Pressure chamber for a mobile communication device and associated pressure sensor

Abstract

Pressure chambers and associated pressure sensors for mobile communication devices. Mobile communication devices and associated control systems are provided for determining the presence and location of pressure applied to the mobile communication device. The system can replace physical buttons on the mobile communication device. In embodiments, a sealed chamber, such as a tube, is filled with a pressure transmitting medium inside a sidewall of a frame of the mobile communication device. Two (or more) pressure sensors can be mounted to the chamber to measure the pressure at two different locations in the chamber. In one embodiment, the time difference of a pressure wave reaching between the pressure sensors can indicate the location of the applied force. By knowing where the force is applied, the desired command from the user can be inferred.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a system for determining the location of a force applied to the frame of a mobile communication device. In an embodiment, the frame of the mobile communication device has a chamber containing a medium and a pressure sensor configured to detect an increase in pressure in the medium, enabling the precise location of the force applied to the chamber to be determined. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile communication devices such as smartphones typically have three push-buttons on the outer wall of the device frame—one button to turn the device (or its screen) on and off, another to increase the audio volume, and a third to decrease the audio volume. These buttons are positioned in fixed locations on the mobile communication device, and their positions may vary depending on the manufacturer or model. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a system is provided for determining the location of a force applied to a mobile communication device. The system includes: a tube containing a fluid medium, the tube being configured to be attached to at least a portion of the perimeter of a frame of the mobile communication device; a first pressure sensor disposed along the tube and configured to detect pressure in the fluid medium; a second pressure sensor disposed along the tube and configured to detect pressure in the fluid medium; and a processor coupled to the first and second pressure sensors and configured to determine the location of the force applied to the tube based on the time between the first and second pressure sensors detecting an increase in pressure in the fluid medium.

[0004] In another embodiment, a mobile communication device includes a frame; a sealed chamber disposed within the frame, the chamber containing a fluid medium configured to transmit pressure through the chamber in response to an external force applied to the chamber; a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor disposed along the chamber and configured to detect fluid pressure in the fluid medium; and a processor configured to determine the location of the external force applied to the chamber based on the time between (i) the first pressure sensor detecting an increase in fluid pressure and (ii) the second pressure sensor detecting an increase in fluid pressure.

[0005] In another embodiment, a system is provided for determining the location of a force applied to a mobile communication device. The system includes a tube encapsulating a fluid medium, the tube being configured to attach to a frame of the mobile communication device; and a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor disposed along the tube and configured to detect pressure in the fluid medium. The first and second pressure sensors are operable to output corresponding first and second pressure signals indicating pressure in the fluid medium, and wherein a time difference between pressure increases in the first and second pressure signals indicates the location where the force is applied to the tube. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a top view of a mobile communication device according to one embodiment, the mobile communication device being configured to detect forces applied to its surface via a pressure tube containing a fluid medium.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional plan view of a portion of a mobile communication device according to one embodiment, the mobile communication device having forces applied to its surface.

[0008] Figure 3 According to one embodiment Figure 2 A magnified view of the portion.

[0009] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional plan view of a pressure tube connected to a pressure sensor according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional plan view of a pressure tube according to one embodiment, the pressure tube having a force applied to the pressure tube at a position between two pressure sensors.

[0011] Figure 4C This is a cross-sectional plan view of a pressure tube according to one embodiment, the pressure tube having a force applied to the pressure tube at a location closer to one of the pressure sensors.

[0012] Figure 5 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a pressure tube according to one embodiment, which has pressure waves in the fluid medium inside the pressure tube due to external forces.

[0013] Figures 6A-6E The illustration shows a top cross-sectional plan view of a mobile communication device having pressure tubes with various configurations according to various embodiments.

[0014] Figures 7A-7D The illustration shows cross-sectional plan views of pressure tubes with various configurations according to various embodiments.

[0015] Figure 8The illustration shows a top view of a mobile communication device according to one embodiment, the mobile communication device having a serpentine pressure tube communicating with the display surface of the mobile communication device.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a graphical illustration of the pressure in the fluid medium in the pressure tube after a striking force is applied to a mobile communication device, according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a graphical illustration of the pressure in the fluid medium in the pressure tube after holding force on a mobile communication device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 The figure shows a schematic diagram of a control system according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This document describes embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the embodiments in various ways. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of illustrated features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure may be desired for a particular application or implementation.

