Virtual Button Force Sensing for Accurate Input Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for sensors in mobile devices to accurately detect user interaction with virtual buttons while distinguishing between valid inputs and anomalous signals caused by factors like force sensor drift and device bending, while maintaining acceptable sensitivity, power consumption, and size.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a force sensor and a button characterization engine, which compares input signals to behavioral models to determine valid human interactions with virtual buttons, using a resonant phase sensing system to differentiate between valid and invalid inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If virtual buttons are used instead of mechanical buttons, then device waterproofing and manufacturing ease are improved, but accurate detection of user interaction and discrimination from anomalous signals becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A resonant phase sensing system acts as an intermediary between the virtual button interface and the detection system. This sensing system uses resonant frequency detection to mediate the interaction between user input and sensor response, providing a distinct physical signature that facilitates accurate discrimination from anomalous signals like sensor drift or device bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs mechanical vibration principles through resonant phase sensing to detect user interactions. By measuring changes in resonant phase of a sensing element in response to applied force, the system can distinguish valid button presses from other forces based on their characteristic vibration signatures and phase responses.
2Ease of operation
If force sensors are used to detect user interaction, then interaction detection capability is improved, but discrimination between valid inputs and anomalous signals like sensor drift and device bending deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant phase sensing system utilizes mechanical vibration by measuring the phase response of a sensing element at its resonant frequency. When a user interacts with the virtual button, it creates a distinct vibrational signature with characteristic phase changes that differ from sensor drift or device bending, enabling precise signal discrimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in resonant phase as a key parameter to detect user interactions. By tracking phase changes rather than simple force magnitude, the system can distinguish valid inputs from anomalous signals, as the phase response to intentional button presses follows predictable patterns different from drift or bending artifacts.
3Measurement precision
If behavioral models with multiple parameters are used to validate user interaction, then detection accuracy is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Behavioral models are pre-computed and stored during device manufacturing or initial setup. These models contain pre-analyzed patterns of valid user interactions across various conditions, allowing the system to perform simple pattern matching during operation rather than complex real-time analysis, thus reducing computational complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the resonant phase sensing system to continuously validate user interactions against stored behavioral models. By comparing real-time phase response patterns with pre-established behavioral patterns, the system achieves accurate detection without requiring complex computational processing during user interaction.
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 approach reduces the disadvantages of virtual buttons by improving the accuracy of user interaction detection, reducing latency, and enhancing the user experience by effectively distinguishing between valid and anomalous inputs.
Implementation Method 1
resonant phase sensing system
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include receiving an input signal from a force sensor configured to sense a force associated with a human interaction with a virtual button, comparing the input signal to at least one behavioral model, the at least one behavioral model comprising one or more parameters associated with a valid human interaction with the virtual button, and determining whether a valid human interaction with the virtual button occurred based on the comparing.