Interface apparatus with cable-driven force feedback and grounded actuators
First Claim
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.
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Accused Products
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.
665 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A system, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system, comprising:
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manipulandum;
a simulation apparatus coupled to the manipulandum, the simulation apparatus comprising;
a ground member;
a linkage rotatably coupled to the ground member;
a linear axis member coupled to the manipulandum and the linkage;
at least four actuators coupled to the ground member;
at least one sensor configured to sense a movement of at least one of the at least four actuators and the linkage; and
at least three cables coupled to the at least four actuators and coupled to the linkage;
an interface device coupled to the simulation apparatus and a host computer, the host computer configured to output a control signal, the linkage configured to move based on the control signal. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method, comprising:
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receiving an input signal from a sensor, the signal being associated with at least one of a position of a linkage and an input force applied to the linkage, the linkage being coupled between a ground member of a simulation apparatus and a manipulandum, the simulation apparatus being one of a simulated body part and configured to be coupled to a simulated body part; and
outputting haptic feedback via an actuator, the actuator being one actuator from a plurality of actuators, the haptic feedback being operative to move the linkage via a plurality of cables coupled between the plurality of actuators and the linkage, the haptic feedback based on the input signal and a control signal received from a host computer.
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Specification