Hybrid Sensor Module Dynamic Tracking Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors, such as capacitive and resistive systems, face limitations in tracking resolution and speed, and optical navigation sensors (ONS) are prone to manufacturing variations, require tight calibration, and have limited active areas due to light source constraints, making them inefficient for tracking objects like gloved fingers.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid sensor module combining a touch sensor and an optical navigation sensor, with a controller that dynamically adjusts tracking resolution based on object motion characteristics, using technologies like speckle-based sensors and capacitive or resistive sensing arrays to enhance tracking accuracy and speed, and accommodate objects covered by insulating materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive or resistive touch sensors are used, then touch detection is achieved, but tracking resolution and tracking speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines capacitive touch sensing and optical navigation sensing into a single hybrid sensor module. The capacitive sensor detects touch events and initial motion, while the ONS provides high-speed tracking and resolution. This merging allows the system to achieve both high tracking resolution and high tracking speed by leveraging the complementary strengths of both sensing technologies simultaneously.
2Speed
If optical navigation sensor is used, then tracking speed is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and active area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid sensor module uses capacitive sensing data as feedback to complement and verify optical navigation data. The capacitive sensor provides reliable touch event detection and initial motion detection that feeds into the overall tracking system, helping to compensate for ONS manufacturing variations and reducing the stringency of optical calibration requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor layer serves multiple functions: it detects touch events, provides initial motion detection, and compensates for ONS limitations. This multi-functionality allows the optical navigation sensor to focus on high-speed tracking while the capacitive sensor handles touch detection and manufacturing variation compensation, effectively increasing the usable active area.
3Speed
If optical navigation sensor is used, then tracking speed is improved, but device complexity increases due to lift-cut-off mechanism requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges lift-cut-off functionality into the capacitive touch sensing system rather than requiring a separate optical lift-cut-off mechanism. The capacitive sensor naturally detects changes in touch state including lift events, eliminating the need for complex additional optical mechanisms while maintaining high tracking speed through the ONS.
4Speed
If optical navigation sensor is used, then tracking speed is improved, but reliability decreases for objects covered by insulating materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges capacitive touch sensing with optical navigation sensing to create a hybrid system. The capacitive sensor detects changes in electrical field caused by objects regardless of their optical properties or insulating materials. This allows reliable detection of gloved fingers and other insulating objects while the ONS component maintains high tracking speed for visual tracking.
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
The hybrid sensor module improves tracking resolution and speed, reduces manufacturing sensitivity, and effectively tracks objects like gloved fingers by dynamically adjusting tracking parameters and integrating multiple sensing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an optical navigation sensor (ONS) configured to illuminate the object through the surface of the touch sensor and to sense motion of the object based on light returned from the object
Implementation Method 2
a touch sensor, such as a capacitive or resistive sensing system, to sense and measure proximity, position, displacement or acceleration of an object
Implementation Method 3
a touch sensor, such as a capacitive or resistive sensing system, to sense and measure proximity, position, displacement or acceleration of an object
Implementation Method 4
using technologies like speckle-based sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid sensor module and methods of operating the same are provided. In one embodiment, the hybrid sensor module includes: (i) a touch sensor configured to sense motion of an object in proximity to a surface of the touch sensor; (ii) an optical navigation sensor (ONS) configured to illuminate the object through the surface of the touch sensor and to sense motion of the object based on light returned from the object; and (iii) a controller electrically coupled to the touch sensor and the ONS to process the sensed motion of the object and to generate an output signal in response to the sensed motion, wherein the controller is configured to dynamically adjust a tracking resolution of the hybrid sensor module based on a characteristic of the sensed motion. Other embodiments are disclosed.