Multi-touch Sensor Segmentation for Simultaneous User and Position Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-user touch systems struggle to accurately perform both multi-point detection and user detection simultaneously, leading to inflexible operability and decreased detection accuracy when multiple users interact with a touch surface using multiple indicators.
Innovation Solution
A multi-touch and multi-user detecting device with a sensor conductor system that includes intersecting first and second conductors, a signal transmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, an indication position detecting circuit, a user identifying information detecting circuit, and a correspondence determining circuit, allowing for accurate detection of multiple touch points and users by distinguishing indicator signals and determining their respective positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cross-point type capacitive coupling system is used for multi-point detection, then multiple indication positions can be detected, but user identification capability is lost when multiple users simultaneously operate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two independent parts: (1) position detection using the cross-point capacitive coupling system, and (2) user identification using separate user identification circuits that detect unique user signals. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between multi-point detection accuracy and user identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional detection system where the sensor section performs both position detection (through capacitive coupling at cross-points) and user identification (through detection of user-specific signals). By making the system universal in its detection capabilities, it can handle multiple functions simultaneously - detecting both what position is touched and which user is touching it.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple indicators are used by multiple users simultaneously, then operational flexibility is improved, but detection accuracy and system coordination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into position detection circuits and user identification circuits that operate independently. The position detection accurately locates touch points on the sensor section, while user identification circuits simultaneously identify which user is operating each indicator. This segmentation prevents signal interference and maintains detection accuracy even when multiple users operate multiple indicators simultaneously, thereby preserving both operational flexibility and measurement precision.
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 accurate simultaneous detection of multiple touch points and users, enhancing flexible coordination between user operations and display, even when multiple users perform operations using multiple indicators.
Implementation Method 1
an indicator detecting device of a cross-point type capacitive coupling system capable of detecting a plurality of indication positions (multiple-point detection)
Implementation Method 2
the receiving section 300 amplifies signals of the respective receiving conductors 12X 1 , 12X 2 , ... in an amplifying circuit 31, converts the signals of the respective receiving conductors 12X 1 , 12X 2 , ... into digital signals in an A/D converting circuit 32
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system and method are provided to enable the indication positions of respective indicators (e.g., fingers) to be detected (multiple-point detection) and also to enable detection of the users of the indicators (user detection). Signal generators for generating different signals for respective users are provided, and the signals from the signal generators are supplied to a sensor section through indicators. In a multi-touch and multi-user detecting device 1, a transmitting section 200 supplies determined signals to respective transmitting conductors 11Y. Respective receiving conductors 12X receive the signals from the transmitting conductors 11Y and also the signals from the signal generators of the users. Based on these signals, a user-and-position identifying circuit 33A and a position detecting circuit 34A in a receiving section 300A function to detect indication positions indicated by the respective indicators as well as the users using the indicators.