Actuator thermal protection in haptic feedback devices
US7233476B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 10, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 22, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/016
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.