Method and system for providing a tactile virtual reality and manipulator defining an interface device therefor
First Claim
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1. A method for providing a tactile virtual reality in response to a user position and orientation, the method comprising the steps of:
- storing data representative of the virtual reality, including one or more virtual objects having virtual surfaces;
generating an electrical signal for each of a plurality of degrees of freedom of the user as a function of the user position and orientation in three-dimensional space;
synthesizing user velocity and acceleration from the electrical signals to determine user-applied force;
mapping the user position, orientation and applied force into the virtual reality to determine interactions between the user and any objects in the virtual reality;
generating at least one virtual reality force field in response to the interactions;
generating a force signal for each degree of freedom as a function of the force field; and
directing a tactile force on the user for each force signal, the generating tactile forces providing the tactile virtual reality.
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Abstract
An system and method for providing a tactile virtual reality to a user is present. The position and orientation of the user is utilized to generate a virtual reality force field. Forces are in turn generated on the user as a function of this force field. A six-axis manipulator is presented for providing a user interface to such a system. This manipulator provides a unique kinematic structure with two constant force springs which provide gravity compensation so that the manipulator effectively floats.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for providing a tactile virtual reality in response to a user position and orientation, the method comprising the steps of:
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storing data representative of the virtual reality, including one or more virtual objects having virtual surfaces; generating an electrical signal for each of a plurality of degrees of freedom of the user as a function of the user position and orientation in three-dimensional space; synthesizing user velocity and acceleration from the electrical signals to determine user-applied force; mapping the user position, orientation and applied force into the virtual reality to determine interactions between the user and any objects in the virtual reality; generating at least one virtual reality force field in response to the interactions; generating a force signal for each degree of freedom as a function of the force field; and directing a tactile force on the user for each force signal, the generating tactile forces providing the tactile virtual reality. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system for providing a tactile virtual reality in response to a user position and orientation, the system comprising:
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a six-axis interface device including an actuator for each axis of the device and a member movable by the user, the interface device being responsive to the position and orientation of the member to generate electrical signals representative of the position and orientation of the member; and a programmed computer operative to; store data representative of the virtual reality, including any virtual objects therewithin, analyze the position and orientation of the member relative to the objects to determine any interaction therebetween, generate at least one virtual reality force field in response to the interaction, and generate a force signal for each axis of the device as a function of the force field, wherein the actuators are responsive to their respective force signals to provide a force to each axis of the device for creating the tactile virtual reality. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A locally self-contained system for providing a tactile virtual reality in response to a user position and orientation, comprising:
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(a) a multi-axis, user-moveable member including an actuator and position sensor dedicated to each axis; (b) an interface device in communication with each actuator and each position sensor, the interface device being operative to; generate an electrical signal representative of the position and orientation of the member, and activate one or more of the actuators in response to a received force signal; (c) a programmed computer in communication with the interface device, the computer being programmed to perform the following functions; receive an electrical signal from the interface device representative of the position and orientation of the member with respect to time, determine a user-applied force to the member by synthesizing velocity and acceleration from the periodic position readings, generate at least one virtual reality force field in response to the user-applied force, generate a force signal as a function of the force field, and output the force signal to the interface device. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification