Multi-touchpad design for moving object detection

Abstract

Systems, apparatus, methods, and computer program products are provided for a multi-touchpad for object detection. Each of the plurality of touchpads is electrically connected to one or two electrode input ports of the electrostatic sensor through associated electrodes. When the touchpad is touched, a voltage is generated at an associated electrode input of the electrostatic input. When the two touch pads detect a touch from a motion over time, the electrostatic sensor detects the motion from a difference in the received voltage signals. The electrostatic sensor generates a sensor signal output, which may be transmitted to one or more additional circuits to indicate that motion has been detected, which may trigger one or more operations according to the application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to multi-touchpad designs for mobile object detection, and more particularly to using a single electrostatic sensor with multiple touchpads. Background Art

[0002] Devices such as mobile and / or wearable devices require instantaneous touch sensing to implement functions such as volume control, task switching, etc. Traditional touch sensing may require sensing electrodes on the surface of the device or under a shielding layer. However, these devices have limited surface area. Additionally, the size and space of such devices are restricted. Moreover, the circuits and / or drivers for touch sensing are very limited in space.

[0003] Traditional touch sensing can be performed by one of various techniques. For example, capacitive touchpad technology and electrostatic sensor technology are different examples. Capacitive touch technology requires a dedicated host integrated circuit (IC) and custom PCB pattern design. These require more space, device requirements, and cost. Traditional electrostatic sensors have two electrode inputs (e.g., electrostatic sensor input pins) to support two electrodes - one electrode per electrode input. Thus, each input knows the electrode that is providing a signal indicating a touch at a single touchpad associated with the electrode input. Therefore, the two electrode inputs of each electrostatic sensor limit the electrostatic sensor to differentiating only two input signals.

[0004] The inventors have identified many areas of improvement in the prior art and methods, which are the subject of the embodiments described herein. Through the applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these deficiencies, challenges, and problems have been solved by developing solutions including those in the embodiments of the present disclosure, some examples of which are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The various embodiments described herein relate to the disclosure of a multi-touchpad design for mobile object detection, and more particularly to using a single electrostatic sensor with multiple touchpads.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an example system for motion detection is provided. The system for motion detection may include: an electrostatic sensor including a first electrode input and a second electrode input, the first electrode input being electrically connected to a first set of touch panels among a plurality of touch panels through a first set of electrodes, and the second electrode input being electrically connected to a second set of touch panels among the plurality of touch panels through a second set of electrodes; each touch panel in the first set of touch panels is further electrically connected to a voltage source or ground at a different voltage and is configured to provide different voltages to the first electrode input in response to a touch; each touch panel in the second set of touch panels is further electrically connected to a voltage source or ground at a different voltage and is configured to provide different voltages to the second electrode input in response to a touch; and the electrostatic sensor is configured to generate an output of a sensor signal based on a determination of motion at least based on a voltage difference between a first voltage at the first electrode input and a second voltage at the second electrode input.

[0007] In some embodiments, the plurality of touch panels are part of a touch panel array.

[0008] In some embodiments, the touch panel array is configured with a plurality of touch panels linearly arranged in a first direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the plurality of touch panels are configured to generate a rising waveform in response to motion in the first direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of touch panels are configured to generate a falling waveform in response to motion in the first direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sensor includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the voltage at the first electrode input and the voltage at the second electrode input into decimal values, and the electrostatic sensor is further configured to generate an output of a sensor signal based on a determination of motion at least based on the voltage difference by using a plurality of thresholds based on different decimal values associated with the voltage difference.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sensor is further configured to generate an output of a sensor signal indicating that the motion indication is in the first direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sensor is further configured to generate an output of a sensor signal indicating that the motion indication is in the second direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sensor is incorporated into a MEMS sensor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the system is incorporated into one of smart glasses, a smart phone, a smart light, an IoT device, or a touch panel.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an example method for motion detection is provided. The method of motion detection may include: providing an electrostatic sensor including a first electrode input and a second electrode input, the first electrode input being electrically connected to a first set of touch panels among a plurality of touch panels via a first set of electrodes, and the second electrode input being electrically connected to a second set of touch panels among the plurality of touch panels via a second set of electrodes; reading a first voltage at the first electrode input and a second voltage at the second electrode input by the electrostatic sensor; determining a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and generating an output of a sensor signal based on the voltage difference, and the sensor signal indicating motion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plurality of touch panels are part of a touch panel array.

[0018] In some embodiments, the touch panel array is configured to have a plurality of touch panels linearly arranged in a first direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plurality of touch panels are configured to generate a rising waveform in response to motion in the first direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the plurality of touch panels are configured to generate a falling waveform in response to motion in the first direction.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sensor further includes an analog-to-digital converter; and reading the first voltage and the second voltage includes converting the first voltage and the second voltage from an analog signal to a digital signal of a decimal value.

