Importance

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Abstract

A force feedback interface device and method for use with a host computer includes a user object, such as a joystick handle, physically contacted by a user. A support mechanism allows at least two degrees of freedom to the user object. Two actuators, preferably grounded, provide a force resistance to motion of the user object along the two degrees of freedom in response to commands from the host computer. A grounded sensor system includes an optical detector and a beam source, such as a photo diode sensor, where either the optical detector or the beam source is fixed with respect to the actuator, and the other moves with the user object. The sensor system is configured to detect motion of the user object with respect to a grounding surface in the two rotary degrees of freedom. A local microprocessor, separate from said host computer, can be included to control the actuators and read the sensor and execute a local process in parallel with host execution of a graphical environment.

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First Claim