An input control device is disclosed. The input control device can be configured to operate in different modes depending on proximity data provided by a proximity detection system. The input control device can include a feedback generator configured to generate feedback in response to the input control device switching between operational modes, the proximity data provided by the proximity detection system, and/or other conditions of the surgical procedure, robotic surgical tool, surgical site, and/or patient. The input control device can include a variable resistance assembly for resisting input control motions applied to an actuator thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the input control device can include an end effector actuator assembly for repositioning the end effector actuator based on feedback from a paired robotic surgical tool.

An input device, such as a joystick, has an operating device, a magnetorheological brake device, and a controller for activating the brake device. An operating lever is disposed on a supporting structure for pivoting around at least one pivot axis. The brake device is coupled with the pivot axis for controlled damping of a pivoting motion of the operating lever. The brake device has a rotary damper with two components, namely, an inside component and an outside component. The outside component radially surrounds the inside component and a damping gap is formed in between that is filled with a magnetorheological medium. The damping gap can be exposed to a magnetic field to damp a pivoting motion between the two contrapivoting components about an axis. One of the components has radial arms equipped with an electric coil whose winding extends adjacent to and spaced apart from the axis.

Apparatus and methods for providing tactile sensation are provided. In one disclosed arrangement, there is provided a first magnet module comprising one or more magnetic elements. A mounting arrangement mounts the first magnet module to a human or animal body. A controller controls a tactile sensation applied by the first magnet module to the human or animal body by controlling a magnetic field applied to the first magnet module. The one or more magnetic elements are rotatably mounted and the controller controls the applied tactile sensation by rotating one or more of the magnetic elements using the applied magnetic field.

An input device, in particular joystick, with an operating device and a magnetorheological brake device and a controller for activating the brake device. The operating device includes a supporting structure and an operating lever, which is accommodated on the supporting structure for pivoting around at least one pivot axis. The brake device is coupled with the pivot axis for controlled damping of a pivoting motion of the operating lever by way of the controller.

A device and method for an operator controlled element with haptic feedback dependent on the detection direction are provided. The device includes a base; an actuating part movably supported on the base; an electrical actuator which is attached to the base and acts on the actuating part in order to drive in a moving manner the actuating part in an excitation direction by means of an electrical excitation signal for generating a haptic feedback; a means for detecting an actuation of the actuating part in two detection directions which in each case include a different angular amount with the excitation direction; an evaluation unit, which is configured, if an actuation in one of the two detection directions is detected, to drive the actuator with a specific electrical excitation signal, depending on the result relating to in which of the two detection directions the actuation was carried out.

A tactile sensation presenting device includes: a pressure sensation generating unit configured to present pressure information; and a tactile sensation generating unit arranged on the pressure sensation generating unit. The tactile sensation generating unit includes a vibrating element configured to present vibration information; a warmth/coldness presenting element provided above the vibrating element and configured to present warm/cold information. The vibration information, the warm/cold information, and the pressure information are presented to an operating part in contact with a tactile sensation presentation surface of the tactile sensation generating unit.

An operation apparatus mountable to one hand of a user includes: a first operation section that is located on a front surface side and that can be operated by the thumb of the one hand; a second operation section that is located on a back surface side and that can be operated by a finger other than the thumb; and a first contact surface with which the palm of the one hand makes contact. At least one of the first contact surface and an extension plane of the first contact surface is inclined relative to a virtual plane in such a direction as to be spaced more therefrom in going in a first direction, the virtual plane being defined by the first direction from the front surface side toward the back surface side and a second direction being orthogonal to the first direction and directed from a bottom surface side toward a top surface side.

A controller including a first control member and a second control member that extends from a portion of the first control member. A controller processor is operable to produce a rotational movement output signal in response to movement of the first control member, and a translational movement output signal in response to movement of the second control member relative to the first control member. The first control member may be gripped and moved using a single hand, and the second control member may be moved using the thumb of the single hand.

The disclosed system may include a substructure configured to support various components, an actuator configured to provide substantially linear motion along a specified axis in response to an electrical input, an input component hingedly coupled to the substructure, where the input component is configured to receive input from a user, and a mechanical linkage coupled to the input component and to at least a portion of the actuator. The mechanical linkage may be configured to translate the substantially linear motion provided by the actuator to a rotary force applied to the input component via the mechanical linkage. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Haptic feedback is provided by rendering haptic effects on a haptically-enabled device that includes a front screen, a back cover coupled to the front screen, and a haptic output device attached to or formed within the front screen or the back cover. The haptic output device is configured to render a high-definition (HD) vibratory haptic effect, a low-frequency vibratory haptic effect, and a deformation haptic effect.