System and method for utilizing pressure sensors in an electric device

Abstract

A system for determining the location of a force applied to a mobile communication device, the system comprises: a first pressure sensor disposed within the mobile communication device and disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the mobile communication device, said first pressure sensor attached to the outer surface via a first interface material and configured to detect pressure below the outer surface; a second pressure sensor disposed within the mobile communication device and disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the mobile communication device, said second pressure sensor attached to the outer surface via a second interface material and configured to detect pressure below the outer surface; and a processor coupled to the first and second pressure sensors and configured to activate a related mobile communication device command in response to the detected pressure being above a threshold value.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to push buttons and touch buttons on electronic devices such as smartphones. Background Technology

[0002] Today's smartphones typically have three push buttons on the outer wall of the frame, which turn the phone on and off and control the audio volume. These buttons have several disadvantages, such as design limitations due to the mechanical presence of the buttons, the need for milling and / or drilling of the phone frame which is a cost factor for OEMs, reduced water resistance of the phone, and dust. The problem to be solved

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a system and method for utilizing a pressure sensor in an electric device according to the said field of technology, which improves and enhances the aforementioned problems or other problems according to the prior art. means of solving the problem

[0004] According to one embodiment, a system for determining the location of a force applied to a mobile communication device comprises: a first pressure sensor disposed within the mobile communication device and disposed adjacent to an external surface of the mobile communication device, the first pressure sensor attached to the external surface via a first interface material and configured to detect pressure below the external surface; a second pressure sensor disposed within the mobile communication device and disposed adjacent to an external surface of the mobile communication device, the second pressure sensor attached to the external surface via a second interface material and configured to detect pressure below the external surface; and a processor coupled to the first and second pressure sensors and configured to activate a related mobile communication device command in response to the detected pressure being above a threshold value.

[0005] According to a second embodiment, a mobile communication device comprises a frame, one or more regions of an interface material adjacent to the frame, first and second pressure sensors disposed along the frame in one or more regions of the interface material, said first and second pressure sensors configured to detect pressure in the regions of the interface material, and a processor programmed to communicate with said first and second pressure sensors, and to (i) determine an external force applied to the frame based on the first pressure sensor detecting a pressure increase exceeding a pressure threshold, and (ii) activate a command in response to the pressure increase.

[0006] According to a third embodiment, a system for determining the location of a force applied to a mobile communication device comprises: a first pressure sensor disposed within the mobile communication device and disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the mobile communication device, said first pressure sensor configured to detect pressure below the outer surface; an interface material attached to the outer surface and the first pressure sensor; and a processor coupled to the first pressure sensor and programmed to activate a signal in response to the detected pressure being above a threshold pressure. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0007] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a mobile communication device configured to detect a force applied to its surface through a pressure sensor according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 discloses a mobile device (200) utilizing pressure sensors and an interface material located on the frame of a mobile communication device. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a mobile device (200) comprising pressure sensors arranged in a matrix array on a surface. FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a control system according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily in proportion; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of specific components. Accordingly, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to make various uses of the embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the drawings may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other drawings to produce embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. Combinations of illustrated features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desirable for specific applications or implementations.

[0009] In the present disclosure, including the definitions below, the terms “controller” and “system” may refer to, be part of, or include processor hardware (shared, private, or group) that executes code and memory hardware (shared, private, or group) that stores code executed by the processor hardware. Code is configured to provide the functions of the controllers and systems described herein. In one example, the controller may include a processor, memory, and non-volatile storage. 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 in memory. Memory may include multiple memory devices or a single memory device, 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 may include one or more persistent data storage devices, such as a hard drive, an optical drive, a tape drive, a non-volatile solid-state device, or any other device capable of continuously storing information. A processor may be configured to read memory and execute computer-executable instructions that implement one or more software programs in non-volatile storage.Programs in non-volatile storage may include or be part of an operating system or application and may be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using various programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including Java, C, C++, C#, Objective C, Fortran, Pascal, JavaScript, Python, Perl, and PL / SQL, without limitation, alone or in combination. Computer-executable instructions of the programs may be configured to cause a controller to increase or decrease the volume controls of a mobile communication device or to turn the viewing screen of a mobile communication device on or off when executed by a processor, which is generally directed in response to the pressing of a physical button on the edge of the frame of the mobile communication device.

