Joystick Input Gating with Load Threshold to Prevent False Tilt Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multidirectional input devices often erroneously detect user operations due to slight tilting, leading to incorrect input signals even when the user is not actively operating the device.
Innovation Solution
A multidirectional input device design that includes a tilt detector, load detector, and circuitry to output signals only when the load detection value exceeds a threshold, preventing erroneous detection by setting the operation magnitude to zero when the load is below the threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tilt detector is used to detect operation input, then the sensitivity of operation detection is improved, but erroneous detection occurs due to slight tilting or device self-weight
Solution Approach 1:
A load detector is introduced as an intermediary component to distinguish between genuine user operations and false inputs caused by device tilt or self-weight. The load detector measures the actual force applied to the operation stick, providing an additional verification layer that filters out erroneous detections while preserving legitimate input signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters by incorporating both tilt angle detection and load magnitude detection. By setting a threshold for the load detection value, the system dynamically adjusts its sensitivity - only registering operations that exceed the threshold, thereby eliminating false positives from slight tilting while maintaining high sensitivity for genuine user inputs.
2Ease of operation
If the operation stick is made responsive to slight tilts, then the ease of operation is improved, but false operation signals are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The circuitry uses feedback from both the tilt detector and load detector to determine whether to generate an output signal. By continuously monitoring both the tilt angle and the load magnitude, the system provides feedback that confirms genuine user intent before generating operation signals, thereby preventing false inputs while maintaining responsive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification by checking the load detection value against a threshold before generating any operation output. This preliminary action filters out false signals caused by slight tilting or device self-weight, ensuring that only legitimate user operations are transmitted to the controlled device.
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
Prevents false detection of user operations caused by device tilt or self-weight, ensuring accurate input signals are sent only when the user intentionally operates the device.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt detector configured to detect an angle detection value representing the tilt direction and the tilt angle of the operation stick
Implementation Method 2
The load detector is provided on the frame or the base and configured to detect a load detection value representing the direction and the magnitude of a load applied to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A multidirectional input device includes a frame, a plate-shaped base below the frame, a load detector provided on the frame or the base, and circuitry. The frame stores part of a tiltable operation stick and a tilt detector. The circuitry is configured to output an output signal representing the direction and the magnitude of an operation on the operation stick, based on the angle detection value of the tilt of the operation stick detected by the tilt detector and the load detection value of a load applied to the frame detected by the load detector. The circuitry is configured not to output the output signal or to output the output signal that sets the magnitude of the operation to zero, when the load detection value detected by the load detector is less than a predetermined threshold.