(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2014/0327526 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Nov. 6, 2014
`Bess et al.
`
`US 20140327526A1
`
`(54) CONTROL SIGNAL BASED ON A COMMAND
`TAPPED BY AUSER
`
`(76) Inventors: Charles Edgar Bess, Frisco, TX (US);
`Abhay Mehta, Austin, TX (US); Henri
`J. Suermondt, Sunnyvale, CA (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`14/372,296
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Apr. 30, 2012
`
`(86). PCT No.:
`S371 (c)(1),
`(2), (4) Date:
`
`PCT/US 12/35777
`
`Jul. 15, 2014
`
`
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`GOSC 17/02
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ...................................... G08C 17/02 (2013.01)
`USPC ....................................................... 340/1 2.52
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A system includes at least three accelerometers disposed in
`different locations of an area with a Surface to capture respec
`tive vibration data corresponding to a command tapped onto
`the Surface by a user and a processing system to receive the
`vibration data from each accelerometer, identify the com
`mand and a location of the user from the vibration data, and
`generate a control signal based on the command and the
`location.
`
`10a
`
`APPLE 1046
`
`1
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Nov. 6, 2014 Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 2014/0327526 A1
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`2
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Nov. 6, 2014 Sheet 2 of 4
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`US 2014/0327526 A1
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`CAPURE WBRATON DAA
`CORRESPONDNG O A
`COMMAND TAPPED ONTO A
`SURFACE BY A USER USNG
`ACCE EROMEERS
`
`GENERAE A CONRO SGNA
`BASED ON HE COMMAND AND
`A OCAON OF HE USER
`DENTFED FROM HE
`WBRAON DATA
`
`Fig. 2
`
`
`
`RECEVE WBRATION DAA
`CORRESPONDNG O A
`COMMAND FROM
`ACCE EROMEERS
`
`DENFY HE COMMAND FROM
`HE WEBRATION DAA
`
`---
`
`DENTFY A LOCAON OF HE
`USER FROM THE WBRATON
`DAA
`
`GENERAE A CONRO SGNAL
`BASED ON THE COMMAND AND - 7
`HE LOCAON
`
`PROVIDE HE CONROLSGNAL
`TO A DEVICE
`
`Y
`
`Fig. 3
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Nov. 6, 2014 Sheet 3 of 4
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`US 2014/0327526 A1
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`REGISTER DEVICESO BE
`CONTROLLED
`
`- 80
`
`
`
`
`
`RECEIVE VIBRATION DATA
`
`a
`
`DENFY COMMAND
`
`- 82
`
`
`
`
`
`O
`N
`
`
`
`
`
`WAD COMMAND
`
`
`
`
`
`YES
`
`YES
`
`DENFY USER LOCAON - 84.
`
`GENERAE CONRO S GNA
`BASED ON COMMAND AND is 35
`USER LOCATION
`
`LOG COMMAND
`
`- 86
`
`PROVIDE CONROSGNAO
`DEVCE
`
`87
`
`FUNCON
`PERFORMED?
`
`NO
`
`Fig. 4
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`4
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Nov. 6, 2014 Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 2014/0327526 A1
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`5
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`US 2014/0327526 A1
`
`Nov. 6, 2014
`
`CONTROL SIGNAL BASED ON A COMMAND
`TAPPED BY AUSER
`
`BACKGROUND
`Users of devices often seek new ways of controlling
`0001
`the operation of the devices. Methods to control a device
`generally involve the physical interaction of a user with either
`the device itself or a control device (e.g., a remote control)
`that controls the device of interest. Although some control
`devices may be used to control more than one other device, a
`user typically possesses the control device in order to operate
`it and control other devices. In addition, previous control
`devices may not have the capability to consider the location of
`the user in determining how to control a device.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0002 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one
`embodiment of a system for controlling devices based on
`commands tapped by a user.
`0003 FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of
`a method for controlling devices based on commands tapped
`by a user.
`0004 FIG.3 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of
`a method for processing vibration data to identify a command
`tapped by a user and a location of the user.
`0005 FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of
`a method for controlling devices based on commands tapped
`by a user and a location of the user.
`0006 FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one embodi
`ment of a system for controlling devices based on commands
`tapped by a user.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`0007. In the following detailed description, reference is
`made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part
`hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific
`embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter may be
`practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may
`be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made
`without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
`The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be
`taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclo
`Sure is defined by the appended claims.
`0008. As described herein, a system detects commands
`tapped from a user and controls devices based on the com
`mands and the location of the user. The system includes at
`least three accelerometers disposed in an area with a Surface
`that capture respective vibration data corresponding to a com
`mand tapped onto the Surface by the user. The accelerometers
`each provide the captured vibration data to a processing sys
`tem that identifies the command and a location of the user
`from the vibration data (e.g., by triangulation). The process
`ing system generates a control signal based on the command
`and the location and provides the control signal to a device to
`perform a function associated with the command.
`0009. By analyzing the vibration data, the processing sys
`tem controls predefined devices in the area without the use of
`hand held or other control apparatus by the user. The user
`simply provides a series of taps corresponding to a predefined
`command for a device onto any suitable Solid Surface in an
`area. The vibrations of the taps transmit through from the
`tapping Surface to the accelerometers through any solid struc
`tures between the tap Surface and the accelerometers (e.g.,
`
`floors, walls, ceilings, or other structures in the area). The
`accelerometers capture the vibrations of the taps in the vibra
`tion data. The accelerometers form a data network that
`enables the processing system to correlate and analyze the
`vibration data from the accelerometers in a coordinated man
`ner. The processing system discerns the function to be per
`formed and the device on which the function is to be per
`formed using the detected series of taps in the vibration data
`and the location of the user determined by triangulation of
`vibration data from different accelerometers. Accordingly,
`the system described herein may be used to turn on lights,
`adjust the temperature, or notify authorities that someone has
`fallen and cannot get up, cannot reach a nurse call button, or
`is blocked from reaching a location, for example.
`0010. As used herein, the term device refers to any suitable
`apparatus that performs functions that are controllable in
`response to a signal from a processing system. In addition, the
`term vibration data refers to a set of data values that collec
`tively represent the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations
`detected by an accelerometer over time. In addition, the term
`command refers to predefined series of taps that a user
`imparts to a surface in an area.
`0011
`FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one
`embodiment 10A of a system 10 for controlling devices 40
`based on commands tapped by users 2 on Surfaces 6 in an area
`4 as indicated by dotted arrows 8. System 10 includes at least
`three accelerometers 20 (e.g., accelerometers 2001), 2002),
`and 2003) as shown in the example of FIG. 1) disposed in
`different locations of area 4. Each accelerometer 20 captures
`vibration data (shown collectively as vibration data 162 in the
`embodiment of FIG. 5) from vibrations present in area 4 and
`provides the vibration data to a processing system 30. The
`vibration data includes vibrations that represent commands
`tapped by users 2 to control devices 40 (i.e., cause functions
`to be performed by devices 40). Processing system 30 iden
`tifies commands from users 2 in the vibration data, identifies
`the locations of users 2 using triangulation of the vibration
`data, and generates control signals based on the commands
`and locations of users 2. Processing system 30 provides the
`control signals to devices 40 to cause functions to be per
`formed in accordance with the commands from users 2.
`0012 Users 2 may tap commands on any suitable solid
`Surface 6 in area 4 to cause vibrations to transmit to acceler
`ometers 20. Area 4 represents any Suitable physical space that
`includes users 2, Surfaces 6, and accelerometers 20 and pos
`sibly processing system 30 and one or more devices 40. For
`example, area 4 may represent one or more rooms inside a
`home (e.g., a house, condominium, town house, or apart
`ment), an office, a place of business, or a location in a health
`care facility. Surfaces 6 may include structural components of
`the space of area 4. Such as floors, walls, ceilings, windows,
`and doors, and other structures, objects, and apparatus present
`in area 4.
