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System and method for outputting haptic effects in a mouse device

  • US 9,465,438 B2
  • Filed: 08/04/2006
  • Issued: 10/11/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/23/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A memory device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform a method of outputting haptic effects to a computer mouse, the method comprising:

  • receiving a locative signal associated with sensed movement of the computer mouse along a plane associated with a surface, wherein the locative signal controls movement of a graphical object in a graphical user interface (GUI);

    outputting a first force feedback signal to a first actuator of the computer mouse in response to an event independent of an input from the computer mouse, wherein the first force feedback signal is based at least in part on data stored in a lookup table of force values, wherein the first actuator is a linear actuator, and wherein the first actuator is mounted at substantially the center along both the X and Y axes of the computer mouse; and

    outputting a second force feedback signal to a second actuator of the computer mouse;

    wherein a first haptic effect associated with the first force feedback signal is output by the first actuator, the first haptic effect comprising a combination of at least two haptic effects output substantially simultaneously, and wherein the first actuator is configured to apply the first haptic effect in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane;

    wherein a second haptic effect associated with the second force feedback signal is output by the second actuator, the second actuator configured to apply the second haptic effect in a direction substantially parallel to the plane by frictional contact with a planar surface;

    wherein the computer mouse comprises an optical mouse and wherein the first and second force feedback signals are determined by a processor that controls an optical sensor;

    wherein the computer mouse comprises a housing having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion coupled to the second portion by a flexible coupling; and

    wherein the computer mouse is configured to be moveable in an unbounded workspace.

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