Abstract: A computer monitor including a housing; a general image display in the housing; the housing having a depressible surface of a proportional sensor for creating a varying value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to a depressible surface of the sensor. Multiple proportional sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the proportional sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the depressible surface. Circuitry within the housing is connected to the sensor for reading the varying value from the sensor and causing representative varying of the imagery shown by the display.

Abstract: A clock having a time display and including a pressure-sensitive variable-conductance sensor for creating a varying analog value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to the analog sensor. Multiple analog sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the analog sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the analog sensor. Circuitry within a housing is connected to the analog sensor for reading the varying analog value from the analog sensor and causing representative varying of the time value shown by the time display.

Abstract: A hand-held web browser for establishing contact with a computer network, the browser including a housing, a general image display in the housing, a proportional sensor for creating a varying value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to a depressible surface of the sensor. Multiple proportional sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the proportional sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the depressible surface. Circuitry within the housing is connected to the sensor for reading the varying value from the sensor and causing representative varying of the imagery shown by the display.

Abstract: A telephone having a general image display and including a pressure-sensitive analog or proportional sensor for creating a varying value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to the sensor. Multiple analog or proportional sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the proportional or analog sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the sensor. Circuitry within a housing is connected to the proportional or analog sensor for reading the varying value from the sensor and causing representative varying of the imagery shown by the display.

Abstract: In an electronic device, a combination of an electronic visual display on a housing, electronic circuitry in the housing, the housing having at least one human user depressible surface with associated analog pressure-sensitive element for output of a signal of variable value utilized by the circuitry to control or manipulate one or more functions of the device. The at least one analog pressure-sensitive element receives pressure applied by a user's finger or thumb to the depressible surface, varied pressure applied by the user determines varied value of the signal. The resultant control manipulation from the analog variable value is in some. manner indicated, displayed or made visually detectable on the display at least at the time of manipulation so that the user receives visual feedback allowing termination, increase or decrease, if needed or desired, of finger pressure on the depressible surface of the analog sensor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a two-hand held controller with an analog pressure sensor(s) for controlling video game machines and imagery thereof, and other electronically generated imagery. The method for communicating an on/off simple-switch output signal to hardware or to software, which is expecting to receive such a simple binary signal as is typically generated by some type of on/off switch or switching device. In this invention the on/off signal is generated by circuitry which has as its input an analog sensor having pressure-sensitive variable-conductance material. Such an analog input sensor may be operated by depressing a button/trigger/4-way rocker or the like. The on/off signal, or information packet containing such a signal, is communicated at a variable rate in time. The communication rate being determined by the level of pressure applied to the input device.

Abstract: An electric coffee maker or brewer having a time display and including a pressure-sensitive variable-conductance sensor for creating a varying analog value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to the analog sensor. Multiple analog sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the analog sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the analog sensor. Circuitry within a housing is connected to the analog sensor for reading the varying analog value from the analog sensor and causing representative varying of the time value shown by the time display.

Abstract: A computer control mouse including a housing, electronic circuitry within the housing, surface-tracking pointing control, i.e, ball or optical, a plurality of finger depressible buttons exposed on the housing and interfacing with sensors electrically connected with the circuitry. Some of the finger depressible buttons are for user selection of signals to be sent to the computer/software for variable rate window or screen scroll control. Some of the buttons are for communicating command signals to software, the signals activating display of information of a previously visited network address either Back or Forward, dependant on the mouse button, the activating of display of information of the previously visited network address with the mouse button occurring without a requirement of a pointer having to be located on a Back or Forward software shown button on the display.

Abstract: A voice recorder including a housing having a general image display mounted therein, and further including a pressure-sensitive variable-conductance sensor for creating a varying analog value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to the analog sensor. Multiple analog sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the analog sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the analog sensor. Circuitry within the housing is connected to the analog sensor for reading the varying analog value from the analog sensor and causing representative varying of the imagery shown by the display.

Abstract: An analog sensor depressible by a single human finger/thumb. Depressive force is applied to a dome-cap and to analog materials for varying an analog output of the sensor responsive to varying force applied by a single finger or thumb. Depressive force causes the dome-cap to bow downward passing through a user discernable threshold, causing a snap-through tactile sensation. In some embodiments the dome-cap is metallic.

Abstract: A remote controller, methods of use and manufacture thereof, for controlling electronic devices or host devices, the controller including a housing, electronic circuitry, power source and structuring for communicating with the electronic device to be controlled. A plurality of finger depressible buttons are exposed and interfacing with sensors associated with the circuitry. The buttons are for user selection of communication information sent to the host. At least one sensor is a pressure-sensitive analog sensor structured for varying electrical conductance through at least three readable states dependent upon user selected varying depressive pressure levels applied to the associated button. The circuitry reads the states of the analog sensor and information representing the state or value of the sensor is communicated to the host. A user can select any of a plurality of selectable pressure levels associated with analog sensor.