`0013. Accelerometers 20 are disposed in area 4 with a
`physical connection to one or more Solid Surfaces 6 to allow
`vibrations to transmit from the surfaces 6 tapped by users 2 to
`the surfaces 6 in physical contact with accelerometers 20. The
`vibrations transmit though any Solid materials of area 4
`between the tapped surfaces 6 and the Surfaces in physical
`contact with accelerometers 20. In some embodiments, accel
`erometers 20 may be disposed on a foundation or other major
`structural components of a home or building to provide a
`continuous solid material contact with as many surfaces 6 in
`area 4 as possible.
`
`6
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`Nov. 6, 2014
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`0014. Accelerometers 20 are disposed in different loca
`tions of area 4 to allow processing system 30 to triangulate a
`location of a user 2. For example, accelerometers 20 may be
`placed at corners of a room in area 4 or other strategic loca
`tions in area 4. Because accelerometers 20 are disposed in
`different locations, accelerometers 20 typically capture
`vibration data from user taps at slightly different times as a
`result of the different distances between accelerometers 20
`and a surface 6 on which a user 2 taps. Processing system 30
`correlates taps from the vibration data of the different accel
`erometers 20 and identifies the time differences in order to
`triangulate a location of a user 2 in area 4.
`00.15 Each accelerometer 20 includes ultra-high sensitiv
`ity microfabricated accelerometer technology with three
`phase sensing as described by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,882,019,
`7,142,500, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,484.411 and incorporated by
`reference herein in their entirety. Each accelerometer 20 is a
`sensor which detects acceleration, i.e., a change in a rate of
`motion, with a high sensitivity and dynamic range. Because
`of the three-phase sensing technology, each accelerometer 20
`may sense acceleration levels as low as 10's of nano-gravities
`(ng) and may be manufactured and housed in a device that has
`typical dimensions of 5x5x0.5 mm or less using Micro-Elec
`tro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) technology. The combina
`tion of high sensitivity and small device size enabled by
`three-phase sensing techniques allows accelerometers 20 to
`unobtrusively capture vibration data that includes vibrations
`tapped by users 2 that represents commands for devices 40
`without direct contact between any of accelerometers 20 and
`users 2. Accelerometers 20 provide vibration data to process
`ing system 30 over any suitable wired or wireless connections
`(e.g., connections 22 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5).
`Additional details of accelerometers 20 are shown and
`described with reference to FIG. 5 below.
`0016 Processing system 30 receives vibration data from
`each accelerometer 20 over the wired or wireless connec
`tions. Processing system 30 includes or otherwise receives or
`accesses any Suitable device configuration information (e.g.,
`device database 166 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5) that
`identifies controllable devices 40 in area 4 and the commands
`that may be performed on each device 40. Processing system
`30 registers device information for each device 40 to allow the
`device 40 to be controlled by processing system 30. The
`device information defines, explicitly or implicitly, a way of
`communicating with the device 40 (e.g., using a suitable
`wired or wireless connection Such as a connection 42 shown
`in the embodiment of FIG.5) as well as the type and/or format
`of control signals to provide to devices 40 to cause desired
`functions to be performed by device 40. The device informa
`tion also correlates the commands that may be provided by a
`user 2 and the locations of user 2 with the control signals to
`allow processing system 30 to determine which control signal
`to provide to which device 40 upon receiving a command
`from a user 2 at an identified location in area 4.
`0017. Each command recognized by processing system 30
`may be any predefined series of taps that a user 2 imparts to a
`surface 6 in area 4. Each series of taps may be arbitrarily
`defined by a user 2 (e.g., input by user 2 to processing system
`30), selected by user 2 from a database of tap patterns sug
`gested by processing system 30, and/or may follow a signal
`ing convention Such as Morse code or other recognizable
`patterns of signaling.
`0018 Processing system 30 is configured to disambiguate
`commands from a user 2 based on the user's location in area
`
`4. Thus, the same series of taps may be used for controlling
`one device 40 when user 2 is in one location in area 4 and a
`different device 40 when user 2 is in another location in area
`4. Processing system 30, therefore, may select which device
`40 to control based on the location of user 2. The same series
`of taps may also be defined to simultaneously control mul
`tiple devices 40 depending on the location of user 2.
