Tactile mouse interface system
First Claim
1. A mouse interface system allowing a user to feel a virtual object displayed by a computer on a display device, comprising:
- (a) a force feedback device providing the user with a kinesthetic feedback related to mechanical properties in a predetermined direction of the virtual object, the force feedback device including;
a mouse contacting with a hand of the user'"'"'s ;
a linkage on which the mouse is installed, the linkage providing the mouse with two dimensional movements;
at least one motor for operating the linkage by applying torque to a joint of the linkage in accordance with output signals of the computer, wherein the output signals relate to the mechanical properties in the predetermined direction of the virtual object; and
at least one encoder for determining a position of the mouse based on a rotation angle of the joint of the linkage to which the torque of the at least one motor is applied, an output signal of the at least one encoder being provided to the computer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A mouse interface system is provided that allows a user to feel a virtual object displayed by a computer on a display device. The system includes (a) a force feedback device for providing the user with kinesthetic feedback related to mechanical properties in a predetermined direction of the virtual object, (b) a tactile feedback device for providing the user with normal stimulation related to texture of the virtual object, and (c) a linear actuator for providing the tactile feedback device with a translational movement so that the distal end portion of each pin moves in a substantially lateral direction with respect to the user'"'"'s skin.
21 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A mouse interface system allowing a user to feel a virtual object displayed by a computer on a display device, comprising:
(a) a force feedback device providing the user with a kinesthetic feedback related to mechanical properties in a predetermined direction of the virtual object, the force feedback device including;
a mouse contacting with a hand of the user'"'"'s ;
a linkage on which the mouse is installed, the linkage providing the mouse with two dimensional movements;
at least one motor for operating the linkage by applying torque to a joint of the linkage in accordance with output signals of the computer, wherein the output signals relate to the mechanical properties in the predetermined direction of the virtual object; and
at least one encoder for determining a position of the mouse based on a rotation angle of the joint of the linkage to which the torque of the at least one motor is applied, an output signal of the at least one encoder being provided to the computer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Specification