Abstract: A variable sensor having a variable electrical output used to variably control electronic game imagery shown on a television according to variable depressive force applied by a finger of a human user to the variable sensor. The variable sensor comprising: a circuit sheet supporting electrically conductive material, positioned above the circuit sheet is located a depressible resilient structure, the resilient structure shaped to provide, upon depression, a snap tactile feedback, whereby when the finger of the user applies depressive pressure to the variable sensor a tactile feedback is provided to the finger indicating that the variable sensor is activated, and releasing of pressure applied to the variable sensor provides a tactile feedback to the finger indicating that the variable sensor is deactivated.

Abstract: Proportional (or analog) controls for controlling imagery shown by a display, and more particularly electronic game imagery shown on a television. Proportional controls creating signals according to varying depression applied by a finger or thumb finger of a human user to the proportional control. In one preferred embodiment the proportional controls include resilient dome caps for providing tactile feedback to the user. In another preferred embodiment the proportional controls are included in a controller with active tactile feedback. In another preferred embodiment multiple axes of input are taught and the structures of the various preferred embodiments are taught in combination for controlling three-dimensional electronic game imagery and communicating tactile feedback to the user.

Abstract: A retractable running board assembly has a step, at least two support arms, at least two mounting brackets, at least two pairs of parallel links and a drive. The step has an elongated stepping surface extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle on which the running board assembly is mounted. The support arms are mounted to the step. The mounting brackets are connected to an underside of the vehicle. The parallel links are pivotally connected between each of the support arms and the mounting brackets. The drive effects movement of the step between an extended outboard position and a retracted inboard position.

Abstract: An input device such as a joystick, which utilizes a plurality of individual analog compression-sensitive sensors for detecting direction and magnitude of applied force, such as applied to an arm. The arm is supported to allow substantial radial displacement outward from a resting to a maximum allowed position. The analog sensors are positioned within a compression applicator moveable to apply compression thereto. Resilient structuring is incorporated to provide, once compressing of a sensor starts, substantial disproportionate movement of the arm relative to the moveable compression component. The resilient structuring includes resistance to further deflection in order to increase force to a sensor as the arm is further displaced toward the maximum allowed displacement. The arm, resilient member and moveable component of the compression applicator are integrally molded as one piece of plastics in one embodiment.

Abstract: A method of using an analog sensor variably depressed by only a single human finger to variably control an electronic game, the method including the steps: a) depressing, with the human finger, the analog sensor with varying pressure for variably controlling the electronic game; and b) receiving, through the finger, a user discernible snap-through tactile feedback. Additionally, a second depressing may be applied substantially because of the receiving of the feedback.

Abstract: Devices for controlling imagery shown by a display, and including an analog sensor for creating a varying analog value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to the analog sensor. Multiple analog sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the analog sensor(s) includes a resilient dome cap for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the analog sensor. Circuitry within a housing is connected to the analog sensor for reading the varying analog value from the analog sensor and causing representative varying the imagery shown by the display. The devices can be individually structured as electronic game controllers/systems, telephones, pagers, electronic books, web browsers, global positioning receivers, ovens, coffee makers and personal digital assistants (PDA) to name a few.

Abstract: A controller of the type held in two hands for controlling electronics, the controller including a housing, a plurality of depressible surfaces (buttons) exposed on the housing and in operational association with electricity manipulating devices contained within the housing and controlled by depression of the depressible surfaces for manipulating electrical outputs. At least one of the electricity manipulating devices is a variable-conductance sensor for creating an analog electrical output proportional to varying physical pressure applied to the associated depressible surface. The proportional output is used for variably controlling imagery such as game imagery shown by a display.

Abstract: Structures and methods for using an analog sensor in combination with a user discernable snap-through threshold feedback, the feedback may be created by a dome-cap element of the sensor. The threshold feedback, sensed by a human user's finger, indicates activation and deactivation of the analog sensor. Tactile analog sensor(s) are structurally combined with: a second kind of tactile feedback referred to as active tactile feedback, flexible sheet sensor elements, pivotal analog buttons, and game imagery controls.

Abstract: A game controller of the type held in two hands simultaneously for controlling electronic games, including a housing, a plurality of depressible surfaces at least in-part exposed on the housing with the depressible surfaces in operational association with electricity manipulating devices contained within the housing and controlled by depression of the depressible surfaces for manipulating electrical outputs at least in-part useful for controlling electronic games. At least one of the electricity manipulating devices is a pressure-sensitive variable-conductance sensor for creating an analog electrical output proportional to varying physical pressure applied to at least one depressible surface. The analog electrical output is interpreted and utilized in controlling the action intensity of electronic game character imagery. Also disclosed are methods of use and manufacture of game controllers having at least one pressure-sensitive analog sensor.