WO2005120929A1 - Joystick devices - Google Patents

Joystick devices Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005120929A1
WO2005120929A1 PCT/KR2004/003283 KR2004003283W WO2005120929A1 WO 2005120929 A1 WO2005120929 A1 WO 2005120929A1 KR 2004003283 W KR2004003283 W KR 2004003283W WO 2005120929 A1 WO2005120929 A1 WO 2005120929A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
joystick
trigger
detection means
contact points
common terminal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2004/003283
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Chang-Hag Lee
Original Assignee
Chang-Hag Lee
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020040066758A external-priority patent/KR100481813B1/en
Priority claimed from KR1020040067999A external-priority patent/KR100481814B1/en
Application filed by Chang-Hag Lee filed Critical Chang-Hag Lee
Publication of WO2005120929A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005120929A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
    • B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
    • B62D1/12—Hand levers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/01—Arrangements of two or more controlling members with respect to one another
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/08—Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/0474—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks characterised by means converting mechanical movement into electric signals
    • G05G2009/04759—Light-sensitive detector, e.g. photoelectric
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/04774—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks with additional switches or sensors on the handle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to joystick devices, and more particularly to joystick devices that may be used as a handle of a vehicle or used for computer game systems.
  • a joystick device is gripped by one hand and used for changing a direction of a vehicle by moving it in a front, rear, right or left direction, as disclosed in US 5,566,586 and Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2004-16632 as examples.
  • joystick device occupies a small space and gives convenience rather than a conventional
  • a conventional joystick device makes a direction change by twisting or inclining a stick body in right or left direction.
  • twisting the body requires a relatively greater power, which makes it uneasy to handle the joystick device.
  • a vehicle makes a direction change in response to minute twist or inclination, which requires precise manipulation for a driver.
  • a driver already familiar to the common circular steering wheel may not be easily accustomed to a new steering way using a joystick device which the driver should twist or incline for steering.
  • a joystick device having a brake button and an accelerator button on a joystick body is disclosed in US 5,566,586, JP H12-71801, JP H14-229656 and so on.
  • the joystick device needs to adopt further means for realizing various functions required for a driver to manipulate in driving.
  • a user may feel fatigue on the wrist after a long time use.
  • a direction-changing game such as a car or boat running game
  • users tend to prefer a wheel-type handle rather than a joystick.
  • the present invention is designed to solve the above problems of the prior art, and therefore an object of the present invention is to provide a joystick device that may steer a vehicle by rotating a joystick body in a circular direction.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a joystick device that may realize precise operation of a brake or an accelerator. Still another object of the invention is to provide a joystick device having mobility that may be selectively used from both a driver seat and a passenger seat.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a joystick device that may be applied to a computer game system to give a substantial direction-changing effect.
  • the present invention provides a joystick device installed in a vehicle and used for steering the vehicle, which includes a base
  • the steering detection means detects a rate of rotation of the joystick body by means of an optical counter method.
  • the steering detection means includes: a ring member rotating together with the joystick body and having a plurality of slits; and light emitting element and light receiving element installed to face with each other with the slits interposed therebetween.
  • the steering detection means detects a rate of rotation of
  • the joystick body according to the change of a resistance value increasing or decreasing as the joystick body rotates.
  • the steering detection means includes: a pair of contact points formed on an inner circumference of a rotating ring coupled to and rotating together
  • the steering detection means includes: a pair of contact points formed on an inner circumference of a rotating ring coupled to and rotating together with the shaft; a common terminal successively contacted with one of the pair of contact points; and a resistance strip having a cutting portion therein and electrically connected with the common terminal, the resistance strip being successively contacted with the other one of the pair of contact points, wherein, when the joystick body is rotating, a rate of rotation of the joystick body is detected based on the change of a resistance value according to contact positions of the contact points to the common terminal and the
  • the joystick device may further include at least one trigger installed to pivot on the joystick body; and a triggering detection means for detecting quantity of motion of the trigger.
  • the triggering detection means detects the quantity of motion according to the change of a resistance value increasing or decreasing as the trigger moves.
  • the triggering detection means includes: a pair of contact points working together with the trigger and electrically connected with each other; an arc common terminal successively contacted with one of the pair of contact points; and an arc resistance strip formed in parallel with the arc common terminal and successively
  • the triggering detection means includes: an arc resistance strip having one end connected to a first conductive wire; and a contact point successively contacted with the arc resistance strip and formed on the trigger so that a flexible second conductive wire is connected thereto, wherein the quantity of motion of the trigger is detected based on a resistance value according to a contact position of the contact point to the resistance strip.
  • the joystick device may further include at least one trigger installed to linearly reciprocate with respect to
  • the joystick body ; and a triggering detection means for detecting quantity of motion of the trigger.
  • the triggering detection means detects the quantity of motion
  • the triggering detection means includes a pair of contact
  • the triggering detection means includes: a linear resistance strip having one end connected to a first conductive wire; and a contact point
  • the joystick body includes an extension extended from the handle, and the extension is provided with at least one of a direction indicator button, a gear
  • shifting switch a driver gear button, a neutral gear button, and a parking brake button. More preferably, at least one of a parking button and a rear-drive gear button is provided on the base.
  • the joystick device is selectively installed at a driver seat and a passenger seat in the vehicle.
  • a joystick device is provided.
  • a vehicle installed in a vehicle and used for steering the vehicle, which includes a base having an arc guide slot; a joystick body coupled to a shaft installed in the guide slot to rotate along the guide slot, and having a handle for a user to grip by the hand; and a steering
  • a joystick device to be connected to a computer game system, which includes a base having a circular guide slot; a joystick body coupled to a shaft installed in the guide slot to rotate along the guide slot, and having a handle for a user to grip by the hand; a steering detection
  • joystick device to be connected to a computer game system, which includes a base having an arc guide slot; a joystick body coupled to a shaft installed in the guide slot to rotate along the guide slot, and having a handle for a user to grip by the hand; a steering
  • detection means for detecting a rate of rotation of the joystick body; and a controller for processing a detection signal of the steering detection means to send a control signal to
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a joystick device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing functional configuration of the joystick device
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing inner configuration of the joystick device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing essential parts of a steering detection unit shown in Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing inner configuration of a joystick device according to another embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing essential parts of a steering detection unit shown in Fig. 5
  • Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing another steering detection unit
  • Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing essential parts of the steering detection unit of Fig. 7;
  • Fig. 9 is a side view showing a triggering detection unit according to one
  • Fig. 10 is a side view showing a triggering detection unit according to another
  • Fig. 11 is a side view showing a triggering detection unit according to still
  • Fig. 12 is a side view showing a triggering detection unit according to further
  • Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an installed state of the joystick device
  • Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing another installed state of the joystick
  • Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a joystick device according to another
  • Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a joystick device applied to a computer
  • Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing functional configuration of a joystick device
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a joystick device according to a preferred embodiment
  • the joystick device of the present invention is installed in a vehicle for steering the vehicle.
  • the joystick device of the present invention includes a base
  • a joystick body 105 installed to be capable of rotating along the guide slot 101, and a sensing unit for sensing the rate of rotation of the joystick body 105.
  • the circular guide slot 101 is formed in the base 100 so as to guide circular
  • the guide slot 101 may have, not limitedly, a diameter that allows users to rotate the joystick body 105 easily. For example, if the guide slot 101 has too large diameter, the base 100 becomes larger and a period for one
  • the body 105 having a joystick shape is installed to make a circular movement along the guide slot 101.
