Patent ID: 8587328
Filing Date: 2013-11-19
Classification: B81C,G05D,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for determining a response curve of an actuator, comprising: applying one of a maximum or minimum magnitude signal causing an actuator to move to a first extreme position; at the first extreme position, measuring, by a capacitance sensing circuit, an initial capacitance of the actuator; applying a signal to move the actuator a predetermined increment to a next position that is toward a second extreme position; measuring the capacitance of the actuator at the next position; determining whether the capacitance measured at the next position has changed by a first threshold amount from the measured initial capacitance; if a result of the determining indicates the capacitance changed by the first threshold amount, recording the signal value preceding the applied signal that caused the actuator to move as an indicator of a first threshold position related to the first extreme position, the first threshold position corresponding to a first end of the actuator response curve; repeating applying a signal to move the actuator a predetermined incremental toward the second extreme position, wherein the second extreme position corresponds to applying the other of the maximum or minimum magnitude signal applied to move to the first extreme position; repeating the measuring of the capacitance of the actuator after each move until it is determined that the capacitance has not changed by a second threshold amount from a previous measurement; repeating the determining of the capacitance until it is determined that the capacitance has not changed by the second threshold amount, recording the signal value related to the previously measured capacitance as a second threshold position related to the second extreme position, the second threshold position corresponding to second end of the actuator response curve.