Abstract: Systems and methods of the inventive subject matter are directed to control systems that create virtual mass in a haptic feedback system. Embodiments include a jog knob coupled with a PCB stator motor such that the PCB stator motor can be controlled to give the jog knob a feeling of mass that is different from its actual mass. Thus, a system of the inventive subject matter can be configured to continue a rotation as if it has a higher mass than it actually has, resulting in smoother rotations that last longer. This functionality can be useful to, for example, remotely control a camera's movements while still giving a user the feel of a comparable mechanical system.

Abstract: Handwheel systems of the inventive subject matter can be used in a variety of different contexts, including by camera operators. Handwheel systems disclosed in this application provide haptic feedback, which requires high amounts of torque generated by a motor built into the system. PCB stator motors are implemented for their ability to generate high amounts of torque in a compact form factor. Control systems used to drive motors in these systems update at rates that are typically within range of human hearing, and because of the high torque generation, vibrations can be transferred to different components of the handwheel systems, which can cause some components to audibly vibrate. To mitigate or eliminate these audible vibrations, handwheel systems disclosed in this application incorporate adhesive tapes and bushings that prevent vibrations from passing into components that are prone to audible vibrations.

Abstract: Handwheel systems, including control consoles incorporating handwheels of the inventive subject matter, are described in this application. Handwheels described in this application can be used to control remotely located motors, especially those configured to control camera movements. To make it easier for camera operators to control remotely located motors using handwheels, those handwheels can be incorporated into a control console. Control consoles of the inventive subject matter can include several dials, toggle buttons, a display, and a variety of different inputs and outputs.

Abstract: Handwheel systems, including control consoles incorporating handwheels of the inventive subject matter, are described in this application. Handwheels described in this application can be used to control remotely located motors, especially those configured to control camera movements. To make it easier for camera operators to control remotely located motors using handwheels, those handwheels can be incorporated into a control console. Control consoles of the inventive subject matter can include several dials, toggle buttons, a display, and a variety of different inputs and outputs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to PCB stator motors having radially positioned wheel-based bearings for the rotor, including PCB stator motors that are included in camera stabilizing and control systems. PCB stator motors of the inventive subject matter feature a rotor that creates a slot into which a PCB stator is disposed. Surrounding that rotor is a set of wheels having, e.g., grooves into which an outer edge of the rotor can be disposed. The set of wheels enables the rotor to rotate smoothly as a result of a motor controller activating the PCB stator. In some embodiments, an annular roll motor is accompanied by one or more tilt motors to create a camera system that can, e.g., actively stabilize a camera that is disposed at least partially within the roll motor's interior space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to camera heads having up to three axes of rotation (e.g., pan, tilt, roll). Each axis of rotation coincides with the rotational output of a PCB stator motor. PCB stator motors are used to prevent cogging and to reduce weight, while giving haptic feedback to a user that allows the camera head to mimic the physical properties of various mechanical camera heads. For example, despite being lightweight, an embodiment of the inventive subject matter can imitate the feel of a much heavier mechanical system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to PCB stator motors having radially positioned wheel-based bearings for the rotor, including PCB stator motors that are included in camera stabilizing and control systems. PCB stator motors of the inventive subject matter feature a rotor that creates a slot into which a PCB stator is disposed. Surrounding that rotor is a set of wheels having, e.g., grooves into which an outer edge of the rotor can be disposed. The set of wheels enables the rotor to rotate smoothly as a result of a motor controller activating the PCB stator. In some embodiments, an annular roll motor is accompanied by one or more tilt motors to create a camera system that can, e.g., actively stabilize a camera that is disposed at least partially within the roll motor's interior space.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the inventive subject matter are directed to control systems that create virtual mass in a haptic feedback system. Embodiments include a jog knob coupled with a PCB stator motor such that the PCB stator motor can be controlled to give the jog knob a feeling of mass that is different from its actual mass. Thus, a system of the inventive subject matter can be configured to continue a rotation as if it has a higher mass than it actually has, resulting in smoother rotations that last longer. This functionality can be useful to, for example, remotely control a camera's movements while still giving a user the feel of a comparable mechanical system.

Abstract: Handwheel systems, including control consoles incorporating handwheels of the inventive subject matter, are described in this application. Handwheels described in this application can be used to control remotely located motors, especially those configured to control camera movements. To make it easier for camera operators to control remotely located motors using handwheels, those handwheels can be incorporated into a control console. Control consoles of the inventive subject matter can include several dials, toggle buttons, a display, and a variety of different inputs and outputs.

Abstract: Handwheel systems, including control consoles incorporating handwheels of the inventive subject matter, are described in this application. Handwheels described in this application can be used to control remotely located motors, especially those configured to control camera movements. To make it easier for camera operators to control remotely located motors using handwheels, those handwheels can be incorporated into a control console. Control consoles of the inventive subject matter can include several dials, toggle buttons, a display, and a variety of different inputs and outputs.

Abstract: Handwheel systems, including control consoles incorporating handwheels of the inventive subject matter, are described in this application. Handwheels described in this application can be used to control remotely located motors, especially those configured to control camera movements. To make it easier for camera operators to control remotely located motors using handwheels, those handwheels can be incorporated into a control console. Control consoles of the inventive subject matter can include several dials, toggle buttons, a display, and a variety of different inputs and outputs.

Abstract: Handwheel systems, including control consoles incorporating handwheels of the inventive subject matter, are described in this application. Handwheels described in this application can be used to control remotely located motors, especially those configured to control camera movements. To make it easier for camera operators to control remotely located motors using handwheels, those handwheels can be incorporated into a control console. Control consoles of the inventive subject matter can include several dials, toggle buttons, a display, and a variety of different inputs and outputs.

Abstract: Handwheel systems, including control consoles incorporating handwheels of the inventive subject matter, are described in this application. Handwheels described in this application can be used to control remotely located motors, especially those configured to control camera movements. To make it easier for camera operators to control remotely located motors using handwheels, those handwheels can be incorporated into a control console. Control consoles of the inventive subject matter can include several dials, toggle buttons, a display, and a variety of different inputs and outputs.

Abstract: Handwheel systems, including control consoles incorporating handwheels of the inventive subject matter, are described in this application. Handwheels described in this application can be used to control remotely located motors, especially those configured to control camera movements. To make it easier for camera operators to control remotely located motors using handwheels, those handwheels can be incorporated into a control console. Control consoles of the inventive subject matter can include several dials, toggle buttons, a display, and a variety of different inputs and outputs.

Abstract: Systems and methods of creating handwheel systems that provide haptic feedback to human operators such that handwheels have a simulated rotational inertia that is greater than their actual rotational inertial. A motor is coupled with a handwheel, and a rotation detector monitors the angular position of the handwheel. A controller creates a closed-loop control system by receiving information from the rotation detector and using that information to control the motor. Various control systems are contemplated: a 2-state system that monitors angular position and angular velocity of a handwheel, and a 4-state system that monitors angular position and angular velocity of a handwheel as well as angular position and angular velocity of a virtual mass and then drives a motor to try to make the actual values match the virtual values.