WO1998043261A1 - Control device with tailored feedback - Google Patents

Control device with tailored feedback Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998043261A1
WO1998043261A1 PCT/US1998/004019 US9804019W WO9843261A1 WO 1998043261 A1 WO1998043261 A1 WO 1998043261A1 US 9804019 W US9804019 W US 9804019W WO 9843261 A1 WO9843261 A1 WO 9843261A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
control
feedback unit
poles
tactile
feedback
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/004019
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robin Mihekun Miller
Hollister A. Hartman
Original Assignee
Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. filed Critical Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
Publication of WO1998043261A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998043261A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/32—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts
    • H01H3/50—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts with indexing or locating means, e.g. indexing by ball and spring
    • H01H3/503—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts with indexing or locating means, e.g. indexing by ball and spring making use of electromagnets
    • B60K35/10—
    • B60K35/25—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/08—Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • B60K2360/126—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/04766—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks providing feel, e.g. indexing means, means to create counterforce
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H2003/008—Mechanisms for operating contacts with a haptic or a tactile feedback controlled by electrical means, e.g. a motor or magnetofriction

Definitions

  • This invention generally relates to a control switch and device that includes tailored feedback to assist a person in adjusting various functions for a variety of systems.
  • Modern mass production vehicles tend to include more and more special features or subsystems.
  • the addition of more features to a vehicle provides the potential for a more enjoyable driving experience; however, introducing more and more features or subsystems into a vehicle is not without problems.
  • An important need is to provide a driver the ability to control or adjust the various available subsystems without unduly distracting the driver from the task of driving the vehicle. It is important, therefore, to provide a driver with input control devices that allow a driver to realize that a desired adjustment or function selection has been accomplished without diverting the driver's attention from the road.
  • This invention is a device that provides customized feedback to a driver, which is indicative of the adjustment or selection that has been made. Moreover, this invention provides a device that is readily usable for controlling a variety of functions for a variety of vehicle subsystems.
  • this invention is a device that allows a user to control or adjust a variety of vehicle subsystems while providing the user with tailored feedback indicative of the adjustment or selection made.
  • the preferred form of this invention includes a single control that is manipulatable by a user.
  • a selectively activatable tactile feedback unit provides tactile feedback that is indicative of movement of the control as the user manipulates the control when the feedback unit is activated.
  • the feedback unit is only activated for certain subsystems and certain functional adjustments. Therefore, an efficient, space- saving and safety-enhancing control device is achieved.
  • the tactile feedback unit includes a magnetic arrangement that is selectively energizable.
  • rotation of a control results in the tactile detection of adjustment increments as the control is rotated. This is useful, for example, in selecting preset radio stations.
  • rotation of the control is smooth. Smooth rotation provides an adequate feel for such function adjustment as volume or cruise control.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system designed according to this invention.
  • FIG 2 is a schematic illustration of a feedback unit designed according to this invention.
  • Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of another embodiment of this invention.
  • Figure 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of selected components of the embodiment of Figure 3.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a control system 20 including a control 22 that is supported on a base portion 24.
  • the control 22 preferably is moveable relative to the base portion 24 in two different ways. First, the control 22 can be pressed toward the base portion 24 and spring biased back to a raised rest position. This is schematically illustrated by the arrow 26 in Figure 1. Such movement preferably yields an audible click or beep, which provides readily recognizable feedback to a user.
  • the control 22 also preferably is rotatable relative to the base portion
  • the base portion 24 can be part of a vehicle console, instrument panel or part of a vehicle steering wheel, for example.
  • a visual display 30 is provided to visually indicate the selected vehicle subsystem and the current adjustment status of various functions associated with that subsystem.
  • the vehicle radio functions of volume adjustment and station selection are displayed on the display screen 30.
  • the various vehicle subsystems such as the radio, heating, venting and air conditioning, fan control, cruise control, etc., are controlled by a controller 32.
  • the controller 32 can be realized through a conventional microprocessor, specially designed software or circuitry, or a combination of all three. Given this description, those skilled in the art will be able to realize a controller 32 that is useful for carrying out this invention.
  • the controller 32 controls the vehicle subsystems and the display screen 30.
  • the control 22 preferably is versatile in that it provides feedback which is tailored to particular vehicle subsystems to the driver or user.
  • a feedback unit 40 (see Figure 2, for example) is selectively energized through an energization controller 34 so that various types of feedback can be achieved depending on the currently selected vehicle subsystem.
  • energization controller 34 and the system controller 32 are illustrated as separate modules in Figure 1, those skilled in the art will realize that both controllers could be achieved in a single microprocessor, dedicated circuitry, custom-designed software or a combination of all three.
  • the feedback unit 40 includes a rotating wheel portion 42.
  • the embodiment of Figure 2 is particularly useful for a control 22 as illustrated in Figure 1, which is rotated to make adjustments to a subsystem function, for example.
  • the wheel portion 42 includes a plurality of radially extending teeth 44.
  • the wheel portion 42 preferably is made of a ferromagnetic material.
  • the wheel portion 42 preferably rotates in unison with the control 22 as the control 22 is rotated by a user.
  • a stationary member 46 which is a stator in the illustrated embodiment, includes a plurality of poles 48, 50, 52 and 54.
  • the stationary member 46 preferably is also made from a ferromagnetic material.
  • the stationary member 46 need not surround the rotary member 42 provided that relative movement between the two is possible.
  • a pair of wires 56 and 58 form a plurality of windings 60, 62, 64 and
  • Each winding is disposed about a respective one of the plurality of poles.
  • the energization controller 34 controls a supply of electrical current across the wires 56 and 58 and, consequently, through the windings 60, 62, 64 and 66 so that an electromagnetic field is generated at each of the poles.
  • the feedback unit 40 When the feedback unit 40 is energized, the presence of the electromagnetic fields can be detected by a user that is manipulating or rotating the control 22. As the teeth portions 44 become aligned with and then rotate past the poles, the magnetic field introduces resistance at incremental intervals when turning the control 22. These are sensed by the user as a conventional detent would be sensed on a purely mechanical control arrangement. Such tactile feedback is useful for indicating the amount of rotation of the control 22.
  • this invention allows a single control to be used in two different manners.
  • smooth rotation can be used for adjusting subsystem functions such as temperature control, cruise control or volume control.
  • Detented rotation may be useful for selection between a variety of preset radio stations or selecting from among various menus for the various vehicle subsystems that can be controlled through the controller 32.
  • the detented, tactile feedback provided to the user is a useful indication of a desired adjustment that reduces the difficulty of the adjustment task and allows a driver of a vehicle to give more attention to the road.
  • Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of this invention.
  • the embodiment 80 of Figure 3 includes a joy stick handle 82.
  • the joy stick handle 82 is supported on a joy stick shaft 84 that preferably is made from a ferromagnetic material.
  • the shaft 84 is mounted to pivot relative to a housing 86 about a pivot point 88.
  • Those skilled in the art are familiar with joy stick mounting arrangements and, therefore, the following description need not go into great detail about the physical configuration of the joy stick itself.
  • the joy stick handle 82 is biased into a centered position illustrated at 90.
  • the joy stick handle 82 can be manipulated from the centered position 90 into a variety of positions, an example of which is illustrated at 92.
  • the number of directions that the joy stick handle 82 can be moved is variable depending on the needs of a particular application.
  • the embodiment of Figure 3 preferably includes a plurality of switches that are activated by movement of the joy stick handle 82. Two example switches 94 and 96 are illustrated. As the joy stick handle 82 is moved into the position 92, for example, the shaft 84 will contact and activate the switch 96. This results in some adjustment or selection within a particular selected subsystem, for example.
  • the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 preferably includes a feedback unit 40. In this embodiment, a ferromagnetic pole 100 and a winding 102 are provided for generating a magnetic field when the energization controller 34 allows electrical current to flow through the wires that make up the winding 102. Since the shaft 84 preferably is made from a ferromagnetic material, the presence of an electromagnetic field at the pole
  • the feedback unit 40 can be selectively turned on and off depending on the particular subsystem that is currently being controlled or adjusted by the user of the system.
  • an appropriately designed pole 100 will provide further tactile feedback to the user when the joy stick is near a fully extended or manipulated position.
  • Such tactile feedback is useful for providing a user of the joy stick an indication that they are approaching one of the switches 94 or 96, for example.
  • the amount of resistance preferably is increased as the handle 82 moves further from the centered position.
  • such an arrangement can be selectively activatable so that certain functions of certain subsystems can be adjusted using the joy stick handle 82 without tactile feedback and others can include tactile feedback.
  • the details of an electromagnetic arrangement for accomplishing such tactile feedback need not be further described here because, given this description, those skilled in the art will realize how to design one to meet particular needs.

Abstract

A control switch assembly includes a variable and selectively activatable feedback unit. The feedback unit provides tactile feedback to a user of the system depending upon a particular adjustment to be made by manipulating the control switch. In the preferred embodiment, the feedback unit includes an electromagnetic arrangement that is selectively energized to provide tactile feedback under preselected conditions.

Description

CONTROL DEVICE WITH TAILORED FEEDBACK
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to a control switch and device that includes tailored feedback to assist a person in adjusting various functions for a variety of systems.
Modern mass production vehicles tend to include more and more special features or subsystems. The addition of more features to a vehicle provides the potential for a more enjoyable driving experience; however, introducing more and more features or subsystems into a vehicle is not without problems.
An important need is to provide a driver the ability to control or adjust the various available subsystems without unduly distracting the driver from the task of driving the vehicle. It is important, therefore, to provide a driver with input control devices that allow a driver to realize that a desired adjustment or function selection has been accomplished without diverting the driver's attention from the road.
Therefore, there is a need for a device that is readily usable by a driver to control a variety of the subsystems available within a vehicle. Prior to this invention, no satisfactory solution has been found that addresses the various needs discussed above. This invention is a device that provides customized feedback to a driver, which is indicative of the adjustment or selection that has been made. Moreover, this invention provides a device that is readily usable for controlling a variety of functions for a variety of vehicle subsystems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general terms, this invention is a device that allows a user to control or adjust a variety of vehicle subsystems while providing the user with tailored feedback indicative of the adjustment or selection made. The preferred form of this invention includes a single control that is manipulatable by a user. A selectively activatable tactile feedback unit provides tactile feedback that is indicative of movement of the control as the user manipulates the control when the feedback unit is activated. The feedback unit is only activated for certain subsystems and certain functional adjustments. Therefore, an efficient, space- saving and safety-enhancing control device is achieved.
In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the tactile feedback unit includes a magnetic arrangement that is selectively energizable. When the magnetic arrangement is energized, rotation of a control, for example, results in the tactile detection of adjustment increments as the control is rotated. This is useful, for example, in selecting preset radio stations. When the feedback unit is not energized, rotation of the control is smooth. Smooth rotation provides an adequate feel for such function adjustment as volume or cruise control. The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be described as follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system designed according to this invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a feedback unit designed according to this invention. Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of another embodiment of this invention.
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of selected components of the embodiment of Figure 3.
DETAH.ED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figure 1 illustrates a control system 20 including a control 22 that is supported on a base portion 24. The control 22 preferably is moveable relative to the base portion 24 in two different ways. First, the control 22 can be pressed toward the base portion 24 and spring biased back to a raised rest position. This is schematically illustrated by the arrow 26 in Figure 1. Such movement preferably yields an audible click or beep, which provides readily recognizable feedback to a user. The control 22 also preferably is rotatable relative to the base portion
24 as schematically illustrated by the arrow 28 in Figure 1. The base portion 24 can be part of a vehicle console, instrument panel or part of a vehicle steering wheel, for example.
A visual display 30 is provided to visually indicate the selected vehicle subsystem and the current adjustment status of various functions associated with that subsystem. In the illustration, for example, the vehicle radio functions of volume adjustment and station selection are displayed on the display screen 30. The various vehicle subsystems, such as the radio, heating, venting and air conditioning, fan control, cruise control, etc., are controlled by a controller 32. The controller 32 can be realized through a conventional microprocessor, specially designed software or circuitry, or a combination of all three. Given this description, those skilled in the art will be able to realize a controller 32 that is useful for carrying out this invention. The controller 32 controls the vehicle subsystems and the display screen 30. The control 22 preferably is versatile in that it provides feedback which is tailored to particular vehicle subsystems to the driver or user. A feedback unit 40 (see Figure 2, for example) is selectively energized through an energization controller 34 so that various types of feedback can be achieved depending on the currently selected vehicle subsystem. Although energization controller 34 and the system controller 32 are illustrated as separate modules in Figure 1, those skilled in the art will realize that both controllers could be achieved in a single microprocessor, dedicated circuitry, custom-designed software or a combination of all three.
Referring to Figure 2, the feedback unit 40 includes a rotating wheel portion 42. The embodiment of Figure 2 is particularly useful for a control 22 as illustrated in Figure 1, which is rotated to make adjustments to a subsystem function, for example. The wheel portion 42 includes a plurality of radially extending teeth 44. The wheel portion 42 preferably is made of a ferromagnetic material. The wheel portion 42 preferably rotates in unison with the control 22 as the control 22 is rotated by a user. A stationary member 46, which is a stator in the illustrated embodiment, includes a plurality of poles 48, 50, 52 and 54. The stationary member 46 preferably is also made from a ferromagnetic material. The stationary member 46 need not surround the rotary member 42 provided that relative movement between the two is possible. A pair of wires 56 and 58 form a plurality of windings 60, 62, 64 and
66. Each winding is disposed about a respective one of the plurality of poles. The energization controller 34 controls a supply of electrical current across the wires 56 and 58 and, consequently, through the windings 60, 62, 64 and 66 so that an electromagnetic field is generated at each of the poles. When the feedback unit 40 is energized, the presence of the electromagnetic fields can be detected by a user that is manipulating or rotating the control 22. As the teeth portions 44 become aligned with and then rotate past the poles, the magnetic field introduces resistance at incremental intervals when turning the control 22. These are sensed by the user as a conventional detent would be sensed on a purely mechanical control arrangement. Such tactile feedback is useful for indicating the amount of rotation of the control 22. When the feedback unit 40 is not energized, there is no magnetic field present and the control 22 is freely rotatable by the user of the system. Accordingly, this invention allows a single control to be used in two different manners. First, smooth rotation can be used for adjusting subsystem functions such as temperature control, cruise control or volume control. Detented rotation, on the other hand, may be useful for selection between a variety of preset radio stations or selecting from among various menus for the various vehicle subsystems that can be controlled through the controller 32. The detented, tactile feedback provided to the user is a useful indication of a desired adjustment that reduces the difficulty of the adjustment task and allows a driver of a vehicle to give more attention to the road.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, it is possible to have varying levels of detented rotation. For example, assume that the windings 60 and 64 are electrically coupled but isolated from the windings 62 and 66, which are electrically coupled together. One type of detented rotation is achieved by energizing only the windings 60 and 64 while another type of detented rotation, which includes increments on a more frequent basis, is achieved by energizing all four of the windings at the same time. Those skilled in the art will realize that arrangements having more than four poles and a variety of tooth and pole profiles or configurations can be used to achieve different tactile feedback.
Another variation on the above that is preferred in some situations is to place the entire assembly inside a non-magnetic material. Such an arrangement achieves smooth outline and oxidization resistance characteristics. Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of this invention. Instead of a pressable and rotatable control 22, the embodiment 80 of Figure 3 includes a joy stick handle 82. The joy stick handle 82 is supported on a joy stick shaft 84 that preferably is made from a ferromagnetic material. The shaft 84 is mounted to pivot relative to a housing 86 about a pivot point 88. Those skilled in the art are familiar with joy stick mounting arrangements and, therefore, the following description need not go into great detail about the physical configuration of the joy stick itself.
In the preferred embodiment, the joy stick handle 82 is biased into a centered position illustrated at 90. As schematically illustrated by the arrow in Figure 3, the joy stick handle 82 can be manipulated from the centered position 90 into a variety of positions, an example of which is illustrated at 92. The number of directions that the joy stick handle 82 can be moved is variable depending on the needs of a particular application.
As illustrated in Figure 4, the embodiment of Figure 3 preferably includes a plurality of switches that are activated by movement of the joy stick handle 82. Two example switches 94 and 96 are illustrated. As the joy stick handle 82 is moved into the position 92, for example, the shaft 84 will contact and activate the switch 96. This results in some adjustment or selection within a particular selected subsystem, for example. As illustrated, the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 preferably includes a feedback unit 40. In this embodiment, a ferromagnetic pole 100 and a winding 102 are provided for generating a magnetic field when the energization controller 34 allows electrical current to flow through the wires that make up the winding 102. Since the shaft 84 preferably is made from a ferromagnetic material, the presence of an electromagnetic field at the pole
100 will tend to urge the shaft 84 into the centered position 90. Accordingly, initial movement of the joy stick out of the centered position is met with resistance that is sensed as tactile feedback by the user of the joy stick.
The feedback unit 40 can be selectively turned on and off depending on the particular subsystem that is currently being controlled or adjusted by the user of the system. Although not specifically illustrated, an appropriately designed pole 100 will provide further tactile feedback to the user when the joy stick is near a fully extended or manipulated position. Such tactile feedback is useful for providing a user of the joy stick an indication that they are approaching one of the switches 94 or 96, for example. For example, the amount of resistance preferably is increased as the handle 82 moves further from the centered position. Again, such an arrangement can be selectively activatable so that certain functions of certain subsystems can be adjusted using the joy stick handle 82 without tactile feedback and others can include tactile feedback. The details of an electromagnetic arrangement for accomplishing such tactile feedback need not be further described here because, given this description, those skilled in the art will realize how to design one to meet particular needs.
The foregoing description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the purview and spirit of this invention. For example, the layout or physical arrangement of the components of the feedback unit may include axially oriented members that move relative to an electromagnetic field. Accordingly, the following claims must be studied to determine the scope of legal protection afforded this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A user interface device, comprising: a control that is manipulatable by a user in a first direction; and a selectively activatable tactile feedback unit that provides tactile feedback to the user that is indicative of movement of said control as the user manipulates said control in said first direction when said feedback unit is activated.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said control is supported to rotate in said first direction and wherein said feedback unit is an electrically operated unit that provides a plurality of tactile interruptions along a rotation of said control in said direction.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein said feedback unit comprises a rotating member, supported to rotate with said control made from a ferromagnetic material and having a plurality of teeth that move as said rotating member is rotated; a stationary member positioned so that said rotating member teeth move relative to said stationary member as said control is manipulated in said direction, said stationary member including a plurality of poles; and a winding positioned about each said pole and connected to a source of electrical energy so that said windings selectively carry electrical current when said feedback unit is activated.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein said stationary member further includes a second plurality of poles interspersed among said poles, and a second winding is positioned about each said second pole and selectively connected to a second source of electrical energy so that said second windings selectively carry electrical current when said feedback unit is activated.
5. The device of claim 3, wherein said rotating member comprises a rotor having a central body portion and said teeth are circumferentially spaced about and projecting radially outward from said body portion and wherein said stationary member comprises a generally circular stator that generally surrounds said rotor and wherein said poles project radially inward from a generally ring-shaped body portion of said stator.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein said stator further includes a second plurality of poles interspersed among said poles, and a second winding is positioned about each said second pole and selectively connected to a source of electrical energy so that said second windings selectively carry electrical current when said feedback unit is activated.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein said control is pivotally mounted to be pivotally manipulated about a pivot point from a centered position in at least said direction and wherein said feedback unit includes a magnetic force imposing device that causes a changing amount of tactile resistance to movement of said control as said control is moved from said centered position.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein said feedback unit provides tactile resistance to movement of said control only when said control is manipulated in one of a plurality of preselected directions and increases said tactile resistance as said control is moved further away from said centered position along one of said preselected directions.
9. A device for controlling a plurality of subsystems, comprising: a system controller adapted to activate a selected one of the subsystems; a single control that is manipulatable by a user to signal to said system controller how to control the selected subsystem; a feedback unit that selectively provides tactile feedback to the user that is indicative of movement of said control as the user manipulates said control; and an energization controller that selectively energizes said feedback unit responsive to certain preselected subsystem controls being activated.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein said control is supported to rotate in a first and second direction, respectively, and wherein said feedback unit is electrically operated and provides a plurality of electrically caused tactile increments along a rotation of said control in at least one of said directions.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein said feedback unit comprises a rotating member, supported to rotate with said control in said directions, made from a ferromagnetic material and having a plurality of teeth that move as said rotating member is rotated; a stationary member positioned so that said rotating member teeth move relative to said stationary member as said control is manipulated in said directions, said stationary member including a plurality of poles; and a winding positioned about each said pole and connected to a source of electrical energy so that said windings carry electrical current when said feedback unit is energized.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein said rotating member comprises a rotor having a central body portion and said teeth are circumferentially spaced about and projecting radially outward from said body portion and wherein said stationary member comprises a generally circular stator that generally surrounds said rotor and wherein said poles project radially inward from a generally ring-shaped body portion of said stator. lS. The device of claim 12, wherein said stator further includes a second plurality of poles interspersed among said poles, and a second winding is positioned about each said second pole and selectively connected to a source of electrical energy so that said second windings selectively carry electrical current when said feedback unit is energized.
14. The device of claim 10, wherein said feedback unit comprises a rotating member, supported to rotate with said control in said directions, made from a ferromagnetic material and having a plurality of teeth that move as said rotating member is rotated; a stationary member positioned so that said rotating member teeth move relative to said stationary member as said control is manipulated in said direction, said stationary member including a plurality of first poles and a plurality of second poles interspersed among said first poles; a first winding positioned about each said first pole and connected to said energization controller so that said first windings carry electrical current when said feedback unit is energized; and a second winding positioned about each said second pole and connected to said energization controller so that said second windings carry electrical current when said energization controller effectively couples said second windings to a source of electrical energy when said feedback unit is energized and a preselected function of the selected subsystem is manipulated.
15. The device of claim 9 , wherein said control is pivotally mounted to be pivotally manipulated about a pivot point from a centered position in a plurality of directions and wherein said feedback unit includes a magnetic force imposing device that causes a changing amount of tactile resistance to movement of said control as said control is moved from said centered position.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein said feedback unit provides tactile resistance to movement of said control only when said control is manipulated in one of a plurality of preselected directions and increases said tactile resistance as said control is moved further away from said centered position along one of said preselected directions.
17. A method of controlling a plurality of different functions within a plurality of individually selectable subsystems, using a user manipulatable control that has a selectively activatable tactile feedback device, comprising the steps of:
(A) selecting a subsystem; (B) choosing a function of the selected subsystem to be controlled;
(C) determining whether providing tactile feedback to the user while controlling the chosen function using the control is desirable; and
(D) selectively energizing the tactile feedback device to thereby provide tactile feedback to the user manipulating the control responsive to the determination made in step (C).
PCT/US1998/004019 1997-03-25 1998-03-02 Control device with tailored feedback WO1998043261A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/823,964 1997-03-25
US08/823,964 US6320487B1 (en) 1997-03-25 1997-03-25 Control device with tailored feedback

