초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for providing safe and low-cost force feedback peripherals for consumer applications. A device microprocessor local to an interface device is coupled to the host by a first interface bus. The microprocessor receives host commands from the host computer on the first interface b

A method and apparatus for providing safe and low-cost force feedback peripherals for consumer applications. A device microprocessor local to an interface device is coupled to the host by a first interface bus. The microprocessor receives host commands from the host computer on the first interface bus, such as an RS-232 interface, and commands an actuator to apply a force to a user object, such as a joystick, in response to host commands. A sensor detects positions of the user object and outputs signals to the host on a second interface bus, such as a PC game port bus, separate from the first bus. In a "recoil" embodiment, a user initiates force feedback by pressing a button on the joystick, which sends an activation signal to the actuator. In other recoil embodiments, the host computer can transmit one or more enable signals and/or activation signals to the actuator to enable or command forces. A safety switch of the present invention disables the actuator when the interface device is not in use and enables the actuator when an amount of weight over a predetermined amount is placed on the joystick created by a user grasping the joystick. A circuit of the present invention includes a capacitor for storing power provided by an input signal and supplied to the actuator when forces are to be output.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A force feedback interface device used by a user and for use with a host computer running a software application, said interface device providing a reflex capability wherein a force sensation is generated locally, the interface device comprising:a user object physically

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A force feedback interface device used by a user and for use with a host computer running a software application, said interface device providing a reflex capability wherein a force sensation is generated locally, the interface device comprising:a user object physically contacted by a user for manipulation by said user in at least one degree of freedom with respect to an origin;a sensor for detecting motion of said user object in said degree of freedom and producing a locative sensor signal, wherein a representation of said locative sensor signal is conveyed to said host computer, thereby allowing said software application to update a process in response to said manipulation of said user object;a user adjustable button local to said interface apparatus, a state of said button being conveyed to said host computer to allow said software application to update a process in response to said state of said button;an actuator physically coupled to a housing of said interface device, said actuator applying forces to said user to produce said force sensation; anda local microprocessor separate from said host computer and electrically coupled to said actuator and to said user adjustable button, said local microprocessor executing a local process, said local microprocessor coupled to said host computer by a communication bus and outputting signals to said actuator such that said actuator applies said forces in response to signals produced by said local microprocessor, wherein said local process locally generates a force sensation independently of said host computer by modulating a magnitude of said forces produced by said actuator over a period of time, said locally-generated force sensation initiated when said button is depressed by said user such that said force sensation feels associated with said button press.