Abstract: A system for providing realistic sensation within a simulation system by providing tactile (haptic) feedback to a user. The system includes an engageable practice tool that the user engages and a mechanical simulation apparatus coupled to the practice tool. The mechanical simulation apparatus includes a ground member, a mechanical linkage rotatably coupled to the ground member, a linear axis member coupled to the practice tool and the mechanical linkage, at least four actuators coupled to the ground member, sensors for sensing movement of the actuators, and at least three cables in contact with the at least four actuators and coupled to the mechanical linkage. An interface device is coupled to the simulation apparatus and a host computer is coupled to the interface device for implementing an application program. The application program provides signals for the actuators to move the cables and thereby move the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A planar touch control is used to provide input to a computer and haptic feedback is provided thereto. A touch control includes a touch input device with a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor associated with the computer based on a location of user implemented contact on the touch surface. The computer can position or modify a cursor or image in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user via the touch surface.

Abstract: A system for providing realistic sensation within a simulation system by providing tactile (haptic) feedback to a user. The system includes an engageable practice tool that the user engages and a mechanical simulation apparatus coupled to the practice tool. The mechanical simulation apparatus includes a ground member, a mechanical linkage rotatably coupled to the ground member, a linear axis member coupled to the practice tool and the mechanical linkage, at least four actuators coupled to the ground member, sensors for sensing movement of the actuators, and at least three cables in contact with the at least four actuators and coupled to the mechanical linkage. An interface device is coupled to the simulation apparatus and a host computer is coupled to the interface device for implementing an application program. The application program provides signals for the actuators to move the cables and thereby move the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: Products and processes for providing haptic feedback in a user interface are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of an apparatus comprises a first element comprising a first surface, a second element comprising a second surface, and an actuator configured vary a force between the first and second surfaces. In one embodiment, the second element may be configured to be displaced relative to first element in a degree of freedom. In another embodiment, at least one of the first surface and the second surface may comprise a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an input device and an actuator. The input device has an interface portion. The interface portion defines a selectively adjustable orifice having a range of sizes. The interface portion defines a plane and a longitudinal axis. An actuator is coupled to the interface portion of the input device. The actuator is configured to apply a haptic feedback force inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis within the plane to at least three locations of the interface portion when a change in a size of an object disposed within the interface portion is sufficient to adjust the size of the orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a characterization module configured to receive data associated with operational characteristics of a mechanical device, the operational characteristics being associated with a perceptual experience of the mechanical device. A conversion module is coupled to the characterization module. The conversion module is configured to automatically produce, substantially without user intervention, a parametric data set associated with the mechanical device based on the data. In another embodiment, a method includes receiving data associated with operational characteristics of a mechanical device. The operational characteristics are associated with a perceptual experience of the mechanical device. A parametric data set associated with the mechanical device is produced automatically, without user intervention. The parametric data set is associated with the mechanical device based on the data.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor configured to be coupled to a throttle interface. The sensor is configured to output a sensor signal associated with a condition of the throttle interface. A first brake element has a first friction surface and a second brake element has a second friction surface. The second brake element is configured to be coupled to the throttle interface. The friction surface associated with the first brake element is positioned opposite the friction surface associated with the second brake element. The first brake element is configured to move relative to the second brake element. An actuator is coupled to the first brake element and is configured to output haptic feedback to the throttle interface via the first brake element based on the sensor signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing visual navigation cues in user interfaces for use with rotary input devices are described. One described method comprises causing a plurality of graphical objects to be displayed in an arc. The curvature of the arc is configured to convey the ordinal relationship for navigating between each of the plurality of graphical objects with a rotary input device. The curvature of the arc is independent of the spatial relationship between the rotary input device and a display.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an input device and an actuator. The input device has an interface portion. The interface portion defines a selectively adjustable orifice having a range of sizes. The interface portion defines a plane and a longitudinal axis. An actuator is coupled to the interface portion of the input device. The actuator is configured to apply a haptic feedback force inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis within the plane to at least three locations of the interface portion when a change in a size of an object disposed within the interface portion is sufficient to adjust the size of the orifice.

Abstract: A hand controller arm assembly provides for the sensing of the position of a handle at the end of an arm in the X and Y direction through supporting linkages, and in the Z direction through a hinge which permits the arm to rotate upwardly. The joints of this controller may be actuated to provide haptic feed-back.

Abstract: Products and processes for providing haptic feedback in a user interface device are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a process comprises defining a first cell, mapping a first location of a matrix with the defined first cell, and mapping a second location of the matrix with the defined first cell. The first cell comprises a first parameter representing a first haptic effect.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an input device and an actuator. The input device has an interface portion. The interface portion defines a selectively adjustable orifice having a range of sizes. The interface portion defines a plane and a longitudinal axis. An actuator is coupled to the interface portion of the input device. The actuator is configured to apply a haptic feedback force inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis within the plane to at least three locations of the interface portion when a change in a size of an object disposed within the interface portion is sufficient to adjust the size of the orifice.

Abstract: A system for providing realistic sensation within a simulation system by providing tactile (haptic) feedback to a user. The system includes an engageable practice tool that the user engages and a mechanical simulation apparatus coupled to the practice tool. The mechanical simulation apparatus includes a ground member, a mechanical linkage rotatably coupled to the ground member, a linear axis member coupled to the practice tool and the mechanical linkage, at least four actuators coupled to the ground member, sensors for sensing movement of the actuators, and at least three cables in contact with the at least four actuators and coupled to the mechanical linkage. An interface device is coupled to the simulation apparatus and a host computer is coupled to the interface device for implementing an application program. The application program provides signals for the actuators to move the cables and thereby move the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A computer interface for use with a computer simulation system. The interface includes a first grip portion and a second grip portion pivotably coupled to the first grip portion. An actuator is coupled to at least one of the two grip portions and is configured to provide feedback to a user.

Abstract: Positional sensors receive light that has been reflected off a pair of complementary geometric patterns carried by a supporting, displaceable carrier surface. The sensors view the patterns through viewing windows as the carrier surface is displaced laterally, presenting differing portions of the patterns to the sensors. The patterns are shaped to produce outputs which, when their difference value is extracted, provide output signals that are a measure of the displacement of the carrier surface and in which common mode errors are minimized.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a parallel or closed loop mechanism for moving and positioning a member in space. The mechanism includes three branches each provided with at least two link members being serially connected together by a spherical elbow joint whereby the first and second link members are rotatable with respect to each other about any axis passing through a center of the first joint. The mechanism is provided with actuators for moving each branch and the first links of each branch are rigidly connected at an end portion thereof to the actuator means. The mechanism includes three revolute joints each defining a longitudinal axis of rotation. Each revolute joint is connected to an associated second link member so that the longitudinal axes of all third joints intersect at a point and the revolute joints are interconnected so that the three branches form three parallel or closed loops.