Track Pad Raw Data Processing via Host CPU
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track pad devices rely on dedicated hardware for processing sensor data, limiting flexibility and increasing manufacturing costs due to fixed feature sets and the need for specific processors and firmware.
Innovation Solution
A track pad input device that transmits raw sensor data to a general-purpose processor for analysis, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware and allowing software-based processing and feature enhancements on the host computer's CPU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated processor is used for track pad sensor data processing, then processing reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor data processing function from the track pad device and relocates it to the host computer's general-purpose processor. The track pad device only performs simple data acquisition and transmission, while the complex gesture recognition and processing are handled by software on the host system. This eliminates the need for a dedicated processor in the track pad device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces software as an intermediary between the track pad sensor and the host computer interface. This software layer handles all complex processing tasks, allowing the track pad device to remain simple while achieving reliable processing through the host computer's processing power.
2Reliability
If a dedicated processor with fixed firmware is used, then processing reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static firmware-based processing approach with a dynamic software-based approach. The processing algorithms can be updated and modified through software changes on the host computer, allowing the system to adapt to new gestures and interaction modes without hardware changes. This provides both reliability through consistent processing and adaptability through software updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the processing system universal by using the host computer's general-purpose processor instead of a dedicated track pad processor. This allows the same hardware to support multiple processing algorithms and gesture recognition techniques through software, enabling the system to handle various input methods and adapt to different user needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If raw sensor data is transmitted to host computer for processing, then adaptability is improved, but processing speed may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software algorithms on the host computer to replicate the processing functions that would otherwise require dedicated hardware. While software processing is generally slower than dedicated hardware, the host computer's processing power is sufficient to handle track pad data processing tasks, and the trade-off is acceptable for gaining adaptability and flexibility.
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 reduces manufacturing costs and enhances flexibility by leveraging the processing power of modern CPUs, enabling software updates and modifications to track pad functionality, while maintaining effective gesture recognition and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive track or touch pad sensor, in contrast, is a solid-state sensor made using printed circuit board ('PCB') or flex circuit technology. A finger on, or in close proximity to, a top grid of conductive traces changes the capacitive coupling between adjacent traces or the self-capacitance of each trace. This change in capacitance is measured and the finger's location and/or motion is computed
Data Source
AI summary
An input device and system are described that acquires (measures) raw track pad sensor data and transmits this data to a host computer where it is analyzed by an application executing on one or more host computer central processing units. The resulting input processing architecture provides a track pad input device that is both lower in cost to manufacture and more flexible than prior art track pad input devices. Lower costs may be realized by eliminating the prior art's dedicated track pad hardware for processing sensor data (e.g., a processor and associated firmware memory). Increased flexibility may be realized by providing feature set functionality via software that executes on the host computer. In this architecture, track pad functionality may be modified, updated, and enhanced through software upgrade procedures.