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Graphical click surfaces for force feedback applications to provide selection of functions using cursor interaction with a trigger position of a graphical object

  • US 6,317,116 B1
  • Filed: 06/08/2000
  • Issued: 11/13/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/13/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for providing a force feedback click surface in a graphical environment provided by a host computer, said click surface for selecting a function in a graphical user interface implemented on said host computer, said host computer coupled to a force feedback device, the method comprising:

  • causing the display of said click surface on a display screen in said graphical environment and receiving position data from said force feedback device describing a position of at least a portion of the force feedback device adapted to be contacted and manipulated by a user in at least one degree of freedom, wherein a user-controlled cursor is displayed at a position in said graphical environment based on said position data;

    providing a force command to said force feedback device causing said force feedback device to output a force to the user when said user-controlled cursor contacts said click surface displayed in said graphical environment;

    maintaining a display of said click surface at a point where said cursor first engaged said click surface while said at least a portion of the force feedback device is moved to positions into and past said engagement point of said click surface; and

    selecting said function when a trigger point of said click surface positioned past said engagement point of said click surface has been reached by said at least a portion of the force feedback device.

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