Force-Sensor Slider Position Filtering for Jitter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Slider position jitter in user-interactive electronic devices is caused by noise and interference, making it difficult to precisely determine the position of an external force, which compromises user experience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device determines raw position and force values using force sensors, applies a linear mapping to alpha force values inversely related to raw force values, and uses a post-processing circuit with a filter and debouncing mechanism to reduce position jitter by determining a new position value based on a step value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the minimum level of external force is lowered to improve user experience, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise and interference causing slider position jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing post-processing operations (filtering, debouncing, step value determination) on the raw force and position data before the final position is displayed or used. This preprocessing of data ensures that the slider position is accurately determined even when low external forces are applied, thus maintaining measurement precision while allowing easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage between the force sensor and the slider position display. The post-processing circuit acts as a mediator that filters out noise and interference from the raw sensor data, converting it into accurate position information. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by protecting the measurement precision from the effects of low-force operation.
2Ease of operation
If force sensors are used to detect external force, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to noise and interference distorting the detected force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the raw force and position data through post-processing operations. The filtering and debouncing mechanisms provide feedback loops that adjust the determined position based on the quality and consistency of the sensor data, thereby maintaining reliability even when noise and interference are present during easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The post-processing circuit serves as an intermediary that protects the system reliability from the adverse effects of noise and interference. By filtering and validating the sensor data before using it to determine slider position, this intermediary layer ensures reliable operation while maintaining ease of use.
3Measurement precision
If post-processing steps are applied to determine new position value, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical filtering mechanisms with electronic/digital post-processing operations. Instead of using physical filters or mechanical dampers to reduce noise, the system uses software-based filtering, debouncing, and step value determination algorithms. This substitution maintains measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of data processing by applying various post-processing operations (filtering thresholds, debouncing time constants, step value calculations) to the raw sensor data. These parameter-based processing methods improve measurement precision through algorithmic adjustments rather than hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Reducing slider position jitter in an electronic device is provided. In embodiments disclosed herein, the electronic device first determines raw position values and raw force values of an external force based on data collected via force sensors. Accordingly, the electronic device performs a series of post processing steps on the raw position values and the raw force values to determine a new position value of the external force. Specifically, the electronic device determines the new position value based on a step value so determined to reduce the slider position jitter. Subsequently, the electronic device can generate an indication(s) (e.g., position change and/or haptic trigger) based on the determined new position value. As a result, the electronic device can effectively reduce the slider position jitter and improve a user experience.