Human-machine interface with integrated position sensors and passive haptic feedback devices
First Claim
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1. An active human-machine interface system, comprising:
- a user interface configured to receive input force from a user and, upon receipt thereof, to move from a null position to a control position;
a passive force feedback mechanisms coupled to the user interface and configured to supply passive feedback force to the user interface at least when the user interface is moved from the null position;
a position sensor coupled to the passive force feedback mechanism, the position sensor operable to sense passive force feedback mechanism position and supply a position signal representative thereof; and
a circuit coupled to receive at least the passive force feedback mechanism position signal and operable, in response thereto, to calculate the input force using the position signal.
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Abstract
A system and method for determining the input force supplied to a user interface by a user is provided. A passive feedback mechanism is coupled to the user interface, and a change in position of the passive feedback mechanism is sensed. The input force supplied by the user to the user interface is then calculated from the sensed change in position.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An active human-machine interface system, comprising:
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a user interface configured to receive input force from a user and, upon receipt thereof, to move from a null position to a control position; a passive force feedback mechanisms coupled to the user interface and configured to supply passive feedback force to the user interface at least when the user interface is moved from the null position; a position sensor coupled to the passive force feedback mechanism, the position sensor operable to sense passive force feedback mechanism position and supply a position signal representative thereof; and a circuit coupled to receive at least the passive force feedback mechanism position signal and operable, in response thereto, to calculate the input force using the position signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14)
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11. An active human-machine interface system, comprising:
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a user interface configured to receive input force from a user and, upon receipt thereof, to move from a null position to a control position; a plurality of springs coupled to the user interface, each spring configured to supply passive feedback force to the user interface at least when the user interface is moved from the null position; a plurality of position sensors, each position sensor coupled to one of the springs and operable to sense a position of the spring and supply a position signal representative thereof; a plurality of motors coupled to the user interface, each motor further configured to be controllably energized and operable, in response thereto, to supply active force feedback to the user interface; and a circuit coupled to receive at least the spring position signals and operable, in response thereto, to calculate the input force using the position signals and, based on the calculated input force, to controllably energize each motor. - View Dependent Claims (12, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of determining input force supplied to a user interface by a user, the method comprising the steps of:
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coupling a passive feedback mechanism to the user interface; sensing a change in position of the passive feedback mechanism; and calculating the input force supplied by the user to the user interface from the sensed change in position. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification