Input Sensor Capacitance Variation for Body Composition Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with input sensors are limited to obtaining only location information of user inputs and lack the capability to analyze body composition data.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an input sensor system that includes first and second electrodes, and a sensor controller capable of operating in two modes: one for measuring capacitance variations to determine input location and another for analyzing body composition by using specific electrode configurations and modes to sense body dielectric changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the input sensor is used only for location information measurement, then the device structure remains simple, but the functional versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The input sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can measure both location information of user inputs and body composition data using the same electrode structure. The sensor controller switches between different driving modes (first driving mode for location, second driving mode for body composition) to enable this multi-functionality without requiring separate sensing systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensors are added for body composition analysis, then body composition measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the body composition sensing function with the existing input sensor by utilizing the same first and second electrodes. The sensor controller is configured to operate in different driving modes: in the second driving mode, it measures body composition by detecting capacitance variations between the electrodes when a user's body contacts the display panel, eliminating the need for separate body composition sensors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor controller operates in multiple driving modes, then the functional capabilities are expanded, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor controller is designed with dynamic switching capability between different driving modes. It can switch between the first driving mode (for location sensing) and the second driving mode (for body composition analysis) based on operational requirements. This dynamic mode switching allows the same hardware to adapt to different sensing needs without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each function.
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 electronic device to obtain both location information of user inputs and body composition data, expanding its functional capabilities beyond traditional input sensing.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor controller is configured to measure a variation of capacitance between the first electrodes and the second electrodes to generate location information of an input
Implementation Method 2
the sensor controller is configured to use a first portion among the first electrodes as a transmission sensing electrode and to use a second portion among the first electrodes as a reception sensing electrode to analyze a body composition
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a display panel configured to display an image; an input sensor disposed on the display panel and including first electrodes and second electrodes electrically insulated from the first electrodes; and a sensor controller electrically connected to the input sensor, the sensor controller configured to drive the input sensor in a first driving mode or a second driving mode, wherein: in the first driving mode, the sensor controller is configured to measure a variation of capacitance between the first electrodes and the second electrodes to generate location information of an input, and in the second driving mode, the sensor controller is configured to use a first portion among the first electrodes as a transmission sensing electrode and to use a second portion among the first electrodes as a reception sensing electrode to analyze a body composition.