초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for interfacing the motion of an object with a digital processing system includes a sensor for detecting movement of the object along a degree of freedom. A passive pneumatic or hydraulic damper is coupled to the object to provide a damping resistance to the object along the d

A method and apparatus for interfacing the motion of an object with a digital processing system includes a sensor for detecting movement of the object along a degree of freedom. A passive pneumatic or hydraulic damper is coupled to the object to provide a damping resistance to the object along the degree of freedom and resist a movement of the object. The damping resistance is provided by regulating the control of a fluid with a digital computing apparatus, thus providing a low-cost, low-power force-feedback interface that is safe for the user. The damper and sensor provide an electromechanical interface between the object and the electrical system. A gimbal or other interface mechanism can be coupled between the damper and the object. The interface is well suited for simulations or video games in which an object such as a joystick is moved and manipulated by the user.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for interfacing the motion of an object with a host computer, said host computer updating a graphical environment in response to user manipulation of said object and commanding said apparatus to generate force feedback sensations in coordination with events

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for interfacing the motion of an object with a host computer, said host computer updating a graphical environment in response to user manipulation of said object and commanding said apparatus to generate force feedback sensations in coordination with events within said graphical environment, said apparatus comprising:a mechanism providing a degree of freedom to said object with respect to a grounding surface, wherein said object is moveable in said degree of freedom by a user grasping said object;a sensor in communication with said host computer through an interface and coupled to said mechanism for sensing motion of said object along said first degree of freedom and providing signals to said host computer representing said sensed motion; andan actuator in communication with said host computer and mechanically coupled to said object to create a resistance to motion of said object along said degree of freedom, said resistance being varied by modulating the viscosity of a fluid in response to signals from said host computer.