Track Pad Sensor Data Processing via Host CPU Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track pad devices are limited by fixed feature sets determined by dedicated hardware and firmware, leading to high manufacturing costs and reduced flexibility, as they require a dedicated processor for processing and analyzing sensor data.
Innovation Solution
A track pad input device that utilizes a capacitive or resistive sensor to generate signals, with a data acquisition circuit measuring these signals and transmitting them to a general-purpose processor for analysis, allowing the host computer's CPU to process and analyze the data, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware and enabling software-based updates and enhancements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated processor is used to process and analyze sensor data in the track pad device, then the processing capability and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data processing function from the track pad device itself and relocates it to the host computer system. The track pad device only performs simple sensor data acquisition and transmission, while the host computer's general-purpose processor handles the complex analysis and interpretation of sensor data, thereby eliminating the need for an expensive dedicated processor in the track pad device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the host computer's existing general-purpose processor to perform track pad data processing in addition to its normal computing functions. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware resource (host CPU) to serve dual purposes: executing user applications and processing track pad sensor data, thereby avoiding the need for dedicated processing hardware.
2Reliability
If a dedicated processor with fixed firmware is used in the track pad device, then the processing reliability is improved, but the adaptability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed firmware architecture into a dynamic, software-upgradable system. Instead of having hard-coded processing logic in dedicated hardware, the track pad device communicates raw sensor data to the host computer, where software applications can dynamically interpret and respond to sensor inputs in flexible, adaptable ways that can be modified through software updates without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables flexible modification of processing parameters and features through software rather than hardware. The host computer's software can change how sensor data is interpreted, what gestures are recognized, and how the track pad responds to user input, allowing feature sets to be updated and adapted without manufacturing changes to the physical device.
3Power
If a dedicated processor is integrated into the track pad device, then the processing capability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dedicated processor and its associated firmware memory from the track pad device architecture. By extracting these components and relocating their functions to the host computer system, the patent significantly reduces the component count and structural complexity of the track pad device while maintaining adequate processing capability through the host's general-purpose processor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the track pad processing function with the host computer's existing processing capabilities. Instead of having separate dedicated processing hardware, the track pad leverages the host computer's general-purpose processor, effectively combining two functions (track pad processing and general computing) into a single shared resource, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 increases flexibility by leveraging the processing power of modern CPUs, allowing for customizable track pad functionality and lower production costs while enabling feature set modifications through software updates.
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
Implementation Method 2
A resistive track pad sensor is a mechanical sensor that uses two layers of material that are typically separated by air. Pressure from a finger pushes the top layer (generally a thin, clear polyester film) so that it touches the bottom layer (generally glass). The voltage at the contact point 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.