Patent ID: 6195592
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: G05B,G06F,G11B,H01H

Abstract:
A method of providing an interface device for use with a host computer, said interface device providing selectively programmable tactile sensations, said method comprising:providing a grippable member in said interface device to be engaged and manipulated by a user;providing a motor in said interface device that produces a tactile sensation felt by said user via said interface device;providing a tactile control microprocessor in communication with said host computer via a communication link, said host computer running a host software application, said tactile control microprocessor for controlling said motor in accordance with the requirements of said host software application;providing local memory accessible by said tactile control microprocessor;receiving tactile data from said host computer and storing a representation of said tactile data in said local memory, said tactile data defining a desired tactile sensation to be generated by said interface device; andproviding firmware run by said tactile control microprocessor, said firmware using said tactile data to influence control of said motor so as to produce said desired tactile sensation in accordance with said requirements of said main software application.