Generation Of Touch Sensitive Feedback

Since there are a wide variety of ways in which the Controller can be held and moved, only the key movements are signalled to the user by touch sensitive feedback (simulated dial clicks).

The positions/movements for which there is feedback are:

• Center position
• 8 main directions of movement in horizontal plane
• Clockwise/anti-clockwise rotation (with incremental divisions for selection function)
• Depressed position (confirmation function)

The touch sensitive feedback for the center position, the main horizontal directions of movement and the depressed position are created mechanically. Only the feedback for the rotation movement is generated electrically.

When the Controller is rotated in a control menu it provides touch sensitive feedback for the user. This is for the purpose of simulating the familiar mechanical stops of a conventional rotary control knob.

When items on the Control Display screen are selected, there is a difference between the strength of the feedback for different items such as lists, function buttons, screen areas and end stops. This difference is used as a method of confirmation so that changes in the Control Display can be made with a minimal amount of visual distraction.

When the Control Display is switched off, the controller rotates freely without any incremental stops.

Inside the Controller there is a DC motor which is controlled by pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals. That motor generates a rotational force opposite to the direction of rotation. That opposing force or torque is perceived by the user as a mechanical resistance.