Sensor multiplexing in actuation systems comprising active-material actuators

A computer-readable storage device, comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations, for determining period-ending positions of multiple parts movable by select actuation of corresponding active materials, the operations comprising:

• receiving, from a work-source sensor, work-source input indicating a distance moved by the work source and a direction of movement;
• determining, based on the work-source input and a first status history, corresponding to a first part of the multiple parts, a first distance travelled by the first part;
• determining, based on the work-source input and a second status history, corresponding to a second part of the multiple parts, a second distance travelled by the second part;
• calculating, based on the first distance determined and a first period-starting position, a first period-ending position, wherein the first period-starting position represents a position of the first part of the multiple parts at a start of a corresponding period, and the first period-ending position represents a position of the first part at an end of the period;
• and
• calculating, based on the second distance determined and a second period-starting position, a second period-ending position, wherein the second period-starting position represents a position of the second part at the start of the period, and the second period-ending position represents a position of the second part at the end of the period.

A method, for determining period-ending positions of multiple parts movable by select actuation of corresponding active materials, comprising:

• receiving, by a device using a computing processor, from a work-source sensor, work-source input indicating a distance moved by the work source and a direction of movement;
• determining, by the device, based on the work-source input and a first status history, corresponding to a first part of the multiple parts, a first distance travelled by the first part;
• determining, by the device, based on the work-source input and a second status history, corresponding to a second part of the multiple parts, a second distance travelled by the second part;
• calculating, by the device, based on the first distance determined and a first period-starting position, a first period-ending position, wherein the first period-starting position represents a position of the first part of the multiple parts at a start of a corresponding period, and the first period-ending position represents a position of the first part at an end of the period;
• and
• calculating, by the device, based on the second distance determined and a second period-starting position, a second period-ending position, wherein the second period-starting position represents a position of the second part at the start of the period, and the second period-ending position represents a position of the second part at the end of the period.