Low cost force feedback interface with efficient power sourcing
US5929607A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L67/131
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing low cost force feedback using efficient power sourcing. A power storage device may be included in a force feedback interface device for storing power provided by an input signal. For example, the power storage device can be a capacitor. The interface device also includes an actuator for outputting forces on a user manipulatable object, such as a joystick, and the interface device is connected to a host computer. The stored power can be used, at least in part, to drive the actuator to output desired forces. A device microprocessor may also be included in the interface device to sense when the power storage device is sufficiently charged. In a different embodiment, power for the interface device is received from two sources; for example, a power supply is used for the actuators of the device and power from the host computer is used for other components of the interface device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.