Patent ID: 7119789
Filing Date: 2006-10-10
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A haptic interface device comprising: a haptic output device capable of providing a plurality of haptic outputs; a haptic clutch coupled to the haptic output device and configured to engage a haptic model to varying degrees based at least in part on an input received via the haptic output device; wherein the haptic output device is configured to output in response to an interaction with an environment with which the haptic model is associated (1) a first selected one of the plurality of haptic outputs in the event the haptic clutch is engaged to a first degree or (2) a second selected one of the plurality of haptic outputs in the event the haptic clutch is engaged to a second degree, such that the haptic output provided in response to the interaction may be varied while the interaction is taking place by varying the degree of engagement of the haptic clutch; and an environment interaction controller adapted to receive a clutch input; wherein: the haptic clutch selectively engages the haptic model according to the clutch input; the environment interaction controller is further adapted to receive an interaction input; the haptic model responds to the interaction input; and the clutch input and the interaction input are forces along different axis.