Dynamic Touch Detection Area Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch sensitive computing systems face challenges in efficiently distinguishing between single and multi-touch inputs on the same digitizer sensor, leading to ambiguity in detecting multiple simultaneous interactions and requiring separate detection methods for different areas.

Innovation Solution

A touch detection system that dynamically applies a single touch detection method over one area and a multi-touch detection method over another area of the same touch sensitive sensor, using different circuitry and interrogation methods for each, allowing for concurrent detection of stylus and finger inputs with adjustable detection areas based on application requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a single touch detection method is applied to the entire sensor, then the refresh rate is improved, but multi-touch detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefresh rateVSAvoidmulti-touch detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The touch sensor is divided into multiple detection areas, with each area assigned a specific detection method (single-touch or multi-touch) based on application requirements. This segmentation allows different regions to operate independently with optimized detection algorithms, resolving the contradiction between refresh rate and multi-touch capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects and applies different detection methods (single-touch or multi-touch) to different areas of the sensor based on real-time application requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize refresh rate in single-touch zones while maintaining multi-touch detection capability in other zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-touch detection method is applied to the entire sensor, then multi-touch detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-touch detection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Different detection methods are applied to different areas of the sensor based on local requirements. Areas requiring multi-touch detection use the multi-touch method, while areas where single-touch is sufficient use the more power-efficient single-touch method, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining necessary functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying multi-touch detection to the entire sensor (excessive action), the system applies it only to specific areas where multi-touch capability is actually needed (partial action). This reduces the computational burden and power consumption while maintaining multi-touch detection capability where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If separate detection methods are used for different areas, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidcircuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a unified sensor structure that can operate in multiple detection modes (single-touch and multi-touch) depending on the area and application. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to achieve high detection precision for both single and multi-touch scenarios without requiring completely separate detection circuits for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach enhances the refresh rate and processing efficiency by optimizing detection methods for specific areas, reducing ambiguity and power consumption while supporting both single and multi-touch interactions on the same sensor.

Implementation Method 1

the digitizer sensor includes a matrix of vertical and horizontal conductive lines to sense an electric signal... An AC signal, e.g. a pulsed AC signal, sequentially activates each of the activated electrodes. In response to each AC signal applied, a signal is transferred, by capacitive coupling, to each of the passive electrodes.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8441458B2Multi-touch and single touch detection

Publication Date: 2013.05.14 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

An input device includes a touch sensitive sensor operative to detect finger touch, a controller for controlling the touch sensitive sensor, the controller operative to set at least one area of the touch sensitive sensor for sampling output with a single touch sampling method and to set at least one other area of the touch sensitive sensor for sampling output with a multi-touch sampling method, wherein the multi-touch sampling method is other than a single touch sampling method, and a detection unit of the touch sensitive sensor controllable to apply the single touch sampling method over the at least one area of the touch sensitive sensor and to apply the multi-touch sampling method over the at least one other area of same touch sensitive sensor.