초록 ▼

A force feedback mouse interface device connected to a host computer and providing realistic force feedback to a user. The mouse interface device includes a mouse object and a linkage coupled to the mouse that includes a plurality of members rotatably coupled to each other in a planar closed-loop li

A force feedback mouse interface device connected to a host computer and providing realistic force feedback to a user. The mouse interface device includes a mouse object and a linkage coupled to the mouse that includes a plurality of members rotatably coupled to each other in a planar closed-loop linkage and including two members coupled to ground and rotatable about the same axis. Two actuators, preferably electromagnetic voice coils, provide forces in the two degrees of freedom of the planar workspace of the mouse object. Each of the actuators includes a moveable coil portion integrated with one of the members of the linkage and a magnet portion coupled to the ground surface through which the coil portion moves. The grounded magnet portions of the actuators can be coupled together such that a common flux path between the magnet portions is shared by both magnets. At least one sensor is coupled to the ground surface that detects movement of the linkage and provides a sensor signal including information from which a position of the mouse object in the planar workspace can be determined.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A mouse interface device for interfacing a user's motion with a host computer and providing force feedback to said user, said mouse interface device comprising:a mouse object contacted and manipulated by a user and moveable in a planar workspace with respect to a referenc

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A mouse interface device for interfacing a user's motion with a host computer and providing force feedback to said user, said mouse interface device comprising:a mouse object contacted and manipulated by a user and moveable in a planar workspace with respect to a reference surface;a planar linkage including a plurality of members rotatably coupled to each other, said linkage including a first base member rotatably coupled to said reference surface, a link member rotatable coupled to said first base member, a second base member rotatable coupled to said reference surface, and an object member rotatable coupled to said link member and rotatable coupled to said second base member, wherein said mouse object is coupled to one of said link member and said object member, and wherein said first base member and said second base member pivot about a single axis with respect to said reference surface;two electromagnetic actuators providing forces in said planar workspace of said mouse object, said forces caused by interactions between an electric current and a magnetic field, wherein each of said actuators includes a coil portion and a magnet portion, said coil portion and magnet portion moveable relative to each other, and wherein said actuators are controlled from commands output by said host computer; andat least one sensor coupled to said reference surface and separate from said two actuators, said sensor detecting movement between said coil portion and said magnet portion of at least one of said actuators, wherein said sensor provides a sensor signal including information describing said movement from which a position of said mouse object in said planar workspace can be determined.