Input Device Region Identification via Binary Data Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as touch pads and touch panels, require significant memory capacity and computational load due to the need to store and process extensive scan history data for multi-touch detection, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An input device that includes a sensor unit for detecting object contact or proximity, a two-dimensional data generating unit, a data conversion unit to convert detection data into on/off values, and a region identifying unit to track the outline of contact regions, reducing the need for extensive data storage and computation by identifying regions based on edge acquisition and outline tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple scan lines are stored to track object contact regions, then region identification accuracy is improved, but memory capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for region identification by converting detection data to binary on/off values and storing only the outline information of contact regions, rather than storing complete multi-line scan data. This extraction approach maintains identification accuracy while significantly reducing memory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the contact region identification process into distinct steps: data conversion to binary values, outline detection, and region labeling. By processing data in segmented stages rather than storing complete scan histories, the system achieves accurate region identification with minimal memory usage.
2Measurement precision
If multiple scan lines are processed to identify contact regions, then region identification accuracy is improved, but computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data conversion to binary on/off values before region identification processing. This preliminary action simplifies subsequent computational tasks by reducing data complexity, allowing accurate region identification with lower computational load during the main processing stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the outline information from scan data for region identification purposes, rather than processing complete multi-line scan histories. This extraction of essential information maintains identification accuracy while significantly reducing the computational burden of processing.
3Measurement precision
If complete scan history is stored for multi-touch detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential outline information needed for accurate touch detection, rather than managing complete scan history data. This extraction approach maintains detection accuracy while simplifying data management by reducing data volume and processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data representation parameter from continuous detection values to binary on/off values, and from complete scan histories to outline information. This parameter transformation simplifies data management while preserving the essential information needed for accurate multi-touch detection.
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 reduces memory capacity requirements and computational load by focusing processing on identified contact regions, allowing for accurate identification of multiple objects and efficient data management.
Implementation Method 1
Common capacitive sensors have multiple electrodes arrayed in a grid pattern, and detect capacitance between electrodes (mutual capacitance) and capacitance between electrodes and a ground (self capacitance)
Data Source
AI summary
Each of multiple detection data values included in two-dimensional data, generated based on detection results of sensor unit, is converted into either an on data value or an off data value by a data conversion unit. Each data value included in the converted two-dimensional data is sequentially acquired from an edge of an operating face by a region identifying unit, and is determined whether an on data value or not. In a case where determination is made that the acquired data value is an on data value, the acquired data value is set as a starting point, and an outline of a set region where adjacent on data values form a set is tracked in order starting from the starting point until returning to the original starting point again.