Method of driving a driven structure relative to a base structure

A method of driving a first structure relative to a second structure comprising:

• enabling communication over a network between a controller and a plurality of first pole controllers associated with a plurality of first pole arrays disposed on the first structure, wherein each of the plurality of first pole arrays is independently controlled by a different one of the plurality of first pole controllers;
• enabling communication over the network between the controller and a plurality of second pole controllers associated with a plurality of second pole arrays disposed on the second structure, wherein each of the plurality of second pole arrays is independently controlled by a different one of the plurality of second pole controllers;
• instructing the plurality of first pole controllers over the network with the controller to selectively energize and control a magnetically-induced force at one of the plurality of first pole arrays independent of the other first pole arrays;
• and
• instructing the plurality of second pole controllers over the network with the controller to selectively energize and control a magnetically-induced force at one of the plurality of second pole arrays independent of the other second pole arrays;
• wherein the plurality of first pole arrays and the plurality of second pole arrays, when selectively energized, generate an electro-magnetic force therebetween for manipulating the second structure relative to the first structure.

A method of driving a first structure relative to a second structure comprising:

• enabling communication over a network between a first controller and a plurality of first pole arrays disposed on the first structure, each of the plurality of first pole arrays having a first coil and a first switching circuit associated with and configured to selectively energize the first coil;
• enabling communication over the network between a second controller and a plurality of second pole arrays disposed on the second structure movable relative to the first structure, each of the plurality of second pole arrays is independently controlled by a different one of the plurality of second pole controllers;
• instructing one of the first switching circuits over the network with the first controller to selectively energize and control a magnetically-induced force at the associated first coil thereof independent of the other first coils;
• and
• instructing one of the second switching circuits over the network with the second controller to selectively energize and control a magnetically-induced force at the associated second coil thereof independent of the other second coils;
• wherein the plurality of first pole arrays and the plurality of second pole arrays, when selectively energized, generate an electro-magnetic force therebetween for manipulating the second structure relative to the first structure.