[0010] The present disclosure also refers to mobile communication devices. The term "mobile communication device" or similar phrases such as "mobile device" are intended to include smartphones, cellular phones, tablets, pagers, wearable devices such as smartwatches, and other such devices having wireless network connectivity. Additionally, the term "interface material" or other similar phrases will be intended to include, in certain circumstances, a gel, a fluid medium, an interface layer, an interface medium, a transmission medium, etc.

[0011] Mobile communication devices, such as smartphones or tablets, typically feature 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 buttons, such as toggle switches to turn vibration on and off, are also common. These buttons have several disadvantages. For instance, they are subject to design limitations due to their mechanical presence. Buttons may be restricted to specific locations or sizes due to the packaging space required for them. Additionally, milling and / or drilling of the phone frame is generally required to create openings for the push buttons. This process can be a significant cost factor for mobile communication device manufacturers. Furthermore, holes made in the frame for the buttons reduce water resistance and increase the potential for dust accumulation inside the mobile communication device.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to a technology for replacing push buttons in electronic devices, such as mobile devices like smartphones. At a high level, a mobile phone or other electronic device may utilize an array of pressure sensors attached inside a frame. An interface material between the frame and the sensors will transmit pressure applied to the frame to the pressure sensors. This process provides an indication of the position where the user is pressing on the frame, and can then activate a command in response to the pressure sensors identifying the applied force.

[0013] The pressure sensor may be configured to detect a change in deflection of the electronic device frame or to identify the force applied when the user grips and squeezes the frame while holding it. The pressure sensor may include an interface material or a transfer medium, such as a gel, located between the interior of the frame and the pressure sensor. Pressure sensors arranged along the side may be allowed to provide an indication of the position where the user is gripping along the side. Signals from the pressure sensors are connected to an electronic processing unit to indicate which virtual button the user can press or activate along the mobile phone.

[0014] In one embodiment, a mobile communication device may use a single pressure sensor or an array of pressure sensors mounted inside a frame. The pressure sensors may be attached to a rigid sheet that may be a printed circuit board or other material. An interface material, such as a polymer gel or other similar material, may be used to bond the pressure sensor or array to the frame in such a way that pressure applied to the frame is transmitted to the pressure sensor membrane. Only one pressure sensor may be required to replace a single button on the phone.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile communication device (10) is illustrated. The mobile communication device (10) has a front side (12) and a back side opposite it. The front side (12) may be a touch screen configured to allow viewing of information thereon and to allow a user to select items on the screen, such as applications ("apps"). The front side (12) may be made of glass or any other material used for touch panels or similar screens. The mobile communication device (10) also includes a frame (14). The frame (14) may be a metal (e.g., aluminum, titanium, etc.) that forms the "skeleton" of the mobile communication device (10). In other embodiments, the frame may be a plastic material or any other type of similar material. The frame (14) may also include an outer surface of the mobile communication device (10) or may be inside the outer surface of the mobile communication device (10). One or more apertures (16) may be provided in the frame (14). The aperture (16) can be positioned in various locations and can be provided for speakers, power connections, headphone connections, etc.

[0016] The pressure sensors (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 BMP388 manufactured by BOSCH SENSORTEC. In another embodiment, the pressure sensors (20) may be a BMP280 manufactured by BOSCH SENSORTEC. When a user applies force to the outer surface of a mobile communication device (10) where the interface material is located, the interface material (18) will deform and a pressure wave will be sent from where the force is applied within the fluid medium. One or more pressure sensors (20) are configured to detect pressure or pressure changes within the interface material resulting from the force applied to the outer surface of the mobile communication device (10). An associated controller may be coupled to one or more pressure sensors (20) and may direct an action in response to the detection of the applied force.

[0017] The interface material (18) may be located at each location where the pressure sensor (20) is located. Thus, in one embodiment, there may be no interface material between the pressure sensors (20) and only the frame (14) may exist. In another embodiment, the interface material (18) may be located along one or more edges of the frame (14) of the mobile communication device (10). For example, the interface material (18) may be located along the top (e.g., above the aperture (16)), one along the bottom edge, one along the left edge, and another along the right edge. In another embodiment, the interface material (18) is provided along only a single edge of the frame (14).

