Pen Digitizer Optical Encoding Scalable Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digitizer techniques face limitations in resolution and accuracy due to the exponential increase in signal connections and processing resources required for larger display sizes, making them inefficient for large displays.
Innovation Solution
An encoded micro pattern integrated into a display surface, which uses optically-imaged segments with unique encoded bits and fiducial markers, allowing for scalable digitization without exponential processing resource demands, combined with a pen digitizer that illuminates and images these patterns using light guides and a photo array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the size and area of a digitizer pad is increased, then the coverage area is improved, but the signal connections and processing resources needed to resolve position data increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical signal connection system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using M×N sensor arrays with extensive electrical wiring to detect position, the system uses a camera to optically image encoded patterns on the display surface. This substitution of mechanical/electrical systems with optical systems eliminates the exponential increase in signal connections and processing resources when scaling up digitizer pad area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses encoded visual patterns that are imaged and processed as image data rather than electrical signals. The encoded bits and fiducial markers create a visual representation of position information that can be captured by a camera and processed through image recognition algorithms, replacing the need for complex electrical signal processing associated with large sensor arrays.
2Measurement precision
If the resolution and accuracy of a digitizer pad is improved, then the measurement precision is improved, but the processing resources and power consumption increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical signal processing with optical imaging and image processing. The encoded patterns provide inherent position information that can be decoded from images, eliminating the need for extensive signal processing resources required by conventional high-resolution sensor arrays. This approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoded patterns are pre-configured on the display surface with fiducial markers and encoded bits that contain position information in advance. This preliminary encoding of position data into visual patterns allows the system to determine position directly from images without requiring complex real-time processing, thereby maintaining high measurement precision with reduced processing resources.
3Manufacturing precision
If the number of signal connections in a sensor array is increased, then the resolution is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex network of electrical signal connections with a simple optical imaging path. The encoded patterns are manufactured as part of the display surface or overlay, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrays and their extensive wiring. This substitution dramatically simplifies manufacturing while maintaining or improving resolution through the encoded pattern design.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoded patterns serve multiple functions: they provide position encoding, contain fiducial markers for orientation and scaling, and can be integrated directly into the display surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and connections, simplifying both manufacturing and system architecture while achieving high resolution.
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 efficient digitization across various display sizes from small to large without significant increases in processing resources, providing accurate and scalable handwriting recognition in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that generates light
Implementation Method 2
light guides, such as fiber optics, configured coaxial within the pen digitizer to transfer the light from the light source
Implementation Method 3
A photo array optically-images reflected light from encoded bits in the encoded micro pattern
Implementation Method 4
a lens focuses the reflected light onto the photo array
Implementation Method 5
A photo array optically-images reflected light from encoded bits
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, a pen digitizer includes a light source that generates light. The pen digitizer also includes light guides, such as fiber optics, configured coaxial within the pen digitizer to transfer the light from the light source and focus the light around an imaging tip of the pen digitizer. A photo array optically-images reflected light from encoded bits in an encoded micro pattern, and a lens focuses the reflected light onto the photo array.