Force Sensing via Histogram Analysis of Sensor Electrode Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as touchpads and touch screens, lack the ability to accurately measure the force applied by an input object within their sensing region, which limits their functionality in providing precise input data to electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A force sensing device is developed, comprising a plurality of sensor electrodes and a processing system that drives these electrodes to acquire sensor data, generates a histogram from the data, and determines force information by analyzing specific bins within the histogram, allowing for accurate estimation of the force applied by an input object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional touch sensor electrodes are used to detect input objects, then the presence and location of input objects can be determined, but the force applied by the input object cannot be accurately measured
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor electrode is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment independently connected to the readout circuit. This segmentation allows the system to capture localized force information at different positions, enabling accurate force measurement while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure by reusing the existing electrode infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If a single electrode is used to sense input objects, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to accurately measure applied force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the electrode are assigned different functional qualities - each segment can independently sense local force characteristics. This local differentiation enables accurate force measurement across the electrode surface while maintaining the simplicity of using a single continuous electrode structure rather than multiple separate electrodes.
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 enables precise measurement and estimation of force applied by input objects, enhancing the capability of input devices to provide accurate input data to electronic systems, thereby improving user interaction and system responsiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive sensor device includes a sensor electrode collection... the processing system is configured to drive the plurality of sensor electrodes to acquire sensor data
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for determining force applied by an input object in a sensing region of an input device are provided. The techniques generally include driving a plurality of sensor electrodes within a sensing region to acquire sensor data, generating a first histogram based on the sensor data, the first histogram including a plurality of bins each having an associated value, and based on the values associated with at least a subset of the plurality of bins of the first histogram, determining force information for an input object.