Pressure Sensor Array Fault Detection via Interpolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic communication devices face design limitations and manufacturing complexities due to mechanical pushbuttons, and there is a need for improved input detection methods that can replace traditional button-based interfaces.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a touchscreen display with a pressure sensor array and an electronic processor that receives stress tensor measurements, performs interpolation, and determines faulty sensors to provide accurate user interaction detection, while also utilizing actuators for haptic feedback and compensating for environmental noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical pushbuttons are used for user interaction, then input detection is provided, but design limitations and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pushbuttons with a touchscreen display combined with a pressure sensor array. The touchscreen provides the user interface while the pressure sensors detect user interactions through stress tensor measurements, eliminating the need for mechanical button structures and their associated manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor array serves multiple functions: it detects user interactions on the touchscreen, provides input detection capability, and enables haptic feedback through actuator integration. This multi-functional approach replaces the dedicated mechanical pushbutton function while adding capabilities for touch interface and haptic response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a pressure sensor array is implemented for touch detection, then input detection accuracy improves, but sensor reliability challenges arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electronic processor receives stress tensor measurements from the pressure sensor array, performs interpolation to determine accurate touch locations and forces, and uses this information to provide haptic feedback through actuators. The system continuously monitors sensor readings and adjusts haptic response based on detected user interactions, improving both accuracy and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic processor acts as an intermediary between the pressure sensor array and the haptic actuators. It processes raw sensor data through interpolation algorithms to accurately determine touch characteristics, then translates these characteristics into appropriate haptic feedback signals, mediating between sensing and actuation functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If haptic feedback is added to enhance user experience, then user interaction quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the touchscreen display, pressure sensor array, and haptic actuators into an integrated system. The same pressure sensors that detect user interactions also provide the feedback basis for haptic response, and the actuators are positioned to work in conjunction with the touchscreen surface, combining multiple functions into a unified structure rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective input detection on a touchscreen interface, reduces manufacturing complexity, and provides precise user interaction mapping and haptic feedback, enhancing user experience and device accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor array including a plurality of pressure sensors... receive, from the pressure sensor array, a plurality of stress tensor measurements corresponding to a user interaction with the display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

perform an interpolation of the plurality of pressure measurements, and determine, based on the interpolation, a faulty sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterpolation:

Implementation Method 3

utilizing actuators for haptic feedback

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHaptic feedback:

Data Source

PatentUS11209929B2Faulty pressure sensor determination of a portable communication device touch display

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A portable electronic communication device including a display, a pressure sensor array including a plurality of pressure sensors, and an electronic processor communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor array. The electronic processor is configured to receive, from the pressure sensor array, a plurality of stress tensor measurements corresponding to a user interaction with the display, perform an interpolation of the plurality of pressure measurements, and determine, based on the interpolation, a faulty sensor of the plurality of sensors.