Contact Detection for Variable Thickness Writing Media

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting contact or non-contact between a writing utensil tip and a writing medium of variable thickness are inadequate, particularly when the medium deforms, as they require electronic devices or fixed contact thresholds, limiting their effectiveness with passive media like notebooks.

Innovation Solution

A method involving determining the tip's position and distance from a support surface, updating minimum distance values, and analyzing motion parameters to differentiate between contact and non-contact states, using a sliding window for precision and adapting to surface changes, allowing for passive utensil use with variable thickness media.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pressure sensor is used for contact detection, then contact state can be detected, but the writing utensil requires electronic devices and electrical power sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact detection accuracyVSAvoidelectronic device requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic pressure sensors with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnetic sensor detects the position of a magnetic element attached to the writing utensil tip, and contact state is determined by analyzing position changes over time. This eliminates the need for electronic devices and power sources in the writing utensil itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a fixed contact threshold is used, then contact detection is simplified, but errors in tip position estimation and surface deformation cannot be compensated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection method simplicityVSAvoidcontact detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static fixed threshold to a dynamic detection method that continuously updates the minimum distance value based on real-time position data. The system adapts to surface deformation by updating the reference plane and compensating for tip position estimation errors through temporal analysis of motion parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from continuous position measurements to update the minimum distance threshold and adjust detection parameters. By analyzing the relationship between current and historical position data, the system dynamically adjusts its detection criteria to maintain accuracy despite surface variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If submillimeter estimation error is required for fixed threshold method, then contact detection accuracy improves, but the method becomes ineffective when writing surface deforms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetip position estimation accuracyVSAvoideffectiveness with deforming surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously tracking and storing position data before contact events occur. It builds a historical record of tip positions and uses this information to establish dynamic reference levels, enabling accurate contact detection even when surfaces deform during writing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3230833B1Method for continuously detecting a state contact or non-contact between a tip of an instrument and a writing medium having a variable thickness, and related system
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 ISKN
  • EP3230833B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3230833B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3230833B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for continuously detecting a contact state or non-contact state between a tip (P) of an instrument (U) and a writing surface (SE) of a writing medium (SUE) which has a variable thickness and is arranged on a bearing surface (SA) of a tracking device (DL).