Actuator thermal protection in haptic feedback devices
First Claim
1. A method for providing thermal protection for an actuator in a haptic feedback device, the method comprising:
- determining an average energy in said actuator over a predetermined period of time; and
reducing the maximum allowable current level in said actuator if said average energy is determined to exceed a predetermined warning energy level.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Method and apparatus for providing thermal protection for actuators used in haptic feedback interface devices. An average energy in the actuator over a predetermined period of time is determined, and the maximum allowable current level in the actuator is reduced if the average energy is determined to exceed a predetermined warning energy level. The maximum allowable current level can be reduced to a sustainable current level if the average energy reaches a maximum energy level allowed, and the maximum allowable current level in the actuator can be raised if the average energy is determined to be below the predetermined warning energy level. Preferably, the maximum allowable current level is reduced smoothly as a ramp function.
36 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for providing thermal protection for an actuator in a haptic feedback device, the method comprising:
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determining an average energy in said actuator over a predetermined period of time; and
reducing the maximum allowable current level in said actuator if said average energy is determined to exceed a predetermined warning energy level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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12. A haptic interface device in communication with a host computer implementing a host application program, said interface device manipulated by a user, the interface device comprising:
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a sensor device operative to detect a manipulation of said interface device by said user, said sensor device outputting sensor signals representative of said manipulation;
at least one actuator operative to output force to said user; and
a controller coupled to said actuator and operative to determine an average energy in said actuator over a predetermined period of time as said actuator outputs said forces, and to reduce the maximum allowable current level in said actuator if said average energy is determined to exceed a predetermined warning energy level.
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20. A method for providing actuator thermal protection for an actuator in a haptic feedback device, the method comprising:
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determining an average energy in said actuator over a predetermined period of time;
reducing the maximum allowable current level in said actuator if said average energy is determined to exceed a predetermined warning energy level,; and
raising said maximum allowable current level in said actuator if said average energy is determined to be below said predetermined warning energy level, wherein said maximum allowable current level can be raised to a maximum possible current that can drive said actuator. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification