Patent US4540176A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4540176A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Microprocessor interface device
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1983-08-25
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Granted: 1985-09-10
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Expires: 2003-08-25
Abstract
Abstract A user interface device for interfacing with a microprocessor driving a video display. The device is particularly adapted for the use of small children in interfacing with a microprocessor operating to drive a video game or a personal computer. The device comprises a hand puppet adapted to be worn on the user's hand. Pressure-sensitive switches, a light pen, a motion detector, and a speaker are included within the puppet's head and body to allow input by the user through the devices within the puppet and output by the microprocessor at the puppet over the speaker.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph H. Baer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 07:19
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/03; G06F3/033; G06F3/0354; G06F3/03542; G06F3/0338
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
A user interface device for interfacing with a microprocessor of a video game unit comprising: (a) a hand puppet adapted to be worn on the user's hand; (b) input swith means disposed within said puppet developing input signals to the microprocessor, said input switch means functioning in conjunction with the user's hand within the puppet; and, (c) first connector means for operably connecting said input switch means to the microprocessor as an input thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
74 words
A user interface device for interfacing with a microprocessor of a video game unit comprising: (a) a hand puppet adapted to be worn on the user's hand; (b) input swith means disposed within said puppet developing input signals to the microprocessor, said input switch means functioning in conjunction with the user's hand within the puppet; and, (c) first connector means for operably connecting said input switch means to the microprocessor as an input thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: (a) said puppet includes an arm and hand portions; and, (b) said input switch means includes a switch disposed within said hand portion adapted to be activated by the user pushing said hand portion against a resilient surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 1 and additionally comprising: (a) a loudspeaker disposed within said puppet; and, (b) second connector means for operably connecting said loudspeaker to the microprocessor to be driven thereby.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 3 wherein: (a) the microprocessor is controlling a magnetic audio tape player; and, (b) said loudspeaker is connected to said output of said magnetic tape player.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 1, further including light pen means for generating an output signal as a function of light entering an input opening thereof when said input opening is placed against the video display being driven by the microprocessor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 5 wherein: said puppet includes a protruding portion and said light pen means is disposed within said protruding portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1, further including motion detecting means for generating an output signal as a result of motion of said puppet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
The device of claim 7 wherein: (a) said puppet includes a head portion and said motion detecting means is disposed in said head portion; and, (b) said motion means is adapted to generate a first output signal portion in response to said head portion being nodded "yes" and a second output signal portion in response to said head portion being shaken "no".
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 7 wherein: said motion detecting means is adapted to sense up and down motion signifying "excitement" or the like.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 1, further including sensor means for indicating the attitude of said puppet such as vertical, lying down, or the like.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 7 wherein: said motion detecting means includes sensor means for indicating the velocity of motion of said puppet.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3162980A
Cited
US3343281A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-09-09 | 1989-03-11 | 1989-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-09-09 | 1993-03-11 | 1993-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-09-09 | 1997-03-11 | 1997-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |