Capacitive Sensing Noise Detection and Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive sensing devices are affected by environmental noise, leading to incorrect identification of input objects due to noise signals, which existing technologies have not effectively mitigated.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a noise reduction module to operate sensor electrodes in both absolute and transcapacitive sensing modes, compare results, predict object locations, and remove unreliable data, entering a high noise mode for further analysis to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive sensing devices operate in traditional sensing modes, then they can detect input objects, but environmental noise causes incorrect identification of input objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing operation into two distinct modes: absolute capacitive sensing mode and transcapacitive sensing mode. Each mode processes signals independently to detect input objects, allowing comparison of results to identify and eliminate noise-induced false detections. This segmentation enables the system to maintain detection capability while mitigating environmental noise interference.
2Reliability
If the device uses multiple sensing modes to reduce noise, then noise mitigation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a processing system that performs multiple functions: it operates in both absolute capacitive sensing mode and transcapacitive sensing mode, compares results from both modes, identifies noise conditions, and adjusts operation accordingly. This multi-functional approach enables the same hardware to achieve noise mitigation without requiring separate dedicated systems for each sensing mode.
3Measurement precision
If the system enters high noise mode for further analysis, then detection accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously operates in both absolute capacitive sensing mode and transcapacitive sensing mode, performing preliminary signal processing and comparison in real-time. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly identify noise conditions and switch to high noise mode processing only when necessary, rather than always performing extensive analysis, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining accuracy when needed.
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
The solution effectively reduces the impact of noise on capacitive sensing devices, enhancing the accuracy of input object detection by distinguishing reliable from unreliable data and improving noise mitigation strategies.
Implementation Method 1
determine first changes of capacitance between the first plurality of sensor electrodes and an input object and the second plurality of sensor electrodes and the input object
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques, including a method, for detecting an input object. The method includes driving sensing signals onto and receiving resulting signals with a first plurality of sensor electrodes and a second plurality of sensor electrodes to determine first changes of capacitance between the first plurality of sensor electrodes and an input object and the second plurality of sensor electrodes and the input object. The method also includes driving the first plurality of sensor electrodes with transmitter signals and receiving resulting signals with the second plurality of sensor electrodes to determine second changes of capacitance between the first plurality of sensor electrodes and the second plurality of sensor electrodes. The method further includes entering a high noise mode based on a comparison between the first changes of capacitance and the second changes of capacitance.