Predictive Sensor Tracking for Virtual Button Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mobile devices with mechanical buttons face issues such as aging, wear, and difficulty in manufacturing waterproof designs, prompting a need for sensitive, power-efficient sensors to detect user interactions for virtual button interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plurality of sensors, a measurement circuit, and a predictive optimization subsystem that detects events and executes predictive actions to enhance sensor sensitivity and power consumption, utilizing resonant phase sensing of resistive-inductive-capacitive sensors to mimic mechanical button interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical buttons are used in mobile devices, then user interaction reliability is improved, but device waterproofing capability deteriorates and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons with a capacitive touch sensor system that detects user interactions through electrical field changes rather than mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates the physical openings required for mechanical buttons, enabling waterproof sealing while maintaining reliable user interaction detection through capacitive sensing technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitive sensor as an intermediary between the user and the device interface. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the sensor detects changes in electrical field capacitance caused by user proximity and touch, providing reliable interaction detection without requiring mechanical components that compromise waterproofing.
2Measurement precision
If sensor scanning frequency is increased to improve detection sensitivity, then user interaction detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scanning frequency adjustment where the sensor system adapts its scanning rate based on operational context. During active user interaction, scanning frequency increases to improve detection sensitivity, while during idle periods, frequency decreases to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between detection capability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the sensor system by adjusting scanning frequency based on system state. The controller modifies the scanning rate parameter dynamically, increasing it when interaction detection is critical and decreasing it when power conservation is prioritized, thereby resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and power consumption.
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
The solution effectively reduces the disadvantages of sensing human-machine interface interactions by providing improved sensitivity and power efficiency, enabling a more reliable and user-friendly virtual button experience.
Implementation Method 1
a linear resonant actuator may vibrate to provide feedback to the user
Implementation Method 2
resonant phase sensing of resistive-inductive-capacitive sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a plurality of sensors, a measurement circuit communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to measure one or more physical quantities associated with the plurality of sensors, and a predictive optimization subsystem configured to detect an event associated with a first sensor of the plurality of sensors and responsive to the event, execute a predictive action with respect to one or more of the other sensors of the plurality of sensors.