Digital Charge Accumulator Feedback Circuit for Proximity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensor devices face challenges in reducing the number and size of analog components required for input sensing, as they typically need large capacitors and resistors, which increases the size of the device and complicates feature miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a feedback circuit to sample voltages associated with sensor electrodes, adding or removing charge based on threshold voltages, and determining positional information by counting charge additions and removals, thereby converting input sensing signals to the digital domain quickly, reducing the need for analog circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If analog circuitry is used to process input sensing signals, then signal processing capability is achieved, but the number and size of components (capacitors, resistors) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog signal processing circuitry with a digital processing approach. A feedback circuit continuously monitors the voltage across the sensor electrode and digitally counts the number of times charge is added or removed, converting the analog sensing process into a digital counting mechanism. This eliminates the need for large analog capacitors and resistors while maintaining signal processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter domain from continuous analog voltage measurement to discrete digital counting. By monitoring voltage threshold crossings and counting the number of charge addition/removal events, the system transforms continuous analog signal processing into discrete digital processing, reducing component complexity while preserving sensing functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If feature size of proximity sensor devices is decreased, then device miniaturization is achieved, but the size of analog circuitry must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes analog circuitry with digital processing to enable device miniaturization. By using a feedback circuit that digitally counts voltage threshold crossings rather than relying on large analog components, the system achieves small device form factor without compromising signal processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital representation of the analog sensing process through feedback counting. Instead of using physical analog components of varying sizes, the system uses a standardized digital counting mechanism that can be implemented in small integrated circuits, enabling device miniaturization.
3Reliability
If analog circuitry is used for input sensing, then sensing functionality is achieved, but device costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive analog components (large capacitors, resistors) with a cost-effective digital feedback counting system. The feedback circuit uses standard digital logic to monitor voltage thresholds and count charge events, significantly reducing component costs while maintaining sensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the sensing approach from continuous analog processing to discrete digital counting, enabling the use of cheaper digital components instead of expensive analog components. This parameter transformation reduces manufacturing costs while preserving sensing capability.
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 allows for the conversion of input sensing signals to the digital domain shortly after reception, minimizing the number and size of analog components, enabling smaller form factors and reduced device costs while maintaining accurate positional information determination.
Implementation Method 1
driving an input sensing signal to charge the sensor electrode, sampling a first voltage associated with the sensor electrode, removing charge from the sensor electrode when the first voltage is above a threshold voltage, and adding charge to the sensor electrode when the first voltage is below the threshold voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a method of input sensing with a sensor electrode. The method includes driving an input sensing signal to charge the sensor electrode and sampling a first voltage associated with the sensor electrode. The method further includes removing charge from the sensor electrode when the first voltage is above a threshold voltage, adding charge to the sensor electrode when the first voltage is below the threshold voltage, determining a number of times charge is removed from the sensor electrode, and determining a number of times charge is added to the sensor electrode. The method further includes determining positional information based on the number of times charge is removed from the sensor electrode and the number of times charge is added to the sensor electrode.