Laser light sword

Abstract

A simulated laser light sword is linked to a computer for display of sword movements. The sword includes a handle having accelerometers, a joystick, a light source and microswitch controls which sense and control movements of the handle. A translucent blade engages the handle and is illuminated by the light source. A gyroscope can provide a positional reference. Power is supplied internally or by connection to the computer. The computer interacts with the sword components to display movements on the screen. Light intensities can vary with the activity of the sword.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A simulated laser light sword comprising: 
 a handle;    a pair of dual axis accelerometers mounted within the handle for sensing sword movements;    a joystick control positioned along one end of said handle for controlling sword movements;    a light source positioned at said one end;    a receptacle opening at said one handle end adjacent said light source;    a microswitch mounted on said handle, said microswitch having control buttons for controlling program functions;    a source of power for actuating said light sword;    a circuit board within said handle having connections to said microswitch, accelerometers and joystick;    a translucent simulated blade engaging said receptacle opening and extending outwardly from said handle for a given length, said blade being illuminated by said light source upon actuation of said power source; and    connection means extending from the other end of said handle for connecting said circuit board, microswitch, accelerometers and joystick to a computer having a software program and display screen for interaction with the sensing and control elements of said light sword and displaying said movements on said screen.    
     
     
         2 . A laser light sword comprising: 
 a handle;    sensing means mounted within said handle for sensing and generating signals representing sword movements;    position control means mounted along one end of said handle for manually controlling sword movements;    a light source positioned at said one end;    switching means mounted on said handle for controlling sword program functions;    power supply means for actuating the components mounted in said handle;    circuit connection means within said handle for connecting together said sensing means, position control means and switching means;    a translucent simulated blade engaging said one end of said handle and extending outwardly for a given length, said blade being illuminated by said light source upon actuation of said power supply means; and    connection means for transmitting signal information from said sensing means, position control means and switching means to a computer having a software program and display screen for interaction with said sensing, position control and switching means and for displaying said sword movements on said screen.    
     
     
         3 . The device of    claim 2    wherein said sensing means is a pair of dual axis accelerometers, said position control means is an eight position thumb joystick, said switching means is a microswitch having a plurality of control buttons, and said circuit connection means is a circuit board.  
     
     
         4 . The device of    claim 3   , including a gyroscope and gyroscope motor mounted in said handle and actuated by said power supply means for providing a positional reference for said handle and blade.  
     
     
         5 . The device of    claim 3    wherein said light source is a halogen lamp providing light of a given color and an intensity that is variable with activity of the sword.  
     
     
         6 . The device of    claim 3    wherein said handle includes a threaded receptacle opening at said one end and said blade threadably engages said opening and extends outwardly from said handle.  
     
     
         7 . The device of    claim 3    wherein said connection means includes wire cables extending from the other end of said handle to said computer.  
     
     
         8 . The device of    claim 3    wherein said dual axis accelerometers include a tilt sensor.