Actuator control providing linear and continuous force output

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6762745
SERIAL NO

09565788

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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Methods and apparatus for controlling an actuator to provide linear and continuous force output to a user of a force feedback device. To provide continuous and smooth force output in a zero crossover region of operation, two drive signals are used, each causing current to flow in a different direction in the actuator. When a desired output force is in the crossover region, the two drive signals are alternated to cause the output force to quickly switch directions. When the desired force is outside the crossover region, only one drive signal is used to cause output force in one direction. To compensate for a nonlinear output of the actuator, a desired command current is correlated with an approximated point of a characterization curve of the actuator, where the curve includes points determined in a previously performed actuator characterization. The approximated point is determined between two successive points using a linear approximation, and a drive signal duty cycle is determined from the approximated point. Other features can be implemented to compensate for power supply voltage variation, back EMF effect, and temperature.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
IMMERSION CORPORATION801 FOX LANE SAN JOSE CA 95131

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Braun, Adam C Sunnyvale, CA 83 7932
Schena, Bruce M Menlo Park, CA 173 32953
Tierling, Kollin M Campbell, CA 33 2951

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