Actuator thermal protection in haptic feedback devices
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- supplying current to an actuator configured to provide a haptic force to a haptic-feedback device;
calculating an average energy input to the actuator over a predetermined period of time; and
reducing a maximum allowable current level in the actuator if the average energy input to the actuator exceeds a predetermined warning energy level.
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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.
131 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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supplying current to an actuator configured to provide a haptic force to a haptic-feedback device;
calculating an average energy input to the actuator over a predetermined period of time; and
reducing a maximum allowable current level in the actuator if the average energy input to the actuator exceeds a predetermined warning energy level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus comprising:
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a sensor configured to send a signal associated with a movement of a haptic-feedback device;
an actuator coupled to the haptic-feedback device and configured to output a haptic-feedback; and
a controller coupled to the actuator and configured to calculate an average energy input to the actuator over a predetermined period of time, the controller configured to reduce the maximum allowable current level in the actuator if average energy input to the actuator exceeds a predetermined warning energy level. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method, comprising:
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supplying current to an actuator of a haptic-feedback device such that the haptic-feedback device provides haptic feedback;
calculating an average energy input to an actuator over a predetermined period of time;
reducing a maximum allowable current level in the actuator if the average energy input to the actuator exceeds a predetermined warning energy level; and
increasing the maximum allowable current level in the actuator if the average energy input to the actuator is below the predetermined warning energy level, the maximum allowable current level is not above a current level allowed by the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification