Abstract: A cranial controller for supplying directional signals to a computer input is provided in which the controller is affixed to the head of an incapacitated user and by selectively moving his or her head one of several mercury switches is activated to send a directional control signal corresponding to the selected cranial movement to a computer console or video device. In addition, the user's mouth provides a pressure source for activating a vacuum controlled switch in the controller for providing a function signal to the computer input.

Abstract: An omnidirectional changeover switch includes casing having adjacent sides, at least a pair of switch units mounted respectively on the sides and having rotatable slider supports, respectively, a control lever mounted in the casing, and interlink members disposed in the casing and rotatable about their own axes extending in substantially perpendicular relation to each other, the control lever being operatively connected to the slider supports through the interlink members, each of the slider supports comprising an insulating base and supporting a pair of sliders slidable on the insulating base, the base including a collector held in contact with one of the sliders at all times, and a pair of contacts capable of contacting the other slider and having ends held in confronting relation to each other, the collector and the contacts being printed as patterns on the insulating base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a 6 degree of freedom hand controller. The hand controller includes a handgrip member which is substantially spherical in shape and which includes a point disposed substantially centrally of the member. An elongated shaft member supports the handgrip member such that the handgrip member is rotatable, from an initial position, about the point. The rotational motion of the handgrip member about the point is resolvable into motion about a pitch axis, passing through the point, a roll axis at right angles to the pitch axis and also passing through the point, and a yaw axis, at right angles to both the pitch axis and the roll axis and also passing through the point. The elongated shaft member is movably supported such that the handgrip member is movable, from the initial position, in translational motion resolvable into motion along the pitch, roll and yaw axes and through the point.

Abstract: A selectively positionable secondary gate controlling the mode of operation of a joystick for restricted movement about X and Y axes to actuate opposed switches disposed in pairs on the X and Y axes and operable in an eight-way mode to actuate adjacent corner switches as well as single axially aligned switches, and operable in a four-way mode to alternately actuate only axially aligned switches, and all of which is embodied in a spring biased assembly characterized by a primary gate permitting normal operation and said positionable secondary gate restricting operation.

Abstract: The present invention can be used either as a joystick controller having three dimensions of control or as a three dimensional pressure sensor for signature verification or other purposes. The invention comprises a flexible web including a first deflection zone which extends between first and second spaced apart points on the web. A second deflection zone extends between third and fourth spaced apart points on the web. The first and second deflection zones intersect to divide each of the zones into first and second sections. A first fixed yoke includes first and second arms which are coupled to the first and second points on the web. A second floating yoke includes first and second arms which are coupled to the third and fourth points on the web. A web deflection device is coupled to the second yoke to transmit the mechanical input deflections to the web.

Abstract: Electrical switch keyboards comprise a one-piece mat made of resilient material laid in sealing engagement upon a frame within which switching elements are positioned to operate in conjunction with key portions of the mat. The mat is the uppermost layer of the keyboard and comprises the key portions connected by integral spring portions to frame positioning portions. Operation elements carried on integral extensions depending from the key portions of the mat function with the switching elements in the frame to produce switching currents upon actuation of the key portions.

Abstract: An operating unit for an industrial robot is provided with hand-sensing device arranged in such a way that, when an operator operates the robot with the aid of a joystick, the operator's hand rests on the hand-sensing device enabling the joystick to be operated with the fingers of the same hand. Suitably the hand-sensing device includes a plate and a transducer sensing the presence of the operator's hand when it rests on the plate. The transducer influences a control unit which only allows the joystick to influence the robot when a hand is sensed by the hand-sensing device when the hand rests on the plate.

Abstract: A control lever is distinctly movable in different planes for actuation of different control means. The control lever has, adjacent a control lever housing, a plate provided with a number of bevelled flat edges corresponding to the number of planes in which the control lever is movable. The plate is tiltable on its flat edges by means of movement of the lever on which is axially movable. A spring is provided between the plate and a fixed abutment on the lever for holding said lever in engagement with a seat and for urging said plate against a planar portion of the housing. When the lever is moved in a given direction, the plate is tilted or rocked about an edge against the action of the spring, with any risk of the lever moving in another undersired plane being effectively eliminated.

Abstract: Control mechanism employing a "joy-stick" unit in conjunction with electrical rocker switches, featuring a mounting bracket secured to the joy-stick unit and carrying a pair of rocker switches. The angularly movable elements of the unit are transmitted to the switches by hairpin-like "shafts" having legs engaging the faces of the respective switches.

Abstract: The invention is a manually operable control wand for use with hydraulically actuated overhead personnel cranes or "Cherry Pickers". The wand is fixedly secured to a personnel carrying enclosure and includes a pair of operating shafts operatively coupled together and to a mounting base. A plurality of electrical switches which effect operation of the hydraulic actuator means of the overhead personnel crane and mounted adjacent the operator levers in positions such that movement of the operating levers in positions such that movement of the operating levers in the direction of desired movement of the personnel enclosure produces the corresponding movement of the enclosure.

Abstract: A joystick is disclosed comprising a swtich holder having four side walls and an opening at its top. Each side wall has a switch opening. Four panel-mounted type switches having depressible activator buttons are mounted in the switch openings with the activator buttons extending into the interior of the switch holder. The joystick comprising an actuator arm having a handle, a ball, and a switch engaging member. The ball is rotatably mounted above the switches. The handle extends upwardly from the ball and the switch engaging member extends downwardly into the switch holder to a position between all of the activator buttons of the switches.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for utilizing finger control switches connected to a binary code receiver for the purpose of driving a printer and/or a visual and/or audible readout device. The device is made up of a number of switches normally in the open position which can be depressed to a closed position. The input from the switches is communicated to a binary code receiver, which activates a printer, a visual readout or an audible device. The apparatus is used both for communication to other equipment and as a teaching device for physically demonstrating the combination of switch positions required to produce a given command.

Abstract: A hand controller for use with a home electronic video game produces electrical control signals in response to manipulation of a control stick extending through an aperture in the controller housing. The control stick is attached to an actuator stem which forms part of a multi-position switch assembly within the housing. The switch assembly includes a helical coil spring which is attached at one end to an interior surface of the housing and is arranged to concentrically receive the actuator stem so as to support the actuator stem and control stick in an upright non-actuated position. Displacement of the control stick and actuator stem causes the helical spring to contact one or more of a plurality of electrical contact pads disposed generally concentrically around the spring. This causes appropriate control signal to be produced for application to the video game.

Abstract: A multi-path interrupter device (e.g. joystick) includes a housing 10 constituted by two parts (11, 12), a plurality of interrupters 16 distributed along a circle and a control member 20. The control member is formed of a single piece of resilient material and has a lever pin 21 held on a pivot 25 carried by the housing. The control member 20 includes a peripheral crown 23 arranged to act on the interrupters 16. The member 20 also includes resilient return means for biasing the member to a central rest position.The return means includes tongues 30 cut radially out of the control member 20, the flexible end of these tongues bearing on the lateral surface of a truncated cone 28 carried by the part 12 of the housing, which cone 28 forms an opening for passing the pin 21.

Abstract: An improved joystick controller is disclosed in which the controller has a handle which is pivotally mounted in a base. An electrical cord carries the signal generated by the joystick controller from the base. The improvement comprises a ring and a spacer for positioning the ring spaced apart from the base. An outer housing encloses the base, the spacer and the ring with the housing having a substantially planar surface. The substantially planar surface has a radius of curvature which is greater than the outer ring of the ring. A cylindrically shaped member is mounted near the center of the planar surface. The member has a radius of curvature less than the inner radius of the ring and is positioned such that the ring passes through the member and rests on the surface. Thus, the rotation of the handle about its pivotal axis causes the cord to be wound or unwound about the spacer in the housing.

Abstract: There is disclosed an endoscope apparatus including an electric deflection mechanism which has an insertion section with a deflection portion to be freely deflected, a control section, electric motors, wire drums and angulation wires. A single deflection control lever is arranged in the control section to arbitrarily deflect a distal end portion in any direction. The motors are properly rotated in the forward or reverse direction in accordance with the manual operation of the deflection control lever, thereby properly and very precisely deflecting the deflection portion of the insertion section under the control of the operator through the electric deflection mechanism.

Abstract: A control-lever for a game in which a movable object is displaceable by gravity to operate a detector. In one embodiment the movable element is a pendulum and in a second embodiment the element is a ball rolling in one or more channels. The ball can be a solid object or a ball of mercury.

Abstract: A digital joystick controller is disclosed which utilizes a plastic base portion and a pivotally mounted "joystick." A plurality of electrical contacts are disposed within the bottom of the base portion and a planar conductive member is suspended a selected distance above the electrical contacts. The planar conductive member includes a number of elongate sections which serve to urge the joystick into an erect position and which deflect to contact selected ones of the plurality of electrical contacts in response to manual displacement of the joystick from an erect position. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention an elongate button switch is disposed within the joystick and is axially movable therein. An elongate section of the planar conductive member is utilized to urge the button switch into a first position and to selectively contact a particular electrical contact in response to manual depression of the button switch.

Abstract: An adapter is disclosed which is applicable for use in conjunction with a video game controller system. The disclosed adapter increases the manual inputs that can be communicated from one of the manual controller units to the video game controller system. The adapter comprises a shell opened at one end and adapted to fit over and envelop the joystick member such that the joystick member can be moved by manually moving the shell. A switch is mounted in the shell, and a conductor is provided for coupling the contacts of the switch to elements of an auxiliary connector. The auxiliary connector is adapted for coupling to an input port of the video game controller system. The auxiliary connector includes an auxiliary input port for receiving the connector of the respective manual controller unit.

Abstract: A joystick controller of the electrically non-contact type is provided with a pair of magnetosensitive elements having a magnetresistive effect. The magnetosensitive elements are placed fixedly on a stator member in a given relation at right angles to detect the rotary motion of a permanent magnet embedded in a rotor member movably supported by the stator member. Each of the magnetosensitive elements is supplied by a constant bias magnetic field generated by added magnets on the stator member to improve the sensing characteristics of the controller. In addition, a spring sheet member is assembled between surfaces of the rotor and stator members to afford appropriate feeling and handling for operation of the lever.

Abstract: A switch assembly is provided for mounting in the two-part housing of a joystick apparatus. The assembly includes a printed circuit board held between retainers on the two parts of the housing. A plurality of switches are mounted on the board, each including a fixed printed contact and a movable leaf spring contact, the leaf spring contacts being engageable with actuators on a tilt plate which is tiltably carried by the joystick handle for selective actuation of the switches. The board also carries a fire control switch including a printed contact and a leaf spring contact which is engageable with a push-button actuator on the joystick handle. The handle includes a support module therefor which is held in place by retaining pins on one of the two housing parts, the tilt plate having recesses therein for accommodating the retaining pins.

Abstract: A control mechanism includes a control lever extending through an opening in a guide plate into a housing where it is pivotally attached. A frustoconical member is slidably mounted on the lever and spring-urged against the opening, tending to return the lever to a control position. A control plate is attached to the frustoconical member and can operate switch actuators.

Abstract: Control apparatus for video games has a control handle spaced apart from and joined to a separate housing by a connecting rod. The housing is contoured and securable to a user's arm, and forms an anchor point for manipulation of the control handle. The user may choose between variable resistive controls and switch controls which operate responsive to movement of the control handle and/or the connecting rod. Multiple individual controls may also be mounted on the handle to control other game functions. Plates having cutouts formed therethrough are attachable to the housing, with the control rod protruding therethrough, the movement of the control rod may thereby be limited by contact with the periphery of the cutout, preventing simultaneous engagement of two or more signal controls.

Abstract: A control stick assembly capable of conversion between an automatic return mode and a free-floating mode is disclosed. The control stick assembly comprises a control stick, a pair of potentiometers, linkages coupling the control stick to the potentiometers, spring means for urging the control stick toward a select position and means for reversibly disengaging the spring means.

Abstract: In a contactless switch, a magnet is mounted on a rod for movement against the action of a spring to actuate a Hall effect switch. A contactless joy stick switch comprises a rod (20) supported and normally maintained in alignment with an axis (22) by an elastomeric spring (28). A plurality of Hall effect switches (42) are mounted in a circular array around the axis for actuation by a magnet (26) mounted on the rod upon displacement of the rod out of alignment with the axis. A contactless push button switch comprises a magnet (86) supported on a rod (74) which is supported for sliding movement along an axis (78) against the action of a spring (82). Displacement of the magnet (86) actuates a Hall effect switch (94). Another contactless push button switch (100) includes magnets (106, 108) positioned to actuate a Hall effect switch (110) upon sliding movement of a rod (74') against the action of a spring (82').

