Force feedback device including flexure member between actuator and user object
US6437771B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/015
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing force sensations in virtual environments includes a human/computer interface device and method used in conjunction with a host computer and which can provide feel sensations to a user of the device. A user manipulatable object physically contacted by a user, such as a joystick, stylus, pool cue, or other object, is movable in multiple degrees of freedom using a gimbal mechanism. A local microprocessor, separate from the host computer, enables communication with the host computer and receives commands from the host, decodes the commands, outputs actuator signals in accordance with commands, receives sensor signals, and reports data to the host in response to commands. Actuators generate feel sensations by providing a force on the user object in response to actuator signals from the local microprocessor, and sensors detect the motion of the user object and reports sensor signals to the local microprocessor. Memory is included locally to the local microprocessor for storing program instructions and routines enabling feel sensations and host-microprocessor communication. The feel sensation generated on the user is, in one embodiment, a damping sensa…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.