Capacitive Sensing Electrode Pattern for Signal Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive sensing technologies inadvertently measure both absolute capacitance and transcapacitance simultaneously, leading to inaccurate and unseparable measurements, which complicates the determination of input object position and user interface responses.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor electrode pattern that simultaneously measures multiple types of capacitive measurements, such as absolute capacitance and transcapacitance, allowing for the separation and combination of effects to determine the position of input objects and user interface responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional capacitive sensing measures both absolute capacitance and transcapacitance simultaneously, then the sensing operation can be performed, but the measurements become inaccurate and unseparable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capacitive sensing measurements by temporally separating the measurement of absolute capacitance and transcapacitance. Different electrode configurations are activated at different times to isolate each capacitance type, allowing accurate separate measurement of what would otherwise be mixed signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between different electrode drive configurations to alternately measure absolute capacitance and transcapacitance. This periodic action allows the system to cycle through measurement modes, separating the two capacitance types in time while maintaining continuous sensing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of capacitive measurements are measured simultaneously, then comprehensive sensing data is obtained, but the determination of input object position becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive capacitive measurements into distinct absolute capacitance and transcapacitance components through temporal separation. This segmentation simplifies position determination by allowing each capacitance type to be processed independently according to its specific characteristics, rather than attempting to interpret mixed signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between different measurement modes (absolute capacitance measurement mode and transcapacitance measurement mode) based on the current sensing requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adaptively select the appropriate measurement type for determining input object position, simplifying the overall determination process.
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 enables precise and accurate determination of input object positions and user interactions by effectively separating and interpreting the different capacitive measurements, improving the usability and accuracy of capacitive sensing in input devices.
Implementation Method 1
determine a change in capacitive coupling between an input object and the first sensor electrode based on the first resulting signals and a change in capacitive coupling between the first and second sensor electrodes based on the second resulting signals
Data Source
AI summary
A processing system comprises a sensor module and a determination module. The sensor module comprises sensing circuitry coupled to sensor electrodes of a sensor electrode pattern. The sensor module is configured to: drive a modulated signal onto a first sensor electrode of the sensor electrode pattern; receive first resulting signals from the first sensor electrode; and receive second resulting signals from a second sensor electrode of the sensor electrode pattern. The second resulting signals comprise effects corresponding to the modulated signal, and the first resulting signals and the second resulting signals are simultaneously received. The determination module configured to determine a change in capacitive coupling between an input object and the first sensor electrode based on the first resulting signals and a change in capacitive coupling between the first and second sensor electrodes based on the second resulting signals.