Capacitive Sensor Driving for Edge Object Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices face challenges in smoothly transmitting and receiving signals when an object is positioned at the edge or outside the sensor device, as this often results in reduced signal quality due to fewer sensors being involved in the transmission and reception process.
Innovation Solution
The sensor device employs a sensor layer with first and second sensors forming capacitances, and a driver that applies distinct driving signals during touch and object sensing periods, with varying voltage levels, frequencies, phases, or codes to enhance signal-to-noise ratio and constructive interference at the edge and central portions of the sensor layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If uniform driving signals are applied to all sensors, then the sensor device structure is simple, but signal quality deteriorates when objects are positioned at edge areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different driving signals to sensors located at different positions (edge areas vs. central areas). Specifically, sensors at edge areas receive driving signals with different characteristics (e.g., different frequencies or phases) compared to sensors at central areas, optimizing signal quality for each local region based on its specific sensing requirements when objects are positioned there.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts driving signal parameters based on the detected object position. When an object is detected at an edge area, the system switches to using different driving signal characteristics for edge sensors compared to central sensors, allowing the system to adapt its behavior in real-time based on spatial conditions.
2Reliability
If fewer sensors are used for edge area sensing, then the device structure is simpler, but signal transmission and reception become less smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures sensors at different positions with different roles and driving signal characteristics. Edge area sensors are specifically configured with different driving signal parameters compared to central area sensors, optimizing the contribution of each sensor based on its location and the specific requirements for smooth signal transmission when objects are at edge positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters of the driving signals (such as frequency, phase, or amplitude) applied to edge area sensors compared to central area sensors. This parameter adjustment optimizes the signal transmission characteristics for edge position sensing, ensuring smooth communication even when fewer sensors are effectively involved in the sensing 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 ensures smooth signal transmission and reception even when an object is at the edge or outside the sensor device, improving signal quality by optimizing driving signals for edge and central portions to enhance constructive interference and reduce noise.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor layer including first sensors, and second sensors forming a capacitance with the first sensors
Implementation Method 2
optimizing driving signals for edge and central portions to enhance constructive interference and reduce noise
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes: a sensor layer including first sensors, and second sensors forming a capacitance with the first sensors; and a sensor driver configured to transmit driving signals to the first sensors, and receive sensing signals from the second sensors, during a touch sensing period. The sensor driver is further configured to transmit first driving signals to at least some of the first sensors, and second driving signals to at least some of the second sensors, during an object sensing period different from the touch sensing period. During the object sensing period, the first driving signals applied to the first sensors located at an edge of the sensor layer are different from the first driving signals applied to the first sensors located at a central portion of the sensor layer in at least one of a voltage level, frequency, phase, or code.