3D Gesture And Touch Detection Multiplexing To Prevent Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D sensing and capacitive touch sensing systems using alternating electric near-field technology face interference issues, making simultaneous operation challenging due to high sensitivity and mutual interference, which affects the accuracy and reliability of gesture detection and touch detection.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multiplexing techniques, such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Interference Compensation, allows for synchronized operation of 3D gesture detection and touch detection systems by separating shared transmission channels and compensating for interference, using the same E-field excitation and multiplexing physical electrodes to increase sub-channels and adapt signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If 3D gesture detection and capacitive touch detection systems operate simultaneously using alternating electric near-field technology, then both functions can be provided, but mutual interference occurs affecting accuracy and reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection functionalityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operation of 3D gesture detection and touch detection into different time slots using time-division multiplexing. The system alternates between activating transmission electrodes for 3D sensing and reading electrodes for touch sensing, preventing simultaneous operation that causes interference. This temporal segmentation eliminates mutual interference while maintaining both detection functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic action by cycling through different operational modes in a repeating sequence: activating transmission electrodes for 3D gesture detection, then switching to read mode for touch detection. This periodic switching between functions allows both systems to operate reliably without continuous interference, as each function has dedicated time windows for operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Device complexity

If the same transmission channel is shared between 3D sensing and touch sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but interference and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidinterference and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing time-division multiplexing on the shared transmission channel. The system periodically switches between transmitting signals for 3D sensing and reading signals for touch sensing on the same physical channel. This temporal separation eliminates interference and noise while maintaining hardware simplicity, as the same channel serves both functions at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that the shared transmission channel is continuously utilized for productive purposes - either 3D sensing or touch sensing - without idle time. The rapid switching between functions keeps the hardware engaged in useful work while preventing interference, maximizing resource utilization without compromising signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

This approach enables reliable and accurate simultaneous operation of 3D gesture detection and touch detection systems, reducing noise and transient effects, and increasing noise robustness and local resolution, thereby enhancing the overall performance and usability of human-device interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a three-dimensional (3D) gesture detection device with a plurality of input channels and an output channel, wherein the 3D gesture device uses an alternating electric near field generated through at least one transmission electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlternating electric near field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

EP2673882 discloses a capacitive touch electrode having two distinctive zones. A first zone which upon approach of an object leads to a reduction of capacitance. And a second zone which upon approach of an object leads to an increase of a capacitance.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3167351B1A method and system for gesture detection and touch detection
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 MICROCHIP TECH GERMANY II
  • EP3167351B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3167351B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3167351B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A system has a gesture detection device with a plurality of input channels and an output channel which uses an alternating electric near field generated through at least one transmission electrode coupled with the output channel, wherein some of the input channels are coupled with receiving electrodes of the gesture detection device. The system further has a plurality of touch electrodes, wherein the touch electrodes are coupled with one of the input channels by multiplexing.