Patent ID: 7505030
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: B33Y,G09B

Abstract:
1. A device, comprising: an interface member including a material of selectively variable density, wherein the material includes a first layer having a first density and a second layer having a second density; a manipulandum movable in a degree of freedom, the manipulandum configured to penetrate the material; a sensor configured to output a position signal based on the position of the manipulandum; and an actuator configured to change the density of the material within at least a portion of the interface member in response to the position signal, the actuator configured to change the density of the second layer to be different from the density of the first layer as the manipulandum is moved between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the change in density imparts a haptic effect to the manipulandum.