Input Device Resistance Determination for Positional Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensor devices face challenges in accurately determining the resistance of conductive traces, which affects positional information accuracy due to unknown and significant electrical resistance introduced by these traces.
Innovation Solution
A processing system comprising a transmitter module, receiver module, and determination module is used to apply differential drive signals across a transmitter electrode, receive resulting signals, and determine the resistance of the transmitter electrode and coupled conductive traces based on these signals, thereby compensating for the resistance effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive traces are used to couple transmitter and receiver electrodes, then electrical connection is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to unknown and significant electrical resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies test signals through the conductive traces and measures the resulting voltage variations to determine the actual resistance values. This feedback mechanism allows the system to characterize and compensate for the resistance introduced by conductive traces, thereby maintaining measurement precision while using simple conductive trace connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent determines resistance values by changing signal parameters (applying different test voltages and measuring current responses) through the conductive traces. By varying the electrical parameters and analyzing the responses, the system can extract resistance information that is then used to compensate for measurement errors in positional detection.
2Device complexity
If conventional sensor electrodes with conductive traces are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to unaccounted resistance effects
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device performs self-characterization by using its own conductive traces to measure their own resistance values. The transmitter electrodes apply test signals through the conductive traces, and the receiver electrodes measure the resulting voltage variations, allowing the system to automatically determine and compensate for resistance effects without external calibration equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive traces serve dual functions: they provide electrical connection for normal sensor operation and simultaneously act as measurement paths for determining resistance values. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration circuits or additional components, maintaining device simplicity while enabling precise resistance compensation.
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 improves the accuracy of positional information detection by accounting for the resistance of conductive traces, minimizing errors and allowing for better performance in capacitive sensor devices.
Implementation Method 1
apply a first differential drive signal across a transmitter electrode to produce a first voltage variation across the transmitter electrode
Implementation Method 2
receive a first resulting signal with a receiver electrode when the first voltage variation is produced across the transmitter electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A processing system for an input device includes a transmitter module, a receiver module, and a determination module. The transmitter module includes transmitter circuitry and is configured to apply a first differential drive signal across a transmitter electrode to produce a first voltage variation across the transmitter electrode. The receiver module is configured to receive a first resulting signal with a receiver electrode when the first voltage variation is produced across the transmitter electrode. The determination module is configured to determine at least one of a resistance of the transmitter electrode and a resistance of a conductive trace coupled to the transmitter electrode based on the first resulting signal. As a result, an error in the position of an input object can be corrected.