Vehicle Occupant Sensor Using Mechanical Vibration for Touch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors face challenges in detecting touch events with low latency and accuracy, especially in dynamic environments where movements like vibrations can interfere with sensing, and they struggle to differentiate between various types of touch, such as contact and hover, without physical contact.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multiplexing scheme using orthogonal signaling techniques like frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) and code-division multiplexing (CDM) in sensors, combined with a mass-spring model for dynamic measurements, allows for the detection of touch events with low latency and enhanced sensitivity to movements, enabling the differentiation of touch types and pressures without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used to detect touch events, then the device can detect contact, but the latency is high and accuracy is reduced in dynamic environments with vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by intentionally vibrating the touch sensor surface at a specific resonant frequency. This vibration creates a dynamic operating condition that enhances the sensor's ability to detect touch events with lower latency and higher precision. The vibration causes the sensor surface to oscillate, making it more responsive to external touches and allowing for faster detection of touch events compared to static sensor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by continuously applying vibrational motion to the touch sensor surface in a periodic manner. This periodic vibration creates regular oscillations that facilitate timely detection of touch events, as the sensor surface is constantly in a state of motion rather than remaining static. The periodic nature of the vibration allows for consistent detection performance over time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors operate in static conditions, then measurements are stable, but they cannot differentiate between various touch types like contact and hover in dynamic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical vibration to enable the sensor to operate effectively in dynamic environments. By vibrating the sensor surface, the system can distinguish between different types of touches (contact versus hover) based on how each type interacts with the vibrating surface. The vibration creates distinct signal patterns for different touch types, enabling reliable differentiation while maintaining measurement stability through the consistent oscillatory motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the sensor from a static operating mode to a dynamic one by introducing continuous vibration. This dynamic operation allows the sensor to adapt to different touch types and environmental conditions. The vibrating sensor surface responds differently to contact touches versus hover gestures, enabling the system to differentiate between touch types while maintaining reliable measurements through the controlled dynamic state.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor surface is stationary, then the structure is simple, but vibrations from external sources interfere with sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mechanical vibration to the sensor surface to improve sensing accuracy in the presence of external vibrations. By actively vibrating the sensor at a controlled frequency, the system creates a known reference state that helps distinguish between intentional touch inputs and external vibrational interference. This approach enhances measurement precision while adding only moderate complexity through the vibration generation mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor is located within a vehicle that is able to determine pressure and location of an occupant or object. The sensor is able to take measurements during static conditions and situations where an object or occupant is moving due to the movement of, for example, a vehicle. The measurements taken during movement and during the static conditions and are used in order to enhance and refine the results of measurements that would be obtained if the measurements were taken alone.