Digitizer System with RFID Tag Integration for Multi-Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digitizing tablet systems face challenges in accurately detecting and identifying multiple objects positioned on their surface, particularly in distinguishing between different objects and determining their positions and orientations efficiently.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an RFID system with electronic tags and a digitizer sensor that radiate modulated signals, allowing the system to identify and determine the position of objects based on detected signals, using a combination of excitation coils, antennas, and conductive lines to differentiate between objects and detect their positions and orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional digitizer sensors are used to detect multiple objects, then position detection is achieved, but object identification and differentiation between multiple objects becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidobject identification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the detection process into two independent parts: position detection using the digitizer sensor and object identification using RFID tags. Each object carries an RFID tag with a unique identification code that is separately detected and combined with position data, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both position and identity information without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

RFID tags serve as intermediary carriers that bridge the gap between the digitizer sensor and the objects. The tags are attached to or embedded in objects and contain unique identification codes, enabling the system to identify objects without relying on the digitizer sensor's position detection capabilities alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If RFID tags are integrated with digitizer sensors to enable object identification, then object identification capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject identification capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The excitation coil system serves multiple functions: it generates excitation signals for RFID tags, detects modulated signals from tags, and integrates with the existing digitizer sensor framework. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID detection system is merged with the existing digitizer sensor system by using the same excitation coil infrastructure and integrating signal processing in the controller. The controller combines position data from the digitizer sensor with identification data from RFID tags in a unified processing framework, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If multiple objects are detected simultaneously on the digitizer surface, then detection coverage is improved, but signal differentiation and object distinction becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of detectable objectsVSAvoidobject differentiation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments identification information into unique RFID tag codes carried by each object. When multiple objects are present, each object's RFID tag responds with its unique code to the excitation signal, allowing the controller to differentiate between objects based on their distinct identification signals rather than relying on position data alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The excitation coil sends periodic excitation signals to RFID tags, and tags respond with modulated signals containing their unique identification codes. This periodic interaction allows the system to sequentially detect and differentiate multiple objects even when they are simultaneously present on the digitizer surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables robust detection of multiple objects, including electromagnetic styluses, RFID tags, and finger touch, improving the accuracy and efficiency of object identification and position determination on digitizing tablet systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one object incorporating an electronic tag configured for radiating at least one modulated signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10503340B2System and method for multiple object detection on a digitizer system

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A digitizer system comprises at least one object incorporating an electronic tag configured for radiating at least one modulated signal and at least one second signal; a digitizer sensor configured for detecting the at least one second signal while the object is positioned on or over the digitizer sensor; and circuitry configured for identifying the object based on modulation of the at least one modulated signal and for determining a position of the object on or over the digitizer based on the detected second signal on a portion of the digitizer sensor.