[0022] In some embodiments, generating the output of the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal to include an indication of motion in the first direction.

[0023] In some embodiments, generating the output of the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal to include an indication of motion in a second direction.

[0024] The above summary is provided only to outline some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present invention in any way. It should also be understood that the scope of the present disclosure includes many potential embodiments other than those outlined herein, some of which will be further described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described so generally above, and now reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and in which:

[0026] Figure 1Shows an exemplary block diagram of a touchpad in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 Shows an exemplary circuit for a touchpad in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Shows an exemplary graph of a waveform associated with motion in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 Shows an exemplary flowchart of operations for generating an output in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5A - Figure 5D Shows an exemplary flowchart of additional operations for generating an output in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6 Shows an exemplary hardware block diagram of a sensor hub having a plurality of touchpad arrays in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0032] Figure 7 Shows an example hardware block diagram of a device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0033] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown. In fact, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals always refer to like elements.

[0034] As used herein, the term "comprising" means including but not limited to and should be interpreted in its ordinary sense as used in the patent context. The use of broader terms such as including, containing, and having should be understood to provide support for the narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and consisting substantially of.

[0035] Phrases such as "in various embodiments", "in one embodiment", "according to one embodiment", "in some embodiments", etc. generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

[0036] The terms "example" or "exemplary" are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0037] If the specification states that a component or feature "may", "can", "is able to", "should", "preferably", "possibly", "typically", "optionally", "for example", "frequently", or "alternatively" (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, it is not required that the particular component or feature be included or have the characteristic. Such a component or feature may optionally be included in some embodiments or may be excluded.

[0038] The use of the term "circuit" herein with respect to components of a system or device should be understood to include specific hardware configured to perform the functions associated with a particular circuit described herein. The term "circuit" should be understood broadly to include hardware and, in some embodiments, software for configuring the hardware. For example, in some embodiments, "circuit" may include processing circuitry, communication circuitry, input / output circuitry, etc. In some embodiments, other elements may provide or supplement the functions of a particular circuit.

[0039] Overview

[0040] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to improved multi-touchpads for mobile object detection. Devices that use touch sensing for motion include mobile devices and wearables, such as smart glasses, smartphones, smart lights, IoT devices, touch panels, etc. Embodiments of the present disclosure include motion detection of such devices via a plurality of touchpads for moving object detection. For example, the multi-touchpad can determine when a user swipes the surface of the device with the movement of one or more fingers across multiple electrodes.

[0041] Various embodiments may include an electrostatic sensor electrically connected to a plurality of touchpads in a touchpad array. Each touchpad may include or be associated with an electrode. The electrostatic sensor is a charge sensing channel that can measure the direct or induced transfer of charge, or charge polarization, due to touch and / or motion. Touch or motion causes a charge transfer or charge polarization on the electrodes connected to the input pins of a differential input, which induces a potential on the input pins of the differential input. The electrostatic sensor can enable applications including but not limited to contact and non-contact human motion detection and human motion gait analysis, human presence detection, user interface (UI) interaction, and water detection.

[0042] Although traditional electrostatic sensors have been provided, such as the Qvar electrostatic sensor provided by STMicroelectronics, this traditional electrostatic sensor is limited. For example, the traditional electrostatic sensor does not support a multi-input configuration for each electrode input. To implement such a multi-input configuration, one or more additional electrostatic sensors are required, as described in this disclosure. This increases the number of electrodes electrically connected to the dual-input electrostatic sensor.

[0043] A touchpad can also be referred to as an electrode plate. Multiple touchpads can be physically connected to form a touchpad array of multiple touchpads. The touchpad array can be placed or integrated onto the surface of a device.

[0044] In various embodiments, the order of the electrodes of each touchpad of the multi-touchpad array can be aligned with an increasing and / or decreasing voltage setting such that movement on the electrode can generate a rising and / or falling voltage waveform. This can be based on the circuitry and voltage bias associated with each electrode and / or touchpad.

[0045] Based on the voltage signals received from the electrodes, various embodiments can generate an output that differentiates the direction of movement of an object across two or more touchpads. As described herein, this can be achieved without increasing the number of electrostatic sensors, despite the increased number of multi-touchpads and associated electrodes.

[0046] When an object on the touch surface moves from a first touchpad to a second touchpad, the electrostatic sensor detects the movement over a period of time or time frame (e.g., 300 ms). The electrostatic sensor not only knows the detection of the movement but also the direction of the movement based on the designated location of the touchpad. Thus, it is known whether the object moves, for example, from left to right or from right to left, which can respectively represent a right-swipe or left-swipe gesture.

[0047] In various embodiments, the electrostatic sensor assembly can include an electrostatic sensor and at least one touchpad array including multiple touchpads. Thus, one package can be used to cover a larger device area than a traditional electrostatic sensor package.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments of the present disclosure can incorporate the electrostatic sensor into a MEMS sensor and thus eliminate the need for a separate driver for the electrostatic sensor.

