Active Stylus Phase Encoding for High Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current active stylus technologies face limitations in transmitting information to touch control screens due to time intervals between code signals, restricting the amount of data that can be transmitted within a limited duration.

Innovation Solution

The method involves phase encoding information using a preset phase signal to create an encoded signal, which is then transmitted as a stylus tip signal, eliminating the need for time intervals between data points and allowing continuous data transmission by incorporating a beacon code and null code for synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If time intervals are maintained between code signals for reliable signal transmission, then signal reliability is improved, but the amount of information transmitted within limited duration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidinformation transmission rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates idle time intervals between code transmissions by implementing continuous phase-encoded signal transmission. The phase encoding allows the stylus to transmit data continuously without stopping, transforming the intermittent transmission pattern into a continuous one, thereby maximizing information transmission within the limited driving time while maintaining signal reliability through phase differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameter from time-based sequential code transmission to phase-based parallel information encoding. By using different phase angles (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to represent different data values, the system can transmit multiple bits of information simultaneously within what would traditionally be a single code interval, dramatically increasing the information transmission rate while maintaining reliable detection through phase discrimination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If more information is transmitted in limited duration, then information transmission efficiency is improved, but signal complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsignal encoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/time-based sequential transmission system with a phase-based encoding system. Instead of transmitting codes one after another with time intervals, the system uses phase angles of sinusoidal waves to encode multiple bits of information simultaneously. This substitution allows higher information transmission efficiency while the sinusoidal phase modulation provides a mathematically elegant and implementable solution that manages the complexity through well-established signal processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If continuous signal transmission is implemented, then information transmission rate is improved, but timing synchronization becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transmission rateVSAvoidtiming synchronization difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic sinusoidal carrier waves with well-defined phase relationships to encode the continuous transmission signal. The receiver uses correlation detection with reference sinusoidal waves at known phases (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to identify the transmitted data. This periodic structure provides inherent timing references that facilitate synchronization, as the receiver can detect the phase of the incoming signal relative to its own generated reference waves, thereby maintaining timing synchronization even during continuous transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3637231B1Signal transmitting method, signal receiving method and device
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 SHENZHEN GOODIX TECH CO LTD
  • EP3637231B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3637231B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2
  • EP3637231B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present application provides a method and apparatus for signal transmission, and a method and apparatus for signal reception, where the method for signal transmission is applied to an active stylus, including: phase encoding information to be transmitted using a preset phase signal, to obtain an encoded signal; and transmitting a stylus tip signal, where the stylus tip signal comprises the encoded signal. The present application can increase amount of information transmitted between the active stylus and a touch control screen in a limited duration.