Resonant Phase Sensing for Virtual Button Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices face challenges in detecting user interactions with human-machine interfaces due to the limitations of current sensors in terms of sensitivity, power consumption, and size, particularly in providing a reliable and durable alternative to mechanical buttons.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a pair of resistive-inductive-capacitive sensors and a measurement circuit to measure phase information, determining the displacement of a mechanical member relative to the sensors, which is used to generate feedback through a linear resonant actuator, mimicking the feel of a mechanical button click.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional force or pressure sensors are used to detect user interaction, then user interaction detection is achieved, but sensor sensitivity, power consumption, and size requirements are not adequately met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional force or pressure sensors with a resonant phase sensing system that uses a resistive-inductive-capacitive (R-L-C) sensor. This system measures phase information of the R-L-C sensor to detect mechanical member displacement, substituting mechanical sensing with electrical impedance-based resonant phase measurement. This approach achieves higher sensitivity while reducing power consumption and sensor size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensing parameter from direct force or pressure measurement to resonant phase measurement of an R-L-C circuit. By measuring the phase information of the R-L-C sensor at its resonant frequency, the system achieves improved sensitivity and selectivity. The resonant frequency measurement allows for precise detection of mechanical displacement with lower power consumption compared to traditional force sensors.
2Measurement precision
If traditional force or pressure sensors are used to detect user interaction, then user interaction detection is achieved, but sensor size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical force or pressure sensors with a compact R-L-C sensor system. The R-L-C sensor can be implemented as a small printed circuit board trace or integrated circuit structure, dramatically reducing sensor size while maintaining or improving sensitivity through resonant phase measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the mechanical member itself (or a conductive copy of it) as part of the R-L-C sensor structure. The mechanical member forms an inductive element or capacitive plate, eliminating the need for separate sensing elements. This integration reduces overall sensor size while maintaining measurement capability through changes in the R-L-C circuit's resonant phase.
3Reliability
If mechanical buttons are used in mobile devices, then durable user interaction interface is provided, but mechanical buttons are susceptible to aging, wear, and tear that reduce useful life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons with a virtual button interface that uses resonant phase sensing to detect user interaction. The mechanical button structure is eliminated entirely, replaced by a capacitive or conductive touch interface combined with an R-L-C sensor. This substitution removes wear and tear issues while maintaining durable interaction capability through solid-state sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the mechanical button experience through haptic feedback generated by a linear resonant actuator. While the physical mechanical button is replaced, the tactile sensation is replicated through controlled vibration, providing a durable interface that mimics mechanical button feel without the associated wear problems.
4Reliability
If virtual buttons are used to replace mechanical buttons, then durability is improved, but the ability to provide mechanical button feel to users is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a linear resonant actuator (LRA) to generate controlled mechanical vibrations that simulate the tactile sensation of a mechanical button press. When the user interacts with the virtual button, the LRA vibrates at its resonant frequency, providing audible and tactile feedback that mimics the click feel of a mechanical button, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the resonant phase sensing system detects user interaction with the virtual button and triggers haptic feedback through the linear resonant actuator. This closed-loop feedback system provides real-time tactile response that replicates mechanical button behavior, enhancing the user experience while maintaining the durability benefits of virtual buttons.
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 enhances the sensitivity and durability of user interaction detection, reducing power consumption and size while providing an effective virtual button experience similar to mechanical buttons, thus improving the user interface of mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement circuit communicatively coupled to the first resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor and the second resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor and configured to measure first phase information associated with the first resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor, measure second phase information associated with the second resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 2
a linear resonant actuator may vibrate to provide feedback to the user. For example, a linear resonant actuator may vibrate in response to user interaction with the human-machine interface to mimic to the user the feel of a mechanical button click
Implementation Method 3
resonant phase sensing of resistive-inductive-capacitive sensors for use in a system for mechanical button replacement
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a first resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor, a second resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor, and a measurement circuit communicatively coupled to the first resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor and the second resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor and configured to measure first phase information associated with the first resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor, measure second phase information associated with the second resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor, and based on the first phase information and the second phase information, determine a displacement of a mechanical member relative to the first resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor.