Interface apparatus with cable-driven force feedback and four grounded actuators

• US 20060099560A1
• Filed: 12/12/2005
• Published: 05/11/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Original Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Inventors: Bailey, David W., Olien, Neil T., Vassallo, Steven P., Gregorio, Pedro
• Granted Patent: US 7,404,716 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 434/272
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00707 Dummies, phantoms; Devices simulating patient or parts of patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/741 Glove like input devices, e.g. "data gloves"
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/70 Manipulators specially adapted for use in surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/71 Manipulators operated by drive cable mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/76 Manipulators having means for providing feel, e.g. force or tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/40122 Manipulate virtual object, for trajectory planning of real object, haptic display
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/45118 Endoscopic, laparoscopic manipulator
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/285 for injections, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, sigmoidscopy, insertion of contraceptive devices or enemas

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.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a manipulandum;

a simulation apparatus including a linkage coupled to the manipulandum, the simulation apparatus being one of a simulated body part and configured to be coupled to a simulated body part; and

an interface device coupled to the simulation apparatus and configured to be coupled to a host computer, the linkage configured to move based on a control signal associated with the host computer, the interface device being included within one of the host computer and the simulation apparatus.

2-27. -27. (canceled)