[0049] In various embodiments, a device may include a sensor hub that may communicate with a device processor or an application processor, which may be electrically connected to and control other device circuitry. When the sensor hub senses a touch or movement from a touchpad, the sensor hub may generate a sensor signal to the application processor, which particularly indicates the detected touch or movement. The sensor signal may be an interrupt signal. The application processor may perform one or more operations based on the sensor signal and associated with the sensed touch and / or movement. For example, smart glasses may use a swipe to determine one or more images to be displayed in the lenses of the smart glasses, go to the next or previous image, etc. Additionally or alternatively, various applications of the device may use the sensor signal to start or stop one or more operations associated with a detected gesture, such as a wave in a first or second direction.

[0050] Exemplary systems, devices, and methods

[0051] Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and devices for multi-touchpad designs for motion object detection. Various embodiments are directed to providing a plurality of multi-touchpads to one electrostatic sensor, where the plurality of multi-touchpads are connected to each input pin.

[0052] Figure 1 An exemplary block diagram of a touchpad in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 Includes a plurality of touchpads 110 (e.g., 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D) integrated and / or on a surface 100. The touchpads 110 sense when an object 120 (e.g., a finger of a hand) moves on the touchpads 110. The electrostatic sensor 130 receives signals from the plurality of touchpads 110 through two sensor inputs. The plurality of electrodes in the touchpads 110 are connected in parallel such that each sensor input of the electrostatic sensor 130 is electrically connected to a plurality of the touchpads among the plurality of touchpads 110. Thus, a single electrostatic sensor supports a plurality of electrodes associated with the plurality of touchpads 110.

[0053] In various embodiments, the touchpad 110 has a surface area of 3 mm × 1 mm. When all four touchpads 110 are in a linear array, the touchpad array of the four touchpads 110 may have a surface area of 12 mm × 1 mm.

[0054] Figure 2Shows an exemplary circuit for a touchpad in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The electrostatic sensor 230 may have two electrode inputs 232, which may be pins. The two electrode inputs may be a first electrode input 232A and a second electrode input 232B. The electrostatic sensor 230 may be electrically connected to a plurality of electrodes 210 through the two electrode inputs 232. Each electrode 210 may be associated with one of the touchpads 110. For example, the electrode 210 may be embedded in the touchpad 110.

[0055] In various embodiments, the electrostatic sensor 230 may be electrically connected to four touchpads 110 through four electrodes 210 respectively associated with each of the touchpads 110. The first electrode 210A and the third electrode 210C may be electrically connected to the second electrode input 232B. The second electrode 210B and the fourth electrode 210D may be electrically connected to the first electrode input 232A.

[0056] In addition to the electrode inputs 232, each electrode 210 may be electrically connected to a voltage source and / or ground, and the electrode inputs 232 may associate the corresponding electrodes 210 with a voltage bias.

[0057] The first electrode 210A and the third electrode 210C may be electrically connected in parallel to the electrostatic sensor 230 at the second electrode input 232B.

[0058] The first electrode 210A may be electrically connected to ground 212A at a first terminal and to the second electrode input 232B of the electrostatic sensor 230 at a second terminal. Additionally, the second terminal of the electrode 210A may be electrically connected to a bias voltage V3226 and the second terminal of the third electrode 210C.

[0059] The third electrode 210C may be electrically connected to a second voltage V2 224 at a first terminal and to the second electrode input 232B of the electrostatic sensor 230 at a second terminal. Additionally, the second terminal of the electrode 210C may be electrically connected to a bias voltage V3 226 and the second terminal of the first electrode 210C.

[0060] The second electrode 210B and the fourth electrode 210D may be electrically connected in parallel to the electrostatic sensor 230 at the first electrode input 232B.

[0061] The second electrode 210B may be electrically connected to ground 212B at a first terminal and to the first electrode input 232A of the electrostatic sensor 230 at a second terminal. Additionally, the second terminal of the electrode 210B may be electrically connected to a bias voltage V4228 and the second terminal of the fourth electrode 210D.

[0062] The fourth electrode 210D can be electrically connected to the first voltage V1 222 at the first terminal and to the first electrode input 232A of the electrostatic sensor 230 at the second terminal. Additionally, the second terminal of the electrode 210D can be electrically connected to the bias voltage V4 228 and to the second terminal of the second electrode 210B.

[0063] It should be understood that the grounds 212A and 212B can be electrically connected and / or indirectly electrically connected to the same ground.

[0064] It should also be understood that the bias voltage V3 226 and the bias voltage 228 can be the same voltage, but will be electrically separated by additional circuitry in order to isolate the respective connections to the electrode inputs 232 of the electrostatic sensor. For example, each bias voltage V3 can be independently derived from the same voltage rail or voltage source by dividing the voltage from the voltage source with multiple resistors and / or other electrical components.

