Computer interface apparatus including linkage having flex
US6697048B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2003/008
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for interfacing the motion of a user-manipulable object with an electrical or computer system includes a user object physically contacted by a user. A gimbal mechanism is coupled to the user object, such as a joystick or a medical tool, and provides at least two degrees of freedom to the user object. The gimbal mechanism preferably includes multiple members, at least two of which are formed as a unitary member which provides flex between the selected members. An actuator applies a force along a degree of freedom to the user object in response to electrical signals produced by the computer system. A sensor detects a position of the user object along the degree of freedom and outputs sensor signals to the computer system. Another embodiment includes a host computer system and a local microprocessor, separate from the host computer, for communicating with the host computer and controlling the forces output by the actuators according to a processor subroutine selected in accordance with a host command, sensor signals, and timing information. Another embodiment of the interface apparatus uses voice coil actuators that produce forces in either linear or rotary degr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.