Patent ID: 6271833
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: A63F,G05G,G06F,H01H,H04L

Abstract:
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.