Mechanically Sensitive Stylus Circuit for Low-Power Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing styluses require either power-intensive electronics or lack mechanical sensitivity, making them inefficient or difficult to distinguish from a user's finger.
Innovation Solution
A power efficient stylus with mechanical sensitivity, utilizing non-linear circuitry that provides a stylus electric field or modulated electrical signal detectable by the electronic device, and switch circuitry that alters load or capacitance to convey input information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an active stylus with power-intensive electronics is used, then mechanical sensitivity and detectability are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus uses the external stimulation signal from the electronic device to power its non-linear circuitry, rather than requiring an internal battery. The circuitry harvests energy from the received signal to generate the modulated response, enabling the stylus to be self-sufficient without external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional active electronics-based detection system with a passive electro-mechanical system. Instead of using powered sensors and processors in the stylus, the invention uses non-linear circuitry that passively modulates the electrical response based on mechanical stimulation, substituting active electronic detection with passive electro-mechanical transduction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a passive stylus is used, then power consumption is reduced, but detectability and distinction from user finger deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the stylus circuitry to create a distinctive signature. By using non-linear circuitry that generates harmonic distortion and specific frequency modulation when stimulated, the stylus creates a unique electrical response pattern that distinguishes it from a human finger, while remaining passive and power-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-linear circuitry acts as an intermediary between the external stimulation signal and the response signal. It modulates the electrical characteristics of the stylus in response to mechanical input, creating a detectable signature that identifies the stylus as distinct from other objects like fingers, while the system remains passive.
3Measurement precision
If non-linear circuitry is added to the stylus, then mechanical sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus circuitry is segmented into distinct functional portions: non-linear circuitry for signal modulation and linear circuitry for signal transmission. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently, with the non-linear portion handling the complex modulation task and the linear portion handling straightforward signal transmission, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-linear circuitry serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a rectifier, a signal modulator, and a signature generator. By combining these functions into a single circuit element or small circuit block, the patent reduces the overall complexity that would otherwise require separate components for each function.
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 precise interaction with electronic devices by detecting stylus position and force without consuming significant power, enhancing user input accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the non-linear circuitry is operative to provide a non-linear load between the body circuitry and the front tip interface component when the stylus circuitry is stimulated by an external stimulation, and the non-linear load is operative to provide a stylus electric field that is detectable by the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
the non-linear load is operative to provide a stylus electric field that is detectable by the electronic device when the front tip interface component of the stylus is positioned adjacent the input surface of the input component of the electronic device
Implementation Method 3
the tip stylus circuitry includes switch circuitry that is operative to alternate according to a pattern between a first state in which the body circuitry and the tip interface component are electrically coupled and a second state in which the body circuitry and the tip interface component are not electrically coupled, and the alternation of the switch circuitry is operative to provide a modulated capacitance at the tip interface component that is detectable by the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for enabling a power efficient stylus for an electronic device are provided. Various components may be provided for providing such a stylus with mechanical sensitivity.