Pen Sensor Controller for Simultaneous Dual-Protocol Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices struggle to simultaneously support both new and old protocol electronic pens due to differences in communication protocols, preventing seamless co-use.
Innovation Solution
The electronic pens and sensor controllers are designed with reception and transmission circuitry capable of handling multiple protocols, allowing them to detect and transmit signals according to different communication protocols, and alternating frame settings for simultaneous use of pens supporting old and new protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor controller supports only one communication protocol, then the communication is simple and stable, but it cannot simultaneously support both new and old protocol electronic pens
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into separate first communication units and second communication units, each dedicated to handling one protocol type. This allows the sensor controller to process old protocol pens and new protocol pens through distinct communication channels, avoiding protocol conflicts while maintaining separate simple processing paths for each protocol type
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor controller is designed with multi-functional communication capabilities by incorporating both first communication units for old protocols and second communication units for new protocols. This universal design enables the same device to work with both new and old protocol electronic pens simultaneously, enhancing adaptability without requiring separate devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pen transmits downlink signal using only the first protocol, then the transmission is simple and reliable, but it cannot communicate with sensor controllers using different protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The pen's transmission circuitry is designed dynamically to adapt its communication protocol based on the sensor controller it is paired with. The pen can switch between first protocol and second protocol transmissions, allowing it to maintain simple reliable communication by using the appropriate protocol for each specific pairing scenario rather than supporting all protocols simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit for a pen includes reception circuitry configured to receive an uplink signal generated according to a first protocol and transmission circuitry configured to transmit, according to the first protocol, a downlink signal based on a reception timing of the uplink signal and a command included in the uplink signal. In a case where the reception circuitry receives the uplink signal that is in a normal state (uplink signal NUS) in a first period, the transmission circuitry transmits the downlink signal including data according to the command included in the uplink signal NUS. In a case where the reception circuitry receives the uplink signal that is in a special state (uplink signal SUS) in a second period subsequent to the first period, the transmission circuitry transmits the downlink signal including data according to the command included in the uplink signal NUS received in the first period.