Software Phase-Locked Loop for Wobble Detection Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices face latency issues in accurately distinguishing between human-induced and natural vibrations, leading to delayed and inaccurate responses, which degrade the user experience and hinder timely feedback.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of software-defined phase-lock loops (PLLs) that utilize accelerometer signals to differentiate between human-induced and natural vibrations by generating a lock signal when the frequency of a digital oscillator matches the frequency of the accelerometer signal, reducing latency through phase seeding and conditional locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If algorithms for determining vibration types are implemented by a processor, then vibration type differentiation is achieved, but processing latency increases resulting in delayed response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional processor-based algorithmic analysis with a dedicated phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit that operates in the analog/digital signal domain. The PLL directly compares the accelerometer signal phase and frequency against a reference oscillator, eliminating the need for software-based vibration type algorithms and significantly reducing processing latency while maintaining differentiation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit as an intermediary between the accelerometer and the response system. The PLL acts as a signal processing mediator that conditionally generates output signals based on detected vibration characteristics, bridging the gap between raw acceleration data and actionable vibration type identification without requiring full processor intervention.
2Reliability
If traditional vibration detection algorithms are used, then vibration measurements are obtained, but response time is delayed degrading user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit that continuously tracks and compares the phase and frequency of accelerometer signals against a reference oscillator before vibration events occur. This preliminary conditioning of the signal path enables immediate vibration type identification and response generation, eliminating the need for post-event algorithmic analysis and ensuring both reliability and speed in feedback delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments relate to the use of one or more phase lock loops (PLL's) for detecting wobble of a surface upon which a computing device is set. The PLL's can be configured to lock onto an exponentially-damped sinusoid output from an accelerometer in order to differentiate between surface-induced movement and direct human-induced movement of the computing device. Reduced latency in wobble detection can be achieved by implementing the PLL in software and using multiple PLL's per accelerometer axis. Further reduction in the latency of wobble detection can be achieved by seeding the phase of an oscillator signal generated by each PLL in order to improve phase estimates when attempting to lock a PLL onto the accelerometer output.