Abstract: A method of improving the speed and consistency of response of a shape memory alloy actuator under varying ambient and operating conditions. The method includes probing the shape memory alloy by periodically determining an electric signal strength at which it will undergo forward or reverse phase transformation, while avoiding actual phase transformation; priming the shape memory alloy by bringing it close to phase transformation; initiating phase transformation; and maintaining the shape memory alloy in the phase transformed state. The electric signal strength at which the shape memory alloy will undergo phase transformation is determined by identifying a cusp feature in the electric resistance of the shape memory alloy which closely precedes phase transformation.

Abstract: A computer interface includes an input device and display connected to a CPU. The input device generally comprises a mouse movable along an X-axis or Y-axis, resulting in a corresponding movement of a cursor on the display. A pair of motors impart a force upon the mouse along the X-axis and the Y-axis. The motors provide force feedback based upon movement of the mouse and based upon interaction of the cursor with objects displayed on the display.

Abstract: A method of constructing and designing a fuzzy controller is developed based on converting a finite dimensional linear controller to a fuzzy controller. After the fuzzy controller is created, it can be enhanced using heuristic knowledge. The fuzzy controller is constructed or designed using a microprocessor to calculate a defuzzified output based on singleton fuzzification, product inferencing and centroidal defuzzification. A fuzzy controller can be created much more quickly and accurately than with previous methods.