An interface device providing haptic feedback to a user is in
communication with a host computer. The device includes a housing, at
least one sensor for detecting user input, and an actuator assembly. The
actuator assembly includes a grounded flexure suspension coupled to an
inertial mass which moves when the actuator assembly is energized to
cause inertial sensations. The inertial mass includes a pole piece
surrounding a magnet, and a grounded coil between magnet and pole piece
causes the motion of the inertial mass when current is flowed
therethrough. Another embodiment provides directional haptic feedback to
a user and includes at least two actuator assemblies oriented such that
the inertial masses oscillate substantially orthogonally, and can be
controlled to output the inertial sensations approximately along a single
axis having a desired orientation.