Tactile feedback mechanism for a data processing system
US5986643A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 1992 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/016
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for providing a tactile stimulus to a part of the body of a physical operator when a virtual operator, created by movements of the physical operator, encounters a virtual object defined by a computer. A signalling unit communicates with the computer and emits a signal when the virtual operator encounters a virtual object. A stimulus unit responsive to the signalling unit is disposed in close proximity to a part of the body of the physical operator for providing a tactile stimulus when the virtual operator encounters a virtual object. The stimulus unit may comprise a segment of memory metal which undergoes a martensitic transformation to a different form or a solenoid having a member which moves in response to a signal emitted by the signalling unit. A vibrating member, such as a piezoceramic bender may be used instead of or in addition to the solenoid or memory metal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.