Capacitive Sensor Polygon Analysis for Occluded Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as proximity sensor devices, face challenges in accurately tracking the position of input objects in the sensing region, particularly when multiple objects are present, which affects device usability and performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a processing system coupled with capacitive sensor electrodes that identifies a portion of sensor values corresponding to sensed objects, determines a polygon representing the object, and characterizes the contact based on this polygon, enabling improved object tracking and orientation determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional proximity sensor devices are used to detect input objects, then basic sensing functionality is provided, but the ability to accurately track object position and characterize multiple objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing region into multiple independently controllable sensor electrodes arranged in a matrix pattern. Each electrode can be independently activated and its signal processed separately, allowing the system to distinguish between multiple objects by analyzing which electrodes are affected and by how much. This segmentation enables accurate position tracking and object characterization without requiring a single complex sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-dimension or simple two-dimension sensing to a full two-dimensional matrix of sensor electrodes with independent control. By adding the electrode matrix dimension, the system can capture spatial distribution of capacitance changes across the sensing region, enabling accurate determination of object position, size, shape, and orientation through analysis of the electrode signal pattern.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensing region monitors multiple input objects, then comprehensive input detection is achieved, but the ability to distinguish and track individual objects becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sensing region into multiple electrodes and independently monitoring each one, the system can determine which specific electrodes are affected by each object. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between multiple objects based on their spatial distribution and the pattern of electrode signals they produce, preventing information loss about individual object identities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the sensing surface (different electrodes) to have different signal characteristics based on local object presence. Each electrode provides localized information about the sensing region, and by combining these local measurements, the system reconstructs comprehensive information about multiple objects without losing individual object identification.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple sensor electrodes are used, then device cost is reduced, but the ability to determine detailed object characteristics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple simple sensor electrodes segmented into a matrix pattern rather than a single complex sensor. Each electrode is a simple conductive element that can be manufactured using standard PCB or flexible circuit techniques. The segmentation allows the system to achieve detailed object characterization by analyzing the spatial pattern of signals across multiple simple electrodes, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving measurement precision.
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 enhances the ability to reliably detect and characterize input objects, improving device usability and performance by accurately tracking object position and motion, even when multiple objects are involved.
Implementation Method 1
an array of sensor electrodes 210, 220 arranged in a matrix pattern and configured to sense changes in capacitance in response to the proximity or contact of input objects
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and method are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. Specifically, the systems and methods are configured to identify a portion of an image of sensor values as corresponding to at least one sensed object in the sensing region, determine a polygon corresponding to the identified portion of the image, and determine a contact characterization of the at least one sensed object based on the polygon. The determination of a polygon corresponding to a sensed object facilitates improved contact characterization of the sensed object. For example, the determined polygon may be used to determine if the sensed object is actually more than one object. As a second example, the determined polygon may be used to determine the orientation of the sensed object. In addition, determined polygons may be used to more accurately track changes in the position of the sensed object.