Force feedback system including multi-tasking graphical host environment and interface device
First Claim
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1. A haptic computer system comprising:
- a processor configured to;
concurrently run a plurality of application programs in a multitasking environment, wherein each application program is associated with a group of force effects, wherein a context is the group of force effects associated with each application;
receive a force effect command from an active application program of the plurality of concurrently running application programs, wherein the context associated with the active application is a foreground context, wherein the force effect command comprises parameters that correspond to a force effect of the group of force effects that are associated with the active application program and the command is configured to render the force effect based on the parameters;
wherein the force effect of the active application program is superimposed with a default background force effect unless the active application program deactivates the default background force effect; and
wirelessly transmit a signal representing the force effect command; and
a controller configured to;
wirelessly receive the signal transmitted by the processor; and
output the force effect based on the signal.
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Abstract
A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts, where a single active application may output forces. A background application also provides force effects to be output and allows a user to assign force effects to graphical objects in a graphical user interface. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures.
230 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A haptic computer system comprising:
a processor configured to; concurrently run a plurality of application programs in a multitasking environment, wherein each application program is associated with a group of force effects, wherein a context is the group of force effects associated with each application; receive a force effect command from an active application program of the plurality of concurrently running application programs, wherein the context associated with the active application is a foreground context, wherein the force effect command comprises parameters that correspond to a force effect of the group of force effects that are associated with the active application program and the command is configured to render the force effect based on the parameters; wherein the force effect of the active application program is superimposed with a default background force effect unless the active application program deactivates the default background force effect; and wirelessly transmit a signal representing the force effect command; and
a controller configured to;wirelessly receive the signal transmitted by the processor; and output the force effect based on the signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method comprising:
at a processor; concurrently running a plurality of application programs in a multitasking environment, wherein each application program is associated with a group of force effects, wherein a context is the group of force effects associated with each application; wirelessly receiving a force effect command from an active application program of the plurality of concurrently running application programs, wherein the context associated with the active application is a foreground context, wherein the force effect command comprises parameters that correspond to a force effect of the group of force effects that are associated with the active application program and the command is configured to render the force effect based on the parameters; wherein the force effect of the active application program is superimposed with a default background force effect unless the active application program deactivates the default background force effect; and wirelessly transmitting a signal representing the force effect command; and
at a controller;wirelessly receiving the signal transmitted by the processor; and outputting the force effect based on the signal. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
Specification