Capacitive Input Sensing Regimes for Glove and Hover Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity sensor devices struggle to accurately detect input objects, especially when objects are farther away from the surface or when users wear gloves, due to limitations in capacitive sensing technology.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a processing system that operates in multiple sensing regimes with different duty cycles of absolute capacitive sensing and transcapacitive sensing, allowing for accurate position determination of objects both at and away from the surface, including gloved fingers, by selectively switching between regimes based on contact information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If proximity sensor devices use traditional capacitive sensing to detect objects at the surface, then detection accuracy is improved for objects right at the surface, but detection reliability deteriorates for objects farther away from the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing operation is divided into two distinct sensing regimes: first sensing regime uses transcapacitive sensing for objects away from the surface, while the second sensing regime uses absolute capacitive sensing for objects at the surface. This segmentation allows each regime to be optimized for its specific detection scenario, resolving the contradiction between surface accuracy and distant reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the first and second sensing regimes based on detected contact conditions. When contact is detected, the system transitions to the second regime for surface-optimized detection; when no contact is detected, it uses the first regime for distance-optimized detection. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the appropriate sensing mode based on real-time conditions.
2Measurement precision
If proximity sensor devices optimize for detecting objects at the surface, then detection accuracy is improved for touching inputs, but detection capability deteriorates for gloved fingers that cannot get close enough to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The input device achieves multi-functionality by implementing two sensing regimes that can handle different input scenarios: the first regime detects objects away from the surface (enabling glove compatibility), while the second regime detects objects at the surface (enabling precise touch detection). This universal design allows the device to adapt to both gloved and ungloved usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes sensing parameters by switching between transcapacitive sensing (first regime) and absolute capacitive sensing (second regime). The transcapacitive regime extends detection range for gloved fingers, while the absolute capacitive regime provides precision for direct contact. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between surface optimization and glove compatibility.
3Device complexity
If proximity sensor devices use a single sensing regime optimized for surface contact, then device simplicity is maintained, but sensing capability deteriorates for objects at varying distances from the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into two distinct regimes with different sensing characteristics. The first regime handles objects away from the surface, while the second regime handles objects at the surface. This segmentation enables the system to maintain relative simplicity within each regime while achieving broad adaptability across different sensing scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between two sensing regimes based on contact detection, allowing it to adapt sensing capability to varying distances without requiring a completely complex multi-mode system. The dynamic switching mechanism enables versatility while maintaining manageable device complexity.
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
Enhances the flexibility and usability of input devices by reliably detecting objects at and away from the surface, improving accuracy for both ungloved and gloved fingers, and hovering inputs.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor module configured to operate a plurality of capacitive sensor electrodes to selectively perform transcapacitive sensing and absolute capacitive sensing to detect input objects in a sensing region
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described herein thus provide devices and methods that facilitate improved input devices. Specifically, the devices, systems and methods provide the ability to accurately determine user input using multiple different sensing regimes. The different sensing regimes can be used to facilitate accurate position determination of objects both at the surface and away from the surface. For example, the different sensing regimes can be used to determine position information for both ungloved and gloved fingers. In one embodiment the first sensing regime uses a first duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing and a first duty cycle of transcapacitive sensing. The second sensing regime uses a second duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing and a second duty cycle of transcapacitive sensing, where the second duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing is greater than the first duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing.