SAW Sensor Module Automatic Size Detection via Acoustic Echo

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current SAW touch screen technologies require manual configuration of processing devices for different sized sensor modules, leading to increased costs, time, and potential integration delays due to configuration errors.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for automatically detecting the size of SAW sensor modules using a processing apparatus with transmitters and receivers, calculating axis lengths based on surface acoustic wave propagation times and velocities, allowing for automatic configuration and reducing manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual configuration is used for processing devices with different SAW sensor module sizes, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but manufacturing cost, time, and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing device automatically detects the SAW sensor module size and configures itself without external intervention. The device emits acoustic waves, measures the echo time, calculates the distance to determine the sensor module size, and automatically loads the corresponding configuration parameters, making the system self-configuring and eliminating manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The processing device pre-stores multiple configuration parameter sets corresponding to different SAW sensor module sizes. Before actual operation, the device performs automatic detection to identify the correct size category and selects the appropriate pre-prepared configuration set, avoiding the need for manual configuration during deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If manual configuration is performed for each SAW sensor module size, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but integration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidintegration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The processing device autonomously performs size detection and configuration selection without requiring manual intervention. The automatic measurement of acoustic wave echo time and subsequent selection of corresponding configuration parameters significantly reduces the time required for system integration and deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration parameter sets for different sensor module sizes are pre-prepared and stored in the processing device. During integration, the device quickly identifies the correct size through automatic detection and immediately applies the corresponding pre-configured parameters, eliminating the time-consuming manual configuration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If manual configuration is used, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but the risk of configuration errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The processing device automatically detects the SAW sensor module size through acoustic wave measurement and selects the corresponding configuration parameters without human intervention. This eliminates manual configuration errors and ensures consistent, reliable configuration across all devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The processing device emits acoustic waves, measures the echo time, and uses this feedback to calculate the distance to the sensor module boundary. Based on this measured data, the device automatically determines the sensor module size and selects the appropriate configuration parameters, ensuring configuration accuracy matches the actual hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If automatic detection is implemented, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing device uses acoustic wave vibration to detect the SAW sensor module size. By emitting acoustic waves and measuring the echo time, the device automatically determines the sensor module dimensions without requiring complex mechanical measurement systems, achieving simple yet effective automatic detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The processing device performs automatic size detection and self-configuration without external measurement tools or manual intervention. The integrated acoustic wave emission and echo measurement capability enables the device to autonomously determine sensor module size and configure appropriate parameters, improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 and accurate automatic detection of touch sensitive area sizes, reducing manufacturing costs, time, and minimizing integration delays by eliminating the need for manual configuration.

Implementation Method 1

The working principle of SAW touch sensitive technology relies on the propagation of acoustic wave on the surface of object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface acoustic wave propagation: Surface Acoustic Wave

Implementation Method 2

The SAWs emitted by the first transmitter at least pass through a first initial distance xi, propagate through a second axis length y after reflected by a first SAW reflecting bar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9488475B2System and processing apparatus for measuring surface acoustic wave sensitive area size and method thereof
Publication Date: 2016.11.08 EGALAX EMPIA TECH INC
  • US9488475B2 patent drawing
  • US9488475B2 patent drawing
  • US9488475B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A measuring method of touch sensitive area size of a SAW sensor module is provided. The SAW sensor module comprises a substrate configured for propagating SAW, a first transmitter and a first receiver corresponding to a first axis, a second transmitter and a second receiver corresponding to a second axis. The SAWs emitted by the first transmitter at least pass through a first initial distance xi, propagate through a second axis length y after reflected by a first SAW reflecting bar, and enter the first receiver after reflected by a second SAW reflecting bar. The SAWs emitted by the second transmitter at least pass through a second initial distance yi, propagate through a first axis length x after reflected by a third SAW reflecting bar, and enter the second receiver after reflected by a fourth SAW reflecting bar.