[0020] In this disclosure, including the following definitions, the terms “controller” and “system” may refer to or include processor hardware (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code and memory hardware (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores the code executed by the processor hardware, or portions thereof. This code is configured to provide the characteristics of the controller and system described herein. In one example, the controller may include a processor, memory, and a non-volatile storage device. The processor may include one or more devices selected from: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a central processing unit, a field-programmable gate array, a programmable logic device, a state machine, a logic circuit, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, or any other device that manipulates signals (analog or digital) based on computer-executable instructions residing in memory. The memory may include a single memory device or multiple memory devices, including, but not limited to, random access memory (“RAM”), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static random access memory (“SRAM”), dynamic random access memory (“DRAM”), flash memory, cache memory, or any other device capable of storing information. Non-volatile storage devices may include one or more persistent data storage devices, such as hard disk drives, optical drives, magnetic tape drives, non-volatile solid-state devices, or any other device capable of persistently storing information. A processor may be configured to read from memory and execute computer-executable instructions embodying one or more software programs residing in the non-volatile storage device. The programs residing in the non-volatile storage device may include, or be part of, an operating system or application, and may be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, which, without limitation, include individually or in combination Java, C, C++, C#, Objective C, Fortran, Pascal, JavaScript, Python, Perl, and PL / SQL. The computer-executable instructions of the program may be configured, when executed by the processor, to cause the controller to increase or decrease the volume control of the mobile communication device, turn the vibration mode on or off, turn the viewing screen of the mobile communication device on or off, and other similar actions typically commanded in response to the pressing of a physical button residing on the frame edge of the mobile communication device.

[0021] This disclosure also refers to mobile communication devices. The intended term "mobile communication device" or similar phrases (such as "mobile device") should include personal communication devices, such as smartphones, cellular phones, tablets, pagers, wearable devices such as smartwatches, and other such devices with wireless network connectivity.

[0022] Mobile communication devices such as smartphones or tablets typically have three push-buttons on the outer wall of the device frame—one to turn the device (or its screen) on and off, another to increase the audio volume, and a third to decrease the audio volume. Other such buttons are also common, such as toggle switches to turn vibration on and off. These buttons have several disadvantages. For example, they have design limitations due to their mechanical nature. Due to the necessary packaging space for such buttons, they may be constrained to a specific location or have a specific size. Furthermore, milling and / or drilling is often required in the phone frame to create openings for the push-buttons. This process can be a significant cost factor for mobile device OEMs. Additionally, holes made in the frame for the buttons reduce water resistance and increase the likelihood of dust accumulation inside the mobile device.

[0023] According to various embodiments described below, a mobile communication device is provided with a sealed chamber, such as a sac or tube, filled with a pressure-transmitting medium inside the sidewall of the mobile communication device's frame. This chamber may have one or more pressure sensors attached thereto to measure the pressure of the internal medium. If a user applies a force to the outer frame of the mobile communication device, the chamber will deform, and a pressure wave will be emitted from the point of application of the force. The pressure increase sensed by the pressure sensors can detect a desired event (e.g., the desire to turn on a phone). Similarly, multiple pressure sensors can be used to determine the precise location from which the pressure increase originates, and thus the location where the user applied the force. For example, two (or more) pressure sensors can be mounted to the chamber to measure the pressure at two different locations within the chamber. In one embodiment, the time difference between the pressure waves arriving at the pressure sensors can indicate the location of the applied force. By knowing where the force was applied, the desired command from the user can be inferred. For example, if the applied force is determined to be in a location designated as a volume increase area, the mobile communication device can respond to the detected applied force by increasing the volume of the mobile communication device.

[0024] This also allows for customized actions depending on the location of the applied force. For example, a user of a mobile communication device can designate a first area of ​​the device as a volume-increasing area, causing pressure applied to the chambers in that first area to increase the device's volume; a user can also designate a second area as a volume-decreasing area, causing pressure applied to the chambers in that second area to decrease the volume. Users can customize the size and position of each of the first and second areas, allowing for complete customization of where the active area should be located and what corresponding action the mobile device performs when pressure is applied to each active area. This system can replace physical buttons on mobile communication devices, eliminating the need for physical, pressable, or toggleable buttons and relying solely on pressure applied to the device to issue commands typically issued based on button presses.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 The illustration shows a mobile communication device 10. The mobile communication device 10 has a front surface 12 and an opposing rear surface. The front surface 12 may be a touchscreen configured to display information and allow a user to select items on the screen, such as applications (“apps”). The mobile communication device 10 also includes a frame 14. The frame 14 may be metal (e.g., aluminum, titanium, etc.) that forms the “skeleton” of the mobile communication device 10. The frame 14 may also include an outer surface of the mobile communication device 10, or may be located within the outer surface of the mobile communication device 10. One or more holes 16 may be provided in the frame 14. The holes 16 may be positioned in various locations and are provided for speakers, power connections, headphone connections, etc.

