Shared Electrode Touch Sensor Layout for Reliable Joystick Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional navigational control devices, such as joysticks, face issues with contamination, mechanical failure, and high component costs due to the use of multiple electrode patterns and integrated control circuits, which are not cost-effective for applications requiring numerous sense points.
Innovation Solution
A shared electrode pattern field effect sensor apparatus that reduces the number of electrode patterns and integrated control circuits by using a dielectric substrate with overlapping inner and outer electrodes, generating electric fields to detect stimuli, and minimizing unintended responses from contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional field effect touch sensors use one electrode pattern per sense point, then sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring one integrated control circuit per electrode pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode patterns (first and second electrode patterns) into a single shared electrode structure. Multiple sense points are established by dividing the electrode pattern into different regions (first region, second region, third region) that can be independently sensed. This merging approach reduces the number of separate integrated control circuits needed while maintaining the ability to detect multiple touch points accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared electrode pattern serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the first electrode pattern and the second electrode pattern, and defines multiple sense points (first sense point, second sense point, third sense point) through regional division. This multi-functional design allows a single electrode structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate electrode patterns and control circuits.
2Ease of operation
If conventional joysticks use electromechanical switches, then navigational control functionality is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear, mechanical failure, and slow reaction time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electromechanical switch system with a field effect sensor system that uses electric fields for detection. Instead of mechanical moving parts that wear and fail, the invention uses electrode patterns that generate electric fields to detect user input. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, improves reliability, and increases reaction time while maintaining navigational control functionality.
3Ease of operation
If conventional joysticks use openings in housing for actuator handle, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to dirt, water, and contaminants entering the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator handle that requires physical openings with a field effect sensor system. The sensor system can detect user input through the surface without requiring physical openings in the housing. This substitution maintains ease of operation while preventing contaminants from entering the internal housing and damaging electronic components.
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 decreases component costs and manufacturing costs while improving reliability and functionality, allowing for multiple sense points with fewer components, suitable for navigational control devices and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
first and second conductive electrode patterns (14, 16) disposed on dielectric substrate (12)... generating electric fields to detect stimuli
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a shared electrode pattern field effect touch sensor apparatus. The apparatus includes first and second spaced electrode patterns, each having an inner electrode and an outer electrode. The inner electrode includes a primary portion defining a primary sense area and at least one secondary portion. Secondary portions of at least two patterns are adjacently disposed, and define secondary sense areas. A pulse generation circuit and a detection circuit are electrically coupled to each pattern. The presence of an object proximate a primary sense area activates one detection circuit. The presence of an object proximate a secondary sense area activates two detection circuits. A controller in communication with the detection circuits senses activation of the detection circuits. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a navigational control device. A method of processing touch sensor field effect signals is also disclosed.