Patent ID: 8425382
Filing Date: 2013-04-23
Classification: A61B,A63B,A63F,G05G,G06F,G09B,G16H

Abstract:
1. A power-assisted interface system, comprising: a user interface device having an interface element that is movable in a first range of motion, the first range of motion having a neutral position; a power element configured to apply force to the interface element to urge the interface element to move within the range of motion, the power element being controllable to permit selection of a magnitude and a direction of force applied; a sensor element configured to detect a position of the interface element within the range of motion and to provide a position signal corresponding to the detected position; and a controller configured to receive the position signal and to control the power element to apply to the interface element a force having a magnitude and direction selected according to the position of the interface element within the range of motion.