Force feedback computer input and output device with coordinated haptic elements
USRE42064E1 · kind E1 · reissue
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
A set of haptic elements (haptels) are arranged in a grid. Each haptel is a haptic feedback device with linear motion and a touchable surface substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion. In a preferred embodiment, each haptel has a position sensor which measures the vertical position of the surface within its range of travel, a linear actuator which provides a controllable vertical bi-directional feedback force, and a touch location sensor on the touchable surface. All haptels have their sensors and effectors interfaced to a control processor. The touch location sensor readings are processed and sent to a computer, which returns the type of haptic response to use for each touch in progress. The control processor reads the position sensors, derives velocity, acceleration, net force and applied force measurements, and computes the desired force response for each haptel. The haptels are coordinated such that force feedback for a single touch is distributed across all haptels involved. This enables the feel of the haptic response to be independent of where touch is located and how many haptels are involved in the touch. As a touch moves across the device, haptels are added a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.