Thin Metallic Film Sensor for Non-Contact Position and Magnetic Field Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position detection sensors, such as trackpads, face limitations in sensitivity and require physical contact with conductive objects, failing to detect non-conductive objects or objects hovering above the surface, and cannot trace collimated light without contact.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor sensor configuration with a thin metallic film deposition that uses static charge density differences to detect objects in contact and non-contact modes, including non-conductive objects and light sources, and also senses magnetic fields without requiring physical contact or electrical conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If local resistive change technology is used for position detection, then non-conductive objects can be detected, but sensitivity is low and contact is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to detect non-conductive objectsVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based resistive sensing with a magnetic field-based sensing mechanism. The sensor detects position through changes in magnetic field caused by a magnet on the stylus, eliminating the need for physical contact and mechanical pressure while maintaining the ability to detect non-conductive objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the stylus and sensor. Instead of direct contact or electrical connection, the magnet on the stylus creates magnetic field lines that interact with the semiconductor sensor, enabling indirect detection of position without requiring the stylus to be conductive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If local capacitance change technology is used for position detection, then sensitivity is high, but only conductive objects can be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidability to detect non-conductive objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical capacitance-based sensing with magnetic field-based sensing. Instead of measuring changes in electrical capacitance that require conductive objects, the sensor measures changes in magnetic field flux caused by a magnet, enabling detection of non-conductive objects while maintaining high sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer information from the stylus to the sensor without requiring electrical conductivity. The magnet on the stylus modulates the magnetic field, which the semiconductor sensor detects, allowing non-conductive objects to be sensed with high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If contact-based sensing is used, then position detection is reliable, but contact-less detection is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection reliabilityVSAvoidcontact-less detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensing with magnetic field-based sensing. The magnet on the stylus creates magnetic field lines that extend through space to interact with the sensor, enabling reliable position detection without physical contact between the stylus and sensor surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 high-sensitivity, non-resistive, and non-capacitive position detection of both conductive and non-conductive objects, as well as magnetic fields, in both contact and non-contact scenarios, providing a more versatile and sensitive solution compared to traditional technologies.

Implementation Method 1

utilizes static charge density difference information in detecting the position of an object in contact and/or non-contact modes of operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStatic charge density difference: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic field sensor configuration operable for determining magnitude and/or direction with respect to a magnetic field applied to a surface of the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10642400B2Position and magnetic field sensors

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

Systems and methods which provide a semiconductor with thin metallic film deposition sensor configuration are described. Thin metallic film semiconductor sensors of embodiments may be utilized in determining various impingements upon the sensor surface, such as from objects touching, hovering near, or light sources illuminating a sensor surface. Embodiments of a thin metallic film deposition semiconductor sensor provide a non-resistive, non-capacitive sensor configuration operable for determining position of various objects, including both electrically conductive objects and non-electrically conductive objects. A semiconductor with thin metallic film sensor of embodiments may additionally or alternatively provide a magnetic field sensor configuration operable for determining magnitude and/or direction with respect to a magnetic field.