Automatic switching of motion control with tactile feedback
US4947097A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2084
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A rotary control knob is adapted to provide for automatic switching between two modes of movement control for a tape transport. An insulative ring surrounds a conductive knob, and the conductive knob is electrically connected to an oscillator circuit. Changes in the oscillator frequency due to operator contact with the conductive knob during movement of the knob are sensed to produce one mode of movement control, while movement of the knob due to operator contact with the insulative ring do not affect the oscillator frequency and indicate an alternative, default mode of movement control. A stepper motor is mechanically coupled to the control knob, and is electrically engaged in the default mode and disengaged in the one mode. In the default mode when the control knob reaches a predetermined control limit, a brake signal is generated that increases the current in the coils of the stepper motor, the increase in current resulting in increased resistance to movement of the control knob to provide tactile feedback to the operator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.