`0019. Upon detecting a command for one or more devices
`40, processing system 30 generates one or more control sig
`nals (e.g., control signals 172 shown in the embodiment of
`FIG.5) for the one or more devices 40 and provides the one or
`more control signals to the one or more devices 40 in area 4.
`Each device 40 that receives a control signal may respond
`with an acknowledge signal or other Suitable confirmation
`signal that indicates whether the function corresponding to
`the control signal was performed Successfully. Processing
`system 30 may store a log of commands that were received as
`well as a status of the commands (e.g., Success or failure) for
`later review or analysis by a user (e.g., in a command log 168
`shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5).
`0020 Each device 40 may be any suitable device config
`ured to receive a control signal from processing system 30
`and perform a function in response to the control signal.
`Devices 40 may be in one location in area 4 or distributed at
`different locations in area 4. One or more devices 40 may also
`be integrated with processing system 30 (e.g., device 40(3) as
`shown in the embodiment FIG. 1). Devices 40 communicate
`with processing system 30 using any suitable wired or wire
`less connection (e.g., a connection 42 shown in the embodi
`ment of FIG. 5).
`0021. In one example shown in FIG. 1, a user 201) sitting
`in a chair in area 4 taps a command onto a Surface 6(1) (e.g.,
`the floor) as indicated by an arrow 8(1) to control a device
`40(1). Device 40(1) may be a light switch or an electronic
`device that is near user2C1), and the command may be to turn
`on or off device 40(1). Processing system 30 identifies the
`command and the location of user2C1) and provides a control
`signal to device 40(1) based on the command and the location
`of user 201).
`0022. In another example, a user 202) standing near a wall
`in area 4 taps a command onto a Surface 6(2) (e.g., the wall) as
`indicated by an arrow 8(2) to control a device 40(2). Device
`40(2) may be a thermostat, and the command may be to
`increase or decrease the temperature in area 4. Processing
`system 30 identifies the command and the location of user
`2(2) and provides a control signal to device 40(2) based on the
`command and the location of user 202).
`0023. In a further example, user 202) taps a different com
`mand onto surface 6(2) as indicated by arrow 8(2) to control
`a device 40(3). Device 40(3) may be a communications
`device that notifies authorities of an emergency, and the com
`mand may be a request for help. Processing system 30 iden
`tifies the command and the location of user 202) and provides
`a control signal to device 40(3) based on the command and the
`location of user 202).
`0024. The functions of system 10 are further illustrated in
`FIG. 2 which is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a
`method for controlling devices 40 based on commands tapped
`by a user2. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, accelerometers 20
`capture vibration data corresponding to a command tapped by
`a user 2 as indicated in a block 62. Each accelerometer 20
`provides respective vibration data corresponding to the com
`mand to processing system 30. Processing system 30 gener
`ates a control signal based on the command and a location of
`
`7
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`

`

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`
`Nov. 6, 2014
`
`user2 identified from the vibration data as indicated in a block
`64. Processing system 30 triangulates the location of user 2
`using the respective vibration data from accelerometers 20
`and provides the control signal to a device 40 to cause a
`function corresponding to the control signal to be performed
`by device 40.
`0025. The functions of processing system 30 are further
`illustrated in FIG. 3 which is a flow chart illustrating one
`embodiment of a method for processing vibration data to
`identify a command tapped by a user 2 and a location of user
`2. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, processing system 30
`receives vibration data corresponding to a command from a
`user 2 from at least three accelerometers 20 as indicated in a
`block 70. Processing system 30 identifies the command from
`the vibration data as indicated in a block 72. Processing
`system 30 identifies a user location of user 2 from the vibra
`tion data using triangulation as indicated in a block 74.
`0026. Processing system 30 generates a control signal
`based on the command and the location as indicated in a block
`76. In one embodiment, processing system 30 may generate a
`first control signal based on the command in response to the
`user location corresponding to a first predefined location in
`area 4 or a second control signal based on the command in
`response to the user location corresponding to a second pre
`defined location in the area that differs from the first pre
`defined location. Processing system 30 provides the control
`signal to a device as indicated in a block 78. In one embodi
`ment, processing system 30 may provide the control signal to
`one device 40 in response to the user location corresponding
`to the first predefined location or to a different device 40 in
`response to the user location corresponding to the second
`predefined location. Accordingly, depending on the user loca
`tion, the control signal may cause a function to be performed
`on one device 40 if the user is in the first predefined location
`or the same or a different function to be performed on another
`device 40 if the user is in the second predefined location.
`0027. The functions of processing system 30 are further
`illustrated in FIG. 4 which is a flow chart illustrating one
`embodiment of a method for controlling devices 40 based on
`commands tapped by user 2 and a location of user2. In FIG.
`4, processing system 30 registers devices 40 to be controlled
`as indicated in a block 80. Processing system 30 registers
`devices 40, in one embodiment, by establishing a connection
`for communicating, identifying control signals that may be
`provided to devices 40 to cause functions to be performed,
`and associating commands and user locations with the control
`signals. Processing information 30 stores the registration
`information in device database 166 (shown in FIG.5) in some
`embodiments.
`0028 Processing system 30 receives vibration data from at
`least three accelerometers 20 that include a command tapped
`by a user as indicated in a block 81. Processing system 30
`identifies the command as indicated in a block 82 and, if the
`command is valid, also identifies a user location of the user 2
`that tapped the command as indicated in blocks 83 and 84. If
`the command is not valid, processing system 30 continues
`receiving vibration data as indicated in block 81.
`0029. For valid commands, processing system 30 gener
`ates a control signal based on the command and the user
`location as indicated in a block 85. Processing system 30 also
`logs the command in as indicated in a block 86. Processing
`system 30 may log the command in command log 168 (shown
`in FIG. 5) in some embodiments. Processing system 30 pro
`vides the control signal to the device 40 as indicated in a block
`
`87. Processing system 30 determines whether the function
`corresponding to the control signal was performed by the
`device 40 as indicated in a block 88. Processing system 30
`may make this determination in response to receiving an
`acknowledge signal from the device 40 in Some embodi
`ments. Processing system 30 may omit this block for devices
`40 that are not configured to provide an acknowledge signal
`or other confirmation signal to processing system 30. If the
`function was performed, processing system 30 continues
`receiving vibration data as indicated in block 81. If not, pro
`cessing system 30 logs an error as indicated in a block 89.
`Processing system 30 may log the error in command log 168
`(shown in FIG. 5) in some embodiments.
`0030 FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one embodi
`ment 10B of system 10 for controlling devices 40 based on
`commands tapped by users 2. System 10B includes acceler
`ometers 2001)-20(M), where M is an integer greater than or
`equal to three, in communication with processing system 30
`across respective connections 22(1)-22(M). System 10B also
`includes devices 40(1)-40(N), where N is an integer greater
`than or equal to one, in communication with processing sys
`tem 30 across respective connections 42(1)-42(N). Process
`ing system 30 receives vibration data 162 from accelerom
`eters 2001)-20(M) across connections 22(1)-22(M) that
`includes commands tapped by users and provides control
`signals 172 to appropriate devices 40(1)-40(N) across con
`nections 42(1)-42(N). Processing system 30 may receive
`acknowledgement (ACK) signals 182 from any devices
`40(1)-40(N) configured to provide signals 182 across connec
`tions 42(1)-42(N).
`0031. In the discussion below, accelerometer 20 refers to
`each accelerometer 2001)-20(M) individually and accelerom
`eters 20 refer to accelerometers 2001)-20(M) collectively.
`Connection 22 refers to each connection 22(1)-22(M) indi
`vidually and connections 22 refer to connections 22(1)-22
`(M) collectively. Likewise, device 40 refers to each device
`40(1)-40(N) individually and devices 40 refer to devices
`40(1)-40(N) collectively. Connection 42 refers to each con
`nection 42(1)-42(N) individually and connections 42 refer to
`connections 42(1)-42(N) collectively.
