Selective Sensor Array Activation for Low-Power Touch Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive sensors used in electronic devices require large amounts of power, leading to significant battery drain and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sensor array with a plurality of first sensors and at least one second sensor, where the second sensor enables only specific portions of the array to be powered on in response to detected trigger inputs, reducing overall power consumption by using low-power second sensors, such as infra-red sensors, to activate only necessary parts of the array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitive sensors are used to detect user inputs, then sensing capability is provided, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple independently controllable sensor elements that can be selectively activated. Only the sensor elements in the region of interest (where a trigger input is detected) remain active, while others are powered down, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining sensing capability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A low-power infrared sensor array continuously monitors for trigger inputs (such as hand proximity) before activating the higher-power capacitive touch sensors. This preliminary detection allows the system to prepare for upcoming touch interactions, enabling the capacitive sensors to be activated just in time, thus reducing unnecessary power consumption during idle periods.
2Reliability
If the entire sensor array is kept powered on to ensure continuous sensing, then sensing coverage is maximized, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple independently controllable regions. The system activates only the specific segments where inputs are detected or anticipated, rather than keeping the entire array powered on. This selective activation maintains sensing coverage where needed while extending battery life by minimizing power consumption in inactive regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic scanning with the low-power infrared sensors to detect trigger inputs, and only activates the higher-power capacitive touch sensors when triggered. This periodic monitoring approach ensures sensing coverage is maintained when needed while allowing the system to enter low-power states during idle periods, thereby extending battery life.
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 reduces the power requirements of the sensor array by ensuring only the necessary portions are active at any given time, enhancing the efficiency and prolonging battery life in devices like touch screens.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one second sensor may comprise infra red sensors
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method, the apparatus including a sensor array including a plurality of first sensors configured to detect a first attribute; at least one second sensor configured to detect a second attribute; wherein the at least one second sensor is configured such that, in response to detecting a trigger input including the second attribute the second sensor enables a first portion of the sensor array to be powered on while a second portion of the sensor array remains powered off.