[0026] One or more chambers may be provided in the mobile communication device 10. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber is configured as a tube 18, also referred to as a pressure tube or fluid pressure tube. Although the chamber is shown as a tube in this embodiment, the chamber can of course be other sizes, shapes, and configurations. Tube 18 is a hollow tubular sealed member that contains or encloses a fluid medium. Tube 18 can be cylindrical (rectangular cylinder, circular cylinder, etc.) or other elongated shapes. Tube 18 can each be a single tube having a wall containing a fluid medium, but can also comprise multiple parallel chambers creating sub-tubes, each sub-tube being connected to one or more dedicated pressure sensors. In one embodiment, one or more surfaces of tube 18 can be the frame 14 itself.

[0027] Each tube 18 may have one or more pressure sensors 20 attached to the tube 18 and configured to measure the fluid pressure of the fluid medium within the tube 18. The pressure sensor 20 may be any type of sensor capable of measuring pressure and / or pressure changes with sufficient resolution and sampling frequency. For example, the pressure sensor 20 may be a BOSCH SENSORTEC BMP388. If a user applies force to the external surface where one of the tubes 18 of the mobile communication device 10 is located, the tube 18 will deform, and a pressure wave will be emitted within the fluid medium from the point of application of the force. The one or more pressure sensors 20 are configured to detect the pressure or pressure change in the fluid medium caused by the force applied to the external surface of the mobile communication device 10. An associated controller may be coupled to the one or more pressure sensors 20 and may command action in response to the detected force application.

[0028] The tube 18 may be positioned along one or more edges of the frame 14 of the mobile communication device 10. For example, one tube 18 may be positioned along the top (e.g., above the hole 6), one along the bottom edge, one along the left edge, and another along the right edge. In another embodiment, only one tube 18 may be provided along a single edge of the frame 14. As described later, providing tubes 18 along various edges of the mobile communication device 10 allows for increased customization of the activation area. To maximize the pressure signal output by the sensor 20, the side of the tube 18 facing away from the force input may be fixed to the frame 14. This ensures that the side of the tube 18 facing away from the force input is fixed and does not move when the opposite side facing the force input deforms due to the force input.

[0029] In one embodiment, one or more pressure sensors 20 are provided for each tube 18 and are used to detect events. For example, the controller may be configured to increase the volume if one or more pressure sensors 20 in the tube 18 on the right edge are pressed, and to decrease the volume if one or more pressure sensors 20 in the tube on the left edge are pressed. One pressure sensor 20 per tube may be an appropriate number of pressure sensors for this embodiment.

[0030] In a more advanced embodiment, two or more pressure sensors 20 are coupled to each individual tube 18, enabling the controller to determine the location of an external force source (e.g., where a user presses on a mobile communication device 10). Figure 2-3 An embodiment is illustrated in which a user applies an external force to a mobile communication device 10 at a location along pipe 18. The time difference of arrival of the pressure wave can be measured. Specifically, the amount of time between when a pressure wave is generated in the fluid medium 22 within pipe 18 and when sensor 20 detects the pressure increase can determine the location of the applied force.

[0031] The fluid medium 22 in pipe 18 can be a gas (e.g., air), a liquid (e.g., mineral oil), or a solid (e.g., gel). Different fluid media affect the velocity of the pressure wave, and therefore the type of fluid medium used must be known so that the controller can make appropriate calculations. If a liquid is used, it can be a non-conductive liquid.

[0032] The frame 14 and tube 18 can be configured to have varying thicknesses and materials used, thereby facilitating proper deformation of the tube 18 when pressed by a user. For example, in one embodiment, the sidewalls of the frame where the tube 18 is positioned may have a first thickness in an area where the sidewalls of the frame overlap with or cover the tube 18, and a second thickness in another area where the sidewalls of the frame do not overlap with the chamber. The second thickness may exceed the first thickness, thereby providing a thinner frame in the area covering the tube 18.

[0033] In another embodiment, one or more walls of the tube 18 may be made of different or modified materials in areas where the walls are intended to deform in response to external forces. For example, the wall of the tube 18 facing the outer edge of the mobile communication device 10 may be made of a more flexible material than the other walls of the tube 18. The relative flexibility of the walls of the tube 18 can allow the wall deformed due to external forces to bend relative to the other walls of the tube 18. In some embodiments where this feature is not provided, the entire tube 18 may bend in response to external forces without creating a pressure wave exceeding a corresponding threshold to trigger action in the mobile communication device 10.

[0034] Although Figure 3 The sensor 20 is shown at one end of the tube 18, but the sensor 20 may also be located inside the tube 18. At least some or all of the sensors 20 may be surrounded by the fluid medium in the tube 18.

