Vibration-Sensing Touch Button for Reliable Virtual Press Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of mobile devices is hindered by physical buttons, necessitating the development of a virtual button solution that accurately detects touch forces to mimic the functionality of physical buttons.
Innovation Solution
A touch button component comprising a housing with a vibration sensor and a comparison trigger unit, where the vibration sensor generates and detects vibrations, and the comparison trigger unit determines if the detected signal falls within a user-defined range to trigger a virtual button, using a threshold set based on statistical analysis of touch habits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical button is used, then the button functionality is reliable, but the device integration is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button system with a vibration-based sensing system. The housing itself is driven to vibrate by a drive unit, and a sensing detection unit detects the vibration changes when a user touches the housing. This substitutes the mechanical pressing action with a vibration-based detection mechanism, eliminating the need for a physical button while maintaining reliable touch detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural enclosure and the vibration sensing surface. The drive unit and sensing detection unit are integrated into the housing, allowing the housing to function as both the device casing and the touch-sensitive element. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining button functionality.
2Device complexity
If a vibration-based touch detection is used, then the device integration is improved, but the measurement precision of touch force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the vibration amplitude of the housing and comparing it against threshold values. The sensing detection unit detects real-time vibration changes, and the comparison trigger unit compares the detected amplitude with predetermined thresholds to determine whether a valid touch occurred. This feedback mechanism enhances measurement precision by using dynamic threshold comparison rather than static force measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct force measurement to vibration amplitude measurement. By detecting changes in vibration amplitude caused by user touch and comparing these changes against threshold values, the system achieves accurate touch detection through parameter transformation rather than direct mechanical force measurement.
3Ease of operation
If the housing is driven to vibrate for touch detection, then the touch button functionality is achieved, but false triggers may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-setting threshold values based on statistical analysis of user touch habits. Before actual touch detection, the comparison trigger unit is configured with threshold values that represent the boundary between normal vibration and valid touch-induced vibration changes. This preliminary configuration enables the system to reliably distinguish between intentional touches and accidental vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The comparison trigger unit provides feedback by continuously comparing the detected vibration amplitude against the predetermined threshold. When the vibration amplitude exceeds the threshold, the system determines a valid touch occurred; otherwise, it ignores the vibration. This feedback mechanism effectively prevents false triggers while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enables the integration of electronic devices by accurately detecting touch forces, preventing accidental triggers and enhancing sensitivity and reliability through precise vibration management within a designated region.
Implementation Method 1
the drive unit is configured to generate vibration and drive the housing to vibrate
Implementation Method 2
the drive unit is configured to generate vibration and drive the housing to vibrate
Implementation Method 3
the sensing detection unit is configured to detect vibration of the housing and output a detection signal
Implementation Method 4
the sensing detection unit is configured to detect vibration of the housing and output a detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
A touch button component with a vibration sensor component to implement a touch button attached to an inner surface of a housing, where a drive system drives the housing to vibrate, and vibration of the housing is suppressed when the housing is subjected to a touch force. When it is identified that a case in which the vibration of the housing is suppressed meets a force habit of a user, a trigger signal is output.