Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping force signals for a force feedback device. A source wave is provided and is defined by a set of control parameters (including a steady state magnitude, a frequency value and a duration value) and modified by a set of impulse parameters (including an impulse magnitude, and a settle time representing a time required for the impulse magnitude to change to the steady-state magnitude). Optionally, application parameters specifying a direction of force signal and trigger parameters specifying activating buttons can also be provided for the source wave. Using a host processor or a local processor, the force signal is formed from the source wave and the sets of control parameters and impulse parameters, where the force signal includes an impulse signal followed by a continual steady-state signal after an expiration of the settle time.

Abstract: A force feedback interface device and method for use with a host computer includes a user object, such as a joystick handle, physically contacted by a user. A support mechanism allows at least two degrees of freedom to the user object. Two actuators, preferably grounded, provide a force resistance to motion of the user object along the two degrees of freedom in response to commands from the host computer. A grounded sensor system includes an optical detector and a beam source, such as a photo diode sensor, where either the optical detector or the beam source is fixed with respect to the actuator, and the other moves with the user object. The sensor system is configured to detect motion of the user object with respect to a grounding surface in the two rotary degrees of freedom. A local microprocessor, separate from said host computer, can be included to control the actuators and read the sensor and execute a local process in parallel with host execution of a graphical environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing low cost force feedback using efficient power sourcing. A power storage device may be included in a force feedback interface device for storing power provided by an input signal. For example, the power storage device can be a capacitor. The interface device also includes an actuator for outputting forces on a user manipulatable object, such as a joystick, and the interface device is connected to a host computer. The stored power can be used, at least in part, to drive the actuator to output desired forces. A device microprocessor may also be included in the interface device to sense when the power storage device is sufficiently charged. In a different embodiment, power for the interface device is received from two sources; for example, a power supply is used for the actuators of the device and power from the host computer is used for other components of the interface device.

Abstract: A force feedback interface device including a safety feature. The interface device includes a sensor that senses the position of a user object along a degree of freedom and provides a sensor signal indicating the position of the user object to a host computer. An actuator of the device applies a force to the user object in the degree of freedom. A safety switch connected to the user object disables the actuator when the user is not using the interface device and enables the actuator when more than a predetermined amount of weight is placed on the user object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing low-cost, realistic force feedback including an improved actuator. Force sensations are provided to a user and an interface device coupled to a host computer allows a user to interact with a host application program. A user object, such as a joystick, is moveable by a user in at least one rotary degree of freedom. A sensor reports a locative signal to the host computer to indicate a position of the user object. An actuator outputs forces on the user object in response to signals from the host computer and program. The actuator includes a housing, a set of grounded magnets provided on opposing surfaces of the housing and creating a magnetic field, and a rotor coupled to the user object positioned between the magnets. The rotor rotates about an axis of rotation and includes a shaft and teeth spaced around the shaft. An electric current flows through one or more coils on the teeth to cause the rotor to rotate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus implementing a user interface device, such as a mouse or trackball, having electronically controllable tactile responsiveness which is flexibly programmable. A user interface device effects positioning of a cursor within a limited area, such as on a display screen, with limits imposed by controllable tactile responsiveness. Programmable force-position characteristics relate the tactile responsiveness of the interface device to the position of the cursor within the limited area or on the display screen. In a described embodiment, the interface device includes at least two sets of wheels that move as the interface device is actuated. The at least two sets of wheels are aligned on mutually orthogonal axes. A servo motor is attached to each of the at least two sets of wheels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus implementing a user interface device, such as a mouse or trackball, having electronically controllable tactile responsiveness which is flexibly programmable. A user interface device effects positioning of a cursor within a limited area, such as on a display screen, with limits imposed by controllable tactile responsiveness. Programmable force-position characteristics relate the tactile responsiveness of the interface device to the position of the cursor within the limited area or on the display screen. In a described embodiment, the interface device includes at least two sets of wheels that move as the interface device is actuated. The at least two sets of wheels are aligned on mutually orthogonal axes. A servo motor is attached to each of the at least two sets of wheels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a computer for providing commands to a computer through tracked manual gestures and for providing feedback to the user through forces applied to the interface. A user manipulatable object is coupled to a mechanical linkage which is, in turn, supportable on a fixed surface. The mechanical linkage or the user manipulatable object is tracked by sensors for sensing the location and/or orientation of the object. A multi-processor system architecture is disclosed wherein a host computer system is interfaced with a dedicated microprocessor which is responsive to the output of the sensors and provides the host computer with information derived from the sensors. The host computer runs an application program which responds to the information provided via the microprocessor and which can provide force-feedback commands back to the microprocessor, the force feedback being felt by a user via the user manipulatable object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for interfacing the motion of a user-manipulable object with a computer system includes a user object physically contacted or grasped by a user. A 3-D spatial mechanism is coupled to the user object, such as a stylus or a medical instrument, and provides three degrees of freedom to the user object. Three grounded actuators provide forces in the three degrees of freedom. Two of the degrees of freedom are a planar workspace provided by a closed-loop linkage of members, and the third degree of freedom is rotation of the planar workspace provided by a rotatable carriage. Capstan drive mechanisms transmit forces between actuators and the user object and include drums coupled to the carriage, pulleys coupled to grounded actuators, and flexible cables transmitting force between the pulleys and the drums. The flexibility of the cable allows the drums to rotate with the carriage while the pulleys and actuators remain fixed to ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing the motion of a user-manipulable object with an electrical or computer system includes a user object physically contacted by a user. A gimbal mechanism is coupled to the user object, such as a joystick or a medical tool, and provides at least two degrees of freedom to the user object. The gimbal mechanism preferably includes multiple members, at least two of which are formed as a unitary member which provides flex between the selected members. An actuator applies a force along a degree of freedom to the user object in response to electrical signals produced by the computer system. A sensor detects a position of the user object along the degree of freedom and outputs sensor signals to the computer system.