Dynamically interactive responsive control device and system

Claim 2

Apparatus for the input of information by way of a rotary member (10) to a controlled system to control at least one operating parameter associated therewith, and for the production of a controllable resistance to rotation of the rotary member characterised by a tachometer (72) coupled to the rotary member to produce a

Claim 3

first signal in response to incremental angular displacement of said rotary member, and a second signal in response to the direction of rotation of said rotary member; control means (18) responsive to the first and second signals of the tachometer for producing a control signal to control the parameter associated with the system and for producing an output signal; and a particle brake (72) coupled to the rotary member and operable in response to the said output signal.

Claim 4

first signal in response to incremental angular displacement of said rotary member, and a second signal in response to the direction of rotation of said rotary member; control means (18) responsive to the first and second signals of the tachometer for producing a control signal to control the parameter associated with the system and for producing an output signal; and a particle brake (72) coupled to the rotary member and operable in response to the said output signal.

Claim 5

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means comprises: counter means (80) responsive to the first and second signals for counting, in a sequence determined by the second signal, the number of occurrences of the first signal, and producing an output corresponding to the numeric count; comparison means (82-87) responsive to the numeric count of said counter means for comparing the numeric count with a plurality of pre-defined numeric values, and producing a said output signal when the numeric count of said counter means equals one of said pre-defined numeric values; and conversion means (112-120), responsive to the numeric count of said counter means for producing the said control signal.

Claim 6

Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said conversion means comprises: means, responsive to the numeric count, for producing the said control signal in an analog form.

Claim 7

Apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3 in which the numeric values define angular positions and the particle brake is controlled to simulate the effect of respective detents and/or end stops.

Claim 8

Apparatus according to any foregoing claim and including means (123, 118) for generating a signal to operate the particle brake independently of the angular position of the rotary member.

Claim 9

Apparatus according to any foregoing claim and including means (100, 102, 98, 108) for modifying a said output signal to vary a drag imposed by the particle brake on the rotation of the rotary member.