Shared Sensor Electrode Segmentation for Active and Passive Input Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices struggle to efficiently coordinate and differentiate between active and passive input signals using shared sensing hardware, leading to limitations in usability and accuracy in detecting user inputs.
Innovation Solution
A processing system that operates in multiple modes, utilizing shared sensor electrodes to receive active input signals and capacitive sensing data from passive input devices, allowing for simultaneous or sequential detection of active and passive inputs within the same sensing time windows, with the ability to adapt to both input types using shared hardware configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If shared sensor electrodes are used for both active and passive input detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal differentiation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor electrode array into multiple independent channels, where each channel can be independently configured to detect either active or passive input signals. This segmentation allows the system to process different input types separately while using shared hardware, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring complete separate hardware setups for each input type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of sensor electrode channels, allowing the system to adaptively switch between detecting active and passive input signals based on real-time requirements. This dynamic approach enables the same hardware to optimize its detection capabilities for different input types, resolving the contradiction between hardware simplicity and detection accuracy.
2Productivity
If multiple input types are detected simultaneously using shared electrodes, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor electrode array into multiple independent channels that can simultaneously process different input types. By segmenting the detection task across separate channels, the system achieves high productivity through parallel processing while maintaining reliability by isolating signal processing paths to prevent interference between active and passive input detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal processing intermediaries that facilitate the simultaneous detection of multiple input types on shared electrodes. These intermediaries enable the system to handle multiple signals concurrently while maintaining signal integrity and preventing interference, thus achieving both high productivity and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor electrodes are operated in multiple modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to mode coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor electrode system with universal multi-functionality, where each electrode channel can operate in multiple modes to detect different input types. This universal design achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same hardware infrastructure supports multiple functions through software-controlled configuration rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching capabilities that allow the system to adaptively change operational modes based on input type requirements. This dynamic approach enables versatile input detection while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms that automatically coordinate mode transitions, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration and coordination.
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 improved usability by effectively coordinating communication channels and positional inputs from both active and passive devices, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of input detection without the need for separate hardware setups.
Implementation Method 1
operate, in a first mode of operation, a first portion of the plurality of sensor electrodes to receive an active input signal from an active input device
Implementation Method 2
operate, in a second mode of operation, a second portion of the plurality of sensor electrodes to receive capacitive sensing data corresponding to a passive input device
Data Source
AI summary
A processing system, input device, and method are disclosed to detect an active input device. The method includes operating a first portion of a plurality of sensor electrodes to receive an active input signal from an active input device, and operating a second portion of the plurality of sensor electrodes to receive capacitive sensing data corresponding to a passive input device. The first and second portions include at least one sensor electrode in common. The method also includes driving a plurality of display electrodes to update a display image, wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes includes at least one of the plurality of display electrodes.