  • a shaft 106 is connected to the lower portion of the joystick body 105, and the shaft 106 is inserted into the guide slot 101.
  • a recess may be further formed on
  • the rate of rotation of the joystick body 105 is detected by a steering detection unit 111 shown in Fig. 2, and then transferred to a controller 150. At this time, the controller 150 outputs a control signal corresponding to the rate of rotation to a corresponding steering device 200 of an operation system so as to change a direction. Though it is shown in Fig. 2 that the controller 150 is installed out of the joystick body 105, the controller 150 may be mounted inside the joystick body 105.
  • the steering device 200 is operated according to the control signal to mechanically operate wheels of the vehicle.
  • well-known steering devices having an operation module such as motor and solenoid valve to convert an electric
  • Fig. 3 shows inner configuration of the joystick device for a vehicle in detail. Referring to Fig. 3, at a lower end of the shaft 106 inserted into the guide slot
  • a rotating ring 113 rotating in the guide slot 101 is coupled.
  • the joystick body 105 and the shaft 106 are preferably coupled to rotate against each other so that the joystick body 105 may not revolve along the guide slot 101 and rotate on its own axis together when a user turns the joystick body 105.
  • a bearing 114 may be interposed between the joystick body 105 and the shaft 106.
  • the rotating ring 113 is inserted into the aforementioned guide slot 101 and at the same time installed to be capable of rotating along the outer circumference of a base pillar 102 prepared at the center of the guide slot 101.
  • a bearing 120 is
  • At least one pair of ring-type conductor strips 116a, 116b are formed on the base pillar 102 in parallel along its outer circumference, and at least one pair of signaling contact points 115a, 115b connected to wires extended from, for example, a gear manipulation unit 107 (see Fig. 1) of the joystick body 105 or indicator lights are prepared at predetermined positions of the inner circumference of the rotating ring 113.
  • the signaling contact points 115a, 115b are successively contacted with the conductor strips 116a, 116b so that inner and outer circuits of the joystick body 105 may be electrically connected and exchange signals.
  • a rate of rotation of the joystick body 105 is detected by means of the steering
  • the steering detection unit as shown in Fig. 4 includes a ring member 117 rotating in connection with the joystick body 105 and
  • FIG. 5 shows a joystick device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the same reference numeral is used for the same component as in the
  • the steering detection unit detects a rate of rotation of the joystick body according to the change of resistance increasing or decreasing as the joystick body rotates.
  • signaling contact points 115a, 115b are formed at predetermined positions on the inner circumference of the rotating ring 113 working together with the joystick body 105 as mentioned above, and conductor strips 116a, 116b are prepared on the outer circumference of the base pillar 102 positioned at the center of the rotating ring 113 so as to successively contact with the signaling contact points 115a, 115b.
  • a pair of contact points 121a for detection of the rate of rotation.
  • 121b for short circuit electrically connected with each other are mounted to the rotating ring 113, and a resistance strip 123 and a common terminal 122 contacting with the short-circuit contact points 121a, 121b are formed in parallel on the outer circumference of the base pillar 102.
  • Fig. 6 showing the common terminal 122 and the resistance strip
  • the common terminal 122 has a ring shape along the outer
  • the resistance strip 123 is formed on the outer circumference of the base pillar 102 at a position spaced apart from the common terminal 122 in parallel to
  • the resistance strip 123 is not looped but a cutting portion 124 is formed between both ends thereof.
  • conductive wires are electrically connected to one end of the resistance strip 123 and one end of the ring-type common terminal 122 respectively.
  • a resistance value between the conductive wires is varied depending on contact positions between the common terminal 122 or the resistance strip 123 and the short-circuit contact points 121a, 121b, so a rate of rotation of the joystick body 105
  • the controller 150 may be calculated by detecting an electric signal corresponding to the resistance value and then transmitting it to the controller 150 described above. In this case, the
  • conductive wire is connected to a corresponding circuit via the base pillar 102.
  • Fig. 7 shows a joystick device according to another embodiment of the present
  • signaling contact points 115a, 115b are formed at one side of
  • conductor strips 116a, 116b are prepared on the outer
  • contact points 121a', 121b' electrically connected with a conductive wire extended from
  • an internal circuit of the joystick body 105 are formed on the rotating ring 113, and a
  • contact points 121a', 121b' are formed on the outer circumference of the base pillar 102.
  • Fig. 8 shows the common terminal 122 and the resistance strip 123 in more
  • the common terminal 122 is formed along the outer
  • the resistance strip 123 is formed along the outer
  • a resistance value between the conductive wires is varied depending on contact positions between the common terminal 122 or the resistance strip 123 and the
  • body 105 may be calculated by detecting an electric signal corresponding to the
  • the conductive wire is connected to a corresponding circuit through the base pillar
  • the steering detection unit is not limited to the optical
  • the joystick body 105 includes a handle 105b
  • a gear manipulation unit 107 having a gear shifting switch 107a, a driver gear
  • a direction indicator button 108 is arranged on the extension 105a,
  • a parking button 103 and a rear-drive gear button 104 are provided on the base 100.
  • the parking button 103 and the rear-drive gear button 104 may be installed to
  • a brake trigger 109 and an accelerator trigger 110 are provided on the
  • the controller 150 outputs a control signal corresponding to the triggering detection signal input by the brake trigger 109 or the accelerator trigger 110 to a corresponding acceleration/deceleration device 201 (see Fig. 2) of the driving system so as to operate the brake or the accelerator.
  • a control signal corresponding to the triggering detection signal input by the brake trigger 109 or the accelerator trigger 110 to a corresponding acceleration/deceleration device 201 (see Fig. 2) of the driving system so as to operate the brake or the accelerator.
  • the brake or accelerator manipulating
  • a mode selection switch (not shown) for selectively operating the trigger
  • brake trigger 109 and the accelerator trigger 110 may be further provided to one side of the joystick body 105.
  • controller 150 may controls the vehicle by means of the brake trigger 109 and the accelerator trigger 110 provided to the joystick
  • Figs. 9 to 12 show the triggering detection unit 112 (see Fig. 2) corresponding to
  • the brake trigger 109 is elastically biased by means of
  • an elastic body 131 and its one end is pivoted to approach or depart from the handle 105b of the joystick body 105. With gripping the joystick body 105, a user may pull or release the brake trigger 109 by the finger.
  • the triggering detection unit detects a rate of pivoting (or, quantity of motion) of
  • the triggering detection unit includes a pair of short-circuit contact point 126a, 126b coupled to the brake trigger 109 to work together and
  • one end of the arc common terminal 127 and one end of the arc resistance strip 128 are respectively connected with conductive wires 129, 130. In this case, according to contact positions of the short-circuit contact points
  • the triggering detection unit may include an arc resistance
  • a ribbon-type sheath is for example prepared to the contact point
  • Fig. 11 shows another example of the triggering detection unit provided in
  • trigger 110 is elastically biased by means of an elastic body 139, and linearly
  • the triggering detection unit includes a pair of short-circuit contact points 135,
  • conductive wires 137, 138 are respectively connected to one end of the linear common
  • a rate of linear movement of the accelerator trigger 110 may be
  • the triggering detection unit may include a linear
  • resistance strip 134 having one end connected to a first conductive wire 138,, and a
  • a ribbon-type sheath is for example prepared to the contact point 136 so that a second conductive wire 140 having flexible property as a whole is
  • the triggering detection unit is not limited to the above
  • the joystick device of the present invention may be installed slidably to be selectively positioned in front of a driver seat or a passenger seat in a vehicle as shown in Fig. 13.
