Coordinate Input Sensor Detectable Area Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coordinate input devices face challenges in increasing the detectable area while minimizing the invalid area, where the sensor cannot detect the position indicated by a position indicator, due to the arrangement of power and signal lines for loop coils.
Innovation Solution
The sensor design includes x-direction and y-direction signal detection line groups with terminal portions between adjacent linear sections, where lines connect terminals to signal detection lines and loop coils, allowing these connections to be within the detectable area, reducing the invalid region and enabling efficient use of the sensor's surface for detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If lines are extracted from loop coils toward the outside of the loop coil region, then the invalid area is reduced, but the detectable area cannot be further increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration by placing loop coils and lines in different layers. Specifically, the first and second loop coils are arranged in a first layer, while the first and second lines are arranged in a second layer that is stacked on the first layer, allowing spatial separation that reduces the invalid area while maintaining detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the lines are positioned within the spatial envelope of the loop coils through multi-layer stacking. The lines in the second layer are arranged to extend in directions different from the loop coils in the first layer, allowing the lines to be embedded within the overall structure without increasing the footprint, thereby minimizing the invalid area.
2Area of stationary object
If more loop coils are arranged to increase detectable area, then the sensor coverage is improved, but the overall sensor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking to arrange multiple loop coils and lines in different layers, enabling increased detectable area without proportional increase in horizontal footprint. The first loop coil and second loop coil are positioned in the first layer, while their corresponding lines are positioned in the second layer stacked above, effectively using the third dimension to pack more functional elements into a compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (loop coils and signal lines) into a compact multi-layer structure where space is efficiently shared. The first and second lines are arranged to extend in different directions, allowing them to share the same vertical space above the loop coils, thereby reducing the overall sensor volume while maintaining full detectable area coverage.
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 significantly increases the detectable area, reduces the overall size of the sensor, and facilitates easy connection of a control circuit, enhancing the design freedom and reducing the failure rate while maintaining efficient signal detection.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor detects a position indicated by the position indicator using an electromagnetic effect between the sensor and the position indicator
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for a coordinate input device includes an x-direction loop coil group including a plurality of loop coils arranged in an x direction, each loop coil having at least two linear sections perpendicular to the x direction, and a y-direction loop coil group including a plurality of loop coils arranged in a y direction, each loop coil having at least two linear sections perpendicular to the y direction. A terminal portion including a plurality of terminals is provided in the vicinity of an edge portion of the x-direction or y-direction loop coil group. Lines are disposed between the linear sections of the loop coils of the x-direction loop coil group or the y-direction loop coil group to provide connections between the terminals of the terminal portion and the corresponding loop coils of the x-direction loop coil group and the y-direction loop coil group.