Abstract: Two embodiments of a multi-directional control unit for video games and the like are disclosed. In each embodiment, the control unit includes a base structure, a circuit board with directional circuit segments, a resilient conductive pad arranged adjacent the circuit segments on the circuit board, a raised matrix on the conductive pad normally maintaining the pad in spaced apart relation from the circuit segments, a control element movable relative to the base structure and a directional actuator coupled with the control element for response to relative movement between the control element and the base structure for applying pressure to the resilient pad and establishing electrical contact with one or more of the circuit segments on the circuit board. One of the embodiments is a hand-held unit with the control element being a joystick, auxiliary triggers being mounted on opposite sides of the hand held unit for establishing selective contact in an auxiliary circuit segment.

Abstract: A joystick type controller for controlling the X-Y coordinate movement of an object through closure of discreet switch contacts where tilting motion of the joystick handle is limited to predetermined directions, and the amount of pressure which may be applied to the contacts is limited.

Abstract: A joystick for restricted movement about X and Y axes to actuate opposed switches disposed in pairs of said axes and operable in an eight-way mode to actuate adjacent corner switches as well as single axially aligned switches, and operable in a four-way mode to actuate only single axially aligned switches, with a selectively positionable gate controlling the mode of operation, all of which is embodied in a spring biased assembly characterized by a tilting flange captured in a complementary mounting plate socket.

Abstract: A multi-position switch suitable for use as a remote control switch for electrically operated rearview mirrors of a motor vehicle. The switch of the invention comprises fixed contact components in the form of printed circuits disposed on an insulating base plate, a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber sheet (which becomes conductive only when and where it is pressed) being laid over the fixed contact components, whereby the fixed contact components and the rubber sheet forming switch elements, and an operating button adapted to be tilted with respect to the rubber sheet and having a tendency to return to its original position. Therefore, the switch of the invention can have a flat, thin shape. Also, the switch is easy to assemble and has satisfactory reliability because it consists of a small number of component parts. Furthermore, the operating button is adapted to have a tilting stroke and make clicks, so that the switch of the invention is easy to use and gives a reassuring feeling of use.

Abstract: A joystick controller includes an enclosure including unitary one-piece cover and bottom parts. The cover part has structure defining a plurality of receptacles respectively receiving direction-control switches and a handle support module therein, while the bottom part has a plurality of projections which cooperate with the receptacles to hold the direction-control switches and the support module immovably in place. The support module is a multi-part assembly which is assembled without the use of fasteners and tiltably supports the handle for actuation of the direction control switches. Two fire control switches are also mounted in the housing on support pins integral with the cover part.

Abstract: A joystick assembly includes a relatively soft plastic frame and a relatively hard shaft extending through an opening in the frame which is dimensioned to accommodate limited pivotal movement of the shaft. A metal wear member is insert molded in the frame and has an aperture therethrough congruent with the opening in the frame to limit movement of the shaft and prevent wear of the frame around the opening therein. Three different shapes of opening are disclosed for different ranges of pivotal movement.

Abstract: A combination keyboard/joystick controller is provided in which a joystick shaft is pivotally mounted on one end. The shaft passes through elongated apertures in two parallel plates. Each plate is capable of moving along an axis in response to joystick movement along that axis, and each plate is coupled to a potentiometer which therefore provides an analog output indicative of joystick movement along the two axes.Also provided is a keyboard mounted on a flex circuit. An array of keys including a conductive material cooperate to cause electrical contact between traces on the flex circuit.

Abstract: A hand controller for use in controlling the motion of a cursor on a video display comprises a spherical surface on which is mounted a flat plate. On the bottom of the flat plate is a unique electrical switch capable of indicating the direction in which the flat plate is rocked over the spherical surface. Attached to the bottom of the flat plate adjacent the spherical surface is a spring consisting of a substantially flat center portion and four spiralling arms extending from the periphery of said center portion to attach to the structure on which the spherical surface is mounted. When the flat plate is rocked over said spherical surface, the spring generates a restoring force which, upon removal of the rocking force, restores the flat plate to its nominal position. The spring makes possible rocking motion of the flat plate over the spherical surface without pinning the flat plate to a point on the spherical surface.

Abstract: In a hand video controller having two portions (11, 13) tiltable with respect to each other to make or break a series of spaced electrical switch contacts (26) to move a video cursor and having one-piece spring (47) having inner and outer connected rings (31, 33) to return the portions to a neutral position, an improved spring mounting comprising a mounting block (15) having a bearing recess (19) attached to one controller portion (11), a switch operator holding member (20) having a matching bearing surface extension (22) and attached to the other controller portion (13), switch contact means (27) between the block and holding member, and wherein the rings of the spring are connected respectively to and between the block and holding member and tilting movement of the controller portions deflect the spring rings and bring spaced flexible switch operators (28) extending from the holding member into contact with at least one of the switch contacts (26).

Abstract: A switch assembly is provided for mounting in the two-part body of a joystick apparatus. The assembly includes a circuit board held between retainers on the two parts of the body. Four leaf spring switch modules are mounted on the board, each module comprising a switch body having two spaced-apart pockets therein for respectively receiving leaf spring switch blades, the contact portions of which project from the body and are respectively backed by fingers on the body, one of which is relatively flexible. The switch bodies are secured in place by pins which extend through openings in the board and are peened over on the opposite end thereof. Terminal legs on the switch blades extend through complementary slots in the circuit board. The pivotally mounted joystick actuator extends through an opening in the center of the circuit board for engagement with the flexible fingers of the switch bodies.

Abstract: Hall effect elements are placed in proximity to magnets in such a way that the position of the magnets relative to the Hall elements is a function of the position of a joystick controller. In this way, the position of the joystick can be "read" by a machine by reference to the Hall effect voltage.

Abstract: A hand controller for use in controlling the motion of a cursor on a video display comprises a spherical surface on which is mounted a flat plate. On the bottom of the flat plate is a unique electrical switch capable of indicating the direction in which the flat plate is rocked over the spherical surface. Attached to the bottom of the flat plate adjacent the spherical surface is a spring consisting of a substantially flat center position and four spiralling arms extending from the periphery of said center portion to attach to the structure on which the spherical surface is mounted. When the flat plate is rocked over said spherical surface, the spring generates a restoring force which, upon removal of the rocking force, restores the flat plate to its nominal position. The spring makes possible rocking motion of the flat plate over the spherical surface without pinning the flat plate to a point on the spherical surface.

Abstract: Joystick switch has a shaft mounted through an elastomeric member in a support fixed to a circuit board. A spring surrounding the shaft between the support member and the board urges a sliding contact plate, carried loosely on the inner end of the shaft, against one or more contacts on the board as a handle on the opposite end of the shaft is moved laterally. Contacts, circuit traces, and pins on the board are die cast zinc.

Abstract: A four-way electrical switch having a die-cast, metal housing, a set of fixed-contacts disposed in the base of said housing and a central movable-contact assembly disposed within the housing above the fixed-contacts. The die-cast housing serves as a ground contact for the switch. Various provisions are disclosed for assuring good electrical connection between the contacts. Additionally, a mechanical strain relief structure is disclosed.

Abstract: A switching device for controlling servo drive mechanisms of vehicle seats, especially the seatback and/or seat cushion of automobiles. For each seat part to be adjusted there is provided a separate switching lever with a configuration arrangement at least essentially symbolic of the seat part to be adjusted by the respective lever. The respective switching levers are movably arranged in directions analogous to the intended adjusting directions of the seat part to be adjusted.

Abstract: An inclination sensitive hand controller comprises a generally cylindrical handle having liquid contact switches mounted at different angles of orientation within the handle. The switches are actuated dependent upon the tilting of the handle from a preselected position. A squeeze responsive control switch is mounted in a non-exposed position within the handle. This switch is activated or deactivated upon squeezing of the handle to control connection and disconnection of electrical power to the tilt switches. An exposed finger- depressible switch is mounted at one end of the handle which independently controls other circuits than the circuits controlled by the tilt switches and the squeeze responsive control switch.

