Electronic Pen Position Detection Using Segmented Signal Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices struggle to accurately determine the position of an electronic pen relative to the screen, particularly when the pen is on the side of the device, due to ambiguous signal magnitude and equi-capacitance issues.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting signals from multiple regions of an electronic device, allowing an electronic pen to determine its 3D position by decoding signals received from different parts of the screen, either through time division or simultaneous transmission of signals with different information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal magnitude is used to detect pen presence, then the device can detect when the pen is in proximity, but the position of the pen relative to the device cannot be determined accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is divided into multiple regions (e.g., first region, second region, third region, fourth region) with each region having associated electrodes that independently transmit signals. By determining which specific region's signal is received by the pen, the system can pinpoint the pen's location more accurately rather than treating the entire device as a single detection zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping relationship between regions and quadrants (e.g., first region maps to first quadrant, second region maps to second quadrant). This intermediary layer allows the system to translate regional signal reception into precise positional information, bridging the gap between simple presence detection and accurate position determination.
2Reliability
If signal magnitude is used for detection, then the system can detect pen proximity, but the signal magnitude drops slowly making it hard to determine pen position, particularly when the pen is located on the side of the device
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detection area into multiple regions with distinct signal transmission, the system creates sharper spatial discrimination. Instead of relying on gradual signal magnitude changes across a uniform field, each region transmits its own signal that can be independently identified by the pen, creating distinct detection zones that make position determination easier even when the pen is at the edges of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
Each region is赋予 (endowed) with unique signal characteristics or transmission properties, allowing the pen to identify which specific region it is closest to. This local differentiation enables accurate position detection at device edges by comparing signal strengths or characteristics from different regional sources rather than relying on overall signal magnitude from a single source.
3Reliability
If equi-capacitance to the device surfaces is used, then the system can detect pen proximity to different areas, but ambiguity arises with respect to the pen's actual position
Solution Approach 1:
The detection surface is segmented into multiple regions, each with its own signal transmission capability. When the pen is detected, the system determines which specific region's signal is received, thereby resolving the ambiguity that would exist with a uniform equi-capacitance field. The segmentation creates distinct detection zones that eliminate positional uncertainty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by assigning different signal transmission characteristics or identification markers to different regions. This asymmetric signaling approach breaks the symmetry of equi-capacitance fields, allowing the system to distinguish between different positions that would otherwise appear identical in a uniform field, thereby eliminating positional ambiguity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Signals are transmitted from a plurality of regions of an electronic device. Location information is then received from an electronic pen in proximity to the electronic device. The location information is determined by the electronic pen and corresponds to a location of the electronic pen relative to the screen of the electronic device. The location information is determined using one or more of the transmitted signals received by the electronic pen. A display on the screen of the electronic device is controlled based at least in part on the received location information. A more efficient pen operating state is thereby provided that improves the user experience by more accurately and reliably determining the pen location in space.