Sensor Controller Slot Timing for Adaptive Stylus Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in flexibly allocating transmission time to multiple styluses, leading to fixed scan rates, large uplink signals, and increased power consumption, especially when using devices like electronic rulers that remain on a panel surface.
Innovation Solution
A stylus and sensor controller system that allows flexible allocation of transmission time with shorter intervals than a frame, reduces uplink signal size, and adapts scan rates based on device type, using local IDs for efficient communication and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If frame communication is used to allocate transmission time to multiple styluses, then communication between multiple styluses and sensor controller is enabled, but the allocation of transmission time cannot be flexibly changed and scan rate is fixed to integral multiple of frame rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame-based communication into slot-based micro-time slots within each frame. Each stylus is allocated specific time slots for transmission, allowing flexible reconfiguration of transmission timing without being constrained by the entire frame structure. This enables independent control of transmission intervals for each stylus while maintaining overall system coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic scan rate adjustment by allowing the sensor controller to independently set different scan rates for each stylus based on their device types and usage patterns. The system transitions from fixed frame-based timing to dynamic slot-based timing, where transmission intervals can be adjusted in real-time according to stylus movement, device type, and communication needs.
2Productivity
If uplink signal is transmitted to each stylus in every frame for slot allocation, then transmission time allocation is achieved, but uplink signal size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transmitting uplink signals only to specific styluses that need slot allocation updates, rather than broadcasting to all styluses in every frame. The sensor controller selectively sends allocation information based on which styluses are currently active or require reconfiguration, reducing overall signal volume while maintaining allocation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic slot allocation updates within frames rather than continuous updates. Transmission time slots are allocated periodically at appropriate intervals, allowing the system to balance between timely allocation and minimizing uplink signal transmission frequency, thus reducing total signal size.
3Measurement precision
If continuous communication is maintained with stylus on panel surface, then position detection accuracy is preserved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication cycles where the stylus alternates between active transmission/reception periods and low-power sleep periods. During sleep mode, the stylus minimizes power consumption while the sensor controller continues periodic polling. This periodic on-off communication pattern maintains position detection capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the stylus to autonomously adjust its communication activity based on detected usage states. When the stylus detects it is stationary on the panel surface, it automatically transitions to low-power mode with reduced communication frequency. The system self-regulates power consumption based on actual position detection needs without requiring external control.
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 flexible allocation of transmission times, reduces uplink signal size, and optimizes power consumption based on device type, improving user experience and communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor controller transmits the uplink signal toward the stylus by supplying a transmission signal to the electrode group that forms the sensor board and thereby generating an electric field on a panel
Implementation Method 2
The active stylus is configured to detect the uplink signal by detecting the amount of charge induced in the above-described electrode by this electric field
Implementation Method 3
The transmission of the downlink signal is carried out by supplying a transmission signal to an electrode provided at the tip of the active stylus and thereby generating an electric field according to the signal in a space near the electrode
Implementation Method 4
the sensor controller, connected to this sensor board, is configured to receive the downlink signal through detection, by the sensor controller, of change in the amount of charge generated in the electrode group in the sensor board due to the above-described alternating electric field
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary device according to the present disclosure includes a ruler part, a plurality of electrodes provided at the ruler part, a receiving electrode for receiving an uplink signal transmitted from a sensor controller, and a processor that transmits a downlink signal to the sensor controller while sequentially switching the plurality of electrodes in response to reception of the uplink signal.