Electromagnetic Induction Sensor Extraction Line Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electromagnetic induction type coordinate input devices face challenges in minimizing the area occupied by extraction line portions, leading to increased substrate size and the number of connection pins, which can result in reduced position detection accuracy and higher costs due to the need for thin pattern wirings.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a first and second loop coil group with extraction line portions where one line is connected to another within the position detection area to form a common line, reducing the number of extraction lines and eliminating the need for a solid pattern outside the detection area, thereby minimizing substrate size and connection pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If extraction line portions are extended outside the position detection area, then connection to connector portions is enabled, but the substrate area and device size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidsubstrate area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the extraction line portions of multiple adjacent loop coils into a single common conductor line. Instead of having separate extraction lines for each loop coil extending to the connector, multiple loop coils share a common extraction line, thereby reducing the total number of lines and the area required outside the position detection area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common extraction line serves multiple functions by connecting to multiple loop coils simultaneously. A single conductor line performs the extraction function for several loop coils, making the system more efficient and reducing the overall complexity and area requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If thin pattern wirings are used to reduce substrate area, then device size is minimized, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate areaVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging extraction lines into common lines, the patent reduces the total length and number of conductors required. This allows the use of standard thickness pattern wirings over a shorter distance, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while still achieving compact device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If solid patterns are formed outside the position detection area to support extraction lines, then connection stability is improved, but position detection accuracy decreases due to magnetic flux attenuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidposition detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the extraction line portions from the area outside the position detection area and reconfigures them to extend within the position detection area. This eliminates the need for solid supporting patterns outside the detection area that would cause magnetic flux attenuation, while still providing stable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement of extraction lines by having them extend in the Y-axis direction within the position detection area rather than outside it. This dimensional reconfiguration allows connections to be made without creating solid patterns that would interfere with magnetic flux in the detection area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If the number of connection pins is increased to accommodate individual extraction lines, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of connection pins
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple extraction lines into common lines, which directly reduces the number of connection pins required at the connector portions. Instead of having one connection pin per loop coil, multiple loop coils share common connection pins through the merged extraction lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the area occupied by extraction line portions, reduces the number of connection pins, and maintains position detection accuracy by reducing magnetic flux attenuation and error signals, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective device.

Implementation Method 1

the electromagnetic induction type coordinate input device detects coordinate values of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of a position indicated by the position indicator on the basis of electromagnetic induction between the position indicator and the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2637082B1Sensor of electromagnetic induction type coordinate input device
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 WACOM CO LTD
  • EP2637082B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2637082B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2637082B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention provides a sensor of an electromagnetic induction type coordinate input device, in which an area occupied by extraction line portions on a substrate is minimized, and the number of connection pins that lead to the outside can be reduced. On a substrate, plural first loop coils including loop portions, each having a predetermined loop coil shape, are disposed in a first direction, and plural second loop coils including loop portions, each having a predetermined loop coil shape, are disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second loop coils include extraction line portions, each composed of a first line and a second line which are parallel with each other and are continuously connected to corresponding ones of the first and second loop coils. One of the first line or the second line of the first loop coil is connected to at least one of: (i) the first line or the second line of another one of the first loop coils, and (ii) a line of the loop portion of a second loop coil, within a position detection area, so as to form a common extraction line with (i) and/or (ii), to thereby reduce the overall number of extraction lines disposed on the substrate.