Capacitive Sensor Electrode Ground Mass State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Input devices face challenges in detecting input objects in a low ground mass state, where insufficient grounding leads to signal artifacts, obscured detection of multiple objects, and reduced signal amplitude, making it difficult to accurately determine positional information.
Innovation Solution
The system identifies and grounds sensor electrodes connected to a selected input object, increasing the ground mass state by coupling them to device ground, allowing for improved capacitive measurements and positional information acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensor electrodes are driven to acquire measurements in a low ground mass state, then the input device can operate in insulating conditions, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to signal artifacts and obscured object detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the grounding configuration adjustable and adaptive. The system dynamically switches between different grounding states (low ground mass and high ground mass) based on detection needs, allowing the input device to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining measurement accuracy through active grounding management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical grounding parameter of the sensor electrodes to resolve the contradiction. By switching electrodes between ungrounded and grounded states, the system can operate in insulating conditions when needed while eliminating signal artifacts and improving detection accuracy when grounding is applied.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple objects are present in the sensing region, then the sensing capability is tested, but measurement precision deteriorates due to obscured detection and reduced signal amplitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensor electrode array into multiple independently controllable groups. This allows selective grounding of specific electrode segments that correspond to detected objects, enabling the system to handle multiple objects simultaneously while maintaining precise positional information for each object through differentiated grounding control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying grounding selectively to specific regions or electrodes rather than uniformly across the entire sensor array. This localized grounding approach allows the system to enhance signal quality and detection precision in specific areas where objects are detected, while maintaining multi-object sensing capability across the full sensing region.
3Measurement precision
If sensor electrodes are coupled to device ground to increase ground mass state, then signal artifacts are reduced and detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the sensor electrode structure to serve multiple functions: sensing input objects and providing adjustable grounding. The same electrode array performs both detection and grounding functions, eliminating the need for separate grounding structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining improved detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the sensor electrodes to automatically switch between grounded and ungrounded states based on detection requirements. The system self-manages the grounding configuration without requiring external complex control mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through adaptive grounding.
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 mitigates the effects of multiple objects in the sensing region, enhances ground mass state, and improves the accuracy of detecting and positioning input objects, even in low ground mass conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor electrodes are driven with sensing signals and capacitive measurements are acquired from the sensor electrodes
Implementation Method 2
couple the second subset to device ground when driving the first subset in response to the second subset corresponding to the location of the first input object
Data Source
AI summary
Increasing ground mass state of an input device is disclosed. Increasing the ground mass state includes driving sensor electrodes to acquire first measurements of a sensing region of the input device, and driving a first subset of the sensor electrodes while a second subset is coupled to device ground to acquire second measurements of a portion of the sensing region. Increasing the ground mass state further includes determining a location of an input object in the sensing region using the first measurements, determining the second subset corresponds to the location of the first input object in the sensing region, and coupling the second subset to device ground when driving the first subset in response to the second subset corresponding to the location of the first input object.