  • the base 100 of the joystick device is installed to be slidable along a guide rail 141 extended from the driver seat to the passenger seat.
  • signal transmission from the joystick device can be made using a strip-type terminal formed along the guide rail 141 and a contact point (not shown) formed on the base 100 to be contacted to the strip-type terminal.
  • the joystick device of the present invention may be installed between a driver seat and a passenger seat in a vehicle as shown in Fig. 14 so that a driver or a passenger may selectively use it.
  • an auxiliary panel 300 provided with an air conditioning button and an audio control button may be further installed to the driver seat and/or the passenger seat.
  • a rate of rotation of the joystick body 105 is detected by means of a steering detection means using an optical signal detection method or a resistance detection method and then sent to the controller 150, and the controller 150 controls the
  • a driver pulls the brake trigger 109 or the accelerator trigger 110 installed to the joystick body 105 by finger to be pivoted (or, linearly moved). Displacement of the brake trigger 109 or the accelerator trigger 110 is detected by the triggering detection unit 112 using the resistance detection method as mentioned above and then sent to the controller 150, and the controller 150 controls the accelerating/decelerating device 201 of the driving system according to the signal.
  • the joystick body 105 is provided with the gear shifting switch
  • a user may manipulate the gear in various ways with gripping the
  • FIG. 15 shows a joystick device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the same reference numeral denotes the same component
  • a vehicle may steer a vehicle only by rotating the joystick device at a relatively smaller angle.
  • an angle of rotation of the joystick body 105 is comparatively restricted in this embodiment, steering a vehicle should be made satisfactorily though the joystick body 105 rotates a little.
  • rotation of the joystick body 105 is far greater than that of the former embodiment. More preferably, a rate of change of steering angle according to an angle of
  • rotation of the joystick body 105 may be set differently. For example, it is possible that a rate of change of steering angle is relatively small when the joystick body 105 is rotated at a minute angle from its initial state, but a rate of change of steering angle is relatively increased as the joystick body 105 keeps being rotated.
  • the joystick device of the present invention may be used in connection to a
  • the joystick device is connected to a computer game system 200 and functions as an input device.
  • the computer game system 200 is hardware used for executing game software, such as a common personal computer and Playstation.
  • the joystick device includes the steering detection unit 111, the triggering detection unit 112, a manipulation button 107', the controller 150 and an. interface 152 as shown in Fig. 17.
  • a rate of rotation of the joystick body 105 is detected by the steering detection unit 111 and then sent to the controller 150.
  • the controller 150 sends a control signal
  • controller 150 is provided in the joystick device, the controller 150 may also be
  • the interface 152 supports physical connection between the joystick device of
  • the computer game system 200 has the signal processing unit 201, and the
  • signal processing unit 201 processes a control signal input from the joystick device to
  • control game software makes the results displayed on a monitor 202.
  • the manipulation button 107' has
  • the triggers 109', 110' provided to the joystick body 105 is used for acting as a
  • a user who plays a vehicle driving game rotates the joystick body
  • the controller 150 receives the detection signal and sends a corresponding
  • control signal to the computer game system 200 via the interface 152.
  • the signal processing unit 201 of the computer game system 200 having received the control signal executes the game accordingly, and displays the results on the monitor 202.
  • a user for example, pulls the trigger 109' or 110' by finger so as to decelerate or accelerate the vehicle. Then, a rate of pivoting (or, a quantity of linear motion) of the trigger 109' or 110' is detected by the triggering detection unit 112, and its signal is sent
  • the controller 150 receiving the detection signal sends a corresponding control signal to the computer game system 200, and the signal processing unit 201 processes the control signal to execute the game as the user
  • a user may steer the vehicle or manipulate gears with gripping the joystick, body
  • a brake and an accelerator using triggers rapid and minute manipulation is ensured, and it may be selectively used at both a driver seat and a passenger seat.
  • the joystick device of the present invention is applied to a computer game system, a user may get a feeling as if he/she drives a real vehicle.

Abstract

Disclosed is a joystick device installed in a vehicle and used for steering the vehicle, which includes a base having a circular guide slot; a joystick body coupled to a shaft installed in the guide slot to rotate along the guide slot, and having a handle for a user to grip by the hand; and a steering detection means for detecting a rate of rotation of the joystick body.

Description

JOYSTICK DEVICES
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to joystick devices, and more particularly to joystick devices that may be used as a handle of a vehicle or used for computer game systems.
BACKGROUND ART
A joystick device is gripped by one hand and used for changing a direction of a vehicle by moving it in a front, rear, right or left direction, as disclosed in US 5,566,586 and Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2004-16632 as examples. Such a
joystick device occupies a small space and gives convenience rather than a conventional
vehicle steering wheel, so it is more useful as a handle of a vehicle for a disabled person. Generally, a conventional joystick device makes a direction change by twisting or inclining a stick body in right or left direction. However, twisting the body requires a relatively greater power, which makes it uneasy to handle the joystick device. In addition, since the angular range to twist or incline the body is limited, a vehicle makes a direction change in response to minute twist or inclination, which requires precise manipulation for a driver. Furthermore, a driver already familiar to the common circular steering wheel may not be easily accustomed to a new steering way using a joystick device which the driver should twist or incline for steering. Meanwhile, a joystick device having a brake button and an accelerator button on a joystick body is disclosed in US 5,566,586, JP H12-71801, JP H14-229656 and so on.
However, such push buttons have limitations in realizing a braking or accelerating
function that is driven in proportional to a pressing power. In addition, the joystick device needs to adopt further means for realizing various functions required for a driver to manipulate in driving.
Meanwhile, joysticks are widely used for various computer games requiring
direction change such as a car driving game, an airplane simulation game and a shooting game. However, since the conventional joystick mentioned above makes a direction
change by inclining its body, a user may feel fatigue on the wrist after a long time use. In particular, in a direction-changing game such as a car or boat running game, users tend to prefer a wheel-type handle rather than a joystick.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention is designed to solve the above problems of the prior art, and therefore an object of the present invention is to provide a joystick device that may steer a vehicle by rotating a joystick body in a circular direction.
Another object of the invention is to provide a joystick device that may realize precise operation of a brake or an accelerator. Still another object of the invention is to provide a joystick device having mobility that may be selectively used from both a driver seat and a passenger seat.
Further another object of the invention is to provide a joystick device that may be applied to a computer game system to give a substantial direction-changing effect. In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a joystick device installed in a vehicle and used for steering the vehicle, which includes a base
having a circular guide slot; a joystick body coupled to a shaft installed in the guide slot to rotate along the guide slot, and having a handle for a user to grip by the hand; and a steering detection means for detecting a rate of rotation of the joystick body. Preferably, the steering detection means detects a rate of rotation of the joystick body by means of an optical counter method.
In one embodiment, the steering detection means includes: a ring member rotating together with the joystick body and having a plurality of slits; and light emitting element and light receiving element installed to face with each other with the slits interposed therebetween.
In another embodiment, the steering detection means detects a rate of rotation of
the joystick body according to the change of a resistance value increasing or decreasing as the joystick body rotates.
