Matrix Touch Sensor Data Acquisition Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional matrix touch sensor data acquisition methods require extensive measurements and complex circuit designs, leading to inefficient scanning and high power consumption, especially when detecting multiple contact points simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves activating subsets of columns, measuring global electrical characteristics across rows, and performing sequential measurements only if contacts are detected, along with a standby mode to conserve energy when no contacts are present, utilizing a multiplexer to connect and disconnect lines for efficient data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential scanning of all cells is performed, then complete coverage of the matrix is achieved, but scanning time and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the matrix into multiple zones and processes them in segments rather than scanning all cells sequentially. The method activates only specific columns or rows corresponding to detected contact zones, breaking the full matrix scan into smaller, manageable segments that reduce overall scanning time while maintaining detection completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial scanning by activating only the necessary columns or rows based on preliminary detection. Instead of scanning the entire matrix, it applies partial action to the relevant zones where contacts are detected, significantly reducing scanning time while achieving complete coverage of contact points.
2Productivity
If reconfigurable connections are implemented for accelerated scanning, then scanning speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal column and row lines that can serve multiple functions. The same column lines are used for both activation and measurement, and the same applies to row lines. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reconfigurable connections while achieving accelerated scanning through selective activation of zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically activates only the necessary columns or rows based on contact detection, rather than using static reconfigurable connections. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different scanning scenarios without requiring complex reconfigurable circuitry, maintaining simplicity while improving scanning speed.
3Measurement precision
If all columns are activated simultaneously, then detection coverage is maximized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by activating only the specific columns or rows where contacts are detected, rather than activating all columns simultaneously. This localized activation reduces power consumption while maintaining detection coverage in the relevant zones, as each zone is processed only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by repeatedly detecting contacts and activating columns or rows only when changes are detected. Instead of continuous activation of all columns, the system periodically checks for contact changes and activates only the necessary zones, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection coverage.
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 significantly reduces scanning time and electrical consumption by targeting zones of interest and implementing a standby mode, thereby accelerating data detection and reducing unnecessary measurements.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, for each column supplied, an electrical characteristic at the terminals of each row, representative of an impedance level of the cell
Implementation Method 2
measuring means for measuring an electrical characteristic and in particular a voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A method of acquiring data of a matrix touch sensor including a matrix array of cells arranged according to a set of rows and columns, the method including: activating the cells arranged according to a column of at least one subset of columns of the matrix touch sensor; taking an overall measurement of an overall electrical characteristic on all the rows of at least one subset of rows of the matrix touch sensor; taking a sequential measurement of an electrical characteristic successively on each row of the at least one subset of rows, if the overall electrical characteristic has a value representative of a contact on at least one of the cells arranged according to the column; and repeating the overall measurement and sequential measurement after activating the cells arranged according to another column of the at least one subset of columns of the matrix touch sensor.