Variable Impedance Touch Sensor Array Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch sensor technologies face challenges in accurately detecting continuous pressure curves and spatial locations on large surface devices, requiring complex and costly electronics with high power consumption and memory requirements, which is impractical for consumer electronics applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of an interpolated variable impedance touch sensor array with interlinked impedance columns and rows, coupled with a processor for interpolation, reduces the number of external components needed and allows for efficient detection of touch proximity, pressure, and spatial location, enabling gesture recognition and user interface interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex electronics are used to accurately detect continuous pressure curves and spatial locations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic pressure sensing systems with a mechanical spring-loaded probe system that physically contacts the catheter surface. The spring mechanism mechanically translates pressure into positional displacement, which is then detected optically or electrically, eliminating the need for complex embedded pressure sensors and electronics within the catheter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spring-loaded probe as an intermediary mechanical element between the pressure source (blood vessel wall) and the detection system. The spring mechanically mediates the pressure force, converting it into measurable displacement while isolating the detection electronics from the harsh physiological environment, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If complex electronics are used to accurately detect continuous pressure curves and spatial locations, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-hungry electronic pressure sensors with a passive mechanical spring system that requires no electrical power to function. The spring mechanically converts pressure into displacement, which can then be detected by low-power optical or electrical position sensors, dramatically reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded probe is a self-powered mechanical system that automatically responds to pressure changes without requiring external power supply or active electronics. The spring's inherent mechanical properties enable it to self-regulate and self-detect pressure variations, eliminating the need for powered sensing components.
3Measurement precision
If more external components are used for touch detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded probe serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical pressure sensing, spatial location detection, and catheter surface contact maintenance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through the unified mechanical-detection 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
This solution enables accurate detection of continuous pressure curves and gestures on large surface devices with reduced hardware complexity and power consumption, allowing for efficient and practical implementation in consumer electronics.
Implementation Method 1
touch sensor array configured to detect proximity/contact/pressure via a variable impedance array
Implementation Method 2
array column driver electrically drive the interlinked impedance columns using a column driving source
Implementation Method 3
array row sensor electrically senses the interlinked impedance rows state based on a row switching register
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to interpolated variable impedance touch sensor arrays for force-aware large-surface device interaction. An exemplary system for detecting a continuous pressure curve includes a plurality of physical variable impedance array (VIA) columns connected by interlinked impedance columns and a plurality of physical VIA rows connected by interlinked impedance rows. The system also includes a plurality of column drive sources connected to the interlinked impedance columns and to the plurality of physical VIA columns through the interlinked impedance columns as well as a plurality of row sense sinks connected to the interlinked impedance rows and to the plurality of physical VIA rows through the interlinked impedance rows. Further, the system includes a processor configured to interpolate the continuous pressure curve in the physical VIA columns and physical VIA rows from an electrical signal from the plurality of column drive sources sensed at the plurality of row sense sinks.