In this case, the steering detection means includes: a pair of contact points formed on an inner circumference of a rotating ring coupled to and rotating together
with the shaft, and electrically connected with each other; a common terminal successively contacted with one of the pair of contact points; and a resistance strip installed in parallel with the common terminal to have a cutting portion therein and
successively contacted with the other one of the pair of contact points, wherein, when
the joystick body is rotating, a rate of rotation of the joystick body is detected based on the change of a resistance value according to contact positions of the contact points to the common terminal and the resistance strip. As an alternative, the steering detection means includes: a pair of contact points formed on an inner circumference of a rotating ring coupled to and rotating together with the shaft; a common terminal successively contacted with one of the pair of contact points; and a resistance strip having a cutting portion therein and electrically connected with the common terminal, the resistance strip being successively contacted with the other one of the pair of contact points, wherein, when the joystick body is rotating, a rate of rotation of the joystick body is detected based on the change of a resistance value according to contact positions of the contact points to the common terminal and the
resistance strip. According to the present invention, the joystick device may further include at least one trigger installed to pivot on the joystick body; and a triggering detection means for detecting quantity of motion of the trigger.
Here, the triggering detection means detects the quantity of motion according to the change of a resistance value increasing or decreasing as the trigger moves.
As an embodiment, the triggering detection means includes: a pair of contact points working together with the trigger and electrically connected with each other; an arc common terminal successively contacted with one of the pair of contact points; and an arc resistance strip formed in parallel with the arc common terminal and successively
contacted with the other one of the contact points, wherein the quantity of motion of the trigger is detected based on a resistance value according to contact positions of the contact points to the arc common terminal and the arc resistance strip. As an alternative, the triggering detection means includes: an arc resistance strip having one end connected to a first conductive wire; and a contact point successively contacted with the arc resistance strip and formed on the trigger so that a flexible second conductive wire is connected thereto, wherein the quantity of motion of the trigger is detected based on a resistance value according to a contact position of the contact point to the resistance strip.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the joystick device may further include at least one trigger installed to linearly reciprocate with respect to
the joystick body; and a triggering detection means for detecting quantity of motion of the trigger.
Preferably, the triggering detection means detects the quantity of motion
according to the change of a resistance value increasing or decreasing as the trigger moves. In one embodiment, the triggering detection means includes a pair of contact
points working in line with the linear reciprocation of the trigger and electrically connected with each other; a linear common terminal successively contacted with one of the contact points; and a linear resistance strip installed in parallel with the linear common terminal and successively contacted with the other one of the contact points, wherein the quantity of linear motion of the trigger is detected based on the change of a
resistance value according to contact positions of the contact points to the linear
common terminal and the linear resistance strip. As an alternative, the triggering detection means includes: a linear resistance strip having one end connected to a first conductive wire; and a contact point
successively contacted with the linear resistance strip and formed on the trigger so that a flexible second conductive wire is connected thereto, wherein the quantity of linear motion of the trigger is detected based on a resistance value according to a contact position of the contact point to the resistance strip. Preferably, the joystick body includes an extension extended from the handle, and the extension is provided with at least one of a direction indicator button, a gear
shifting switch, a driver gear button, a neutral gear button, and a parking brake button. More preferably, at least one of a parking button and a rear-drive gear button is provided on the base.
Preferably, the joystick device is selectively installed at a driver seat and a passenger seat in the vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a joystick device
installed in a vehicle and used for steering the vehicle, which includes a base having an arc guide slot; a joystick body coupled to a shaft installed in the guide slot to rotate along the guide slot, and having a handle for a user to grip by the hand; and a steering
detection means for detecting a rate of rotation of the joystick body.
In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a joystick device to be connected to a computer game system, which includes a base having a circular guide slot; a joystick body coupled to a shaft installed in the guide slot to rotate along the guide slot, and having a handle for a user to grip by the hand; a steering detection
means for detecting a rate of rotation of the joystick body; and a controller for
processing a detection signal of the steering detection means to send a control signal to the computer game system so that game software is controlled. In further another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a
joystick device to be connected to a computer game system, which includes a base having an arc guide slot; a joystick body coupled to a shaft installed in the guide slot to rotate along the guide slot, and having a handle for a user to grip by the hand; a steering
detection means for detecting a rate of rotation of the joystick body; and a controller for processing a detection signal of the steering detection means to send a control signal to
the computer game system so that game software is controlled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features, aspects, and advantages of preferred embodiments of
the present invention will be more fully described in the following detailed description, taken accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a joystick device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing functional configuration of the joystick device
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing inner configuration of the joystick device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing essential parts of a steering detection unit shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing inner configuration of a joystick device according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing essential parts of a steering detection unit shown in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing another steering detection unit; Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing essential parts of the steering detection unit of Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a side view showing a triggering detection unit according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a side view showing a triggering detection unit according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11 is a side view showing a triggering detection unit according to still
another embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 12 is a side view showing a triggering detection unit according to further
another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an installed state of the joystick device
according to the present invention;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing another installed state of the joystick
device according to the present invention;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a joystick device according to another
aspect of the present invention;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a joystick device applied to a computer
game system according to still another aspect of the present invention; and
Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing functional configuration of a joystick device
according to another aspect of the present invention.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a joystick device according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, which may be applied to a vehicle. The joystick device of the present invention is installed in a vehicle for steering the vehicle.
Referring to Fig. 1, the joystick device of the present invention includes a base
100 having a circular guide slot 101, a joystick body 105 installed to be capable of rotating along the guide slot 101, and a sensing unit for sensing the rate of rotation of the joystick body 105.
The circular guide slot 101 is formed in the base 100 so as to guide circular
movement of the joystick body 105. The guide slot 101 may have, not limitedly, a diameter that allows users to rotate the joystick body 105 easily. For example, if the guide slot 101 has too large diameter, the base 100 becomes larger and a period for one
cycle is long, which may make users be easily tired. To the contrary, if the guide slot 101 has too small diameter, the period for one cycle is shortened but a response rate for direction change is too fast, which may cause sudden direction change. The body 105 having a joystick shape is installed to make a circular movement along the guide slot 101. For this purpose, a shaft 106 is connected to the lower portion of the joystick body 105, and the shaft 106 is inserted into the guide slot 101.
Preferably, though not shown in the figures, a recess may be further formed on
the joystick body so that a user may stably grip the body with the fingers. The rate of rotation of the joystick body 105 is detected by a steering detection unit 111 shown in Fig. 2, and then transferred to a controller 150. At this time, the controller 150 outputs a control signal corresponding to the rate of rotation to a corresponding steering device 200 of an operation system so as to change a direction. Though it is shown in Fig. 2 that the controller 150 is installed out of the joystick body 105, the controller 150 may be mounted inside the joystick body 105.
The steering device 200 is operated according to the control signal to mechanically operate wheels of the vehicle. For example, well-known steering devices having an operation module such as motor and solenoid valve to convert an electric
signal into mechanical motion may be employed.
Fig. 3 shows inner configuration of the joystick device for a vehicle in detail. Referring to Fig. 3, at a lower end of the shaft 106 inserted into the guide slot
101, a rotating ring 113 rotating in the guide slot 101 is coupled. In addition, the joystick body 105 and the shaft 106 are preferably coupled to rotate against each other so that the joystick body 105 may not revolve along the guide slot 101 and rotate on its own axis together when a user turns the joystick body 105. For this purpose, a bearing 114 may be interposed between the joystick body 105 and the shaft 106. The rotating ring 113 is inserted into the aforementioned guide slot 101 and at the same time installed to be capable of rotating along the outer circumference of a base pillar 102 prepared at the center of the guide slot 101. Here, a bearing 120 is
preferably installed between the rotating ring 113 and the base 100 for smooth rotation of the rotating ring 113. At least one pair of ring-type conductor strips 116a, 116b are formed on the base pillar 102 in parallel along its outer circumference, and at least one pair of signaling contact points 115a, 115b connected to wires extended from, for example, a gear manipulation unit 107 (see Fig. 1) of the joystick body 105 or indicator lights are prepared at predetermined positions of the inner circumference of the rotating ring 113.