`0032. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, accelerometer 20
`includes three layers, or “wafers.” In particular, accelerom
`eter 20 includes a stator wafer 103, a rotor wafer 106, and a
`cap wafer 109. Stator wafer 103 includes electronics 113 that
`may be electrically coupled to various electrical components
`in rotor wafer 106 and cap wafer 109. Also, electronics 113
`may provide output ports for coupling to electronic compo
`nents external to accelerometer 20.
`0033 Rotor wafer 106 includes support 116 that is
`mechanically coupled to a proof mass 119. Although the
`cross-sectional view of accelerometer 20 is shown, according
`to one embodiment, support 116 as a portion of rotor wafer
`106 surrounds proof mass 119. Consequently, in one embodi
`ment, stator wafer 103, support 116, and cap wafer 109 form
`a pocket within which proof mass 119 is suspended.
`0034. Together, stator wafer 103, support 116, and cap
`wafer 109 provide a support structure to which proof mass
`119 is attached via a compliant coupling. The compliant
`coupling may, in one embodiment, comprise high aspect ratio
`flexural suspension elements 123 described in U.S. Pat. No.
`6,882,019.
`0035. Accelerometer 20 further includes a first electrode
`array 126 that is disposed on proof mass 119. In one embodi
`ment, first electrode array 126 is located on a surface of proof
`
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`
`mass 119 that is opposite the upper surface of stator wafer
`103. The surface of the proof mass 119 upon which the first
`electrode array 126 is disposed is a substantially flat surface.
`0036) A second electrode array 129 is disposed on a sur
`face of stator wafer 103 facing opposite first electrode array
`126 disposed on proof mass 119. Because proof mass 126 is
`suspended over stator wafer 103, a substantially uniform gap
`133 (denoted by d) is formed between first electrode array 126
`and second electrode array 129. The distanced may comprise,
`for example, anywhere from 1 to 3 micrometers, or it may be
`another Suitable distance.
`0037 Proof mass 119 is suspended above stator wafer 103
`so that first electrode array 126 and second electrode array
`129 substantially fall into planes that are parallel to each other
`and gap 133 is substantially uniform throughout the overlap
`between first and second electrode arrays 126 and 129. In
`other embodiments, electrode arrays 126 and 129 may be
`placed on other surfaces or structures of stator wafer 103 or
`proof mass 119.
`0038 High aspect ratio flexural suspension elements 123
`offer a degree of compliance that allows proof mass 119 to
`move relative to the support structure of accelerometer 20
`(not shown). Due to the design of flexural Suspension ele
`ments 123, the displacement of proof mass 119 from a rest
`position is substantially restricted to a direction that is sub
`stantially parallel to second electrode array 129, which is
`disposed on the upper surface of stator wafer 103. Flexural
`Suspension elements 123 are configured to allow for a pre
`defined amount of movement of proof mass 119 in a direction
`parallel to second electrode array 129 such that gap 133
`remains Substantially uniform throughout the entire motion to
`the extent possible. The design of flexural suspension ele
`ments 123 provides for a minimum amount of motion of proof
`mass 119 in a direction orthogonal to second electrode array
`129 while allowing a desired amount of motion in the direc
`tion parallel to second electrode array 129.
`0039. As proof mass 119 moves, capacitances between
`first and second electrode arrays 126 and 129 vary with the
`shifting of the arrays with respect to each other. Electronics
`113 and/or external electronics are employed to detect or
`sense the degree of the change in the capacitances between
`electrode arrays 126 and 129. Based upon the change in the
`capacitances, such circuitry can generate appropriate signals
`that are proportional to the vibrations from patient 2 experi
`enced by accelerometer 20.
`0040. The operation of accelerometer 20 is enhanced by
`the use of three-phase sensing and actuation as described by
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,882,019 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,484,411. Three
`phase sensing uses an arrangement of sensing electrodes 126
`and 129 and sensing electronics 113 to enhance the output
`signal of accelerometer 20 and allow for the sensitivity to be
`maximized in a desired range. It also allows the output of
`accelerometer 20 to be “reset to Zero electronically when the
`sensor is in any arbitrary orientation.
`0041) Processing system 30 represents any suitable pro
`cessing device, or portion of a processing device, configured
`to implement the functions of the method shown in FIG.5 and
`described above. A processing device may be a laptop com
`puter, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a server, or
`another Suitable type of computer system. A processing
`device may also be a mobile telephone with processing capa
`bilities (i.e., a Smartphone) or another Suitable type of elec
`tronic device with processing capabilities. Processing capa
`bilities refer to the ability of a device to execute instructions
`
`stored in a memory 144 with at least one processor 142.
`Processing system 30 represents one of a plurality of process
`ing systems in a cloud computing environment in one
`embodiment.
`0042 Processing system 30 includes at least one processor
`142 configured to execute machine readable instructions
`stored in a memory system 144. Processing system 30 may
`execute a basic input output system (BIOS), firmware, an
`operating system, a runtime execution environment, and/or
`other services and/or applications stored in memory 144 (not
`shown) that includes machine readable instructions that are
`executable by processors 142 to manage the components of
`processing system30 and provide a set of functions that allow
`other programs to access and use the components. Processing
`system 30 stores vibration data 162 received from accelerom
`eters 20 in memory system 144 along with a command unit
`164 that identifies commands from vibration data 162 and
`user locations from vibration data 162, generates control sig
`nals 172 based on the commands and user locations, and
`provides control signals 172 to devices 40 as described above
`with reference to FIGS. 1-4. Processing system 30 further
`stores device database 166 and command log 168 in some
`embodiments.
`0043 Processing system 30 may also include any suitable
`number of input/output devices 146, display devices 148,
`ports 150, and/or network devices 152. Processors 142,
`memory system 144, input/output devices 146, display
`devices 148, ports 150, and network devices 152 communi
`cate using a set of interconnections 154 that includes any
`Suitable type, number, and/or configuration of controllers,
`buses, interfaces, and/or other wired or wireless connections.
`Components of processing system 30 (for example, proces
`sors 142, memory system 144, input/output devices 146, dis
`play devices 148, ports 150, network devices 152, and inter
`connections 154) may be contained in a common housing
`with accelerometer 20 (not shown) or in any suitable number
`of separate housings separate from accelerometer 20 (not
`shown).
`0044. Each processor 142 is configured to access and
`execute instructions stored in memory system 144 including
`command unit 164. Each processor 142 may execute the
`instructions in conjunction with or in response to information
`received from input/output devices 146, display devices 148,
`ports 150, and/or network devices 152. Each processor 142 is
`also configured to access and store data, including vibration
`data 162, device database 166, and command log 168, in
`memory system 144.
`0045 Memory system 144 includes any suitable type,
`number, and configuration of Volatile or non-volatile storage
`devices configured to store instructions and data. The storage
`devices of memory system 144 represent computer readable
`storage media that store computer-readable and computer
`executable instructions including command unit 164.
`Memory system 144 stores instructions and data received
`from processors 142, input/output devices 146, display
`devices 148, ports 150, and network devices 152. Memory
`system 144 provides stored instructions and data to proces
`sors 142, input/output devices 146, display devices 148, ports
`150, and network devices 152. Examples of storage devices in
`memory system 144 include hard disk drives, random access
`memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory
`drives and cards, and other Suitable types of magnetic and/or
`optical disks.
`
`9
`
`

`

`US 2014/0327526 A1
`
`Nov. 6, 2014
`
`0046. Input/output devices 146 include any suitable type,
`number, and configuration of input/output devices configured
`to input instructions and/or data from a user to processing
`system 30 and output instructions and/or data from process
`ing system 30 to the user. Examples of input/output devices
`146 include a touchscreen, buttons, dials, knobs, Switches, a
`keyboard, a mouse, and a touchpad.
`0047 Display devices 148 include any suitable type, num
`ber, and configuration of display devices configured to output
`image, textual, and/or graphical information to a user of pro
`cessing system 30. Examples of display devices 148 include
`a display screen, a monitor, and a projector. Ports 150 include
`Suitable type, number, and configuration of ports configured
`to input instructions and/or data from another device (not
`shown) to processing system 30 and output instructions and/
`or data from processing system 30 to another device.
`0048 Network