Resistive Matrix Hierarchical Input Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Input devices face challenges in accurately and efficiently detecting multiple simultaneous or overlapping inputs, particularly in resistive column-row matrices, which can lead to longer scan times and reduced responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical scanning method is employed, where a preliminary multi-cell group scan determines activated regions, followed by a supplemental scan to pinpoint specific input locations, significantly reducing the duration of the overall scanning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional full-matrix scan is performed to detect all possible input locations, then measurement precision is improved, but scan time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive matrix is divided into multiple multi-cell groups, where each group contains multiple column-row cells. The scanning process is segmented into two stages: first scanning multiple groups in parallel to identify activated groups, then performing supplemental scans only on activated groups to pinpoint exact input locations. This segmentation reduces the total number of scan operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
A preliminary hierarchical scan is performed on multi-cell groups before conducting detailed supplemental scans on individual cells. The preliminary scan identifies which groups contain activated cells, allowing the system to skip detailed scanning of inactive groups. This preliminary action eliminates wasted scanning time on areas without inputs.
2Measurement precision
If a traditional full-matrix scan is performed to detect all possible input locations, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix is segmented into multiple multi-cell groups that can be scanned in parallel. By organizing cells into groups and scanning groups simultaneously, the system increases the effective scan rate without sacrificing the ability to detect individual cell activations through subsequent supplemental scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a partial scan on the full matrix by first identifying activated multi-cell groups and then conducting supplemental scans only on those specific groups. This partial action approach scans only the necessary portions of the matrix, increasing productivity while maintaining complete detection capability for all possible input locations.
3Productivity
If continuous scanning is performed to maintain high scan rate, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning is performed periodically in a hierarchical manner rather than continuously scanning all cells. The system alternates between hierarchical scans of multi-cell groups and supplemental scans of activated groups, allowing the device to enter low-power states between scan cycles while maintaining responsive detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The preliminary hierarchical scan quickly identifies activated regions, allowing the system to minimize the duration of more energy-intensive supplemental scans. By performing the preliminary group-level scan first, the system can determine early whether supplemental scanning is needed, reducing overall energy consumption compared to scanning all cells at full detail.
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
This approach minimizes scan time, enhances accuracy, and allows the input device to spend more time in a low-power mode, improving responsiveness and power efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
resistive column-row matrix configured to provide output in response to touch or other physically-applied inputs
Data Source
AI summary
A resistive matrix with optimized input scanning is provided by a method of discerning input location(s) on a resistive column-row matrix which includes receiving physically-applied input(s) at the resistive column-row matrix and, during application of the one or more physically-applied inputs, performing a hierarchical scan of the resistive column-row matrix to determine whether the physically-applied input(s) are causing activation of a column-row cell within a multi-cell group of the resistive column-row matrix. The method further includes performing a supplemental scan within a multi-cell group if it is determined that a physically-applied input is causing activation of a column-row cell within the multi-cell group, and generating, based on the hierarchical and supplemental scans, an output indicative of the input location(s) on the resistive column-row matrix of the one or more physically-applied inputs.