Thus, while the joystick body 105 rotates, the signaling contact points 115a, 115b are successively contacted with the conductor strips 116a, 116b so that inner and outer circuits of the joystick body 105 may be electrically connected and exchange signals. A rate of rotation of the joystick body 105 is detected by means of the steering
detection unit as mentioned above, and more specifically the rate of rotation may be
detected using the optical counter manner. The steering detection unit as shown in Fig. 4 includes a ring member 117 rotating in connection with the joystick body 105 and
having slits 117a formed along its circumference at regular intervals, and light emitting element 118 and light receiving element 119 respectively mounted to inside and outside of the ring member 117 to be opposite with the slit 117a being interposed therebetween. By using such a steering detection unit, whenever the ring member 117 rotates so that the slits 117a subsequently pass between the light emitting element 118 and the light receiving element 119, the light receiving element 119 detects optical signals of the
light emitting element 118 intermittently and transmits the signals to the controller 150 so as to count the signals. By counting signals, a rate of rotation may be calculated. Fig. 5 shows a joystick device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Here, the same reference numeral is used for the same component as in the
former drawings. According to this embodiment, the steering detection unit detects a rate of rotation of the joystick body according to the change of resistance increasing or decreasing as the joystick body rotates.
Referring to Fig. 5, signaling contact points 115a, 115b are formed at predetermined positions on the inner circumference of the rotating ring 113 working together with the joystick body 105 as mentioned above, and conductor strips 116a, 116b are prepared on the outer circumference of the base pillar 102 positioned at the center of the rotating ring 113 so as to successively contact with the signaling contact points 115a, 115b. In particular, for detection of the rate of rotation, a pair of contact points 121a,
121b for short circuit electrically connected with each other are mounted to the rotating ring 113, and a resistance strip 123 and a common terminal 122 contacting with the short-circuit contact points 121a, 121b are formed in parallel on the outer circumference of the base pillar 102. Referring to Fig. 6 showing the common terminal 122 and the resistance strip
123 in more detail, the common terminal 122 has a ring shape along the outer
circumference of the base pillar 102 to be successively contacted with one contact point 121a among the pair of short-circuit contact points 121a, 121b while the joystick body 105 is rotating. The resistance strip 123 is formed on the outer circumference of the base pillar 102 at a position spaced apart from the common terminal 122 in parallel to
contact with the other contact point 121b. The resistance strip 123 is not looped but a cutting portion 124 is formed between both ends thereof. In addition, conductive wires are electrically connected to one end of the resistance strip 123 and one end of the ring-type common terminal 122 respectively. Thus, a resistance value between the conductive wires is varied depending on contact positions between the common terminal 122 or the resistance strip 123 and the short-circuit contact points 121a, 121b, so a rate of rotation of the joystick body 105
may be calculated by detecting an electric signal corresponding to the resistance value and then transmitting it to the controller 150 described above. In this case, the
conductive wire is connected to a corresponding circuit via the base pillar 102.
Fig. 7 shows a joystick device according to another embodiment of the present
invention. Here, the same reference numeral is endowed to the same component as in
the former drawings.
Referring to Fig. 7, signaling contact points 115a, 115b are formed at one side of
the inner circumference of the rotating ring 113 rotating together with the joystick body
105 as mentioned above, and conductor strips 116a, 116b are prepared on the outer
circumference of the base pillar 102 positioned at the center of the rotating ring 113 so
as to successively contact with the signaling contact points 115a, 115b.
In particular, for detection of the rate of rotation, a pair of resistance detection
contact points 121a', 121b' electrically connected with a conductive wire extended from
an internal circuit of the joystick body 105 are formed on the rotating ring 113, and a
resistance strip 123 and a common terminal 122 contacting with the resistance detection
contact points 121a', 121b' are formed on the outer circumference of the base pillar 102.
Fig. 8 shows the common terminal 122 and the resistance strip 123 in more
detail. Referring to Fig. 8, the common terminal 122 is formed along the outer
circumference of the base pillar 102 to be successively contacted with one contact point
121a' among the pair of resistance detection contact points 121a', 121b' while the
joystick body 105 is rotating. The resistance strip 123 is formed along the outer
circumference of the base pillar 102 to be spaced apart from the common terminal 122
in parallel and contact with the other contact point 121b'.
Thus, a resistance value between the conductive wires is varied depending on contact positions between the common terminal 122 or the resistance strip 123 and the
resistance detection contact points 121a', 121b', so a rate of rotation of the joystick
body 105 may be calculated by detecting an electric signal corresponding to the
resistance value and then transmitting it to the controller 150 described above. In this
case, the conductive wire is connected to a corresponding circuit through the base pillar
102.
In the present invention, the steering detection unit is not limited to the optical
counting manner or the resistance change measuring manner as mentioned above, but it
should be understood that various kinds of well-known rotation rate detection sensors
may be used.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 again, the joystick body 105 includes a handle 105b
connected to the rotating ring 113, and an extension 105a extended from the upper end
of the handle 105b in a substantially horizontal direction. A gear manipulation unit 107 having a gear shifting switch 107a, a driver gear
button 107b, a neutral gear button 107c, a parking brake button 107d and so on is
provided on the extension 105a to transmit a corresponding signal to the controller 150.
In addition, a direction indicator button 108 is arranged on the extension 105a,
and a parking button 103 and a rear-drive gear button 104 are provided on the base 100.
Here, the parking button 103 and the rear-drive gear button 104 may be installed to
various positions such as on the joystick body 105, not limited to the base 100.
Preferably, a brake trigger 109 and an accelerator trigger 110 are provided on the
lower portion of the extension 105a so that they may be selectively pulled in a direction
of the handle 105b so as to transmit a driving signal for acceleration or deceleration to the controller 150.
The controller 150 outputs a control signal corresponding to the triggering detection signal input by the brake trigger 109 or the accelerator trigger 110 to a corresponding acceleration/deceleration device 201 (see Fig. 2) of the driving system so as to operate the brake or the accelerator. Here, the brake or accelerator manipulating
means is not limited to the trigger but may be modified in various ways. Additionally, a mode selection switch (not shown) for selectively operating the
brake trigger 109 and the accelerator trigger 110 may be further provided to one side of the joystick body 105. In this case, common mechanical brake and accelerator pedals are further installed in the vehicle, and the controller 150 may controls the vehicle by means of the brake trigger 109 and the accelerator trigger 110 provided to the joystick
device when the mode selection switch turns on, while the vehicle may be controlled by
means of the mechanical brake and accelerator pedals when the mode selection switch turns off. According to this configuration, while a vehicle is driving, a user may shift the brake trigger 109 and the accelerator trigger 110 into a non-operating state by use of the
mode selection switch so that the user may make direction change using the joystick device of the present invention and manipulate the common mechanical brake and accelerator pedals for acceleration or deceleration. Figs. 9 to 12 show the triggering detection unit 112 (see Fig. 2) corresponding to
the brake trigger 109 or the accelerator trigger 110. First, referring to Fig. 9, the brake trigger 109 is elastically biased by means of
an elastic body 131, and its one end is pivoted to approach or depart from the handle 105b of the joystick body 105. With gripping the joystick body 105, a user may pull or release the brake trigger 109 by the finger.
