Patent ID: 6525711
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A haptic interface device, comprising:means for receiving a first input from a user, the first input producing a corresponding interaction with an environment by the user; means for determining a maximum level for a haptic sensation in response to the interaction with the environment by the user; means for receiving a second input from a user, the second input being different from the first input and the second input having a value selected by the user from a set of possible values, the set of possible values comprising a minimum value, a maximum value, and at least one value that is greater than the minimum value and less than the maximum value; and means for providing the haptic sensation to the user at a level determined by the value of the second input, whereby the maximum level of the haptic sensation is provided to the user if the value of the second input is the maximum value, no haptic sensation is provided to the user if the value of the second input is the minimum value, and the level of the haptic sensation provided to the user is greater than zero but less than the maximum level if the value of the second input is a value that is greater than the minimum value and less than the maximum value.