Force Sensor Characterization for Virtual Button Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to efficiently characterize the response of force-sensor equipped devices to applied forces and configure them for specific use cases, as existing methods lack effectiveness in accurately assessing and calibrating these devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the recording of measurement data, generation of characterization definitions, configuration definitions, and calibration of force-sensor equipped devices, which includes performing measurement procedures, generating characterization and configuration definitions based on recorded data, and configuring candidate devices for given use cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional physical buttons are used, then button press detection is reliable, but device waterproofing deteriorates and exposure to dirt and grease increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical push buttons with a force sensor system that detects button presses through force measurement. The force sensors are integrated into the device chassis, eliminating the need for physical button openings. This substitution maintains reliable button press detection while improving waterproofing and reducing exposure to contaminants.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If virtual buttons are implemented using force sensors, then waterproofing and resistance to dirt improve, but accurate characterization and calibration of force response becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of force sensor responses by applying known forces at various locations and recording sensor outputs. This pre-characterization data is stored and used during device operation to accurately interpret force sensor readings. By performing this complex calibration work in advance, the actual button press detection becomes simpler and more reliable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple force sensors are arranged to detect multiple virtual buttons, then functional versatility improves, but measurement precision and cross-talk between sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the force sensing function into multiple discrete force sensors positioned at specific locations on the chassis. Each sensor is responsible for detecting forces in its specific region. This segmentation allows multiple virtual buttons to be detected simultaneously while reducing cross-talk between sensors, as each sensor focuses on a specific detection zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different characterization parameters to different force sensors based on their specific locations and detection requirements. Each sensor is calibrated with location-specific force response data, allowing the system to accurately distinguish between forces applied at different locations. This local quality approach improves measurement precision while maintaining versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables precise characterization and configuration of force-sensor devices, improving their responsiveness and accuracy in detecting force applications, thereby enhancing their performance and reliability in virtual button implementations.
Implementation Method 1
Example types of force sensor include capacitive displacement sensors
Implementation Method 2
Example types of force sensor include inductive force sensors
Implementation Method 3
Example types of force sensor include strain gauges
Implementation Method 4
Example types of force sensor include piezoelectric force sensors
Implementation Method 5
Example types of force sensor include force sensing resistors, piezoresistive force sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A method of recording measurement data for characterizing a response of a given type of device to an applied force, the given type defining devices of that type as comprising a defined arrangement of a surface and N force sensors of the device concerned, where N≥1, each force sensor configured to output a sensor signal, wherein in the defined arrangement the N force sensors are operatively coupled to a defined input region of the surface so as to sense a force applied to that input region, the method comprising: for a specimen device of the given type, performing at least one measurement procedure, each measurement procedure comprising at least one measurement operation, each measurement operation comprising applying a defined force at a corresponding location on the input region of the device concerned and recording measurement data for that device and location based on the sensor signals of the N force sensors of that device. Also disclosed are a related computer-implemented method of generating a characterization definition for devices of the given type, a computer-implemented method of generating a configuration definition for devices of the given type for a given use case defined by a use-case definition, a method of configuring a candidate device of the given type for the given use case, and a method of assessing or calibrating a candidate device of the given type.