Force feedback system including multi-tasking graphical host environment and interface device

• US 20100271295A1
• Filed: 08/14/2006
• Published: 10/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Original Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Inventors: Rosenberg, Louis B., Braun, Adam C., Beamer, Jonathan L., Chang, Dean C.
• Granted Patent: US 8,527,873 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/00 Programme-control systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/013 Force feedback applied to a game
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/014 Force feedback applied to GUI
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0333 Ergonomic shaped mouse for one hand
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03548 Sliders, in which the moving part moves in a plane
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/75 Indicating network or usage conditions on the user display
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]

Abstract

A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and cursor positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures.

Claims

1. A digital processing system having haptic capabilities, comprising:

a manipulandum, having at least two degrees of freedom, configured to allow interaction with images showing on a display;

a local interface device in communication with a host computer configured to keep a plurality of application programs operating in a multi-tasking environment and to maintain a plurality of force profiles associated with at least some of the plurality of application programs, wherein said host computer is configured to provide haptic instructions to said local interface device in response to one of said plurality of force profiles of said plurality of application programs and said-movements of said manipulandum, said local interface device coupled to said manipulandum and configured to detect said movements of said manipulandum,

said local interface device configured to;

maintain at least one frame associated with a cursor position on the display, and

selectively activate at least one of a plurality of actuators to create a force feedback at least partially in response to said movements of said manipulandum and said cursor position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said manipulandum includes one of a mouse, a joystick, a cubical-shaped hand grip, a fingertip receptacle, and a handheld remote control.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said manipulandum incorporates said plurality of said actuators.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said display is coupled to said host computer.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said local interface device includes a local microprocessor.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said local microprocessor is configured to decode commands from said host computer.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said local microprocessor is further configured to read sensor signals and calculating appropriate force from said sensor signals, time signals, and force processes selected in response to said commands from said host computer.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said local microprocessor issues force feedback instructions to said plurality of actuators in response to said commands received from said host computer.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said local interface device further includes selectively activating a plurality of actuators for creating a force feedback in response to at least partially on said commands received from said host computer.

10-33. -33. (canceled)