초록 ▼

A force feedback interface and method including an actuator in a non-primary axis or degree of freedom. The force feedback interface device is connected to a host computer that implements a host application program or graphical environment. The interface device includes a user manipulatable object,

A force feedback interface and method including an actuator in a non-primary axis or degree of freedom. The force feedback interface device is connected to a host computer that implements a host application program or graphical environment. The interface device includes a user manipulatable object, a sensor for detecting movement of the user object, and an actuator to apply output forces to the user object. The actuator outputs a linear force on the user object in non-primary linear axis or degree of freedom that is not used to control a graphical object or entity implemented by the host computer, and movement in the non-primary degree of freedom is preferably not sensed by sensors. The axis extends through the user object, and there are preferably no other actuators in the device, thus allowing the force feedback device to be very cost effective. Force sensations such as a jolt, vibration, a constant force, and a texture force can be output on the user object with the actuator. The force sensations can be output in a direction perpendicular to a planar degree of freedom, radial to spherical degree of freedom, and/or along a lengthwise axis of the user object.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A force feedback mouse device coupled to a host computer system implementing a host application program, the mouse device comprising:a mouse housing physically contacted by a user and movable in physical space in at least two degrees of freedom with respect to a ground, w

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A force feedback mouse device coupled to a host computer system implementing a host application program, the mouse device comprising:a mouse housing physically contacted by a user and movable in physical space in at least two degrees of freedom with respect to a ground, wherein a cover portion of said mouse housing is movably coupled to a base portion of said mouse by at least one hinge and wherein said user contacts said cover portion with a palm of a hand of said user, said cover portion including at least a portion of a top surface of said mouse housing;at least one sensor operative to detect said movement of said mouse in physical space in two degrees of freedom with respect to said ground and to output sensor signals representative of said movement, said two degrees of freedom being approximately within a single plane; andan actuator coupled to said mouse housing and operative to apply a linear output force in a direction approximately perpendicular to said single plane, said force applied along an axis extending through said mouse to said cover portion of said mouse housing rested upon by said hand of said user such that said cover portion is moved with respect to said base portion.