초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for providing low cost force feedback using efficient power sourcing. A power storage device may be included in a force feedback interface device for storing power provided by an input signal. For example, the power storage device can be a capacitor. The interface device also

A method and apparatus for providing low cost force feedback using efficient power sourcing. A power storage device may be included in a force feedback interface device for storing power provided by an input signal. For example, the power storage device can be a capacitor. The interface device also includes an actuator for outputting forces on a user manipulatable object, such as a joystick, and the interface device is connected to a host computer. The stored power can be used, at least in part, to drive the actuator to output desired forces. A device microprocessor may also be included in the interface device to sense when the power storage device is sufficiently charged. In a different embodiment, power for the interface device is received from two sources; for example, a power supply is used for the actuators of the device and power from the host computer is used for other components of the interface device.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [15.] A force feedback interface device for use with a host computer running a software application, said interface device providing force sensations controlled by a local microprocessor, wherein said host computer and said local microprocessor are connected by a communication

[ What is claimed is:] [15.] A force feedback interface device for use with a host computer running a software application, said interface device providing force sensations controlled by a local microprocessor, wherein said host computer and said local microprocessor are connected by a communication bus, and wherein said interface receives electrical power from two different sources, said interface device comprising:a user object graspable by a user and manipulable by said user in at least one degree of freedom;a sensor that detects motion of said user object in said degree of freedom and produces a locative sensor signal, wherein a representation of said locative sensor signal is conveyed to said host computer across said communication bus, thereby allowing a software application running on said host computer to update a process in response to manipulation of said user object;an actuator physically coupled to said user object and applying forces upon said user object in said degree of freedom, said forces resisting motion of said user object in said degree of freedom, and wherein power to drive said actuator is drawn, at least in part, from a first power source; anda local microprocessor separate from said host computer and electrically coupled to said actuator, said local microprocessor executing a local process, said local microprocessor coupled to said actuator such that said actuator applies said forces in response to signals produced by said local microprocessor, wherein said local process locally generates a force sensation by modulating a magnitude of said forces produced by said actuator over a period of time in response to commands received from said host computer across said communication bus, said microprocessor receiving power, at least in part, from a second power source such that said interface device can report data to said host computer when said first power source is not connected.