Extender Object Antenna Coils for Multi-Modal Sensing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-touch surfaces that detect user input and identify objects on their surface are either bulky and power-intensive due to optical arrangements or fail to provide both location and identification of objects, with capacitive sensing and NFC technologies interfering with each other.

Innovation Solution

A multi-modal sensing surface combining capacitive sensing electrode arrays and RF antennas, where the RF antennas are tuned to activate and read short-range wireless tags, allowing for both touch input detection and object identification, with an extender object using spatially separated antenna coils to extend the sensing range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical multi-touch tables with camera/projector systems are used to identify objects, then object identification capability is improved, but device size and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject identification capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical sensing systems (camera/projector) with electromagnetic field-based RF antenna systems for object identification. The RF antennas detect objects equipped with wireless tags through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for bulky optical components while maintaining object identification capability and significantly reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing surface integrates multiple functions into a single system: capacitive electrodes detect touch positions, while RF antennas simultaneously identify objects through wireless tags. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate optical systems, reducing both device size and power consumption while maintaining both touch detection and object identification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If optical multi-touch tables with camera/projector systems are used to identify objects, then object identification capability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject identification capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical sensing systems (camera/projector) with electromagnetic field-based RF antenna systems for object identification. The RF antennas detect objects equipped with wireless tags through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for bulky optical components while maintaining object identification capability and significantly reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing surface integrates multiple functions into a single system: capacitive electrodes detect touch positions, while RF antennas simultaneously identify objects through wireless tags. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate optical systems, reducing both device size and power consumption while maintaining both touch detection and object identification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If capacitive sensing and NFC technologies are used together, then both touch detection and object identification are achieved, but mutual interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-functional sensing capabilityVSAvoidsignal accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic time-division multiplexing where capacitive sensing and RF object identification operate in alternating time slots. During capacitive sensing phases, the RF antennas are deactivated, and during RF identification phases, the capacitive electrodes are deactivated. This periodic operation eliminates mutual interference between the two technologies while maintaining both functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between capacitive sensing mode and RF object identification mode based on operational requirements. The capacitive electrodes and RF antennas are selectively activated or deactivated to perform their respective functions without interfering with each other, enabling reliable multi-functional operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient and accurate detection of multi-touch inputs and object identification with reduced power consumption, allowing for a more compact and energy-efficient solution compared to purely optical or RF-based systems.

Implementation Method 1

A multi-modal sensing surface combining capacitive sensing electrode arrays and RF antennas, where the RF antennas are tuned to activate and read short-range wireless tags

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Capacitive multi-touch surfaces can detect the positions of one or more fingers on the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10955977B2Extender object for multi-modal sensing

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

An extender object for use with a multi-modal sensing surface comprises at least two antenna coils. A first antenna coil in the object is electrically connected to a second antenna coil in the object and the two antenna coils may be spatially separated. At least one of the first and second antenna coils comprises a plurality of radial elements extending in and/or out from the coil.