Haptic force-feedback for computing interfaces

A method of providing feedback with a haptic device that includes a ball engagable with a surface, the method comprising:

• determining the position of haptic device relative to an x-y plane defined by the surface;
• aligning the haptic device's x-v direction with a touch screen's x-v direction;
• based upon the determined position, engaging one or both of a first motor and a second motor of the haptic device;
• rotating the ball in a direction based upon the determined position, rotation of the ball against the surface applying motive force to the haptic device;
• wherein the motive force provides feedback;
• wherein the surface is a graphical user interface displaying content and wherein direction of rotation and torque of the ball are selected based upon the determined position of the haptic device.

A computer implemented haptic device comprising:

• a ball engagable with a surface;
• a non-transitory computer-readable memory having instructions stored thereon, the instructions comprising:
• instructions for determining the position of haptic device relative to an x-y plane defined by the surface;
• instructions for determining if the position of the haptic device is within a prohibited area;
• instructions for, based upon the determined position, engaging one or both of a first motor and a second motor of the haptic device;
• instructions for rotating the ball in a direction based upon the determined position, rotation of the ball against the surface applying motive force to the haptic device;
• wherein the motive force provides feedback and further wherein the surface is a graphical user interface displaying content and direction of rotation and torque of the ball are selected based upon the determined position of the haptic device.