System and method for providing passive haptic feedback

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing passive haptic feedback are described. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an actuator for bringing a manipulandum and braking surface into contact and thereby providing a resistance. The manipulandum includes scroll wheels, scroll drums, linear sliders and similar user input devices. The actuator may be, for example, electromagnetic or piezo-electric. An embodiment of the present invention may include a processor in communication with the actuator for providing the haptic effects.

That which is claimed:  
     
         1 . A device comprising: 
 a manipulandum;    a brake surface;    an actuator configured to bring said manipulandum and said brake surface into contact.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator comprises an electromagnetic actuator.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator comprises a piezo-electric actuator.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said piezo-electric actuator comprises: 
 a base;    a piezo-ceramic material having an outside edge surrounding a central portion and connected to said base at said outside edge; and    a lever having a first end, a second end, and a flexure between said ends, said first end connected to said piezo-ceramic material at said central portion and said second end connected to said braking surface.    
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator comprises an actuator in communication with one of said manipulandum and said brake surface.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said manipulandum comprises a scroll wheel.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said manipulandum comprises a scroll drum.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said manipulandum comprises a linear slider.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said brake surface comprises a disk.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said brake surface comprises a conical braking surface.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said brake surface comprises a rectangular surface.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said brake surface comprises a rounded edge for contacting said manipulandum.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said brake surface is attracted to said manipulandum upon actuation of said electromagnetic actuator.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said brake surface is repelled towards said manipulandum upon actuation of said electromagnetic actuator.  
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a position sensor in communication with said manipulandum.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a controller in communication with said electromagnetic actuator.  
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , further comprising a position sensor in communication with said controller.  
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a spring in communication with said manipulandum and said braking surface and configured to exert a force to separate said manipulandum and said braking surface.  
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a lever in communication with said electromagnetic actuator and with one of said manipulandum and said brake surface.  
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein said lever comprises a flexure.  
     
     
         21 . A computer-readable medium on which is encoded computer program code for handling computerized requests comprising: 
 program code for determining when a haptic effect is provided;    program code for generating a signal to provide said haptic effect, wherein said effect is provided by causing an actuator to bring a manipulandum and a brake surface into contact; and    program code for sending said signal to said actuator.    
     
     
         22 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 21 , further comprising computer code for receiving an input signal.  
     
     
         23 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 22 , wherein said input signal comprises position sensor data.  
     
     
         24 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 21 , wherein said actuator comprises an electromagnetic actuator.  
     
     
         25 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 21 , wherein said actuator comprises a piezo-electric actuator.  
     
     
         26 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 21 , wherein said actuator comprises an actuator in communication with one of said manipulandum and said brake surface.  
     
     
         27 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 21 , wherein said manipulandum comprises a scroll wheel.  
     
     
         28 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 21 , wherein said manipulandum comprises a scroll drum.  
     
     
         29 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 21 , wherein said manipulandum comprises a linear slider.