Haptic devices using electroactive polymers
AssigneeImmersion Corporation
InventorBruce M. Schena
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Haptic feedback interface devices using electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators to provide haptic sensations and/or sensing capabilities. A haptic feedback interface device is in communication with a host computer and includes a sensor device that detects the manipulation of the interface device by the user and an electroactive polymer actuator responsive to input signals and operative to output a force to the user caused by motion of the actuator. The output force provides a haptic sensation to the user. Various embodiments of interface devices employing EAP actuators are described, including embodiments providing direct forces, inertial forces, and braking forces.
Claims40
A manipulandum device adapted to allow interaction between a user and a computer, the device, comprising:
- a housing;
- a sensor configured to detect a movement of at least a portion of the housing, the sensor configured to output sensor signals associated with the movement;
- and
- an electroactive polymer actuator coupled to the housing and configured to output a haptic-feedback force associated with the output sensor signals.
A manipulandum device adapted to allow interaction between a user and a computer, the device, comprising:
- a sensor configured to detect a movement of at least a portion of the device, the sensor configured to output sensor signals associated with the movement;
- and
- an electroactive polymer actuator coupled to the device and configured to output a haptic-feedback force associated with the output sensor signals, the electroactive polymer actuator being controlled by associated input signals.
A manipulandum device adapted to allow interaction between a user and a computer, the device, comprising:
- a housing;
- and
- an electroactive polymer (EAP) element coupled to the housing and configured to output a haptic-feedback force associated with output sensor signals, the EAP element being controlled by associated input signals, the haptic-feedback force being generated by deformation of the EAP element.
A method of providing haptic feedback to a user interacting with a computer using a manipulandum device, comprising:
- detecting movement of a housing of a manipulandum and outputting sensor signals associated with the detected movement;
- and
- outputting a haptic-feedback force, the haptic-feedback force being generated by a deformation of an electroactive polymer actuator, the haptic-feedback force being based on input signals to the electroactive polymer actuator.
A manipulandum apparatus adapted to allow interaction between a user and a computer, the device, comprising:
- means for detecting movement of a housing and outputting sensor signals associated with the detected movement;
- and
- means for outputting a haptic-feedback force, the haptic-feedback force being generated by a deformation of an electroactive polymer actuator means, the haptic-feedback force being based on input signals to the electroactive polymer actuator means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.