[0018] In one embodiment, one or more pressure sensors (20) are provided for each interface material (18) and are used to detect events and trigger commands. For example, the controller may be configured to increase the volume when the pressure sensor(s) (20) adjacent to the interface material (18) on the right edge is pressed, and to decrease the volume when the pressure sensor(s) (20) adjacent to the interface material (18) on the left edge is pressed. One pressure sensor (20) per interface material area may be the appropriate number of pressure sensors for such an embodiment. Another example is that when an edge is pressed, an application such as a camera, messaging, making a phone call, or other functions is activated. A series of compression and / or force intensity informs the mobile device which application is desired to be activated.

[0019] FIG. 2 discloses a mobile device (200) utilizing pressure sensors and an interface material located on the frame of a mobile communication device. In this embodiment, pressure sensors (203) may be attached inside the frame (202) of the mobile phone (200) using gel (201). Pressure sensors (203) attached inside the frame may be used to replace physical buttons for functions such as turning on / off, increasing / decreasing volume, turning mute on / off, etc. In an alternative embodiment, pressure sensors (203) may be attached to a touch panel, the back, or another frame to replace the touch panel and enhance back functions such as back scrolling.

[0020] A gel or interface material may come into direct contact with the pressure-sensing surface of the pressure sensor (203). In one embodiment, there will be no gap between the pressure sensor (203) and the gel (201). Any type of gap, such as an air gap, will strongly reduce the signal induced by the force applied to the frame adjacent to the pressure sensor (203), and therefore a minimally compressible interface material is preferred. In situations where the pressure sensor includes a protective cap, the protective cap of the pressure sensor may need to be removed. The gel may be any type that is stable against time and environmental influences, including silicone gel, PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane), or other similar materials. Furthermore, the gel may be required to maintain its shape over time, for example, and may be required not to melt at high temperatures or freeze at low temperatures. The gel or another fluid may be present within the tube containing the pressure sensors. An example of this may be included in the patent application titled “Pressure Chamber and Related Pressure Sensors for Mobile Communication Devices” (Agent Document No. RBPA0153PUS and Serial No. XX / XXX,XXX), filed on the same date as the present application, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the pressure sensor array may be arranged in a matrix configuration to detect pressure applied to the back or front of the case, as discussed below in relation to FIG. 3. The pressure sensors may be any type of pressure sensor, such as off-the-shelf pressure sensors like the BMP280 supplied by Bosch Sensortec or other pressure sensing devices. Thus, there is no need to develop new sensors, and such off-the-shelf sensors are relatively inexpensive.

[0021] The pressure sensor can be rigidly mounted along the frame of the mobile device using an adhesive gel to provide excellent sensitivity. If the pressure sensor is not mounted in this manner (e.g., on the back of a mobile phone case), it may move when pressure is applied, and the signal may be weak or reduced. Metal mounting plates may be used to prevent movement of any type of sensor. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the pressure sensors may be attached to a rigid sheet that may be a printed circuit board or other material. In one embodiment, the interface layer may be a single material consisting of a pressure transfer medium and an adhesive. Otherwise, in a separate embodiment, there may be separate adhesive layers between the transfer medium and the frame and between the transfer medium and the sensor. Alternatively, there may be another mechanical mechanism that secures the sensor in a manner that immobilizes it relative to the transfer medium and the frame. The mobile device may also include a mechanical stop to prevent extreme overpressure (e.g., a large force) from damaging the pressure sensing membrane. This can be an anti-compressible material or piece (e.g., metal or ceramic) and is mounted between the device frame and a rigid board equipped with a pressure sensor. This limits the amount of force transmitted to the pressure sensor.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a mobile device (200) comprising pressure sensors arranged in a matrix array on a surface. As such, the pressure sensor array may also be arranged in a matrix configuration to detect pressure applied to the back or front of the case. For example, the pressure sensors (203) may be positioned along the back (via an interface material) of a touch panel (e.g., a glass panel or any other type of surface) located on the front of the mobile device (200). Alternatively, the pressure sensors (203) may be positioned along the back of the mobile device (200). Thus, the pressure sensors do not need to be aligned only along the frames of the sides of the mobile device. In such an arrangement, the pressure sensors may be used to activate traditional touch panel functions or to provide command activation on the back of the mobile device (200). Thus, commands such as starting an application or adjusting settings on the mobile device (200) may be initiated through the pressure sensors (203).

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a control system (100) according to one embodiment. The control system (100) includes a processor (102) configured to perform one or more algorithms for identifying an external force applied to a frame (14) of a mobile communication device (10) or determining the location of an external force applied to a frame (14) of a mobile communication device (10), or the controller described above which may include the processor (102). The processor (102) may be a main processor for the mobile communication device (10), or another processor dedicated to force identification or location determination. The processor may be any type of processor or microprocessor, controller, digital signal processor, application processor, etc.

[0024] The system (100) may include various pressure sensors (P1, P2, …, PN) and various temperature sensors (T1, T2, …, TN) located along or communicating with the interface material (18) (e.g., adhesive gel material) or the frame (14). The pressure sensors output signals to the processor (102) indicating pressure (e.g., fluid pressure) applied to the sensors themselves. The pressure sensor signals may be filtered by a filter (104) to remove noise or other distortions. The filter (104) may be adjusted according to the material of the frame (14) or the interface material (18) and other factors. In other embodiments, the temperature sensors output signals to the processor (102) indicating the temperature of the fluid, the temperature of the mobile communication device (10), or the interface material (19), the frame (14), etc.

[0025] A temperature sensor may also be included to compensate for use in high or low temperature environments. The temperature sensor may be integrated into the pressure sensor, or a separate temperature sensor may be used. The temperature sensor may be located within the mobile device and can measure the temperature of the environment near the mobile phone, the temperature of the gel, the temperature of the pressure sensor, etc. In response to the temperature determined by the temperature sensor, a processor communicating with the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor may change the activation threshold of the signal in response to the force applied according to the pressure sensor. For example, if the temperature around the mobile phone (mobile phone, gel, sensor, etc.) cools down and the density of the gel increases, causing it to lose elasticity for movement, the gel may require additional force to activate the command from the pressure sensor (based on the original pressure threshold). Alternatively, the processor may utilize the temperature sensor to obtain a temperature reading and, accordingly, update the threshold if the sensor identifies a lower temperature (e.g., below the threshold temperature). Accordingly, the pressure threshold can be modified and compensated to require less pressure to activate a 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 ambient temperature of the mobile phone (e.g., mobile phone, gel, sensor, etc.) is warmer (e.g., exceeding the threshold temperature) and the gel becomes thinner and more elastic, and consequently more sensitive to movement and force, the gel may require less force to activate commands at the pressure sensor (based on the original pressure threshold). Thus, the pressure sensor may become more sensitive as the temperature increases. In one embodiment, the processor may use a temperature reading from the temperature sensor to update the threshold when it detects a warmer temperature.Therefore, due to sensitivity, the threshold may require more pressure to activate signals in warm environments than in cold environments (e.g., increasing / decreasing volume, turning mute on / off, turning power on / off, reset, etc.). Consequently, using a temperature sensor in a warm environment can prevent false activations.

[0026] The processor (102) is programmed or configured to detect force events using data from pressure sensors as described above. Based on an increase in pressure indicating a tap or a touch-and-hold event, the processor (102) can identify a force event or the location of a force event. A force event may be determined based on an identified force event that exceeds a threshold pressure. The location of the force may be determined, for example, based on the time difference between a pressure wave reaching a first pressure sensor and a pressure wave reaching a second pressure sensor. A factory-set activation threshold (e.g., a default threshold) or an auto-calibrated activation threshold may be too low or too high for a specific user in one embodiment. A calibration utility application accessible to the user may be used on a mobile device to set a user-customized activation threshold. The utility application may list all applications with frame button inputs and allow a user-customized activation threshold for each application. The utility application may enable different activation thresholds individually for each sensor. In another embodiment, the temperature sensor described above may be used to reset the activation threshold calibration whenever the phone is turned on from a completely off state or whenever the sensing system progresses from a sleep state to an idle or operating state.

[0027] In one embodiment, a force calibration function may be used to change the reference (zero force) pressure reading according to temperature and to change the activation pressure threshold according to temperature. In one example, P = (F * f(T)) / A, where P is the activation pressure, F is the force applied by the user, A is the area of ​​the pressure measuring device exposed to the pressure transfer medium, and f(T) is an experimentally determined temperature calibration function input into the controller firmware. The influence of environmental factors and the need for recalibration can be reduced by adding a set of reference pressure sensors close to the activation pressure sensor. Environmental factors will similarly affect both sensors so that the pressure difference between the sensors can be used in the activation threshold determination algorithm. Additionally, a temperature change magnitude parameter may be set as a trigger for recalibration if the temperature change is large enough to cause a significant change in relative pressures while the user applies the same force.

[0028] The processor may not filter or classify force events even if the pressure within the interface material increases. For example, sudden movement of the phone may change the pressure in the frame (14) or the interface material without causing any touch to the frame (14). The processor may remove these events based on programmed code, machine learning, etc. As such, the processor may adjust (e.g., recalibrate) the pressure threshold to identify the events.

[0029] Additional motion sensors, such as an accelerometer (106) and / or a gyroscope (108), may be coupled to the processor (102). These motion sensors may detect such movement of the mobile communication device (10), indicating whether the mobile communication device (10) is in use, standing upright, or rather lying on a floor surface such as a table. If no movement is detected, the system (100) may enter a low power sleep state. All types of movement may be measured using the accelerometer and may wake up the system (100) to prepare pressure sensors (20) to detect pressure changes in the frame (14) through an interface material (e.g., adhesive gel) (18). Any additional movement during operation may be detected, and motion artifacts may be removed from the pressure sensor signals. To ensure that force is recognized, the accelerometer can be used as a wake-up function when the device transitions from a stationary state to a moving state, such as when a user picks up or grasps the device. This allows for power saving, so the mobile communication device does not always remain powered on. The accelerometer may be part of the pressure sensor (203), or a separate accelerometer already part of the electronic device may be accessed via software (e.g., an application). Since a separate accelerometer may also be used for the wake-up function, the device does not need to be powered on all the time, thus saving battery life. Therefore, when accelerometer data indicates that the mobile device is not "awake," the pressure sensor may not continuously read pressure signals from the frame and gel.

[0030] A reset or calibration function may also be integrated into the processor (102) software. The reset or calibration function may be used to set the desired force for the user to activate the device. The force transmission medium may change its characteristics when used in a hot or cold environment. A calibration function may be used to reset the force transmission during the operation of turning the device on or off. Additionally, a reference pressure sensor may be used to construct a semi-differential sensor system.

[0031] The processes, methods, or algorithms disclosed herein may be transferred to and implemented by a processing device, controller, or computer that may include any existing programmable electronic control unit or a dedicated electronic control unit. Similarly, said processes, methods, or algorithms may be stored as data and instructions executable by a controller or computer in various forms, including, but not limited to, information permanently stored on a non-writable storage medium such as a ROM device and information modifiablely stored on a writable storage medium such as a floppy disk, magnetic tape, CD, RAM device, and other magnetic and optical media. said processes, methods, or algorithms may also be implemented in a software executable object. Alternatively, said processes, methods, or algorithms may be implemented wholly or partially using 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 a combination of hardware, software, and firmware components.

[0032] Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms included in the claims. The words used herein are descriptive and not limiting, and it should be understood that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As foregoing, features of various embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments may be described as being preferred over other embodiments or prior technical implementations in relation to one or more desired characteristics, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be traded to achieve desired overall system attributes that vary depending on the specific application and implementation. These attributes may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, lifecycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. As such, to the extent that any embodiment is described as being less desirable than other embodiments or prior technical implementations with respect to one or more characteristics, such embodiments do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure and may be desirable for certain applications.

Claims

Claim 1 A system for determining the location of a force applied to a mobile communication device, comprising: a first pressure sensor disposed within the mobile communication device and disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the mobile communication device, wherein the first pressure sensor is attached to the outer surface via a first interface material located between the frame of the mobile communication device and the first sensor, and the first pressure sensor is configured to detect pressure below the outer surface, wherein the pressure is related as a function of temperature; a second pressure sensor disposed within the mobile communication device and disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the mobile communication device, wherein the second pressure sensor is attached to the outer surface via a second interface material and configured to detect pressure below the outer surface; and a processor coupled to the first and second pressure sensors and configured to activate a related mobile communication device command in response to a position where a user is pressing on the frame and that the detected pressure is above a threshold value. A system for determining the location of a force applied on a mobile communication device, comprising a temperature sensor configured to determine the temperature of an interface material, and first and second pressure sensors configured to detect a pressure change in response to a pressure wave applied to the first interface material or the second interface material, and a processor also configured to compensate a threshold value in response to the temperature of the interface material. Claim 2 A system for determining the location of a force applied to a mobile communication device, wherein the related mobile communication device command includes supplying power to the mobile communication device, adjusting the volume of the mobile communication device, or turning the screen of the mobile communication device on or off. Claim 3 A system for determining the location of a force applied to a mobile communication device, wherein the processor is configured to activate a first related mobile communication device command in response to the first detected pressure of the first pressure sensor being above the threshold value. Claim 4 A system for determining the location of a force applied to a mobile communication device, wherein the processor is configured to activate a second related mobile communication device command in response to the second detection pressure of the second pressure sensor being above the threshold value. Claim 5 A system for determining the location of a force applied on a mobile communication device, wherein, in claim 1, the first interface material and the second interface material are the same material. Claim 6 A system for determining the location of a force applied on a mobile communication device, wherein, in claim 1, the first interface material and the second interface material are a polymer or an adhesive gel. Claim 7 A mobile communication device comprising: a frame; one or more regions of an interface material adjacent to the frame; first and second pressure sensors disposed along the frame in one or more regions of the interface material, wherein the first and second pressure sensors are configured to detect pressure or pressure change in the regions of the interface material, and said pressure is related as a function of temperature; a temperature sensor configured to determine the temperature of one or more regions of the interface material; and a processor programmed to communicate with said first and second pressure sensors, and to (i) determine an external force applied to the frame based on the first pressure sensor detecting a pressure increase exceeding a pressure threshold, (ii) activate a command in response to the pressure increase, and (iii) compensate the threshold in response to the temperature of the interface material. Claim 8 In claim 7, the mobile communication device is a mobile communication device that does not include physical buttons thereon. Claim 9 In claim 7, one or more regions of the interface material are located between the frame and the first pressure sensor or the second pressure sensor, in a mobile communication device. Claim 10 A mobile communication device according to claim 7, comprising an accelerometer configured to initiate a wake-up function configured to cut off power to the mobile communication device when not in use and supply power to the mobile communication device when in use. Claim 11 A system for determining the location of a force applied on a mobile communication device, comprising: a first pressure sensor disposed within the mobile communication device and disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the mobile communication device and configured to detect pressure below the outer surface, wherein the pressure is related as a function of temperature; a temperature sensor configured to determine the temperature of an interface material; an interface material attached to the outer surface and the first pressure sensor; and a processor coupled to the first pressure sensor and programmed to activate a signal in response to the detected pressure being above a threshold pressure, the processor communicating with the temperature sensor and also programmed to compensate a threshold value in response to the temperature of the interface material. Claim 12 In claim 11, a system for determining the location of a force applied on a mobile communication device, wherein the outer surface includes the frame of the mobile communication device. Claim 13 A system for determining the position of a force applied to a mobile communication device, comprising an accelerometer configured to initiate a wake-up function of the mobile communication device in claim 11. Claim 14 A system for determining the location of a force applied to a mobile communication device, wherein the interface material is a polymer gel or a silicone gel, in claim 11. Claim 15 A system for determining the location of a force applied on a mobile communication device, wherein the system comprises a mechanical stop located between the outer surface of the mobile communication device and the membrane of the first pressure sensor, and the mechanical stop comprises an anti-compressible portion between the membrane and the outer surface. Claim 16 In claim 7, a mobile communication device wherein the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor are integrated sensors. Claim 17 In claim 11, a system for determining the location of a force applied on a mobile communication device, wherein the processor is also programmed to activate a trigger for recalibration in response to a temperature induced from the temperature sensor. Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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