Segmented Sensor Electrodes for Per-Finger Force Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as proximity sensor devices, lack the ability to accurately measure the force applied by an input object within the sensing region, limiting their functionality in detecting precise touch events.
Innovation Solution
The method involves driving segments of sensor electrodes in both transcapacitive and absolute capacitive modes to obtain measurements, which are then processed to determine force-based data by calculating differences between these measurements, allowing for accurate force detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional single-mode capacitive sensing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for force detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor electrode is divided into multiple segments, with different segments driven in different capacitive modes (first segment in first mode, second segment in second mode). This segmentation allows the system to capture different aspects of touch information simultaneously, improving force detection precision while managing complexity through modular electrode control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of different electrode segments by driving them in different capacitive modes. This parameter differentiation enables the extraction of force-based data through comparative analysis, transforming a complex measurement problem into a manageable multi-parameter sensing approach
2Measurement precision
If multiple capacitive modes are used for different electrode segments, then force-based data accuracy is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of driving all electrode segments in both capacitive modes simultaneously (excessive action), the system applies different modes to different segments (partial action). This selective approach achieves the necessary force detection accuracy while reducing overall energy consumption by avoiding redundant measurements across the entire electrode array
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 enables the input device to effectively measure the force applied by an input object, enhancing its capability to detect touch events with precision and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
driving a first segment of a plurality of sensor electrodes located within the first portion of the input device in transcapacitive mode to obtain a first plurality of transcapacitive measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for obtaining force-based data of an input device are provided. The techniques include driving sensor electrodes in transcapacitive mode and in absolute capacitive mode, obtaining profiles for each of the modes, scaling the transcapacitive profile, and subtracting the scaled transcapacitive profile from the profile for absolute capacitive sensing. The result of this subtraction is force-based data that indicates the degree of force with that input object applies to the input device. These techniques may be used with an input device in which a plurality of sensor electrodes are divided into two or more segments. Independent sets of force-based data can be obtained for each segment, which allows for determination of a location associated with each set of force-based data.