The triggering detection unit detects a rate of pivoting (or, quantity of motion) of
the brake trigger 109. The triggering detection unit includes a pair of short-circuit contact point 126a, 126b coupled to the brake trigger 109 to work together and
electrically connected to each other, an arc common terminal 127 successively contacted with one contact point 126a of the pair of contact points 126a, 126b, and an arc resistance strip 128 successively contacted with the other contact point 126b. Here,
one end of the arc common terminal 127 and one end of the arc resistance strip 128 are respectively connected with conductive wires 129, 130. In this case, according to contact positions of the short-circuit contact points
126a, 126b to the arc common terminal 127 and the arc resistance strip 128, a resistance
value between the conductive wires 129, 130 is changed. Thus, by detecting an electric signal corresponding to the resistance value and sending it to the controller 150, it is possible to calculate a rate of pivoting of the brake trigger 109. As another alternative, the triggering detection unit may include an arc resistance
strip 128 having one end connected to a first conductive wire 130, and a contact point 126b linked to the brake trigger 109 to pivot with being successively contacted with the arc resistance strip 128, as shown in Fig. 10. In this case, a ribbon-type sheath is for example prepared to the contact point
126b so that- a second conductive wire 132 having flexible property as a whole is connected thereto. In this case, since a resistance value between the first and second conductive wires 130, 132 is changed according to a contact position of the contact point 126b to the arc resistance strip 128, a rate of pivoting of the brake trigger 109 may
be calculated by sending an electric signal corresponding to the resistance value to the
controller 150.
Fig. 11 shows another example of the triggering detection unit provided in
correspondence to the accelerator trigger 110. Referring to Fig. 11, the accelerator
trigger 110 is elastically biased by means of an elastic body 139, and linearly
reciprocates in a direction to approach or depart from the handle 105b of the joystick
body 105.
The triggering detection unit includes a pair of short-circuit contact points 135,
136 electrically connected with each other, a linear common terminal 133 successively
contacted with one contact point 135 of the pair of contact points 135, 136, and a linear
resistance strip 134 successively contacted with the other contact point 136. Here,
conductive wires 137, 138 are respectively connected to one end of the linear common
terminal 133 and the linear resistance strip 134. In this case, since a resistance value
between the conductive wires is changed according to contact positions of the
short-circuit contact points 135, 136 to the linear common terminal 133 and the linear
resistance strip 134, a rate of linear movement of the accelerator trigger 110 may be
quantitatively calculated by sending an electric signal corresponding to the resistance
value to the aforementioned controller 150. As another embodiment, the triggering detection unit may include a linear
resistance strip 134 having one end connected to a first conductive wire 138,, and a
contact point 136 linked to the accelerator trigger 110 to linearly move with being
successively contacted with the linear resistance strip 134, as shown in Fig. 12. In this case, a ribbon-type sheath is for example prepared to the contact point 136 so that a second conductive wire 140 having flexible property as a whole is
connected thereto. In this case, since a resistance value between the first and second conductive wires 138, 140 is changed according to a contact position of the contact point 136 to the linear resistance strip 134, a rate of linear movement of the accelerator
trigger 110 may be quantitatively calculated by sending an electric signal corresponding to the resistance value to the controller 150. In the present invention, the triggering detection unit is not limited to the above
manners detecting resistance values at pivoting or linearly movement as described above, but various well-known displacement detection sensors may be used. The joystick device of the present invention, configured as mentioned above, may be installed slidably to be selectively positioned in front of a driver seat or a passenger seat in a vehicle as shown in Fig. 13. In this case, the base 100 of the joystick device is installed to be slidable along a guide rail 141 extended from the driver seat to the passenger seat. Preferably, signal transmission from the joystick device can be made using a strip-type terminal formed along the guide rail 141 and a contact point (not shown) formed on the base 100 to be contacted to the strip-type terminal.
In addition, the joystick device of the present invention may be installed between a driver seat and a passenger seat in a vehicle as shown in Fig. 14 so that a driver or a passenger may selectively use it. Additionally, an auxiliary panel 300 provided with an air conditioning button and an audio control button may be further installed to the driver seat and/or the passenger seat. Now, operation of the joystick device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. If a driver grips the joystick body 105 and rotates it in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the body 105 moves along the circular guide slot 101 of the
base 100. At this time, a rate of rotation of the joystick body 105 is detected by means of a steering detection means using an optical signal detection method or a resistance detection method and then sent to the controller 150, and the controller 150 controls the
steering device 200 of the driving system according to the signal.
In addition, for accelerating or decelerating the vehicle, a driver pulls the brake trigger 109 or the accelerator trigger 110 installed to the joystick body 105 by finger to be pivoted (or, linearly moved). Displacement of the brake trigger 109 or the accelerator trigger 110 is detected by the triggering detection unit 112 using the resistance detection method as mentioned above and then sent to the controller 150, and the controller 150 controls the accelerating/decelerating device 201 of the driving system according to the signal. In addition, since the joystick body 105 is provided with the gear shifting switch
107a, the driver gear button 107b, the neutral gear button 107c, the parking brake button 107d and so on, a user may manipulate the gear in various ways with gripping the
joystick device with one hand. Fig. 15 shows a joystick device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Here, the same reference numeral denotes the same component
as in the former drawings. In this embodiment, all configuration is identical to the former embodiment except that a guide slot 101' has an arc shape instead of a circular shape. According to this embodiment, a user need not rotate the joystick body 105 several times, but the user
may steer a vehicle only by rotating the joystick device at a relatively smaller angle. Preferably, since an angle of rotation of the joystick body 105 is comparatively restricted in this embodiment, steering a vehicle should be made satisfactorily though the joystick body 105 rotates a little. Thus, a responsive steering angle according to
rotation of the joystick body 105 is far greater than that of the former embodiment. More preferably, a rate of change of steering angle according to an angle of
rotation of the joystick body 105 may be set differently. For example, it is possible that a rate of change of steering angle is relatively small when the joystick body 105 is rotated at a minute angle from its initial state, but a rate of change of steering angle is relatively increased as the joystick body 105 keeps being rotated. The joystick device of the present invention may be used in connection to a
computer, as shown in Fig. 16. Referring to Fig. 16, the joystick device according to this embodiment of the present invention is connected to a computer game system 200 and functions as an input device. The computer game system 200 is hardware used for executing game software, such as a common personal computer and Playstation. The joystick device of the
present invention may connected to the computer game system 200 by wire such as using a USB cable 151 , or may exchange data wirelessly. The joystick device includes the steering detection unit 111, the triggering detection unit 112, a manipulation button 107', the controller 150 and an. interface 152 as shown in Fig. 17. A rate of rotation of the joystick body 105 is detected by the steering detection unit 111 and then sent to the controller 150. The controller 150 sends a control signal
corresponding to the rate of rotation to a signal processing unit 201 of the computer
game system 200 via the interface 152. Though it is shown in Fig. 17 that the
controller 150 is provided in the joystick device, the controller 150 may also be
provided out of the joystick device, not limited to the former case.
The interface 152 supports physical connection between the joystick device of
the present invention and the computer game system 200, and for example an interface
supporting a protocol such as a common USB and Bluetooth may be used.
The computer game system 200 has the signal processing unit 201, and the
signal processing unit 201 processes a control signal input from the joystick device to
control game software and makes the results displayed on a monitor 202.
According to this embodiment, preferably the extension 105a of the joystick
body 105 is provided with the manipulation button 107' used for inputting commands to
be sent to the computer. For example, the manipulation button 107' has
front/rear/right/left movement buttons and a click button.
