Touchpad Object Detection Algorithm Reducing Processing Load

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touchpad technologies face a significant calculation burden when detecting and tracking multiple objects on a touch-sensitive surface, as they treat each object separately, leading to increased processing demands and inefficiencies in limited portable device spaces.

Innovation Solution

A new data collection algorithm treats multiple objects as a single object, defining their perimeter or endpoints, which reduces the calculation overhead by analyzing data from the outer edges of the touchpad and treating them as a unified object, thereby simplifying detection and tracking processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple objects are detected and tracked separately on a touchpad, then individual object positions can be precisely identified, but the calculation burden on the processor increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject position detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection process into two phases: first detecting only outer edge objects from the boundary inward, then treating interior objects as part of a unified group. This segmentation reduces the number of separate tracking calculations needed while maintaining detection accuracy for objects that matter most (those at the periphery).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple detected objects into a single unified object representation. When multiple objects are detected, they are combined into one object with calculated center and radius, reducing the processing load from tracking multiple separate objects to tracking a single composite object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If a data collection algorithm detects all objects individually on a touchpad, then complete object information is obtained, but the processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detection completenessVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of outer edge objects first, before proceeding to detect interior objects. By establishing boundary conditions and detecting perimeter objects first, the algorithm can then efficiently handle interior objects as a group, reducing overall processing time while maintaining detection completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial detection by focusing primarily on outer edge objects and treating interior objects as a unified group rather than detecting each individually. This partial approach to object detection reduces processing time while still capturing sufficient information for effective touchpad interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8502798B2Method of detecting and tracking multiple objects on a touchpad using a data collection algorithm that only detects an outer edge of the objects and then assumes that the outer edges define a single large object

Publication Date: 2013.08.06 CIRQUE CORP

AI summary

A system and method for detecting and tracking multiple objects on a touchpad or touchscreen, wherein the method provides a new data collection algorithm, wherein the method reduces a calculation burden on a processor performing detection and tracking algorithms, wherein multiple objects are treated as elements of a single object and not as separate objects, wherein the location of the objects are treated as end-points of a single object when two objects are detected, and treated as a perimeter or boundary when more than two objects are detected.