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998043261A1 true WO1998043261A1 (en) 1998-10-01

Family

ID=25240261

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/004019 WO1998043261A1 (en) 1997-03-25 1998-03-02 Control device with tailored feedback

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US6320487B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1998043261A1 (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0961305A2 (en) * 1998-05-29 1999-12-01 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Rotary actuator for electrical or electronic devices
WO2000029230A1 (en) * 1998-11-18 2000-05-25 Mannesmann Vdo Ag Operating unit for a motor vehicle air conditioning system
EP1217495A2 (en) * 2000-12-22 2002-06-26 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Force feedback functioning manual input device and onboard instrument control system having it
EP1217496A2 (en) * 2000-12-22 2002-06-26 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Manual input device which provides its control knob with plural modes of operation feeling, and car-mounted apparatus controller based thereon
EP1243997A2 (en) * 2001-03-19 2002-09-25 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Vehicle-mounted device control unit
EP1075979A3 (en) * 1999-08-07 2004-01-02 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Method of operating a multifunction operation device in motor vehicles and multifunction operating device
EP1524578A1 (en) * 2003-10-16 2005-04-20 Sony International (Europe) GmbH Haptic input device for generating control information
DE102005040125A1 (en) * 2004-12-17 2006-06-29 Volkswagen Ag Servosystem for motor vehicle, has display showing list of clickable menu items, and rotary knob with rotary unit operates knob with list of clickable menu items, and control converting rotation of unit into scrolling motion
DE10158682B4 (en) 2001-11-30 2021-10-07 Ebe Elektro-Bau-Elemente Gmbh Rastwerk, in particular for electrical switches

Families Citing this family (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6636197B1 (en) * 1996-11-26 2003-10-21 Immersion Corporation Haptic feedback effects for control, knobs and other interface devices
US6525711B1 (en) 1999-06-24 2003-02-25 Interval Research Corp. Haptic interface including clutch control
US7084854B1 (en) 2000-09-28 2006-08-01 Immersion Corporation Actuator for providing tactile sensations and device for directional tactile sensations
JP2004326163A (en) * 2003-04-21 2004-11-18 Alps Electric Co Ltd Stoking switch
WO2004109488A2 (en) 2003-05-30 2004-12-16 Immersion Corporation System and method for low power haptic feedback
DE102004022846B4 (en) * 2003-11-20 2010-09-09 Preh Gmbh Control element with programmable haptic
US20070008305A1 (en) * 2005-06-28 2007-01-11 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Multiple function radio bezel interface
JP4787580B2 (en) * 2005-09-22 2011-10-05 本田技研工業株式会社 Rotating electric machine
DE102006045365A1 (en) * 2006-09-26 2008-04-03 Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh Rotary selector switch for motor vehicle, has rotary actuating element and unit, which has magnet that is coupled in rotating manner with actuating element and works together with magnet spaced from it in stationary manner
JP4916900B2 (en) * 2007-01-25 2012-04-18 富士通コンポーネント株式会社 Direction presenting system, and electric wheelchair, cane and game controller to which the direction presenting system is applied
US8138865B2 (en) * 2007-03-12 2012-03-20 Touchsensor Technologies, Llc Haptic feedback system and method
US20090295739A1 (en) * 2008-05-27 2009-12-03 Wes Albert Nagara Haptic tactile precision selection
US20090308199A1 (en) * 2008-06-12 2009-12-17 Thomas John Buckingham Rotary actuating mechanism having a selectable torque
KR102060338B1 (en) * 2012-06-27 2019-12-31 삼성전자주식회사 Apparatus and method for providing three dimensions tactile
CN111512260B (en) * 2017-12-28 2022-06-28 阿尔卑斯阿尔派株式会社 Input device
US10705616B2 (en) 2018-11-14 2020-07-07 Ghsp, Inc. Selector dial for a vehicle that incorporates electric motor for defining reconfigurable magnetic detents
FR3089314B1 (en) * 2018-11-29 2021-02-26 Moving Magnet Tech ADJUSTABLE EFFORT DEVICE

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4543515A (en) * 1983-06-20 1985-09-24 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho Motor controlling switch device
US4560983A (en) * 1982-09-17 1985-12-24 Ampex Corporation Dynamically interactive responsive control device and system
US4733214A (en) * 1983-05-23 1988-03-22 Andresen Herman J Multi-directional controller having resiliently biased cam and cam follower for tactile feedback
EP0565143A2 (en) * 1992-04-10 1993-10-13 Ampex Systems Corporation Interactive rotary controller system with tactile feedback
DE19528457A1 (en) * 1995-08-03 1997-02-06 Vdo Schindling Control device

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4730177A (en) * 1986-06-16 1988-03-08 Rca Corporation Shock and vibration resistant magnetically operated actuator
US5220260A (en) * 1991-10-24 1993-06-15 Lex Computer And Management Corporation Actuator having electronically controllable tactile responsiveness
JP3465305B2 (en) * 1993-07-23 2003-11-10 アイシン精機株式会社 Actuator
US5448234A (en) * 1994-01-12 1995-09-05 Harwood; David C. Logical light control for sailing vessels

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4560983A (en) * 1982-09-17 1985-12-24 Ampex Corporation Dynamically interactive responsive control device and system
US4733214A (en) * 1983-05-23 1988-03-22 Andresen Herman J Multi-directional controller having resiliently biased cam and cam follower for tactile feedback
US4543515A (en) * 1983-06-20 1985-09-24 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho Motor controlling switch device
EP0565143A2 (en) * 1992-04-10 1993-10-13 Ampex Systems Corporation Interactive rotary controller system with tactile feedback
DE19528457A1 (en) * 1995-08-03 1997-02-06 Vdo Schindling Control device

