Single-Capacitor Inductive Sensing for Multiplexed Virtual Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mobile devices with mechanical buttons face issues such as wear and tear, reduced lifespan, and difficulty in achieving waterproofing, while existing virtual interfaces lack acceptable sensor sensitivity, power consumption, and size efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an array of sensor elements with passive reactive elements, a driver, and control circuitry to enable and disable individual sensor elements, operating as a resonant sensor, utilizing resistive-inductive-capacitive sensors for detecting user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical buttons are used in mobile devices, then user interaction is enabled, but device lifespan is reduced due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons with a virtual button system that uses capacitive sensing and resonant actuators. The mechanical switching mechanism is substituted with an electrical sensing system that detects touch through capacitance changes and provides haptic feedback through controlled vibrations, eliminating wear and tear while maintaining user interaction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the mechanical button experience through software and haptic feedback. Instead of using a physical button that degrades, the system replicates the button press sensation through controlled vibrations from resonant actuators, providing an identical user experience without the mechanical degradation issues.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical buttons are used in mobile devices, then user interaction is enabled, but waterproofing becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical components that would compromise waterproofing by replacing them with capacitive sensing and electronic actuators. The virtual button system has no moving parts or mechanical seals required, allowing the device to achieve waterproof ratings while maintaining full button functionality.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If virtual buttons are used to replace mechanical buttons, then device lifespan is extended, but sensor sensitivity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resonant actuators that generate controlled vibrations to provide haptic feedback for virtual buttons. The actuators operate at resonant frequencies to amplify the vibration effect, providing tactile feedback that mimics mechanical button presses with high precision and sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs capacitive sensing that detects changes in electrical capacitance parameters in response to touch. By measuring these parameter changes with high precision, the system achieves the sensor sensitivity required for accurate virtual button detection, overcoming the limitations of traditional sensing methods.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If virtual buttons are used to replace mechanical buttons, then device lifespan is extended, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resonant actuators that operate at specific resonant frequencies to provide haptic feedback. By operating at resonance, the actuators achieve maximum vibration amplitude with minimum power input, reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation or non-resonant actuation methods.
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 sensor sensitivity, reduces power consumption, and optimizes size by using time-division multiplexing, providing effective virtual button feedback.
Implementation Method 1
resonant phase sensing of resistive-inductive-capacitive sensors
Implementation Method 2
inductive sense systems
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include an array of sensor elements, the array of sensor elements each comprising a first type of passive reactive element, a second type of passive reactive element electrically coupled to the array of sensor elements, a driver configured to drive the array of sensor elements and the second type of passive reactive element, and control circuitry configured to control enabling and disabling of individual sensor elements of the array of sensor elements to ensure no more than one of the array of sensor elements is enabled at a time such that when one of the array of sensor elements is enabled, the one of the array of sensor elements and the second type of passive reactive element together operate as a resonant sensor.