Pen Coordinate Scanning for Contact and Hover Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch pads configured for pen input experience degraded coordinate detection accuracy for electrodes in contact and not in contact with the panel surface due to signal spreading, which affects the precision of pen input.
Innovation Solution
A method and sensor controller that perform first and second scanning operations to detect signals from electrodes in contact and not in contact with the panel surface at different reference positions within specific ranges, allowing for accurate coordinate derivation based on signal levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor electrodes are arranged closer together under the panel surface, then accuracy of detection of coordinates of an electrode in contact with the panel surface is improved, but accuracy of detection of coordinates of an electrode not in contact with the panel surface is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching between two different scanning ranges (first range and second range) depending on the detection target. When detecting an electrode in contact with the panel surface, a first scanning range is used; when detecting an electrode not in contact (hovering), a second scanning range is used. This dynamic adjustment of scanning parameters resolves the contradiction by optimizing detection conditions for each specific scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scanning range parameter based on the detection target. By adjusting the scanning range (from first range to second range), the system adapts to different detection needs: a smaller first range for contact detection and a larger second range for hovering detection. This parameter change resolves the technical contradiction by matching detection parameters to the specific operational state.
2Measurement precision
If sensor electrodes are arranged closer together, then coordinate detection accuracy for contact electrodes is improved, but distinct peak detection becomes difficult due to signal spreading
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between first and second scanning ranges based on whether the electrode is in contact or hovering. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain close electrode spacing for high resolution while using an expanded second scanning range when hovering to capture the spread signal and identify distinct peaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the detection in another dimension by using a larger second scanning range when detecting hovering electrodes. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture signals that have spread across the panel surface, making peak detection possible even when electrodes are closely spaced.
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
Improves the accuracy of detecting coordinates of electrodes in contact and not in contact with the panel surface by capturing position signals in a larger range, enhancing overall precision in pen input.
Implementation Method 1
a touch pad 12 which detects a position of the pen 2 on the panel surface 12a on the basis of an active capacitive system
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a sensor controller detects coordinates of a pen including one or more electrodes that transmit a signal. The method includes a first scanning step of performing an operation of detecting a signal transmitted from an electrode in contact with a panel surface at each of three or more first reference positions at which signal levels can be detected, from the signal detected in a sensor electrode group included in a first range, among plural juxtaposed reference positions. The method includes a second scanning step of performing an operation of detecting a signal transmitted from an electrode not in contact with the panel surface at each of three or more second reference positions at which signal levels can be detected, from the signal detected in a sensor electrode group included in a second range greater than the first range, among the plural reference positions.