[0035] Figures 4A-4B The illustration shows a schematic embodiment of determining the location of an external force (represented by "F") placed on the frame 14 of the mobile communication device 10. A pressure tube 18 is provided with two pressure sensors 20, namely P1 and P2. Pressure sensors P1 and P2 are located at opposite ends of the tube 18. The distance between the two pressure sensors P1 and P2 is known and is represented by the length L. If an event is applied exactly at the center point (L / 2) between the two pressure sensors P1 and P2, which is precisely at the center of the tube 18, both pressure sensors P1 and P2 simultaneously detect an increase in fluid pressure in the tube 18. Therefore, the amount of time between the sensors 20 detecting the pressure increase is zero.

[0036] The distance between one of the pressure sensors (e.g., P1) and the applied force F can be the time after the application of force F. t (Or the time between force sensors, as explained below) and the temperature of the fluid medium.T Functions:

[0037]

[0038] The velocity of the pressure wave in the fluid medium is determined by v This indicates that, in one embodiment, the controller can access a lookup table stored in memory. The lookup table can then be used to view the temperature of the fluid medium. T and the time between the signal received at the pressure sensor ( t , This is used to determine the appropriate location of the source of the external force F.

[0039] Since the start time of the application of force F may not be known, the time difference of arrival of the wave can be analyzed. The time between the detection of the pressure increase by the two pressure sensors P1 and P2 can be expressed as follows:

[0040]

[0041] in t It is time. t1 It is the time when the first pressure sensor P1 receives a signal indicating an increase in pressure, and t2 It is the time when the second pressure sensor P2 receives a signal indicating an increase in pressure.

[0042] Maximum time difference This occurs when the external force is directly applied to one of the pressure sensors P1 or P2, and therefore x = 0 or x = L. The function of time difference and the position of the external force is linear; when... When it becomes positive, the inferred position is closer to the second pressure sensor P2; when When it becomes negative, the inferred location is closer to the first pressure sensor P1; and if If the value is zero, then the location of the external force is between sensors P1 and P2.

[0043] The determined time difference between the detection of an increase in fluid pressure by pressure sensors P1 and P2 May be affected by the temperature of the fluid medium T The influence (e.g., the higher the temperature T, the faster the pressure wave) v (The larger the value). Therefore, in one embodiment, one or more temperature sensors may be provided in fluid communication with the fluid medium 22 in pipe 18. The temperature sensors may communicate with a controller, enabling the controller to perform temperature compensation. In one embodiment, the controller may communicate with a lookup table that applies a compensation factor to the determined time difference. .

[0044] In one embodiment, more than two pressure sensors 20 may be provided for each tube 18. This allows for more accurate determination of the pressure wave velocity. v For example, if a pressure wave passes through a first pressure sensor at a known location x1 and a second pressure sensor at a known location x2, then at t x2-x1 After a few seconds, the speed can be calculated using the following formula:

[0045]

[0046] Then calculate the speed. v This method can be used to determine the location of an external force F. Using this method eliminates the need for a temperature sensor, as the pressure wave will be detected as passing through multiple pressure sensors.

[0047] For example, Figure 5 The illustration shows an embodiment of velocity calculation in pipe 18, which is provided with four pressure sensors P1, P2, P3, and P4 along pipe 18. An external force F is applied to pipe 18, thereby generating a pressure wave traveling along the pressure pipe 18. The velocity can be calculated based on the travel time between sensors P2 and P1. t The pressure wave velocity is calculated by including the distance S12 between the two sensors. v The distance S12 is known and can be pre-programmed into the memory associated with the controller. The determined pressure wave velocity can be determined as follows:

[0048]

[0049] in, v21 It is the velocity of the pressure wave in the tube between the second pressure sensor P2 and the first pressure sensor P1. S21 It is the distance from pressure sensor P2 to pressure sensor P1, and t21 This is the time interval between when pressure sensor P2 senses the pressure wave and when pressure sensor P1 senses the pressure wave. Assuming the fluid medium 22 has consistent properties throughout pipe 18, the velocity of the pressure wave through pipe 18 is the same. The same calculation can be performed for the pressure wave between the third pressure sensor P3 and the fourth pressure sensor P4, and the results can be averaged to reduce noise and increase the determined velocity. v The accuracy.

[0050] Figures 6A-6E Various configurations of tube 18 and associated pressure sensor 20 are illustrated. Although these views are top views from the front surface 12, it should be understood that tube 18 is positioned at the side edge of frame 14, and a small amount of thickness of frame 14 may exist between the side edge of frame 14 and tube 18 itself.

[0051] exist Figure 6AIn this embodiment, the shortened, localized tube 18 is relatively short and positioned at a specific localized area on the edge of the frame 14 of the mobile communication device 10. In this embodiment, the shortened, localized tube 18 may include only one pressure sensor 20, since the location of the external force can be known from the position of the tube 18 relative to the frame 14. In other words, utilizing... Figure 6A The shortened tube 18, applied to the tube 18 and sensed by the sensor 20, indicates that an external force is being applied at a location along the tube 18, and because the tube is shortened, any further accuracy regarding the precise location may not be necessary. In application, a shortened tube 18 and an associated pressure sensor 20 may be present for each desired location along the frame 14 where the desired button position is located. For example, one tube 18 and sensor 20 may be placed in a position on the frame 14 such that pressure applied at that portion of the side edge of the frame 14 causes the controller to increase the volume; another tube 18 and sensor 20 may be placed in another position such that pressure applied at a portion of the side edge of the frame 14 causes the controller to decrease the volume. Any number of tubes 18 with a single sensor may be placed in various locations around the mobile communication device 10 such that pressure applied to that particular tube 18 causes a corresponding action of the controller (e.g., volume up, volume down, power off, power on, screen off, screen on, vibration on, vibration off, etc.).

[0052] Figure 6B The illustration shows an L-shaped tube 18 that extends along the edge of the frame 14 and wraps around the corner of the mobile communication device 10. This allows pressure applied along any part of the L-shaped path of the frame 14 to trigger a corresponding action via a controller.

[0053] Figure 6C The illustration shows two tubes 18, one on each side edge of the mobile device 10. One tube is longer than the other. This allows for a larger area for detecting pressure at one side edge of the frame 14 than at the opposite side edge of the frame 14. This embodiment can be applied to a mobile communication device 10 that has more desired buttons or functions on one side edge than on the other. For example, it might be desirable to have volume up, volume down, and vibration features on the left side edge of the mobile communication device 10, and only a power on / off feature on the right side edge. Providing a larger area for the tube 18 on the left edge allows for a larger designated area for all three features associated with the pressure applied to that tube 18.

[0054] Figure 6DAn embodiment is illustrated in which the tube 18 is U-shaped and extends along each side edge of the frame 14 and along the bottom edge of the frame 14. This allows pressure applied along any part of the U-shaped path along the edge of the frame 14 to cause a corresponding action via a controller.

[0055] Figure 6E An embodiment of the mobile communication device 10 is illustrated, wherein a tube 18 surrounds or encloses the edge of a frame 14, thereby creating a circle, rectangle, or O-shape. This allows pressure applied along any portion of the edge of the frame 14 to trigger a corresponding action via a controller.

[0056] Figures 7A-7D The diagram illustrates various configurations and locations of the pressure sensor 20 within the associated pressure tube 18. Figure 7A In this configuration, pressure sensors 20 are mounted at the longitudinal end 24 of the tube 18. The sensor surface 26 of each sensor 20 is parallel to the end of the tube 18. In other words, the sensor surface 26 of each sensor 20 is directly aligned with and coupled to the longitudinal end 24 of the tube. The end of the tube 18 can be sized to match the size of the sensor surface 26. Figure 7B An embodiment is illustrated in which the sensor surface 26 of each sensor 20 is oriented at 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal end 24 of the tube 18. Figure 7C One embodiment is illustrated, in which six different sensors 26 are provided along the tube 18. A pair of sensors 20 are provided with their sensor surfaces 26 facing the longitudinal end 24 of the tube 18, while the remaining sensors 20 are oriented with their sensor surfaces at a 90-degree angle relative to the end 24 of the tube, thus facing the elongated edge of the tube 18. In another embodiment not shown herein, sensors are positioned along the elongated edge of the tube 18... Figure 7C One or more sensors can be temperature sensors. Figure 7D An embodiment is illustrated in which the tube 18 can be bent at its end 24. In other words, the opposite end regions 28 of the tube 18 can be bent inward toward the center of the mobile communication device 10. This creates a system in which the sensor surface 26 of each sensor 20 faces outward, away from the center of the mobile communication device 10.

[0057] The location of the tubes is not limited to the sidewalls of the mobile communication device. Each tube can be placed along the front or rear of the mobile communication device. For example, if placed along the front of the mobile communication device, the tubes can provide touchscreen functionality. Mobile communication devices such as smartphones typically detect touches on the touchscreen using one of various methods, including resistive systems, capacitive systems, and surface acoustic wave systems. In a resistive system, the front glass screen is covered with a conductive layer and a resistive metal layer, held together by spacers. Current flows through both layers. When a user touches the screen, the two layers make contact at that exact point, changing the electric field and allowing the coordinates of the touch point to be determined. In a capacitive system, a layer storing charge is placed on the glass panel of the monitor. When a user touches the screen with his or her finger, some charge is transferred to the user, thus reducing the charge on the capacitive layer. This reduction is measured in circuits located at various locations on the screen (e.g., corners). The controller then calculates the location of the touch based on the relative difference in charge at each circuit. In a surface acoustic wave (SAW) system, two transducers (one receiver and one transmitter) are positioned along the x and y axes of a glass plate, along with reflectors that reflect electrical signals transmitted from one transducer to the other. The receiving transducer can determine whether the wave has been disturbed by a touch event at any given moment and can locate the disturbance accordingly.

