초록 ▼

A method and apparatus implementing a user interface device, such as a mouse or trackball, having electronically controllable tactile responsiveness which is flexibly programmable. A user interface device effects positioning of a cursor within a limited area, such as on a display screen, with limits

A method and apparatus implementing a user interface device, such as a mouse or trackball, having electronically controllable tactile responsiveness which is flexibly programmable. A user interface device effects positioning of a cursor within a limited area, such as on a display screen, with limits imposed by controllable tactile responsiveness. Programmable force-position characteristics relate the tactile responsiveness of the interface device to the position of the cursor within the limited area or on the display screen. In a described embodiment, the interface device includes at least two sets of wheels that move as the interface device is actuated. The at least two sets of wheels are aligned on mutually orthogonal axes. A servo motor is attached to each of the at least two sets of wheels. A position encoder is associated with each servo motor and outputs position information to a controller that has access to force-position relation information that is a function of a screen display on which the cursor is manipulated. The controller outputs a digital signal, in accordance with the force-display position relation information. The digital signal is converted to an analog current signal applied to the servo motor(s) to generate force in the servo motor. The force, presenting a tactile response to a human interacting with the user interface device, is perceived as a resistance, tactile pressure or lack thereof, or as a positive, assisted motion which is indicative of position on a screen display.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A user interface device to manipulate a position of a cursor on a screen display in an electronic apparatus, comprising:a tracking element actuatable to track the position of said cursor on said screen display;at least one motor interconnected to said tracking element and

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A user interface device to manipulate a position of a cursor on a screen display in an electronic apparatus, comprising:a tracking element actuatable to track the position of said cursor on said screen display;at least one motor interconnected to said tracking element and having a position sensor connected thereto, each said position sensor generating a motor position signal indicative of the position of a respective motor;a controller receiving cursor position information from said electronic apparatus and motor position information from a respective sensor;a store of force-position information accessible to said controller, said controller accessing said store of force-position information in response to at least one of said cursor position information and said motor position signal to generate, using said at least one motor, a positive or negative force in said tracking element as a function of a position of said cursor on said screen display.