METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING PASSIVE FLUID FORCE FEEDBACK

摘要

A method and apparatus for interfacing the motion of an object (18) with adigital processing system (250) includes a sensor (14, 110) for detectingmovement of the object (18) along a degree of freedom. A passive pneumatic orhydraulic damper (12, 108) is coupled to the object (18) to provide a dampingresistance to the object (18) along the degree of freedom and resist amovement of the object (18). The damping resistance is provided by regulatingthe control of a fluid with a digital computing apparatus (52), thus providinga low-cost, low-power force-feedback interface that is safe for the user. Thedamper (12, 108) and sensor (14, 110) provide an electromechanical interface(10) between the object (18) and the electrical system. A gimbal or otherinterface mechanism can be coupled between the damper (12, 108) and the object(18). The interface is well suited for simulations or video games in which anobject such as a joystick is moved and manipulated by the user.