Force reflecting haptic interface

摘要

An apparatus and method for physically exchanging a force with a user in a user-local environment. The apparatus includes a user connection element and a linkage physically linking the user connection element to a reference. The linkage provides at least six independent degrees of freedom to the user connection element. The linkage has an actuator system which powers at least three degrees of freedom of the user connection element, while at least three degrees of freedom remain unpowered. The method includes providing an apparatus which includes a user connection element and a linkage physically linking the user connection element to a reference, the linkage providing at least six independent degrees of freedom to the user connection element. The linkage of the apparatus provided has an actuator system which powers at least three of the six independent degrees of freedom relative to the reference. The method further includes connecting the user connection element to a body member of a user and powering at least three of the six independent degrees of freedom.