[0058] Pressure chambers, such as pressure tube 18, can provide additional or alternative touchscreen systems. Figure 8 An embodiment of the mobile communication device 10 is illustrated, wherein a pressure tube 18 extends in a serpentine pattern beneath the front surface 12 of the mobile communication device 10. Although a single tube 18 is shown in a serpentine pattern, it should be understood that more than one tube 18 can be used to cover most of the area beneath the front surface 12. This allows pressure waves created by forces applied anywhere on the front surface 12 of the mobile communication device 10 to be detected by pressure sensors 20, and the location of the force can be determined based on the teachings above. Although only two pressure sensors 20 are shown in this embodiment, it should be understood that more than two pressure sensors can be used to allow for multiple pressure wave velocity measurements and location determinations, thereby averaging the results and filtering out noise for improved accuracy.

[0059] Although Figure 8 Tube 18 is illustrated, but it should be understood that chambers of any shape or configuration can be used. For example, a chamber can be placed below the front surface 12, extending continuously across most (or the entire) area below the front surface 12. Pressure sensor 20 can extend across the area distribution below the front surface 12.

[0060] In any embodiment herein, the chamber or pressure tube 18 may be pre-pressurized to a level above atmospheric pressure using the fluid medium 22. This enables higher sensitivity using the pressure sensor 20. Similarly, the structure and texture of the inner surface of the tube 18 can be modified to tune the path of the pressure wave and the duration it takes for the wave to travel from one location to another. During the determination of an external force event, detection algorithms and systems with controllers in appropriate locations can take these additional effects into account.

[0061] The material of the chamber or tube 18 can also be tuned so that the pressure wave can travel to the sensor 20 with the highest signal quality. When the material of the chamber or tube 18 interferes with the signal reflected from the pressure wave, an algorithm can be calibrated to compensate for the interference.

[0062] The system described in this article can also distinguish between short forces (e.g., tapping with a finger) and longer forces (e.g., pressing and holding with a finger). Figure 9 The illustration depicts a short force applied to mobile communication device 10, such as a tapping motion of a finger. (P) tube The internal pressure is initially pre-pressurized with a pressure, for example, exceeding atmospheric pressure P. atm The value of P. In other embodiments, P tube The tube is pre-pressurized to a pressure below atmospheric pressure, and the mechanical spring constant of the tube material will inhibit tube collapse. The pressure in the region where tube 18 of frame 14 is located at time t... x A pressure shock wave is created. Shortly thereafter, the shock wave stabilizes and returns to pipe P. tube The baseline pressure. In such cases, the controller can infer that the user has tapped the mobile device.

[0063] Figure 10 The illustration depicts a relatively long force applied to the mobile communication device 10, such as a tapping or holding motion of a finger. At time t... x The first pressure wave reaches the pressure sensor. Afterwards, the pressure value stabilizes at... The difference exceeds the baseline pressure value. Once the sensor and controller determine that the pressure has exceeded the baseline pressure value... Once the difference stabilizes within a threshold time (e.g., 0.3 seconds), the controller classifies the event as a touch and hold event, in which the user has touched and held his or her finger on the mobile device 10.

[0064] By tapping ( Figure 9 ) and touch and hold ( Figure 10The controller can differentiate between these areas and command different actions accordingly. For example, if the user has tapped the mobile device 10 in the area designated for increasing volume, the controller can correspondingly increase the volume in a single increment and wait for further pressure sensor data. Alternatively, if the user has touched and held the mobile device in the area designated for increasing volume, the controller can correspondingly increase the volume in multiple increments until the user's finger is removed and the pressure in tube 18 stabilizes at its baseline pressure (e.g., ...). (zero).

[0065] In tapping ( Figure 9 ) or touch and hold ( Figure 10 In any of these situations, filtering out small amounts of detected force may be beneficial, as these small amounts of detected force may not be intended to cause a corresponding action in the mobile communication device 10. For example, if a user simply grips the mobile communication device 10 by applying pressure to the frame, an action such as a decrease in volume that is accidentally caused may be undesirable. Therefore, a force threshold can be set, and exceeding this force threshold in the fluid medium will trigger an appropriate command from the controller.

[0066] A temperature sensor may also be included to compensate for use in hot or cold environments. The temperature sensor may be located within the mobile communication device (e.g., in fluid communication with a fluid medium in a tube) and may measure the temperature of the environment near the mobile phone, the temperature of the fluid medium, the temperature of the pressure sensor, etc. In response to the temperature determined by the temperature sensor, a processor communicating with both the temperature and pressure sensors may change the signal activation threshold in response to pressure in the tube. For example, if the fluid medium in the tube is cold and becomes denser and loses its elasticity, the gel may require additional force to activate the command at the pressure sensor (based on the original pressure threshold). To account for this, the processor may use the temperature sensor to derive a temperature reading and thus update the threshold on events where the sensor identifies a colder temperature (e.g., below the threshold temperature). Therefore, the pressure threshold can be varied and compensated for, so that less pressure is required to activate the signal (e.g., volume up / down, mute on / off, power on / off, reset, etc.) in a colder environment than in a warmer environment. On the other hand, if the fluid medium is warmer (e.g., above a threshold temperature) and becomes thinner and more elastic, and therefore more sensitive to movement and force, the fluid medium may require less force to activate the command at the pressure sensor (based on the original pressure threshold). Therefore, warmer temperatures can make the pressure sensor more sensitive. In one embodiment, if the temperature sensor senses a warmer temperature, the processor can use the temperature reading from that temperature sensor to update the threshold. Thus, the threshold may require more pressure to activate the signal (e.g., volume up / down, mute on / off, power on / off, reset, etc.) in a warmer environment due to sensitivity. Therefore, false activation can be prevented by using a temperature sensor in a warmer environment.

[0067] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a control system 100 according to one embodiment is shown. The control system 100 includes the aforementioned controller, which may be or includes a processor 102 configured to execute one or more algorithms to determine the location of an external force applied to the frame 14 of the mobile communication device 10. The processor 102 may be a main processor for the mobile communication device 10, or another processor dedicated to force location determination.

[0068] System 100 includes various pressure sensors (P1, P2, ..., PN) and various temperature sensors (T1, T2, ..., TN), which are positioned along or in communication with a pressure chamber (such as pressure pipe 18). The pressure sensors output signals to processor 102 indicating the fluid pressure applied to the sensor itself. The pressure sensor signals can be filtered by filter 104 to remove noise, etc. Filter 104 can be adjusted depending on the material of pipe 18, the composition of fluid medium 22, and other factors. The temperature sensors output signals to processor 102 indicating the fluid temperature.

[0069] As explained above, processor 102 is programmed or configured to use data from pressure sensors to detect force events. Based on an increase in pressure indicating a tap or touch and holding event, processor 102 determines the location of the force event. For example, the location of the force can be determined based on the time difference between the pressure wave arriving at the first pressure sensor and the pressure wave arriving at the second pressure sensor.

[0070] Even if the pressure in the tube has increased, the processor can filter out force events or not classify them. For example, a sudden movement of the phone can change the pressure in the tube even without any touch on frame 14. The processor can remove these events based on programming code, machine learning, etc.

[0071] Additional motion sensors, such as accelerometer 106 and / or gyroscope 108, may also be coupled to processor 102. These motion sensors can detect such movement of the mobile communication device 10, indicating whether the device is in use, standing upright, or lying on a flat surface such as a table. If no movement is detected, system 100 can enter a low-power sleep state. Any kind of movement can be measured using the accelerometer and the system 100 can be woken up, thus preparing pressure sensor 20 to detect changes in fluid pressure in tube 18. Any additional movement during operation can be detected, and motion artifacts can be removed from the pressure sensor signal.

[0072] The mobile communication device 10 and system 100 described herein enable a user to customize activation areas on the mobile communication device 10. The user can set (e.g., via an application on the mobile communication device) the desired locations of various activation areas that will trigger corresponding actions. For example, the user can specify a first area of ​​frame 14 that, when pressure is applied, will cause a controller command to increase the volume. The user can also specify a second area of ​​frame 14 that, when pressure is applied, will cause a controller command to turn off the screen. Thus, the user is given the ability to completely change and customize the desired locations of virtual “buttons” around the mobile communication device 10.

[0073] Additional pressure sensors may be used in combination with or in place of the pressure tube described herein. An example of this is provided in patent application entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING PRESSURE SENSORS IN AN ELECTRICDEVICE”, filed on the same day as this application, agent number RBPA0201PUS and serial number XX / XXX, XXX, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0074] The processes, methods, or algorithms disclosed herein may be deliverable to / implemented by a processing device, controller, or computer, which may include any existing programmable electronic control unit or dedicated electronic control unit. Similarly, processes, methods, or algorithms may be stored in many forms as data and instructions executable by a controller or computer, including but not limited to information permanently stored on non-writable storage media such as ROM devices, and information changeably stored on writable storage media such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CDs, RAM devices, and other magnetic and optical media. Processes, methods, or algorithms may also be implemented in a software executable object. Alternatively, suitable hardware components such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), state machines, controllers, or other hardware components or devices, or combinations of hardware, software, and firmware components, may be used to embody processes, methods, or algorithms, wholly or partially.

