Electronic Device Sensing Circuit Segmentation for Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with capacitive sensing chips face difficulties in accurately distinguishing between a human body and other objects due to increased capacitance from any approaching metal objects, leading to false determinations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electronic device with a target metal segment connected to both a first sensing circuit for determining distance and a second sensing circuit for determining object type, using distinct sensing signals to differentiate between objects based on distance and type, thereby enhancing accuracy without increasing device volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If capacitive sensing chips are used to detect approaching objects, then the sensing function is provided, but false determination occurs because all objects increase capacitance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing functionVSAvoidobject identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing function is segmented into two independent sensing circuits: a first sensing circuit for detecting distance (capacitive sensing) and a second sensing circuit for detecting object type (inductive sensing). This segmentation allows each circuit to specialize in a specific aspect, preventing false determinations while maintaining comprehensive sensing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sensing circuits are applied to different aspects of object detection: the first sensing circuit uses capacitive sensing for distance measurement, while the second sensing circuit uses inductive sensing for object type identification. This local quality approach ensures that each sensing function is optimized for its specific purpose, improving overall measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a single sensing circuit is used to detect both distance and object type, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing circuit structureVSAvoiddistance and type detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing system is divided into two separate sensing circuits that share a common target metal segment. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each circuit for its specific function (distance vs. object type detection), improving measurement precision without requiring completely separate sensing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The target metal segment serves as a universal sensing element that both sensing circuits share. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to maintain relatively simple device structure while achieving precise measurement through specialized circuit design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensing circuits are added to improve object identification accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject type identification accuracyVSAvoidsensing circuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second sensing circuits are merged by sharing a common target metal segment. This combining approach allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through multiple sensing functions while minimizing device complexity by avoiding completely separate sensing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The target metal segment acts as a universal sensing element that enables both capacitive and inductive sensing functions. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve object identification accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution allows for precise identification of a human body approaching the device, ensuring high accuracy in object detection and type identification, while allowing the device to function without volume expansion and maintaining normal operation of other circuits.

Implementation Method 1

the capacitive sensing chip is increased, which causes false determination of the sensing apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The second sensing circuit is connected to the target metal segment and obtains a second parameter based on a second sensing signal of the target metal segment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250004106A1Electronic device and determination method

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes a target metal segment, a first sensing circuit, and a second sensing circuit. The first sensing circuit is connected to the target metal segment and obtains a first parameter based on a first sensing signal of the target metal segment. The first parameter is used to indicate a distance between a target object and the target metal segment. The second sensing circuit is connected to the target metal segment and obtains a second parameter based on a second sensing signal of the target metal segment. The second parameter is used to indicate a type of the target object.