Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-10
2001-04-24
Hjerpe, Richard (Department: 2674)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
C345S182000, C345S158000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06222523
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field Of The Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus for manipulating virtual objects defined by a computer based on movement of a part of a body of a physical operator and, more particularly, to an apparatus for providing a tactile stimulus to a part of the body of the physical operator when a virtual operator, created from movements of the physical operator, encounters the virtual object.
2. Description Of The Relevant Art
Many input devices are used to manipulate virtual objects represented by a computer system. For example, keyboards, joy sticks, mice, track balls, and light pens often are used to position a cursor at a desired location on a video screen so that operations may be selected without the necessity of keying in multiple commands on a keyboard. However, mastering the operation of such input devices is often difficult because the hand movements required to operate the devices do not correspond to the visual feedback presented by the display screen of the computer.
One method and apparatus which overcomes the foregoing disadvantage is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,981 entitled “Computer Data Entry And Manipulation Apparatus And Method.” That invention is directed to an apparatus for converting gestures and positions of the hand of a physical operator into a virtual operator, such as an animated version of the hand, for manipulating virtual objects defined by the computer. Because one object of such a system is to provide a realistic simulation of virtual object manipulation by a physical operator, it would be helpful if the physical operator was provided with tactile feedback so that the operator would have a more reliable and realistic indication of when the virtual operator is deemed to have encountered the virtual object.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an apparatus for providing a tactile stimulus to a part of the body of a physical operator when a virtual operator, created by movements of the physical operator, encounters a virtual object defined by a computer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a signaling unit communicates with the computer and emits a signal when the virtual operator encounters a virtual object. A stimulus unit responsive to the signaling unit is disposed in close proximity to a part of the body of the physical operator for providing a tactile stimulus to the physical operator when the virtual operator encounters the virtual object. Such tactile feedback not only provides realism, but it allows the operator to sense when the virtual object has been grasped adequately and correctly by the virtual operator for performing delicate functions.
The stimulus means in the embodiment comprises a segment of memory metal disposed in close proximity to a part of the body of the physical operator (e.g., wrapped around a finger of the physical operator). When the virtual operator encounters the virtual object, a transistor connected to the memory metal and to the signaling unit flows a current through the memory metal sufficient to raise the temperature of the memory metal so that the memory metal exhibits a shape memory effect and undergoes a martensitic transformation to a different form, whereby the movement of the metal into the different form imparts a tactile stimulus to the physical operator.
In another embodiment of the invention, a solenoid having a member which moves in response to the signal emitted by the signaling unit is disposed in close proximity to a part of the body of the physical operator, and the moving member provides a tactile stimulus to the physical operator whenever the virtual operator encounters the virtual object. For example, a coil may be wrapped around a finger of the operator, and magnets disposed between the coil and the finger vibrate in response to a periodic signal emitted by the signaling unit. Alternatively, a vibrating member, such as a piezoceramic bender, may be placed in close proximity to a part of the body of the physical operator (e.g., the fingertips of the operator's hand) for vibrating in response to the periodic signal emitted by the signaling unit.
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Grimaud Jean-Jacques G.
Harvill Young L.
Lanier Jaron Z.
Conley Rose & Tayon PC
Hjerpe Richard
Kivlin B. Noäl
Sun Microsystems Inc.
Tran Henry N.
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