Capacitive Image Sensor Electrode Array Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensor devices face challenges in reducing system complexity, size, and production cost while maintaining accurate and reliable position sensing, due to the large number of sensor electrodes and traces required, which also makes them susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
The use of a capacitive image sensor with a novel electrode array configuration that minimizes the number of sensor electrodes and traces, including a first set of sensor electrodes electrically coupled and a second set configured for capacitive coupling, integrated with a sensor processor to receive signals and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of sensor electrodes are used to detect the presence and position of an input object with desirable accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to the large number of traces and connection points required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor electrodes into two distinct sets: a first set of sensor electrodes and a second set of sensor electrodes. This segmentation allows for reduced interconnection complexity by organizing the electrode array in a structured manner where electrodes of the same set share common connection paths, thereby reducing the total number of traces required while maintaining accurate position sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connection requirements by electrically coupling electrodes within each set and using shared traces to connect to the control system. The first set of sensor electrodes and second set of sensor electrodes are configured to reduce the overall number of connection points, combining multiple functions into fewer interconnections while preserving measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If the number of sensor electrodes and traces is reduced to lower device complexity and cost, then manufacturing cost and device size are reduced, but reliability and accuracy of position sensing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting electrodes into two sets with distinct roles, the patent maintains sensing reliability through a systematic approach where each set contributes to different aspects of position detection. This structured segmentation ensures that even with reduced total number of electrodes, the sensing accuracy and reliability are preserved through optimized distribution and coupling configurations.
3Quantity of substance
If the length of traces is increased to connect more sensor electrodes, then more sensor electrodes can be interconnected, but susceptibility to electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode connections into two organized sets with dedicated trace paths, reducing the overall trace length requirements. By structuring the connections this way, fewer and shorter traces are needed compared to traditional full-array connections, thereby reducing susceptibility to electromagnetic interference while maintaining the ability to interconnect sufficient sensor electrodes.
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 configuration results in a more reliable, accurate, and cost-effective position sensing solution with reduced system complexity and size, minimizing electromagnetic interference and improving the overall performance of the input device.
Implementation Method 1
the fourth sensor electrode is configured to capacitively couple with the first sensor electrode
Implementation Method 2
the fifth sensor electrode is configured to capacitively couple with the third sensor electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention generally provide an input device that includes a plurality of sensing elements that are interconnected in desired way to acquire positional information of an input object, so that the acquired positional information can be used by other system components to control a display or other useful system components. One or more of the embodiments described herein, utilizes one or more of the techniques and sensor electrode array configuration disclosed herein to reduce or minimize the number of traces and/or electrodes required to sense the position of an input object within a sensing region of the input device.