Ultrasonic Sensor Force Detection via Signal Comparison
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch screens with force detection capabilities require additional sensing layers and componentry, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity, while existing ultrasonic sensors face challenges in accurately determining force applied and providing navigation functionality.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers with phase delayed transmission in mobile electronic devices, capable of emitting and detecting ultrasonic waves to capture fingerprint images and determine force applied by analyzing reflected signals, enabling both fingerprint identification and navigation functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensing layers are added to enable force detection in touch screens, then force detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: fingerprint detection, force detection, and navigation control, all through a single sensor layer without requiring additional sensing components. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by achieving force detection capability without adding manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical force sensing layers with an ultrasonic-based detection system that uses acoustic waves to detect finger pressure and interaction forces. This substitution eliminates the need for additional mechanical sensing components while maintaining force detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional touch screen force detection is implemented, then force detection is achieved, but additional componentry and manufacturing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fingerprint sensing and force detection functionalities into a single ultrasonic sensor system. The same ultrasonic transducers and signal processing infrastructure are used for both fingerprint identification and force measurement, eliminating the need for separate componentry and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
A single ultrasonic sensor system performs multiple detection functions including fingerprint recognition, force magnitude detection, and touch interaction analysis, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensing layers and components.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used for fingerprint detection, then fingerprint imaging capability is improved, but accurate force determination and navigation functionality are challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic sensor system is designed to provide not only high-resolution fingerprint imaging but also force detection and navigation control capabilities through the same hardware infrastructure, enabling versatile interaction modes including typing, scrolling, and navigation gestures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in ultrasonic signal parameters (amplitude, phase, time-of-flight) caused by finger pressure and interaction forces to differentiate between various touch gestures and enable navigation functionality, expanding the sensor's adaptability beyond simple fingerprint detection.
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 allows for accurate force detection and enhanced navigation without the need for additional sensing layers, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity, while providing detailed fingerprint imaging and navigation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor operable to emit an ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasonic wave penetrates through the finger to a predetermined depth
Implementation Method 3
reflected ultrasonic waves are detected by the ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 4
a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers with phase delayed transmission
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for determining touch applied to an electronic device, ultrasonic signals are emitted from an ultrasonic sensor. A plurality of reflected ultrasonic signals from a finger interacting with the ultrasonic sensor is captured. A first data based at least in part on a first reflected ultrasonic signal of the plurality of reflected ultrasonic signals is compared with a second data based at least in part on a second reflected ultrasonic signal of the plurality of reflected ultrasonic signals. A signal change due to a change in a feature of the finger during a touch interaction with the ultrasonic sensor is determined based on differences between the first data and the second data. A touch applied by the finger to the electronic device is determined based at least in part on the signal change due to the change in the feature of the finger.