Tactile Matrix Sensor Row Segmentation for Low Power Writing Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for recording the trace of a utensil on a writing surface face challenges in accurately detecting the tip contact while minimizing parasitic contacts, such as those from the user's fingers or palm, and struggle with high electrical consumption and latency in pixel reading due to the need for complex electronics and connections.
Innovation Solution
A system combining a magnetic object attached to the utensil with a locating device to determine the tip's position and orientation, and a tactile matrix sensor to detect contact and pressure, allowing for precise tracking of the utensil's trace with reduced electrical consumption and latency by selectively activating only necessary pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tactile matrix sensor is used to detect utensil tip contact, then contact detection capability is improved, but electrical consumption and latency increase due to the need to read all pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile matrix sensor is divided into multiple rows of pixels, and the system processes only the relevant row(s) where contact is detected, rather than reading all pixels. This segmentation reduces the number of pixels that need to be read, thereby reducing electrical consumption and latency while maintaining accurate contact detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reading all pixels in the matrix, the system performs partial reading by only activating and reading the specific row(s) where utensil tip contact is detected. This partial action approach reduces electrical consumption and processing time while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for contact detection.
2Measurement precision
If a tactile matrix sensor with global pixel activation is used, then contact detection coverage is improved, but latency increases due to the time required to read all pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel matrix is segmented into multiple rows that can be independently activated and read. When contact is detected, only the relevant row is read, reducing the time required to process the sensor data and thereby reducing latency while maintaining comprehensive contact detection coverage through the full matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic activation of pixel rows based on contact detection events. Instead of continuously reading all pixels, the system periodically activates only the necessary rows when contact is detected, reducing latency while maintaining detection coverage.
3Measurement precision
If complex electronics are used to control pixel activation in the tactile matrix sensor, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel matrix is divided into multiple rows that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows for simpler electronics by enabling row-by-row activation rather than requiring complex control for individual pixel addressing, while maintaining measurement precision through targeted row activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial pixel activation by only activating the necessary row(s) for contact detection, which simplifies the electronics required compared to full matrix scanning. This approach reduces the complexity of control electronics while maintaining sufficient measurement precision.
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 accurate and efficient recording of the utensil's trace with high resolution, reduced latency, and lower power consumption, allowing for the use of a wide range of commercial utensils without the need for multiple magnets or complex electronics.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic object (6), a locating device (10) adapted to determine a position Pa of the magnetic object
Implementation Method 2
a tactile matrix sensor (20), for example of the capacitive or resistive type, adapted to detect the contact of the tip (4) on the writing surface (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for detecting a path, comprising: an implement (3) comprising a tip (4) and equipped with a magnetic object (6); a device (10) for locating the magnetic object (6), which is suitable for determining an estimated reference position Čp|c on a writing surface (2); and a matrix-array touch sensor (20) suitable for defining a set Spx of M pixels, among N pixels, at least partially encircling the estimated reference position Čp|c, and for detecting the contact of the tip (4) on the writing surface (2) on the basis of the electrical signals generated by said set Spx of M pixels.