Abstract: A freestanding multidirectional control device for use in controlling video display images in electronic game machines comprises a handle member connected by a multiconductor cable to electric circuitry in the game machine. The handle member contains two pairs of gravity switches electrically connected to separate output signal conductors in the cable. The pairs of switches are mutually normal along the vertical axis of the handle member. The switches in each pair are oppositely inclined from vertical so that tilting the handle member one way produces an output signal on one of the conductors and tilting it in the opposite direction produces such a signal on a different conductor. The pairs of switches can be either single-ended, two-position tilt switches or double-ended, three-position tilt switches. At least one of the liquid contact switches may contain at least one electrode comprising a length of electrically resistive material to form a variable resistance electrical conduction path.

Abstract: A joystick controller assembly for making switch closures in response to X-Y coordinate movements of a joystick in which means are provided for limiting the force which can be applied to a switch.

Abstract: A joy stick assembly is characterized by a joy stick resiliently mounted in an aperture through a hand holdable housing and normally biased to a neutral position. The joy stick is manually pivotable at one of its ends in any one of a plurality of directions through a 360.degree. arc, and has a conductive sphere at its opposite end. Four contacts are positioned at 90.degree. increments around the sphere and out of contact therewith when the sphere is in its neutral position, and the joy stick is manipulatable to establish electrical connections between the sphere and individual ones or adjacent pairs of the contacts to provide a signal from the sphere to the contact or contacts.

Abstract: A hand controller for use in controlling the motion of a cursor on a video display comprises a spherical surface on which is mounted a flat plate. On the bottom of the flat plate is a unique electrical switch capable of indicating the direction in which the flat plate is rocked over the spherical surface. Attached to the bottom of the flat plate adjacent the spherical surface is a spring consisting of a substantially flat center portion and four spiralling arms extending from the periphery of said center portion to attach to the structure on which the spherical surface is mounted. When the flat plate is rocked over said spherical surface, the spring generates a restoring force which, upon removal of the rocking force, restores the flat plate to its nominal position. The spring makes possible rocking motion of the flat plate over the spherical surface without pinning the flat plate to a point on the spherical surface.

Abstract: A power mirror remote control switch includes a switch body which supports a printed circuit board and two stacked, insulated levels of conducting terminal fingers which extend over the board. A four-way position control key overhangs the terminal fingers. The control key is pressed to flex selected terminals into conductive contact with underlying portions of the printed circuit board, thereby establishing conductive connections for energizing motors which rotate or tilt at least two power mirrors. A sliding switch is provided to define which one of the two mirrors is to be moved in the direction defined by the position control key.

Abstract: A pistol grip controller having a miniature multi-position tilt switch contained within the grip handle is disclosed. The tilt switch includes separate circuit contacts disposed about the inside of a switch housing and also includes a common contact that includes one or more commonly connected contact elements. A movable contact element completes the circuit connection between one of the separate contacts and the common contact in response to the movement imparted to the switch. The movable conductive element can be a conductively plated ball, a sliding conductive element, or a conductive fluid such as mercury. The pistol grip handle further indicates an index finger actuated switch and a thumb actuated switch. The pistol grip handle is removable mounted on a resilient mounting post that is secured to a base.

Abstract: A simple compact actuator mechanism for converting pivoting motion to planar motion is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a housing supporting a handle shaft for pivoting motion and supporting a disc for planar sliding motion. The disc is connected to the shaft at a point spaced from the pivot point whereby pivoting of the shaft causes translation of the disc.

Abstract: A video game joystick controller is disclosed which includes a lower housing which defines a lower convex bearing surface, an upper housing which defines an upper concave bearing surface concentric with the lower bearing surface, and a handle which defines inner and outer bearing surfaces. The inner bearing surface of the handle is adapted to mate with the lower bearing surface of the lower housing, and the outer bearing surface of the handle is adapted to mate with the upper bearing surface of the upper housing such that the handle is free to pivot with a smooth action. A plate is mounted to the lower end of the handle, and this plate bears four switch actuators, one of which is higher than the other three. A circuit board is mounted to the upper housing, and it serves to mount four coplanar switches, each of which is situated directly above a respective one of the four actuators.

Abstract: A multiple position switch having a plurality of contact regions on, e.g., a PCB and corresponding conductive regions mounted on a piece of resilient material resting on the surface, with each conductive region contained within a hollowed portion of the resilient material to be thereby spaced apart from the respective contact region, and having a swivelingly mounted joystick, the joystick having a plurality of urging members positioned radically outward from the longitudinal axis of the joystick corresponding in number and position to the number and position of the respective contact regions.