Haptic Feedback

Citation

Rigelsford, J. (2004), "Haptic Feedback", Sensor Review, Vol. 24 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2004.08724aad.015

Haptic Feedback

Haptic Feedback

Applicant: Immersion Corporation, USAPatent number: US6,563,487Publication date: 13 May 2003Title: Haptic feedback for directional control pads

Keywords: Patents, Haptics, Control

This patent presents a low-cost haptic feedback control device connected to a computer system. The control device is used for inputting control signals to a computer and for outputting forces to a user of the control device. The device comprises a housing, a direction pad capable of being contacted by the user in at least two different locations to provide two different directional signals to the host computer, and a computer-controlled actuator that outputs a force directly on the direction pad. A sensor, such as one or more contact switches, can detect when the locations of the direction pad have been contacted or pressed by the user. The actuator can be a linear or rotary actuator that outputs a force on the direction pad, e.g. approximately perpendicular to the top surface of the direction pad. The actuator can output a vibration or a pulse tactile sensation on the direction pad in coordination with interactions or events in a computer graphical environment or functions of a controlled electronic device. The control device can be a game controller, a mouse, a remote control device, or other type of device, and will enhance interactions and manipulations in a displayed graphical environment or when controlling an electronic device.