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0961305A3 (en) * 1998-05-29 2000-09-27 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Rotary actuator for electrical or electronic devices
US6404354B1 (en) 1998-05-29 2002-06-11 Nokia Mobile Phones Limited Rotary controller for electrical or electronic apparatuses
EP0961305A2 (en) * 1998-05-29 1999-12-01 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Rotary actuator for electrical or electronic devices
WO2000029230A1 (en) * 1998-11-18 2000-05-25 Mannesmann Vdo Ag Operating unit for a motor vehicle air conditioning system
EP1075979A3 (en) * 1999-08-07 2004-01-02 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Method of operating a multifunction operation device in motor vehicles and multifunction operating device
DE19937463B4 (en) * 1999-08-07 2004-12-02 Volkswagen Ag Method for operating a multifunction control device in motor vehicles, and multifunction control device itself
EP1217496A2 (en) * 2000-12-22 2002-06-26 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Manual input device which provides its control knob with plural modes of operation feeling, and car-mounted apparatus controller based thereon
EP1217496A3 (en) * 2000-12-22 2007-10-17 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Manual input device which provides its control knob with plural modes of operation feeling, and car-mounted apparatus controller based thereon
US6859198B2 (en) 2000-12-22 2005-02-22 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Force feedback functioning manual input device and onboard instrument control system having it
EP1217495A3 (en) * 2000-12-22 2004-04-21 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Force feedback functioning manual input device and onboard instrument control system having it
EP1217495A2 (en) * 2000-12-22 2002-06-26 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Force feedback functioning manual input device and onboard instrument control system having it
EP1243997A3 (en) * 2001-03-19 2004-04-21 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Vehicle-mounted device control unit
EP1243997A2 (en) * 2001-03-19 2002-09-25 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Vehicle-mounted device control unit
DE10158682B4 (en) 2001-11-30 2021-10-07 Ebe Elektro-Bau-Elemente Gmbh Rastwerk, in particular for electrical switches
EP1524578A1 (en) * 2003-10-16 2005-04-20 Sony International (Europe) GmbH Haptic input device for generating control information
WO2005040954A1 (en) * 2003-10-16 2005-05-06 Conante Advanced Interface Solutions Gmbh Haptic input device for generating control information
GB2423136A (en) * 2003-10-16 2006-08-16 Conante Advanced Interface Sol Haptic input device for generating control information
GB2423136B (en) * 2003-10-16 2008-04-23 Conante Advanced Interface Sol Haptic input device for generating control information
DE102005040125A1 (en) * 2004-12-17 2006-06-29 Volkswagen Ag Servosystem for motor vehicle, has display showing list of clickable menu items, and rotary knob with rotary unit operates knob with list of clickable menu items, and control converting rotation of unit into scrolling motion
US7643017B2 (en) 2004-12-17 2010-01-05 Volkswagen Ag Servosystem

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6320487B1 (en) 2001-11-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6320487B1 (en) Control device with tailored feedback
US5821935A (en) Graphical user interface with electronic feature access
US5916288A (en) Multi-functional control switch arrangement
US6839050B2 (en) Tactile interface device
US5956016A (en) Operating device for menu-controlled functions of a vehicle
CN113167374B (en) Selector dial for a vehicle incorporating an electric motor defining a reconfigurable magnetic brake
US11099665B2 (en) Control knob for controlling operation of a machine
US20170021762A1 (en) Haptic System And Method Of Controlling A Haptic System
US20100315349A1 (en) Vehicle commander control switch, system and method
JPH09244866A (en) Manipulator for component of automobile
EP1911623A2 (en) Vehicular multifunction control system
US7507921B2 (en) Control device having a rotating actuator
EP0969988A2 (en) Driver interface system for vehicle control parameters and easy to utilize switches
JP2002347538A (en) Control device for on-vehicle apparatus
US20210252979A1 (en) Control system and method for controlling a vehicle
WO2006014884A2 (en) Vehicular multifunction control system
US20210208745A1 (en) Operating unit and method of setting a parameter of a functional unit of a motor vehicle
JP2004359102A (en) On-vehicle electrical equipment control device
JP4180455B2 (en) Haptic input device
CN114867626A (en) Operating device, vehicle and method for operating a vehicle
CN108287631B (en) Operating unit for a vehicle-mounted system
US7714254B2 (en) Air-conditioner comprising an operating device
JP3973875B2 (en) Haptic input device
JP4458723B2 (en) Steering switch evaluation method and steering switch
KR101187229B1 (en) Volume switch

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): JP

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

Ref document number: 1998545717

Format of ref document f/p: F

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase