Input Device Element Data Configuration Matrix Conversion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices require repeated data configuration processes to improve accuracy, increasing calculation load and desiring a method to configure element data indicating object proximity in multiple sections using a smaller number of detection data.

Innovation Solution

An input device that configures element data by converting detection data from a smaller number of electrodes into data representing object proximity across multiple sections, using a matrix-based conversion method to simplify calculations and reduce the number of data configuration iterations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the number of repeating times of the data configuration process is increased to improve accuracy of configured element data, then measurement precision is improved, but calculation load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of configured element dataVSAvoidcalculation load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing a conversion matrix that maps detection data to element data. This matrix is computed in advance and reused during operation, eliminating the need for repeated iterative data configuration processes. The conversion matrix contains pre-determined conversion values that directly transform detection data into element data for multiple sections, thereby achieving accurate element data configuration with minimal calculation load during actual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If a smaller number of electrodes are used to detect electrostatic capacitance, then device complexity is reduced, but the number of sections that can be monitored is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of electrodesVSAvoidnumber of sections on operation plane
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing a mathematical conversion layer that transforms data from one dimensional space (detection data from n electrodes) to another dimensional space (element data for m sections where m > n). The conversion matrix operates in this mathematical dimension to expand the effective coverage, allowing a smaller number of physical electrodes to monitor a larger number of logical sections through linear transformation rather than requiring a one-to-one physical mapping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conversion matrix as an intermediary between the detection data from electrodes and the element data for sections. This matrix acts as a mediator that translates and distributes the information from n electrodes across m sections, enabling the system to overcome the limitation of having fewer electrodes than sections while maintaining accurate proximity detection across all sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If more detection data are collected to improve element data configuration accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement data configuration accuracyVSAvoiddata configuration speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by creating a virtual expansion of detection data through the conversion matrix. Instead of physically collecting more detection data from additional electrodes, the system copies and distributes the information from n electrodes across m sections using pre-calculated conversion values. This virtual copying approach achieves comprehensive element data for all sections while maintaining fast processing speed, as the conversion operations use simple multiplication and addition rather than complex iterative calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 the configuration of element data indicating object proximity across multiple sections with a reduced calculation load, achieving accurate results with fewer data configuration iterations.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor of the self-capacitance method which has high detection sensitivity of an electrostatic capacitance is advantageously used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3605290B1Input device, element data configuring method and program
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP3605290B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3605290B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3605290B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A data configuration process is repeatedly performed at least twice, and a sum of a value obtained by multiplying a difference between a first temporary value (PAjt=1) of element data obtained by the first data configuration process and a second temporary value (PAjt=2) of the element data obtained by the second data configuration process by a predetermined proportionality coefficient γ and the first temporary value (PAjt=1) is calculated for each of M sections A1 to AM as values approximated to a convergence value of the element data. By this, the number of times the data configuration process is repeatedly performed is considerably reduced when compared with a case where a convergence value of element data is obtained by repeatedly performing the data configuration process a number of times.