Haptic control system

Abstract

A haptic system for enhancing the operator interface of winches and other automated stage systems, in particular in a theater, using an input control device which is provided with resistance based on the load on the winch and on other factors. The system detects the condition or state of the load and generates a response that is imparted to the input control device to provide the user with a tactile feedback of that condition.

1 . A control system comprising:
 an input control device configured to receive a user input and control a load;   a motion generator coupled with said input control device to impart a response signal to said input control device; and   a processing device configured to receive a condition signal indicative of a condition of the load, said processing device controlling said motion generator to impart a response signal to said input control device in response to the condition signal.   
     
     
         2 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein said input control device is a belt that moves linearly. 
     
     
         3 . The control system of  claim 2 , wherein said response signal shakes said belt. 
     
     
         4 . The control system of  claim 2 , wherein said motion generator comprises a motor and said response signal moves said belt linearly. 
     
     
         5 . The control system of  claim 4 , wherein said response signal imparts a tactile feedback to said belt. 
     
     
         6 . The control system of  claim 2 , further comprising a motion sensor configured to detect motion of said belt and generate a motion signal, and wherein said processing device is further configured to receive the motion signal and control the load in response to the motion signal. 
     
     
         7 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein said processing device imparts a response signal to said input control device in response to a change in the condition of the load. 
     
     
         8 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the condition comprises weight, and said processing device imparts a response signal to said input control device if there is a change in the weight of the load. 
     
     
         9 . The control system of  claim 8 , wherein said processing device determines if there is a change in the weight of the load by setting a reference weight of the load and determining if the detected weight is different than the reference weight. 
     
     
         10 . A control system for controlling operation of a load, said control system comprising:
 a mounting plate;   at least two pulleys rotatably coupled with said mounting plate;   a belt coupled about said at least two pulleys, said belt configured to move linearly;   a motor configured to drive said at least two pulleys to move said belt linearly;   a sensor configured to detect a condition of the load and generate a sensor output signal;   a processing device in communication with said sensor to receive said sensor output signal, said processing device configured to operate said motor in response to said sensor output signal to impart a tactile feedback to said belt.   
     
     
         11 . The control system of  claim 10 , wherein the condition comprises weight, said sensor comprises a weight sensor that detects a weight of the load, and said processing device operates said motor if there is a change in the weight of the load. 
     
     
         12 . The control system of  claim 11 , wherein said processing device determines if there is a change in the weight of the load by setting a reference weight of the load and determining if the detected weight is different than the reference weight. 
     
     
         13 . The control system of  claim 10 , wherein said sensor comprises a position sensor that detects a position of the load, and said processing device operates said motor if there is a change in the position of the load. 
     
     
         14 . The control system of  claim 10 , wherein said sensor comprises a speed sensor that detects a speed of the load, and said processing device operates said motor if there is a change in the speed of the load. 
     
     
         15 . The control system of  claim 10 , further comprising three pulleys configured in a triangular shape. 
     
     
         16 . The control system of  claim 10 , further comprising a drive gear coupled with said motor, said drive gear being operated by said motor and driving at least one of said at least two pulleys. 
     
     
         17 . The control system of  claim 10 , further comprising a motion sensor coupled to detect movement of said belt and generate a motion output signal, said processing device receiving the motion output signal and controlling operation of the load in response to the motion output signal. 
     
     
         18 . A method for controlling operation of a load, said method comprising:
 providing a input control device that is configured to receive a user input command;   detecting a condition of the load;   imparting a response to the input control device to provide a tactile feedback to the input control device indicative of the condition of the load.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising providing a motor to move the input control device, the motor providing the tactile feedback. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the condition is weight, position, speed, and/or motion.