초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for providing a click surface in a graphical environment, such as a graphical user interface, implemented on a host computer for use with a force feedback interface device. A displayed cursor is controlled by a user-moveable user object, such as a mouse, of the interface devic

A method and apparatus for providing a click surface in a graphical environment, such as a graphical user interface, implemented on a host computer for use with a force feedback interface device. A displayed cursor is controlled by a user-moveable user object, such as a mouse, of the interface device. A click surface is displayed with an associated graphical object, such as a graphical button or an edge of a window, icon, or other object. When the click surface is contacted by the cursor, a force is output opposing movement of the user object in a direction into the click surface and into the graphical object. When the user object has moved to or past a trigger position past the contact with the click surface, a command gesture signal is provided to the host computer indicating that the graphical object has been selected as if a physical input device on the user object, such as a button, has been activated by the user. Preferably, the host computer displays the graphical environment including the click surface and cursor, while a microprocessor local to the interface device controls the force output of the click surface in parallel with the host display.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of providing a click surface in a graphical environment implemented on a host computer for use with a force feedback interface device coupled to said host computer, the method comprising:determining when a click surface of a first graphical object displayed in a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of providing a click surface in a graphical environment implemented on a host computer for use with a force feedback interface device coupled to said host computer, the method comprising:determining when a click surface of a first graphical object displayed in a graphical environment is contacted by a user-controlled second graphical object at an original position of said click surface, said user-controlled second graphical object being displayed at a position corresponding to a position of a physical user object of said interface device in a physical object workspace, said user object physically contacted by a user and moveable in a degree of freedom;outputting a force opposing movement of said user object in a direction corresponding to movement into said click surface and into said first graphical object, wherein said click surface remains displayed at said original position while said user object moves in said direction corresponding to movement into said click surface; andwhen said user object has moved to or past a trigger position past said original position said click surface, sending a command gesture signal to said host computer indicating said first graphical object has been selected as if a physical input device on said user object had been activated by said user.