[0075] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms covered by the claims. The language used in this specification is descriptive rather than restrictive, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. As previously described, features of various embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments may have been described as providing an advantage or preference over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired features, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve desired overall system properties depending on the specific application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, lifecycle cost, merchantability, appearance, packaging, size, maintainability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. Accordingly, any embodiment described as less desirable with respect to one or more features compared to other embodiments or prior art implementations is not outside the scope of this disclosure and may be desirable for a particular application.

Claims

1. A system for determining the location of a force applied to a mobile communication device, the system comprising: A tube containing a fluid medium, the tube being configured to be attached to at least a portion of the perimeter of a frame surrounding a mobile communication device; A first pressure sensor is disposed along the tube and configured to detect the pressure in the fluid medium; A second pressure sensor is disposed along the tube and configured to detect the pressure in the fluid medium; as well as A processor, coupled to a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor, is configured to determine the location of a force applied to a tube based on the time between the first and second pressure sensors detecting an increase in pressure in the fluid medium, wherein the tube is pre-pressurized to a level above atmospheric pressure.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to issue commands based on a determined position determined by a force applied to the tube.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to issue a first command based on a determined position at a first position, and to issue a second command based on a determined position at a second position.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first command is a command to change the audio volume of the mobile communication device, and the second command is a command to turn the screen of the mobile communication device on or off.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor coupled to the processor and configured to detect the temperature of the fluid medium, wherein the processor is configured to compensate for the time between the detection of a pressure increase by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor based on the temperature of the fluid medium.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the tube is an elongated tube configured to be wound around a corner of the frame of the mobile communication device.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the tube includes a plurality of outer walls, the plurality of outer walls including a first outer wall facing the edge of the mobile communication device receiving force, wherein the first outer wall is more flexible than the other outer walls.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor are configured to detect a baseline pressure when the force is not applied to the pipe, and wherein the processor is configured to issue a command in response to an increase in pressure in the fluid medium, followed by a holding pressure in the fluid medium exceeding the baseline pressure.

9. A mobile communication device, comprising: frame; A sealed chamber disposed within a frame, the chamber containing a fluid medium configured to transmit pressure through the chamber in response to an external force applied to the chamber; A first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor are disposed along the chamber and configured to detect the fluid pressure in the fluid medium; as well as The processor is configured to determine the location of an external force applied to a chamber based on the time between (i) a first pressure sensor detecting an increase in fluid pressure and (ii) a second pressure sensor detecting an increase in fluid pressure, wherein the chamber is pre-pressurized to a level above atmospheric pressure.

10. The mobile communication device of claim 9, wherein the mobile communication device does not include physical buttons.

11. The mobile communication device of claim 9, wherein the chamber is an elongated tube extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the mobile communication device.

12. The mobile communication device of claim 9, wherein the frame defines the sidewall of the mobile communication device.

13. The mobile communication device of claim 12, wherein the sidewall defines a first thickness in a first region of the frame that overlaps with the cavity, and a second thickness in a second region of the frame that does not overlap with the cavity, wherein the second thickness exceeds the first thickness.

14. The mobile communication device according to claim 9, wherein the fluid is a liquid or a gas.

15. The mobile communication device of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to issue a first command based on a determined location at a first location, and to issue a second command based on a determined location at a second location.

16. The mobile communication device of claim 9, wherein the position is a first position, and the external force is a first external force, and wherein the processor is further configured to: The second location of the second external force applied to the chamber is determined based on the second time between (i) the second increase in fluid pressure detected by the first pressure sensor and (ii) the second increase in fluid pressure detected by the second pressure sensor; In response to the first position determined by the first external force, a first command is issued; and In response to a second external force, a second position is determined that is different from the first position, and a second command different from the first command is issued.

17. The mobile communication device according to claim 16, wherein, The first command is to change the audio volume of the mobile communication device, and the second command is to turn the screen of the mobile communication device on or off.

18. A system for determining the location of a force applied to a mobile communication device, the system comprising: A tube for encapsulating a fluid medium, the tube being configured to be attached to a frame of a mobile communication device; as well as A first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor are disposed along the tube and configured to detect pressure in a fluid medium, wherein the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor are operable to output corresponding first pressure signal and second pressure signal indicating pressure in the fluid medium, and wherein the time difference between pressure increases in the first pressure signal and the second pressure signal indicates the location where a force is applied to the tube, wherein the tube is pre-pressurized to a level above atmospheric pressure.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising a processor coupled to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and configured to determine the location of a force applied to the tube based on a time difference between pressure increases in the first pressure signal and the second pressure signal.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the tube is an elongated tube attached to the side edge of the frame.

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