Combinatorial Capacitive Sensor Layout for Higher Pixel Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive sensing devices require a larger number of sensor channels to achieve the same level of capacitive sensing measurements, limiting the pixel density and efficiency of touch-based navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a combinatorial sensor layout where at least one sensor channel is used for both transmitting and receiving, reducing the number of sensor channels needed by allowing multiple combinations of sensor channels and activation regions, thereby increasing capacitive sensing measurements without increasing the number of sensor channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional capacitive sensing devices use separate sensor channels for transmitting and receiving, then the device can perform basic capacitive sensing measurements, but the number of sensor channels required increases, limiting pixel density and sensing resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by configuring sensor channels to perform both transmitting and receiving functions. Each sensor channel can be dynamically assigned to act as a transmitter during one measurement phase and as a receiver during another phase, allowing the same hardware resource to serve multiple purposes and enabling increased measurement capability without proportional increase in channel count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where sensor channels can switch between transmitting and receiving roles based on measurement requirements. This dynamic assignment allows the system to optimize channel utilization for different measurement scenarios, enabling higher pixel density and more sophisticated sensing patterns without being constrained by a fixed channel architecture
2Measurement precision
If the number of sensor channels is increased to achieve higher capacitive sensing pixel density, then measurement capability improves, but the device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By making sensor channels universal components that can function as both transmitters and receivers, the system achieves higher effective pixel density without proportionally increasing the physical channel count. The same channel serves multiple measurement functions across different time phases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic measurement cycles where sensor channels alternate between transmitting and receiving phases. This periodic switching enables multiple measurement opportunities using the same hardware resources, effectively increasing the sensing matrix density without requiring additional permanent channels
3Adaptability or versatility
If more sensor channels are used to enable complex sensor arrays, then sensing versatility and coverage improve, but the number of inputs/outputs required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor channels are designed as universal interfaces that can be dynamically configured for different roles within complex sensor arrays. The same channel can participate in multiple array configurations and measurement patterns, enabling sophisticated sensing capabilities with reduced I/O requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal dimension to the sensor channel utilization by alternating transmitting and receiving functions across different time phases. This adds a time-based layer to the spatial arrangement of sensors, enabling complex array behaviors without proportional increases in physical I/O connections
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 results in a significant reduction of sensor channels required, achieving higher capacitive sensing pixel density and efficiency with a smaller number of channels, offering a 25% or more savings in sensor channels compared to conventional methods, and enabling more complex sensor arrays with fewer inputs/outputs.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor channel of a plurality of sensor channels is configured to transmit an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor channel of the plurality of sensor channels is configured to receive electrical signals for determining capacitance values
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for determining capacitance, a set of sensor electrodes is employed. The set of sensor electrodes comprises at least three sensor electrodes including first, second, and third sensor electrodes. The first sensor electrode meets the second sensor electrode at a first activation region of a plurality of activation regions. The first sensor electrode meets the third sensor at a second activation region of the plurality of activation regions. The second sensor electrode meets the third sensor electrode at a third activation region of the plurality of activation regions. The third sensor electrode transmits while first indicia are received with the first and the second sensor electrodes. The first sensor electrode transmits while second indicia are received with the second sensor electrode. Capacitances associated with the first, second and third activation regions are determined using at least the first indicia and second indicia.