <FIG> show examples of the joystick device <NUM> accommodating and sensing X and Y joystick motions. Based on such X and Y components, joystick motions in the XY plane can be accommodated and sensed.

<FIG> shows an example joystick operation where the shaft <NUM> is pushed along an X direction. With the ball <NUM> retained by the pivot cover <NUM>, and pushed against the pivot cover <NUM> by the spring <NUM>, such a push of the shaft <NUM> results in the shaft/ball/magnet assembly to rotate about the Y axis. The magnetic field resulting from the tilted orientation can be detected by the sensor <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the magnet <NUM> and a portion of the magnet holder (<NUM> in <FIG>) are shown to engage one side of the spring carrier <NUM>, and the engaged portion of the spring carrier <NUM> is shown to substantially maintain it structure, while the edge portions of the spring carrier <NUM> are deformed in a restorable manner to accommodate the tilted orientation of the shaft/ball/magnet assembly. In <FIG>, the right side of the spring <NUM> is shown to be compressed to accommodate the example tilted orientation. Thus, when the shaft <NUM> is released from the tilted orientation, the spring <NUM> can be restored to its rest position (e.g., where the shaft <NUM> is along the Z axis, and the ball <NUM> is pushed against the pivot cover <NUM>).

<FIG> shows an example joystick operation where the shaft <NUM> is pushed along a Y direction. With the ball <NUM> retained by the pivot cover <NUM>, and pushed against the pivot cover <NUM> by the spring <NUM>, such a push of the shaft <NUM> results in the shaft/ball/magnet assembly to rotate about the X axis. The magnetic field resulting from the tilted orientation can be detected by the sensor <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example joystick operation where the shaft <NUM> is pushed along a Z direction, such that the magnet <NUM> moves towards the sensor <NUM>. Such a push of the shaft <NUM> results in the bump structure <NUM> pushing and deforming the dome structure <NUM> to provide a click functionality. The magnetic field resulting from the Z-direction pushed orientation can be detected by the sensor <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the magnet <NUM> and a portion of the magnet holder (<NUM> in <FIG>) are shown to engage one side of the spring carrier <NUM>, and the engaged portion of the spring carrier <NUM> is shown to substantially maintain it structure. In <FIG>, the spring <NUM> is shown to be compressed approximately uniformly to accommodate the example pushed orientation. Thus, when the shaft <NUM> is released from the pushed orientation, the spring <NUM> can be restored to its rest position (e.g., where the shaft <NUM> is along the Z axis, and the ball <NUM> is pushed against the pivot cover <NUM>).

<FIG> shows an example joystick operation where the shaft <NUM> is rotated (arrow <NUM>) about a Z direction, such that the magnet <NUM> rotates relative to the sensor <NUM>. The magnetic field resulting from the foregoing rotation can be detected by the sensor <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the magnet <NUM> and a portion of the magnet holder (<NUM> in <FIG>) are shown to engage one side of the spring carrier <NUM>, and the engaged portion of the spring carrier <NUM> is shown to substantially maintain it structure. In <FIG>, the spring carrier <NUM> can rotate with the magnet <NUM>, partially rotate with the magnet <NUM>, or remain generally fixed rotation-wise. Similarly, the spring <NUM> can rotate with the magnet <NUM>, partially rotate with the magnet <NUM>, or remain generally fixed rotation-wise. In <FIG>, the spring <NUM> can remain in its rest position in terms of compression. In some embodiments, the spring <NUM> can be configured such that when a rotation of the shaft occurs, the rotated orientation becomes the new rest position. In some embodiments, the spring <NUM> can be configured such that when a rotation of the shaft occurs, the spring <NUM> twists in a restorable manner, such that when the shaft is released, the shaft generally returns to the original rest position (by the untwisting spring).

In the examples described herein in reference to <FIG>, it is generally assumed that the edge portions of the spring carrier (<NUM>) is deformable to accommodate the X/Y joystick motions. In such examples, the engagement of the magnet/magnet holder to the spring carrier <NUM> generally remains during such deformation of the edge portions. It will be understood that such a configuration is an example, and that other configurations of the spring carrier <NUM> and its engagement to the magnet/magnet holder can also be implemented.

For example, a spring carrier can be configured to not deform at all during the X/Y joystick motions. In some embodiments, such a configuration can be implemented with an appropriate overall lateral dimension of the spring carrier, such that the edges of the spring carrier does not interfere with the tilting joystick motions.

In another example, a spring carrier does not necessarily need to remain fully engaged with the magnet/magnet holder assembly during the X/Y joystick motions. By way of an example, a portion of the magnet/magnet holder assembly can remain engaged with the spring carrier, while another portion of the magnet/magnet holder assembly disengages from the spring carrier during a tilted joystick orientation.

In the various examples of <FIG>, the X, Y, Z and rotational joystick motions are depicted and described individually for clarity. It will be understood that a joystick device having one or more features as described herein can simultaneously accommodate and sense some or all of such joystick motions.

<FIG> shows that in some embodiments, the magnet <NUM> of the examples of <FIG> can be a diametrically-magnetized disc magnet <NUM> positioned relative to the corresponding sensor <NUM>. In <FIG>, the magnet <NUM> is shown without the magnet holder, and the sensor <NUM> is shown without the housing; however, it will be understood that the relative orientation of the magnet <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> can be facilitated by the magnet holder and the housing as described herein.

<FIG> shows a side view of the magnet/sensor arrangement of the example of <FIG> also shows an example of how X, Y and Z directions can be defined with respect to the magnet <NUM> and the sensor <NUM>. For example, the diametrically-splitting plane of the magnet <NUM> can be approximately parallel with the ZY plane. In such a configuration, the sensor <NUM> as a whole can define a plane that is approximately parallel with the XY plane.

<FIG> shows that in some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> of the examples of <FIG> can be a sensor <NUM> having multiple Hall-effect sensing elements. In <FIG>, such a sensor is depicted as viewed along the Z axis, such that the various Hall-effect sensing elements are positioned on the XY plane of the sensor <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the tilt of the magnet (<NUM> in <FIG>) resulting from the X-direction joystick motion (e.g., as in <FIG>) can be detected by Hall-effect sensing elements X1, X2 and X3. Each of such Hall-effect sensing elements can be oriented to have its normal face facing the direction indicated by the respective arrow (e.g., to the right in <FIG>). Similarly, the tilt of the magnet resulting from the Y-direction joystick motion (e.g., as in <FIG>) can be detected by Hall-effect sensing elements Y1, Y2 and Y3. Each of such Hall-effect sensing elements can be oriented to have its normal face facing the direction indicated by the respective arrow (e.g., to the bottom in <FIG>).

In the example of <FIG>, the variation in separation distance (between the magnet <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> in <FIG>) resulting from the Z-direction joystick motion (e.g., as in <FIG>) can be detected by one or more Hall-effect sensing elements collectively indicated as Z. Such Z sensing element(s) can have its normal face facing a direction along the Z axis.

In some embodiments, the Z sensing element can also be configured to sense the rotational joystick motion (e.g., as in <FIG>). Among others, examples related to such sensing of angular position of a diametrically-magnetized disc magnet can be found in <CIT> titled HIGH-RESOLUTION NON-CONTACTING MULTI-TURN SENSING SYSTEMS AND.

In some embodiments, a sensor (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>) having one or more features as described herein can include a <NUM>-D Linear Hall-Effect Sensor (e.g., model ALS31300) available from Allegro MicroSystems, LLC.

The present disclosure describes various features, no single one of which is solely responsible for the benefits described herein. It will be understood that various features described herein may be combined, modified, or omitted, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill. Other combinations and sub-combinations than those specifically described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill, and are intended to form a part of this disclosure. Various methods are described herein in connection with various flowchart steps and/or phases. It will be understood that in many cases, certain steps and/or phases may be combined together such that multiple steps and/or phases shown in the flowcharts can be performed as a single step and/or phase. Also, certain steps and/or phases can be broken into additional sub-components to be performed separately. In some instances, the order of the steps and/or phases can be rearranged and certain steps and/or phases may be omitted entirely. Also, the methods described herein are to be understood to be open-ended, such that additional steps and/or phases to those shown and described herein can also be performed.

Some aspects of the systems and methods described herein can advantageously be implemented using, for example, computer software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of computer software, hardware, and firmware. Computer software can comprise computer executable code stored in a computer readable medium (e.g., non-transitory computer readable medium) that, when executed, performs the functions described herein. In some embodiments, computer-executable code is executed by one or more general purpose computer processors. A skilled artisan will appreciate, in light of this disclosure, that any feature or function that can be implemented using software to be executed on a general purpose computer can also be implemented using a different combination of hardware, software, or firmware. For example, such a module can be implemented completely in hardware using a combination of integrated circuits. Alternatively or additionally, such a feature or function can be implemented completely or partially using specialized computers designed to perform the particular functions described herein rather than by general purpose computers.

Multiple distributed computing devices can be substituted for any one computing device described herein. In such distributed embodiments, the functions of the one computing device are distributed (e.g., over a network) such that some functions are performed on each of the distributed computing devices.

Some embodiments may be described with reference to equations, algorithms, and/or flowchart illustrations. These methods may be implemented using computer program instructions executable on one or more computers. These methods may also be implemented as computer program products either separately, or as a component of an apparatus or system. In this regard, each equation, algorithm, block, or step of a flowchart, and combinations thereof, may be implemented by hardware, firmware, and/or software including one or more computer program instructions embodied in computer-readable program code logic. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto one or more computers, including without limitation a general purpose computer or special purpose computer, or other programmable processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the computer program instructions which execute on the computer(s) or other programmable processing device(s) implement the functions specified in the equations, algorithms, and/or flowcharts. It will also be understood that each equation, algorithm, and/or block in flowchart illustrations, and combinations thereof, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer-readable program code logic means.

Furthermore, computer program instructions, such as embodied in computer-readable program code logic, may also be stored in a computer readable memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium) that can direct one or more computers or other programmable processing devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory implement the function(s) specified in the block(s) of the flowchart(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto one or more computers or other programmable computing devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the one or more computers or other programmable computing devices to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable processing apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the equation(s), algorithm(s), and/or block(s) of the flowchart(s).

Some or all of the methods and tasks described herein may be performed and fully automated by a computer system. The computer system may, in some cases, include multiple distinct computers or computing devices (e.g., physical servers, workstations, storage arrays, etc.) that communicate and interoperate over a network to perform the described functions. Each such computing device typically includes a processor (or multiple processors) that executes program instructions or modules stored in a memory or other non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or device. The various functions disclosed herein may be embodied in such program instructions, although some or all of the disclosed functions may alternatively be implemented in application-specific circuitry (e.g., ASICs or FPGAs) of the computer system. Where the computer system includes multiple computing devices, these devices may, but need not, be co-located. The results of the disclosed methods and tasks may be persistently stored by transforming physical storage devices, such as solid state memory chips and/or magnetic disks, into a different state.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to. " The word "coupled", as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. The word "exemplary" is used exclusively herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration.

Claim 1:
A joystick device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) defining an inner volume (<NUM>) with a floor;
a pivot cover (<NUM>) having an opening and positioned over the inner volume of the housing;
a spring (<NUM>) having a first end positioned on the floor and configured to provide a spring force at a second end towards the pivot cover;
a ball-shaft assembly having a ball (<NUM>) with a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the first portion attached to a shaft (<NUM>) such that the first portion of the ball extends out of the pivot cover, the second portion of the ball movably engages the pivot cover, and the third portion receives the spring force, such that the ball is captured by the pivot cover and the spring while allowing a motion of the shaft in a direction parallel to and/or a rotational motion about a longitudinal axis of the shaft;
a magnet (<NUM>) positioned at least partially in the third portion of the ball so as to move with the ball when the shaft moves; and
a sensor (<NUM>) configured to sense the motion of the magnet associated with the motion of the shaft,
characterized in that the sensor (<NUM>) is at least partially embedded in the floor of the housing.