Method and apparatus for providing an interface mechanism for a computer simulation
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a linkage including a plurality of members, the linkage configured to provide at least two rotary degrees of freedom about a pivot point, the pivot point located at an intersection of axes of rotation of at least two members from the plurality of members;
a manipulandum coupled to at least one member from the plurality of members, the manipulandum being moveable with respect to the pivot point, the manipulandum being disposed on a first side of a plane including the pivot point and the linkage being disposed on a second side of the plane different from the first side of the plane; and
a sensor configured to measure a rotation of the manipulandum and configured to provide at least one sensor signal associated with a position of the manipulandum.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A mechanical interface for providing high bandwidth and low noise mechanical input and output for computer systems. A gimbal mechanism includes multiple members that are pivotably coupled to each other to provide two revolute degrees of freedom to a user manipulatable about a pivot point located remotely from the members at about an intersection of the axes of rotation of the members. A linear axis member, coupled to the user object, is coupled to at least one of the members, extends through the remote pivot point and is movable in the two rotary degrees of freedom and a third linear degree of freedom. Transducers associated with the provided degrees of freedom include sensors and actuators and provide an electromechanical interface between the object and a computer. Capstan band drive mechanisms transmit forces between the transducers and the object and include a capstan and flat bands, where the flat bands transmit motion and force between the capstan and interface members. Applications include simulations of medical procedures, e.g. epidural anesthesia, where the user object is a needle or other medical instrument, or other types of simulations or games.
430 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a linkage including a plurality of members, the linkage configured to provide at least two rotary degrees of freedom about a pivot point, the pivot point located at an intersection of axes of rotation of at least two members from the plurality of members; a manipulandum coupled to at least one member from the plurality of members, the manipulandum being moveable with respect to the pivot point, the manipulandum being disposed on a first side of a plane including the pivot point and the linkage being disposed on a second side of the plane different from the first side of the plane; and a sensor configured to measure a rotation of the manipulandum and configured to provide at least one sensor signal associated with a position of the manipulandum. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method, comprising:
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receiving sensor data from a sensor associated with an interface apparatus, the sensor data being associated with a position of a manipulandum in one of a first rotary degree of freedom, a second rotary degree of freedom and a linear degree of freedom, the manipulandum being moveable in each of the first rotary degree of freedom, the second rotary degree of freedom and the linear degree of freedom; selecting a physical property profile from a plurality of physical property profiles based on the position of the manipulandum; and sending a force signal to an actuator of the interface apparatus, the force signal being based on, at least in part, the physical property value of the selected physical property profile. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method, comprising:
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receiving sensor data from a sensor associated with a manipulandum coupled to at least one member from a plurality of members, the plurality of members configured to provide at least two rotary degrees of freedom about a pivot point spaced apart from the plurality of members, the pivot point located at an intersection of axes of rotation of at least two members from the plurality of members, the sensor data being associated with a position of the manipulandum about the pivot point; and sending a force signal to an actuator associated with at least one of the manipulandum and the plurality of members, the force signal being based on the sensor data. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification