Elliptical Capacitive Sensor Electrode Pattern for Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive sensing input devices face challenges in efficiently utilizing non-rectangular sensor electrode patterns, as they often require new processing systems and hardware, which can be costly and inefficient, and struggle to accurately detect input objects on curved or elliptical surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a capacitive sensor electrode pattern with multiple subsets of sensor electrodes of different shapes and surface areas, where the processing system acquires and scales signals from these electrodes to interpolate position estimates, allowing for the use of existing processing systems with new elliptical shapes, and determining the location of input objects relative to the sensor pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-rectangular sensor electrode patterns are implemented, then adaptability to curved surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring new processing systems and hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor electrode pattern is divided into multiple subsets (first subset, second subset, third subset) with different shapes and surface areas. Each subset corresponds to different regions of the elliptical pattern, allowing the system to process complex curved surface data by breaking it down into manageable segments that can be handled by existing processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies scaling factors to adjust the capacitive resulting signals from different electrode subsets. By changing the parameter of signal amplitude through scaling, the system can accommodate variations in electrode surface areas and shapes while using standard processing hardware, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If sensor electrodes of different shapes and surface areas are used, then measurement accuracy on curved surfaces is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different subsets of sensor electrodes are designed with different shapes and surface areas tailored to specific regions of the elliptical pattern. The first subset has a first shape and surface area, the second subset has a second shape and surface area, and the third subset has a third shape and surface area. This local optimization allows each electrode subset to be precisely matched to its corresponding region, improving overall measurement accuracy without requiring uniform precision across all electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of electrode patterns with varying characteristics across different subsets. Rather than requiring a single perfect electrode design, the system uses replicated electrode structures with deliberate variations in shape and area to match different regions of the curved surface, reducing the burden on manufacturing precision while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing processing systems are reused with elliptical patterns, then cost efficiency is improved, but signal processing complexity increases requiring scaling and interpolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies scaling factors to the capacitive resulting signals from the second and third electrode subsets before processing. This preliminary action of scaling the signals according to the respective surface areas of different electrode subsets simplifies subsequent processing by normalizing the data, allowing existing processing systems to handle elliptical patterns without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces scaling factors as an intermediary element between the raw capacitive signals from differently sized electrodes and the final position calculation. These scaling factors act as mediators that translate signals from electrodes with varying surface areas into a common reference frame, enabling the reuse of existing processing systems while maintaining accuracy.
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 enables efficient reuse of existing processing systems with elliptical sensor electrode patterns, improving usability and accuracy in detecting input objects on curved surfaces by scaling and interpolating signals from differently shaped electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive sensor electrode pattern comprises a plurality of sensor electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive sensor electrode pattern comprises a plurality of sensor electrodes. The plurality of sensor electrodes are disposed in a common layer with one another and arranged to form an ellipse. The plurality of sensor electrodes comprises first, second, and third subsets of sensor electrodes. The first subset of sensor electrodes has a first shape and a first surface area, wherein centers of mass of the first subset of sensor electrodes are substantially coincident with nodes of a coordinate system. The second subset of sensor electrodes has a second subset of sensor electrodes has a second shape and a second surface area. The third subset of sensor electrodes has a third shape and a third surface area. The first, second, and third shapes are all different. The first, second, and third surface areas are all different, and the second and third surface areas are less than the first surface area.