[0065] It should be understood that various embodiments can include more than 4 electrodes 210 and / or touch pads 110, which are similarly electrically connected to a single electrostatic sensor 230 via two electrode inputs 232.

[0066] In various embodiments, V1 can be 3.3V, V2 can be 1.5V, V3 can be 1.65V, and V4 can be 1.65V. When an object touches and / or moves on the electrodes, a voltage signal can be generated based on how the electrodes 210 are electrically connected. For example, when V3 226 is grounded, the electrode 210A can generate a differential signal of 1.65V between the electrode inputs 232A and 232B, when V4 228 is grounded, the electrode 210B can generate a differential signal of -1.65V between the electrode inputs 232A and 232B, when V3 226 is biased at 1.5V, the electrode 210C can generate a differential signal of 0.15V between the electrode inputs 232A and 232B, and when V4 228 is biased at 3.3V, the electrode 210A can generate a differential signal of 1.65V between the electrode inputs 232A and 232B.

[0067] In one application, the electrostatic sensor can detect a 1.65V signal at each electrode input pin, indicating that no touch or movement has been detected. A change in another voltage on the electrode input pin allows for the detection of gestures.

[0068] In various embodiments, the first electrode input 232A may be associated with a positive or positive pin or voltage, and the second electrode input 232B may be associated with a negative or minimum pin or voltage. The positive input pin may be referred to as the non-inverting pin because the received voltage is not inverted. When the received voltage is inverted, the negative input pin may be referred to as the inverting pin. Thus, the full voltage swing in such embodiments can range from +3.3V to -3.3V.

[0069] The detected voltage difference may be the difference between the voltages sensed between each electrode input 232, which may be the difference of V3 - V4 when no touch or movement is detected. For example, if electrode 210A is touched, the voltage difference may be -1.65V, i.e., 0V - 1.65V. If electrode 210D is touched, it may be 1.65V, i.e., 3.3V - 1.65V.

[0070] When an object moves from one touchpad to another, the electrostatic sensor can determine the voltage difference between the two electrode inputs 232. The determination of the voltage difference allows for the generation of a sensor signal associated with the determination of the direction of the gesture as described herein.

[0071] In various embodiments, additional touchpads 110 and their associated additional electrodes may be added. To add an additional electrode, the first terminal of the additional electrode will be electrically connected to a voltage that was not previously connected to another electrode that is connected to the same electrode input 232 as the other electrodes shown. For example, an additional electrode 210E may be added to provide an input to the first electrode input 232A by electrically connecting the first terminal of electrode 210E to a different voltage such as 0.825V (which is 1 / 4 of 3.3V).

[0072] The output of the electrostatic sensor 230 is obtained by converting the voltage input at the electrode input pin into an integer value (e.g., a 16-bit integer) by an analog-to-digital converter. The ADC may be incorporated into the electrostatic sensor 230 and / or the MEMS sensor. Then, when the electrostatic sensor reads the pin at regular time intervals, the integer values are compared. In an embodiment using a 16-bit ADC, +3.3V may be represented by the integer 32768, while -3.3V may be represented by the negative -32768. Various voltages between 3.3V and -3.3V will be represented by values between 32768 and -32768. It should be understood that different sizes of ADCs may be used, which may result in different integer values.

[0073] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary graph showing waveforms associated with movement in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The movement of an object (e.g., a finger) can be used to detect the direction of movement based on the voltage difference, which can be detected and / or illustrated as a waveform.

[0074] In various embodiments, and as Figure 3A shown, the layout of the touchpad 110 is such that a waveform with a decreasing voltage is generated, which can indicate movement (e.g., a swipe) in a first direction (e.g., from left to right). The decreasing waveform can be associated with a first voltage reading the decimal value of 32768 and a second voltage reading the decimal value of 10000. Since 10000 is less than 32768, the waveform is decreasing.

[0075] In various embodiments, and as Figure 3B shown, the layout of the touchpad 110 is such that a waveform with an increasing voltage is generated, which can indicate movement (e.g., a sweep) in a second direction (e.g., from right to left). The increasing waveform can be associated with a first voltage reading the decimal value of -32768 and a second voltage reading the decimal value of 32768. Since -32768 is less than 32768, the waveform is increasing.

[0076] In the touchpad array, the touchpads 110 can be aligned to be arranged to have increasing / decreasing voltages read by the electrostatic sensor 230. This can allow each input pin to have electrode pads with positive and zero voltages. It can be configured to distinguish the movement directions of every two plates. Thus, by adding more touchpads 110 to a single electrostatic sensor 230, the sensing area covered by the touchpad array can be expanded without the need for an additional electrostatic sensor 230, which saves physical space, reduces complexity, and reduces costs.

[0077] Figure 4 An exemplary flowchart of operations for generating an output in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. These operations can be performed by the electrostatic sensor 230 and / or a device including the electrostatic sensor 230.

[0078] In operation 402, initialize the sensor. In various embodiments, the sensor can be merely the electrostatic sensor 130, or can be one or more additional sensors associated with the device, such as MEMS sensors that can be incorporated into the electrostatic sensor 130.

[0079] In operation 404, read the voltage from the first touchpad. The electrostatic sensor 230 can read the electrode input 232 one or more times. For example, the electrostatic sensor 230 can read the electrode input 232 every 300 ms to determine whether the voltage associated with a touch on the first touchpad among the plurality of touchpads 110 has changed. Refer to Figure 5A for further description of this operation.

[0080] At operation 406, it is determined whether the voltages from the first touchpad and the second touchpad are within a range. In various embodiments, after detecting the voltage from the first touchpad, the electrostatic sensor may read data from the electrode input 232 at a second time to determine if movement has occurred between the two touchpads 110. To determine if a touch has been sensed at the first touchpad 110 and the second touchpad 110 over one or more time periods, the electrostatic sensor 130 may detect whether the decimal value of the voltage is within one or more ranges associated with the electrodes 210 of the respective touchpad 110. This can be to check that the voltage read at the electrode input 232 is associated with a touch of the touchpad rather than an error signal. Thus, if the voltages from the first touchpad and the second touchpad are both within the thresholds of the expected range, the electrostatic sensor knows that a valid touch and / or movement has occurred and proceeds to operation 408. If either voltage is not within the expected range, another voltage is read at operation 404. Reference Figure 5B Operation 406 is further described.

[0081] At operation 408, the voltage difference is determined. The voltage difference can be the decimal value obtained by subtracting the first voltage from the second voltage (e.g., V2 - V1). The voltage difference can also be in the form of a 16-bit value, which can range from positive or negative 65536.

[0082] At operation 410, it is determined whether the voltage is a right swipe. In various embodiments, this can be to determine that the gesture is in a first direction from the first touchpad 110 to the second touchpad 110, which can be a right swipe. This determination can be based on a plurality of thresholds compared with the voltage difference. If the voltage difference is within the range associated with these thresholds, it proceeds to operation 412. Otherwise, it proceeds to operation 414. Reference Figure 5C This operation is further described.

[0083] At operation 412, a right swipe is output. The output can be a sensor signal generated by the electrostatic sensor 230 and transmitted to, for example, a processor. The sensor signal can be a digital or analog signal associated with a swipe gesture in the first direction, which can be a right swipe.

[0084] At operation 414, it is determined whether the voltage is a left swipe. In various embodiments, this can be to determine that the gesture is in a second direction from the second touchpad 110 to the first touchpad 110, which can be a left swipe. This determination can be based on a plurality of thresholds compared with the voltage difference. If the voltage difference is within the range associated with these thresholds, it proceeds to operation 416. Otherwise, it proceeds to operation 418. Reference Figure 5D This operation is further described. Reference Figure 5D This operation is further described.

[0085] At operation 416, an output left sweep is generated. The output can be a sensor signal generated by the electrostatic sensor 230 and transmitted to, for example, a processor. The sensor signal can be a digital or analog signal associated with a sweep gesture in a second direction, which can be a left sweep.

[0086] At operation 418, no output is generated. If the threshold of the range associated with operations 410 and 414 is not met, the voltage threshold is not determined to be associated with a gesture. Thus, no output is generated because the voltage difference may be due to an incorrect reading.

[0087] Figure 5A - Figure 5D An exemplary flowchart of additional operations for generating an output in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. These figures use values associated with an embodiment using a +3.3V high voltage, which can be converted to a decimal value via at least a 16-bit ADC to generate a decimal of 65536, ranging from 32768 at +3.3V to -32768 at -3.3V. By taking the difference in voltage levels, the direction of the sweep or finger slide can be determined.

[0088] Figure 5A Additional operations that can be associated with operation 404 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Reading of charge data collected by the sensor is initiated, including conversion of the ADC output to a decimal value of charge. The electrostatic sensor 230 can convert the voltage to a 16-bit integer fraction.

[0089] At operation 502, the sensor input is read. The sensor input can be read from the first electrode input 232A and the second electrode input 232B. The sensor input can be an analog signal. The sensor input can be read periodically. In various embodiments, the period can be every 300 ms.

[0090] At operation 504, the sensor input is converted to a voltage in decimal format. The electrostatic sensor 230 can include one or more ADCs, such as a 16-bit ADC. The ADC can convert the analog signal of the sensor input to a 16-bit signal based on the received analog voltage. Based on the configuration of the voltage sources electrically connected to each electrode 210 (e.g., V1 222, V2 224, etc.), there is a set of known decimal values or 16-bit values for which the voltage of the device is known.

[0091] At operation 506, a first voltage is read to determine a touch at the first touchpad. The decimal value of the read voltage is used to determine whether a touch exists at the associated touchpad 110. Each touchpad 110 is configured to generate a specific voltage at the associated electrode input 232 via the associated electrode 210. By reading the voltage at each electrode input 232, the electrode sensor 230 determines that the voltage associated with the first electrode input 232A or the voltage associated with the second electrode input 232B has changed, and thus detects the voltage associated with the presence. This can be referred to as the first voltage because it can refer to the first touch of the touchpad 110.

[0092] Figure 5B Additional operations that may be associated with operation 406 in various embodiments according to the present disclosure are shown. Based on the decimal value of the voltage or charge, it is determined whether the first touchpad 110 has received a touch and whether the associated electrode 210 has generated a voltage at the electrode input pin. If a touch is detected, it is determined whether a touch on the second touchpad 110 occurs at a second time (e.g., after 300 ms).

[0093] At operation 512, the first voltage is compared to see if it is between the decimal values of 8000 and 12000 or if the absolute value is higher than 20000. If the first voltage value does not meet these ranges, it is determined that the first voltage is not associated with a touch. The operation proceeds to operation 404 to attempt to detect the first touch again. If the operation is within these ranges, it proceeds to operation 514.

[0094] At operation 514, a second voltage is read in a second period. Movement occurs over a period of time. Thus, the electrostatic sensor can wait for a period of time (e.g., 300 ms) and read a second voltage different from the first voltage to determine whether movement is detected. As described herein, the second voltage is converted into a decimal value.

[0095] At operation 516, the second voltage is compared to see if it is between the decimal values of 8000 and 12000 or if the absolute value is higher than 20000. If the second voltage value does not meet these ranges, it is determined that the second voltage is not associated with a touch. The operation proceeds to operation 404 to attempt to detect the first touch again. If the operation is within these ranges, it proceeds to operation 508.

[0096] Figure 5C Additional operations that may be associated with operation 410 in various embodiments according to the present disclosure are shown. It is determined whether a right sweep has occurred based on whether the value of the determined voltage difference is between multiple ranges. If so, it is output that a right sweep has occurred. Otherwise, it proceeds to the next operation.

[0097] At operation 522, determine whether the voltage difference is greater than or equal to 60000. If this is determined, proceed to operation 412. Otherwise, proceed to operation 524.

[0098] At operation 524, determine whether the voltage difference is greater than or equal to -30000 and less than or equal to -20000. If this is determined, proceed to operation 412. Otherwise, proceed to operation 526.

[0099] At operation 526, determine whether the voltage difference is greater than or equal to -50000 and less than or equal to -40000. If this is determined, proceed to operation 412. Otherwise, continue to the next operation.

[0100] Figure 5D Additional operations that may be associated with operation 414 are shown. Based on determining whether the value of the voltage difference is between multiple ranges, it is determined whether a left sweep has occurred. If so, output that a left sweep has occurred. Otherwise, proceed to the next operation.

[0101] At operation 532, determine whether the voltage difference is greater than or equal to 20000 and less than or equal to 30000. If this is determined, proceed to operation 416. Otherwise, proceed to operation 534.

[0102] At operation 534, determine whether the voltage difference is greater than or equal to 40000 and less than or equal to 50000. If this is determined, proceed to operation 416. Otherwise, proceed to operation 536.

[0103] At operation 536, determine whether the voltage difference is less than or equal to -60000. If this is determined, proceed to operation 416. Otherwise, continue to the next operation.

[0104] Since the sensor circuit is configured with a specific voltage source, there are many voltages that cannot be generated. Therefore, ranges are checked for specific decimal values to determine movement. If the decimal value of the voltage difference is not within the various ranges, no movement is detected.

[0105] In various embodiments, especially if there is an additional touchpad 110, there may be more than three ranges. For example, Figure 5C and Figure 5D the operations of may include additional ranges and / or thresholds. For example, five touchpads may have 8 ranges to be checked.

[0106] In various embodiments, the speed of movement may depend on the distance between the two touchpads 110, which may be known in various embodiments. For a known sampling rate (e.g., 240 Hz), the speed of movement can also be determined as the distance over time.

[0107] Figure 6 An exemplary hardware block diagram is shown that has a sensor hub for multiple touchpad arrays in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the hardware and software of the present disclosure can be implemented as a finite state machine in an electrostatic sensor in a MEMS sensor.

[0108] In device 620, the touchpad can be divided into two arrays. For example, in a pair of smart glasses, the first array can be located on the first arm of the smart glasses, while the second touchpad array of touchpad 610B can be located on the second arm of the smart glasses. Touchpads 610A, 610B can be electrically connected to electrostatic sensor 630, which can be electrically connected to sensor hub 640, and sensor hub 640 communicates with or is electrically connected to processor 650. Sensor hub 640 can include a coprocessor or a digital signal processor (DSP) integrated or embedded in the chipset of an application processor. The sensor hub is capable of independently processing one or more tasks, such as sensor hardware abstraction, device management, and / or data distribution.

[0109] Figure 7 An example hardware block diagram of a device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0110] Device 700 can be a system and / or apparatus that includes a processor 702, a memory 704, a communication circuit 706, an input / output circuit 708, a battery sensor circuit 710, a power circuit 714, and all of these can be connected by a bus 712. Although these connections are shown as bus 712, it is readily understood that there can be multiple other connections.

[0111] Although processor 702 is shown as a single block, it can include multiple components and / or processor circuits. Processor 702 can be implemented as, for example, various components including one or more microprocessors and accompanying digital signal processors; one or more processors without accompanying digital signal processors; one or more coprocessors; one or more multi-core processors; processing circuits; and various other processing elements. The processor can include an integrated circuit. In various embodiments, processor 702 can be configured to execute applications, instructions, and / or programs stored in processor 702, memory 704, or accessible to processor 702. When executed by processor 702, these applications, instructions, and / or programs can enable one or more operations and / or functions described herein to be performed. Whether configured by hardware, firmware / software methods, or a combination thereof, processor 702 can include an entity capable of performing operations and / or functions in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure when configured accordingly.

[0112] Memory 704 may include, for example, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or some combination thereof. Although illustrated as a single block, memory 704 may include multiple memory components. In various embodiments, memory 704 may include, for example, random access memory, cache memory, flash memory, hard disk, circuitry configured to store information, or combinations thereof. Memory 704 may be configured to write or store data, information, applications, instructions, etc., such that processor 702 can perform various operations and / or functions in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, in at least some embodiments, memory 704 may be configured to buffer or cache data for processing by processor 702. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments, memory 704 may be configured to store program instructions executed by processor 702. Memory 704 may store information in the form of static and / or dynamic information. When performing operations and / or functions, the stored information may be stored and / or used by processor 702.

[0113] Communication circuitry 706 may be implemented as circuitry, hardware, a computer program product, or a combination thereof, which is configured to receive and / or transmit data from / to another component or device. The computer program product may include computer-readable program instructions stored on a computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 704) and executed by processor 702. In various embodiments, communication circuitry 706 (like other components discussed herein) may be at least partially implemented as part of processor 702 or controlled by processor 702. Communication circuitry 706 may communicate with processor 702, for example, via bus 712. Such a bus 712 may be connected to processor 702, and it may also be connected to one or more other components of processor 702. Communication circuitry 706 may include, for example, a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a network interface card, and / or supporting hardware and / or firmware / software, and may be used to establish communication with another component, device, and / or system. Communication circuitry 706 may be configured to receive and / or transmit data that may be stored by, for example, memory 704, by using one or more protocols available for communication between components, devices, and / or systems.

[0114] The input / output circuit 708 may communicate with the processor 702 to receive instructions input by an operator and / or provide audible, visual, mechanical, or other output to the operator. The input / output circuit 708 may include support devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a user interface, a display, a touchscreen display, a light (e.g., a warning light), an indicator, a speaker, a camera, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or other input / output mechanisms. The input / output circuit 708 may include one or more interfaces to which the support devices may be connected. In various embodiments, aspects of the input / output circuit 708 may be implemented on a device used by the operator to communicate with the processor 702. The input / output circuit 708 may communicate with the memory 704, the communication circuit 706, and / or any other component via, for example, the bus 712.

[0115] The sensor circuit 710 may include an electrostatic sensor 230, a touchpad 110, electrodes 210, and associated electrical components and / or electrical connections, including those described herein.

[0116] The power circuit 714 may include a power management unit, a battery, a wireless charging circuit 716, etc. In various embodiments, the wireless charging circuit 716 may share one or more components, such as an antenna, with the communication circuit 706 and / or the input / output circuit 708.

[0117] It should be readily understood that, in addition to those specifically described herein, embodiments of the systems and devices described herein may be configured in a variety of additional and alternative ways.

[0118] Conclusion

[0119] The operations and / or functions of the present disclosure have been described herein, for example, in a flowchart. It will be understood that computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the operations and / or functions described in the flowchart blocks herein. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory, which can direct a computer, processor, or other programmable apparatus to operate and / or function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture, the execution of which implements the operations and / or functions described in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, processor, or other programmable device to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer, processor, or other programmable device, thereby producing a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer, processor, or other programmable device provide operations for implementing the functions and / or operations specified in the flowchart blocks. The flowchart blocks support combinations of means for performing the specified operations and / or functions and combinations of operations and / or functions for performing the specified operations and / or functions. It should be understood that one or more blocks of the flowchart and combinations of blocks in the flowchart can be implemented by a special hardware-based computer system that performs the specified operations and / or functions or by a combination of special hardware and computer instructions.

[0120] Although this specification includes many specific example embodiments and implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosure or possible claims, but rather as descriptions of particular features of particular embodiments of a particular disclosure. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Additionally, although features may have been described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0121] Although the operations and / or functions are shown in the figures in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that the operations and / or functions be performed in the particular order shown or sequentially, or that all of the operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, it may be advantageous to perform the operations and / or functions in an alternative order. In some cases, the acts recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired result. Thus, while particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

[0122] Although this detailed description has set forth some embodiments of the present invention, the appended claims cover other embodiments of the present invention that differ from the described embodiments in various modifications and improvements.

[0123] In the appended claims, unless a particular term "means for" or "step for" is used in a given claim, the claim is not intended to be interpreted under paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. § 112.

Claims

1. A system for motion detection, comprising: an electrostatic sensor comprising a first electrode input and a second electrode input, wherein the first electrode input is electrically connected to a first set of touch pads of a plurality of touch pads via a first set of electrodes, and wherein the second electrode input is electrically connected to a second set of touch pads of the plurality of touch pads via a second set of electrodes; wherein each touch pad in the first set of touch pads is also electrically connected to a voltage source or ground of a different voltage and is configured to provide a different voltage to the first electrode input in response to a touch; wherein each touch pad in the second set of touch pads is also electrically connected to a voltage source or ground of a different voltage and is configured to provide a different voltage to the second electrode input in response to a touch; Wherein the electrostatic sensor is configured to generate an output of a sensor signal based on a determination of motion based at least on a voltage difference between a first voltage at the first electrode input and a second voltage at the second electrode input.

2. The system for motion detection of claim 1, wherein the plurality of touch pads are part of a touch pad array. 3 . The system for motion detection according to claim 2 , wherein the touch panel array is configured to have a plurality of touch panels linearly arranged in a first direction. 4 . The system for motion detection of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of touch panels are configured to generate a rising waveform in response to motion in a first direction. 5 . The system for motion detection of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of touch pads are configured to generate a descending waveform in response to motion in a first direction.

6. The system for motion detection of claim 1, wherein the electrostatic sensor comprises an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the voltage at the first electrode input and the voltage at the second electrode input into a decimal value, and in, The electrostatic sensor is further configured to generate an output of the sensor signal based on a determination of motion based at least in part on the voltage difference using a plurality of thresholds based on different decimal values ​​associated with the voltage difference.

7. The system for motion detection of claim 1, wherein the electrostatic sensor is further configured to generate an output of the sensor signal, the sensor signal comprising an indication that the motion is in a first direction.

8. The system for motion detection of claim 1, wherein the electrostatic sensor is further configured to generate an output of the sensor signal, the sensor signal comprising an indication that the motion is in a second direction.

9. The system for motion detection of claim 1, wherein the electrostatic sensor is incorporated into a MEMS sensor.

10. The system for motion detection of claim 1, wherein the system is incorporated into one of smart glasses, a smart phone, a smart light, an IoT device, or a touch panel.

11. A method for motion detection, comprising: providing an electrostatic sensor including a first electrode input and a second electrode input, wherein the first electrode input is electrically connected to a first set of touch pads of a plurality of touch pads via a first set of electrodes, and wherein the second electrode input is electrically connected to a second set of touch pads of the plurality of touch pads via a second set of electrodes; reading, by the electrostatic sensor, a first voltage at the first electrode input and a second voltage at the second electrode input; determining a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; An output of a sensor signal is generated based on the voltage difference, wherein the sensor signal is indicative of motion.

12. The method for motion detection of claim 11, wherein the plurality of touch pads are part of a touch pad array. 13 . The method for motion detection according to claim 12 , wherein the touch panel array is configured to have the plurality of touch panels linearly arranged in a first direction. 14 . The method for motion detection of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of touch panels are configured to generate a rising waveform in response to motion in a first direction. 15 . The method for motion detection of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of touch panels are configured to generate a descending waveform in response to motion in a first direction.

16. The method for motion detection according to claim 11, wherein: The electrostatic sensor also includes an analog-to-digital converter; and Reading the first voltage and the second voltage includes converting the first voltage and the second voltage from analog signals to digital signals with decimal values.

17. The method for motion detection of claim 11, wherein generating the output of the sensor signal comprises generating the sensor signal comprising an indication of motion in a first direction.

18. The method for motion detection of claim 11, wherein generating the output of the sensor signal comprises generating the sensor signal comprising an indication of motion in a second direction.

19. The method for motion detection according to claim 11, wherein the electrostatic sensor is incorporated into a MEMS sensor.

20. The method for motion detection according to claim 11, wherein the electrostatic sensor is incorporated into one of smart glasses, smart phones, smart lights, IoT devices, or touch panels.

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