The triggers 109', 110' provided to the joystick body 105 is used for acting as a
trigger for shooting game or as an accelerator or brake for car driving game. The
configuration of the triggers 109', 110' is identical to the above case.
For example, a user who plays a vehicle driving game rotates the joystick body
105 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, a rate of rotation of the joystick body
105 is detected by the steering detection unit 111 and its signal is sent to the controller
150, and the controller 150 receives the detection signal and sends a corresponding
control signal to the computer game system 200 via the interface 152. The signal processing unit 201 of the computer game system 200 having received the control signal executes the game accordingly, and displays the results on the monitor 202.
A user, for example, pulls the trigger 109' or 110' by finger so as to decelerate or accelerate the vehicle. Then, a rate of pivoting (or, a quantity of linear motion) of the trigger 109' or 110' is detected by the triggering detection unit 112, and its signal is sent
to the controller 150. The controller 150 receiving the detection signal sends a corresponding control signal to the computer game system 200, and the signal processing unit 201 processes the control signal to execute the game as the user
commands. The present invention has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since
various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
According to the present invention, in case the joystick body is applied to a vehicle, a user may steer the vehicle or manipulate gears with gripping the joystick, body
by one hand, thereby reducing an occupying area of a conventional steering wheel, and burden given to the body of a driver is lowered in comparison to a conventional steering wheel. In particular, since the joystick body is rotated along the guide slot, less fatigue is given to the wrist, and a user may feel like rotating a steering wheel.
In addition, since the joystick device of the present invention allows to
manipulating a brake and an accelerator using triggers, rapid and minute manipulation is ensured, and it may be selectively used at both a driver seat and a passenger seat. Moreover, in case the joystick device of the present invention is applied to a computer game system, a user may get a feeling as if he/she drives a real vehicle.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A joystick device installed in a vehicle and used for steering the vehicle, comprising: a base having a circular guide slot; a joystick body coupled to a shaft installed in the guide slot to rotate along the guide slot, and having a handle for a user to grip by the hand; and a steering detection means for detecting a rate of rotation of the joystick body.
2. The joystick device according to claim 1, wherein the steering detection means detects a rate of rotation of the joystick body by means of an optical counter method.
3. The joystick device according to claim 2, wherein the steering detection means includes: a ring member rotating together with the joystick body and having a plurality of slits; and light emitting element and light receiving element installed to face with each other with the slits interposed therebetween.
4. The joystick device according to claim 1 , wherein the steering detection means detects a rate of rotation of the joystick body according to the change of a resistance value increasing or decreasing as the joystick body rotates.
5. The joystick device according to claim 4, wherein the steering detection
means includes: a pair of contact points formed on an inner circumference of a rotating ring
coupled to and rotating together with the shaft, and electrically connected with each
other; a common terminal successively contacted with one of the pair of contact points;
and a resistance strip installed in parallel with the common terminal to have a cutting
portion therein and successively contacted with the other one of the pair of contact
points, wherein, when the joystick body is rotating, a rate of rotation of the joystick
body is detected based on the change of a resistance value according to contact positions
of the contact points to the common terminal and the resistance strip.
6. The joystick device according to claim 4, wherein the steering detection
means includes: a pair of contact points formed on an inner circumference of a rotating ring
coupled to and rotating together with the shaft; a common terminal successively contacted with one of the pair of contact points;
and a resistance strip having a cutting portion therein and electrically connected with the common terminal, the resistance strip being successively contacted with the other
one of the pair of contact points, wherein, when the joystick body is rotating, a rate of rotation of the joystick
body is detected based on the change of a resistance value according to contact positions
of the contact points to the common terminal and the resistance strip.
7. The joystick device according to claim 1 , further comprising: at least one trigger installed to pivot on the joystick body; and a triggering detection means for detecting quantity of motion of the trigger.
8. The j oystick device according to claim 7, wherein the triggering detection means detects the quantity of motion according
to the change of a resistance value increasing or decreasing as the trigger moves.
9. The joystick device according to claim 8, wherein the triggering
detection means includes: a pair of contact points working together with the trigger and electrically
connected with each other; an arc common terminal successively contacted with one of the pair of contact
points; and an arc resistance strip formed in parallel with the arc common terminal and
successively contacted with the other one of the contact points, wherein the quantity of motion of the trigger is detected based on a resistance value according to contact positions of the contact points to the arc common terminal and the arc resistance strip.
10. The joystick device according to claim 8, wherein the triggering detection means includes: an arc resistance strip having one end connected to a first conductive wire; and a contact point successively contacted with the arc resistance strip and formed on
the trigger so that a flexible second conductive wire is connected thereto, wherein the quantity of motion of the trigger is detected based on a resistance
value according to a contact position of the contact point to the resistance strip.
11. The joystick device according to claim 1 , further comprising: at least one trigger installed to linearly reciprocate with respect to the joystick
body; and a triggering detection means for detecting quantity of motion of the trigger.
12. The j oystick device according to claim 11 , wherein the triggering detection means detects the quantity of motion according to the change of a resistance value increasing or decreasing as the trigger moves.
13. The joystick device according to claim 12, wherein the triggering
detection means includes: a pair of contact points working in line with the linear reciprocation of the trigger and electrically connected with each other; a linear common terminal successively contacted with one of the contact points;
and a linear resistance strip installed in parallel with the linear common terminal and
successively contacted with the other one of the contact points, wherein the quantity of linear motion of the trigger is detected based on the
change of a resistance value according to contact positions of the contact points to the
linear common terminal and the linear resistance strip.
14. The joystick device according to claim 12, wherein the triggering
detection means includes: a linear resistance strip having one end connected to a first conductive wire; and a contact point successively contacted with the linear resistance strip and formed
on the trigger so that a flexible second conductive wire is connected thereto, wherein the quantity of linear motion of the trigger is detected based on a
resistance value according to a contact position of the contact point to the resistance
strip.
15. The j oystick device according to claim 1 , wherein the joystick body includes an extension extended from the handle, and wherein the extension is provided with at least one of a direction indicator
button, a gear shifting switch, a driver gear button, a neutral gear button, and a parking
brake button.
16. The joystick device according to claim 15, wherein at least one of a parking button and a rear-drive gear button is provided on the base.
17. The j oystick device according to claim 1 , wherein the joystick device is selectively installed at a driver seat and a passenger seat in the vehicle.
18. A joystick device installed in a vehicle and used for steering the vehicle, comprising: a base having an arc guide slot; a joystick body coupled to a shaft installed in the guide slot to rotate along the
guide slot, and having a handle for a user to grip by the hand; and a steering detection means for detecting a rate of rotation of the j oystick body.
19. A joystick device to be connected to a computer game system,
comprising: a base having a circular guide slot; a joystick body coupled to a shaft installed in the guide slot to rotate along the
guide slot, and having a handle for a user to grip by the hand; a steering detection means for detecting a rate of rotation of the joystick body;
and a controller for processing a detection signal of the steering detection means to send a control signal to the computer game system so that game software is controlled.
20. The joystick device according to claim 19, wherein the steering detection means detects a rate of rotation of the joystick body by means of an optical counter method.
21. The joystick device according to claim 20, wherein the steering detection
means includes: a ring member rotating together with the joystick body and having a plurality of slits; and light emitting element and light receiving element installed to face with each
other with the slits interposed therebetween.
22. The joystick device according to claim 19, wherein the steering detection means detects a rate of rotation of the joystick
body according to the change of a resistance value increasing or decreasing as the
joystick body rotates.
23. The joystick device according to claim 22, wherein the steering detection
means includes: a pair of contact points formed on an inner circumference of a rotating ring
coupled to and rotating together with the shaft, and electrically connected with each other; a common terminal successively contacted with one of the pair of contact points;
and a resistance strip installed in parallel with the common terminal to have a cutting
portion therein and successively contacted with the other one of the pair of contact
points, wherein, when the joystick body is rotating, a rate of rotation of the joystick
body is detected based on the change of a resistance value according to contact positions
of the contact points to the common terminal and the resistance strip.
24. The joystick device according to claim 22, wherein the steering detection
means includes: a pair of contact points formed on an inner circumference of a rotating ring
coupled to and rotating together with the shaft; a common terminal successively contacted with one of the pair of contact points;
and a resistance strip having a cutting portion therein and electrically connected with
the common terminal, the resistance strip being successively contacted with the other
one of the pair of contact points, wherein, when the joystick body is rotating, a rate of rotation of the joystick
body is detected based on the change of a resistance value according to contact positions
of the contact points to the common terminal and the resistance strip.
25. The joystick device according to claim 19, further comprising: at least one trigger installed to pivot on the joystick body; and a triggering detection means for detecting quantity of motion of the trigger.
26. The joystick device according to claim 25, wherein the triggering detection means detects the quantity of motion of the trigger according to the change of a resistance value increasing or decreasing as the trigger moves.
27. The joystick device according to claim 26, wherein the triggering detection means includes: a pair of contact points working together with the trigger and electrically connected with each other; an arc common terminal successively contacted with one of the pair of contact points; and an arc resistance strip formed in parallel with the arc common terminal and successively contacted with the other one of the contact points, wherein the quantity of motion of the trigger is detected based on a resistance
value according to contact positions of the contact points to the arc common terminal and the arc resistance strip.
28. The joystick device according to claim 26, wherein the triggering detection means includes: an arc resistance strip having one end connected to a first conductive wire; and a contact point successively contacted with the arc resistance strip and formed on
the trigger so that a flexible second conductive wire is connected thereto, wherein the quantity of motion of the trigger is detected based on a resistance
value according to a contact position of the contact point to the resistance strip.
29. The joystick device according to claim 19, further comprising: at least one trigger installed to linearly reciprocate with respect to the joystick
body; and a triggering detection means for detecting quantity of motion of the trigger.
30. The joystick device according to claim 29, wherein the triggering detection means detects the quantity of motion according
to the change of a resistance value increasing or decreasing as the trigger moves.
31. The joystick device according to claim 30, wherein the triggering
detection means includes: a pair of contact points working in line with the linear reciprocation of the
trigger and electrically connected with each other; a linear common terminal successively contacted with one of the contact points;
and a linear resistance strip installed in parallel with the linear common terminal and
successively contacted with the other one of the contact points, wherein the quantity of linear motion of the trigger is detected based on the
change of a resistance value according to contact positions of the contact points to the
linear common terminal and the linear resistance strip.
32. The joystick device according to claim 30, wherein the triggering
detection means includes: a linear resistance strip having one end connected to a first conductive wire; and a contact point successively contacted with the linear resistance strip and formed
on the trigger so that a flexible second conductive wire is cormected thereto, wherein the quantity of linear motion of the trigger is detected based on a
resistance value according to a contact position of the contact point to the resistance
strip.
33. The j oystick device according to claim 19, wherein the joystick body includes an extension extended from the handle, and wherein the extension is provided with at least one manipulation button.
34. A joystick device to be connected to a computer game system,
comprising: a base having an arc guide slot; a joystick body coupled to a shaft installed in the guide slot to rotate along the
guide slot, and having a handle for a user to grip by the hand; a steering detection means for detecting a rate of rotation of the joystick body; and a controller for processing a detection signal of the steering detection means to
send a control signal to the computer game system so that game software is controlled.
PCT/KR2004/003283 2004-06-14 2004-12-14 Joystick devices WO2005120929A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR20040043678 2004-06-14
KR10-2004-0043678 2004-06-14
KR10-2004-0066758 2004-08-24
KR1020040066758A KR100481813B1 (en) 2004-06-14 2004-08-24 Steering stick of joystick type for vehicle
KR1020040067999A KR100481814B1 (en) 2004-08-27 2004-08-27 Steering stick of joystick for computer game system
KR10-2004-0067999 2004-08-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005120929A1 true WO2005120929A1 (en) 2005-12-22

Family

ID=35502944

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/KR2004/003283 WO2005120929A1 (en) 2004-06-14 2004-12-14 Joystick devices

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Country Link
WO (1) WO2005120929A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1834859A1 (en) 2006-03-17 2007-09-19 Berner Fachhochschule Hochschule für Technik und Architektur Biel Input device for an electronic steering system of a virtual or real vehicle
WO2008004783A1 (en) * 2006-07-04 2008-01-10 Lee, Sak Game controller wiht mini control-wheel
DE102007046122A1 (en) * 2007-09-27 2009-04-09 GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit Control element for multimedia device of motor vehicle, has actuating element with control body and switch elements moving in tangential direction of surface against each other for execution of switching movement, where element is movable
WO2009071113A1 (en) 2007-12-03 2009-06-11 Berner Fachhochschule Fuer Technik Und Informatik Vehicle adapted for disabled people
CN102874254A (en) * 2011-07-12 2013-01-16 现代摩比斯株式会社 Vehicle running control device and control method by virtue of automatic gearbox
WO2021262270A1 (en) * 2020-06-23 2021-12-30 Performance Designed Products Llc Adjustable trigger-stops for videogame controllers
US11241617B2 (en) 2017-03-02 2022-02-08 Performance Designed Products Llc Smart trigger-stops for videogame controllers

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JPH09244804A (en) * 1996-03-01 1997-09-19 S Y Riu William Photoelectric digital joy stick
JPH1021003A (en) * 1996-06-28 1998-01-23 Nisshin Koki Kk Coordinate input device
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Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1834859A1 (en) 2006-03-17 2007-09-19 Berner Fachhochschule Hochschule für Technik und Architektur Biel Input device for an electronic steering system of a virtual or real vehicle
WO2008004783A1 (en) * 2006-07-04 2008-01-10 Lee, Sak Game controller wiht mini control-wheel
DE102007046122A1 (en) * 2007-09-27 2009-04-09 GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit Control element for multimedia device of motor vehicle, has actuating element with control body and switch elements moving in tangential direction of surface against each other for execution of switching movement, where element is movable
WO2009071113A1 (en) 2007-12-03 2009-06-11 Berner Fachhochschule Fuer Technik Und Informatik Vehicle adapted for disabled people
US7970514B2 (en) 2007-12-03 2011-06-28 Bozzio Ag Vehicle adapted for disabled people
CN102874254A (en) * 2011-07-12 2013-01-16 现代摩比斯株式会社 Vehicle running control device and control method by virtue of automatic gearbox
US11241617B2 (en) 2017-03-02 2022-02-08 Performance Designed Products Llc Smart trigger-stops for videogame controllers
WO2021262270A1 (en) * 2020-06-23 2021-12-30 Performance Designed Products Llc Adjustable trigger-stops for videogame controllers
US11298610B2 (en) 2020-06-23 2022-04-12 Performance Designed Products Llc Adjustable trigger-stops for videogame controllers
US11826639B2 (en) 2020-06-23 2023-11-28 Performance Designed Products Llc Adjustable trigger-stops for videogame controllers

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