Patent ID: 6211861
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: A63F,G06F,H04L

Abstract:
A tactile feedback mouse coupled to a host computer implementing a host application program, said mouse physically manipulated by a user in a planar workspace, the mouse comprising:a housing that is physically contacted and moved by said user;a sensor device coupled to said housing of said mouse, said sensor device detecting said movement of said mouse in said planar workspace and outputting sensor signals representative of said movement; andan actuator coupled to said housing of said mouse, said actuator operative to output an inertial force with respect to an inertial ground, said inertial force output approximately along an axis perpendicular to said planar workspace, wherein said inertial force is generated by oscillating an inertial mass approximately along said axis with respect to said housing, said inertial force transmitted through said housing to said user contacting said housing.