Force feedback system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of controlling a force-feedback interface device having one or more axes, comprising the steps of:
- establishing a multi-layer communication arrangement including a first iterative loop and a control process accessible by the first loop;
then, through each pass of the first loop, performing the following steps;
a) collecting position values associated with each axis of the device;
b) determining a force contribution for each axis of the device in accordance with the control process; and
b) outputting the force contribution to each respective axis of the device.
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Abstract
A 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
24 Claims
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1. A method of controlling a force-feedback interface device having one or more axes, comprising the steps of:
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establishing a multi-layer communication arrangement including a first iterative loop and a control process accessible by the first loop; then, through each pass of the first loop, performing the following steps; a) collecting position values associated with each axis of the device; b) determining a force contribution for each axis of the device in accordance with the control process; and b) outputting the force contribution to each respective axis of the device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of controlling a force-feedback interface device having one or more axes, comprising the steps of:
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establishing a first iterative loop having a time interval related to device responsiveness; installing a control function accessible by the first loop; then, through each pass of the first loop, performing the following steps; a) collecting position values associated with each axis of the device; b) computing estimates of device velocity and acceleration based upon the collected position values; c) determining a force contribution for each axis of the device in accordance with the installed control function; and d) outputting the force contribution to each respective axis of the device. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A method of controlling a force-feedback interface device having one or more axes, comprising the steps of:
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establishing a multi-layer communication architecture including first and second iterative loops, the second loop providing for the insertion of multiple, superimposed control functions; initializing the first iterative loop with stored configuration parameters; then, through each pass of the first loop; a) determining a force contribution for each axis of the device in accordance with one or more of the control functions; and b) outputting the force contribution to each respective axis of the device. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A system for interacting with a simulated environment, comprising:
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a multi-axis joystick; an actuator associated with each axis; an encoder for sensing the position and movement of the joystick; a programmed computer for; a) storing data representative of the simulated environment including one or more virtual objects, b) determining user interactions with the objects based upon the position and movement of the joystick, and c) generating force-field values as a function of the interactions; and a controller interfaced to the actuators and to the encoder for; a) communicating-the position and movement of the joystick, as sensed by the encoder, to the programmed computer, b) receiving the force-field values from the programmed computer, and c) delivering a force command to the actuators as a function of the force-field values. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification