초록 ▼

Haptic feedback control devices of the present invention include several embodiments. One embodiment includes a housing and a pair of moveable pincher members coupled to the housing. Each pincher member is contacted by a finger of the user when the device is operated and moveable in a degree of free

Haptic feedback control devices of the present invention include several embodiments. One embodiment includes a housing and a pair of moveable pincher members coupled to the housing. Each pincher member is contacted by a finger of the user when the device is operated and moveable in a degree of freedom approximately within a single plane. An actuator outputs force feedback on the pincher members and a sensor detects a position of the pincher members in the degrees of freedom. The device housing can include a fixed portion and a moveable portion, where the user contacts both fixed and moveable portions. A coupling, such as a flexure, allows the moveable portion to move relative to the fixed portion in a direction parallel to an outer surface of the moveable portion contacted by the user. An actuator outputs a force on the flexure to cause the moveable portion to move, such as an oscillating force to cause vibration. These improvements allow a user to feel force feedback and tactile feedback when operating the device. Applications include telemanipulator devices as well as interface devices and game controllers for computers.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A haptic feedback control device for inputting control signals to a computer and for outputting forces to a user of the control device, the control device comprising:a grip;a pair of moveable pincher members coupled to said grip and each contacted by a finger of said user

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A haptic feedback control device for inputting control signals to a computer and for outputting forces to a user of the control device, the control device comprising:a grip;a pair of moveable pincher members coupled to said grip and each contacted by a finger of said user when said device is operated, each of said pincher members being moveable in a degree of freedom, both of said degrees of freedom approximately within a single plane, wherein when a first one of said pincher members is moved, a second one of said pincher members is also moved approximately the same distance either towards or away from said first pincher member;an actuator coupled to said pair of pincher members, said actuator outputting a force on said pincher members in said degrees of freedom of said pincher members; anda sensor that detects a position of both said pincher members in said degree of freedom and outputs a sensor signal indicative of said position which is received by said computer.