Shared Antenna Authentication Interface for Capacitive Touch Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing authentication systems using mobile devices lack convenience due to the need for separate sensors for wireless communication and electrostatic detection, which increases device size and can affect antenna frequency characteristics.

Innovation Solution

An authentication system that integrates an antenna for wireless communication with a detector using electrostatic capacitance changes to perform both authentication and electrostatic detection, eliminating the need for separate sensors and minimizing size and frequency interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate electrostatic sensors are installed for detection, then detection functionality is achieved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is designed to perform dual functions: wireless communication during authentication and electrostatic detection for object detection. By making the antenna universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate electrostatic sensors, thereby reducing device size while maintaining both communication and detection capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the wireless communication antenna and electrostatic sensor into a single integrated component. The antenna structure serves both as a communication element and as an electrostatic sensor, merging two previously separate functions into one unified component that reduces overall device complexity and size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate electrostatic sensors are installed, then detection functionality is achieved, but antenna frequency characteristics are affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection functionalityVSAvoidantenna frequency characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is designed to perform dual functions: wireless communication during authentication and electrostatic detection for object detection. By making the antenna universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate electrostatic sensors, thereby reducing device size while maintaining both communication and detection capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches the antenna's function based on operational mode. During authentication, the antenna operates for wireless communication; after authentication approval, it transitions to electrostatic detection mode. This dynamic switching prevents interference between the two functions and maintains reliable frequency characteristics during communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrostatic sensor function is enabled during wireless communication, then detection is available, but frequency characteristics are influenced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidwireless communication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches the antenna's function based on operational mode. During authentication, the antenna operates for wireless communication; after authentication approval, it transitions to electrostatic detection mode. This dynamic switching prevents interference between the two functions and maintains reliable frequency characteristics during communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs authentication first before enabling the electrostatic detection function. This preliminary action ensures that wireless communication and authentication are completed without interference from the detection function, and only after successful authentication does the system activate the detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The integrated solution enhances convenience by reducing device size and avoiding frequency interference during wireless communication, while ensuring reliable authentication and detection functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a detector configured to perform detection of approach or contact of an object to be detected with respect to the antenna based on a change in an electrostatic capacitance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitance change: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

an antenna configured to receive authentication information through wireless communication from a mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12302098B2Authentication system, and user interface device

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 KK TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO

AI summary

An antenna is configured to receive authentication information through wireless communication from a mobile device adapted to be carried by a user. A detector is configured to perform detection of approach or contact of an object to be detected with respect to the antenna based on a change in an electrostatic capacitance. A control device is configured to validate the detection in response to an approval of authentication of the mobile device that is performed with the authentication information.