A method and apparatus for providing a click surface in a graphical environment, such as a graphical user interface, implemented on a host computer for use with a force feedback interface device. A displayed cursor is controlled by a user-moveable user object, such as a mouse, of the interface device. A click surface is displayed with an associated graphical object, such as a graphical button or an edge of a window, icon, or other object. When the click surface is contacted by the cursor, a force is output opposing movement of the user object in a direction into the click surface and into the graphical object. When the user object has moved to or past a trigger position past the contact with the click surface, a command gesture signal is provided to the host computer indicating that the graphical object has been selected as if a physical input device on the user object, such as a button, has been activated by the user. Preferably, the host computer displays the graphical environment including the click surface and cursor, while a microprocessor local to the interface device controls the force output of the click surface in parallel with the host display.

 
Web www.patentalert.com

< Image processing apparatus

< System and method for controlling computer processes by means of biometric data

> System for and method of managing and delivering manufacturer-specified consumer product information to consumers in the marketplace

> Network-linked interactive three-dimensional composition and display of saleable objects in situ in viewer-selected scenes for purposes of promotion and procurement

~ 00299