Magnetic Sensor Actuator Positioning via Field Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface devices using magnetic sensing components face challenges in accurately interpreting position and motion, as current methods are not efficient in processing signals from magnetic field models to determine the position or deformation of actuator elements in user interface devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize magnetic field models to process sensor data from magnetic sensor elements, comparing it to predefined models to estimate the position or deformation of actuator elements, generating output signals usable by electronic devices, and incorporating features like lookup tables and closed-form equations to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If magnetic sensor elements are used to sense position and motion of actuator elements, then the ability to detect user interactions is improved, but the complexity of processing sensor data to determine position and deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing magnetic field models that represent the relationship between actuator positions and magnetic sensor readings. These models are generated before actual use and stored in memory, allowing the system to quickly compare live sensor data against pre-computed models without performing complex real-time calculations. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high detection accuracy while reducing processing complexity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating simplified representations (models) of the magnetic field relationships that mirror the physical system's behavior. Instead of directly solving complex magnetic field equations in real-time, the system copies the essential relationships into lookup tables and models that can be efficiently queried and compared, thereby reducing processing complexity while preserving detection accuracy.
2Speed
If real-time processing of magnetic field data is performed to determine actuator position, then responsiveness to user interactions is improved, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computation by pre-calculating magnetic field models for various actuator positions and storing them in memory. During real-time operation, the system simply compares current sensor readings against these pre-computed models using efficient algorithms, achieving fast response times without requiring high computational power for complex real-time calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex real-time mathematical computation with a simplified model-based comparison approach. Instead of solving differential equations or performing iterative calculations in real-time, the system substitutes these heavy computational operations with efficient model matching and interpolation techniques, thereby reducing power requirements while maintaining fast response.
3Measurement precision
If lookup tables and models are used to map sensor data to position information, then position determination accuracy is improved, but memory requirements and data storage needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating separate, specialized models for different regions of the actuator's range of motion. Rather than using a single large model covering all positions, the system divides the measurement space into local regions, each with its own optimized model or lookup table. This approach improves position determination accuracy in each local region while keeping individual model sizes manageable, thus balancing precision with memory requirements.
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
Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of interpreting user interactions in user interface devices by effectively processing magnetic field data, enabling precise position and deformation determination, and improving signal processing for better user interaction with electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
one or more magnetic sensor elements configured to sense a position or deformation of the actuator element
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for processing signals from a magnetic user interface device having a manual actuator are disclosed. Movements of the actuator may cause relative movement between one or more magnets and one or more corresponding sensors that may each generate signals representing independent magnetic field components detected within each sensor. A field model may be used in the magnetic user interface device to translate magnetic sensor readings during operation to position information, which may then be converted to output signals for transmission to an electronic computing system representing displacement and/or deformation of the actuator. The output signals may be generated in a predetermined format, such as USB format or other computer-interface formats, that can be interpreted by the electronic computing system.