Patents Assigned to SIGMASENSE, LLC.
  • Publication number: 20210349573
    Abstract: A touch sensor device (TSD) includes TSD electrodes associated with a surface of the TSD. Also, an overlay that includes marker electrode(s) is also associated with a region of the surface of the TSD. The TSD also includes drive-sense circuits (DSCs) operably coupled to the plurality of TSD electrodes. A DSC is configured to provide a TSD electrode signal to a TSD electrode and simultaneously to sense a change of the TSD electrode signal based on a change of impedance of the TSD electrode caused by capacitive coupling between the TSD electrode and the marker electrode(s) of the overlay. Processing module(s) is configured to process a digital signal generated by the DSC and other digital signals generated by other DSCs determine the region of the surface of the TSD that is associated with the overlay and to adapt sensitivity of the TSD within that region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: SigmaSense, LLC.
    Inventors: Patrick Troy Gray, Gerald Dale Morrison, Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Richard Stuart Seger, JR., Kevin Joseph Derichs, Shayne X. Short, Timothy W. Markison
  • Patent number: 11169948
    Abstract: A method includes detecting, by a first LVDC affiliated with a first host device, a request for a one-to-one communication with a second LVDC affiliated with a second host device, where data is conveyed between the LVDCs by varying loading on a bus at a frequency. The method further includes determining a desired number of channels to support the one-to-one communication based on one or more of: the first host device, the second host device, and information contained in the request, wherein the channels correspond to frequencies in a frequency band. The method further includes determining whether the desired number of channels is available for the one-to-one communication. When the desired number of channels is available for the one-to-one communication, allocating them for the one-to-one communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: SIGMASENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: Richard Stuart Seger, Jr., Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Gerald Dale Morrison, Timothy W. Markison
  • Publication number: 20210325978
    Abstract: A method includes transmitting, by a plurality of drive sense circuits of an interactive display device, a plurality of signals on a plurality of electrodes. The method further includes detecting, by a set of drive sense circuits of the plurality of drive sense circuits, a change in electrical characteristics of a set of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes. The method further includes interpreting, by a processing module of the interactive display device, the change in the electrical characteristics to be caused by a user of the interactive display device in close proximity to an interactive surface of the interactive display device, determining a position of the user based on the change in the electrical characteristics of the set of electrodes, determining, an available display area of the interactive surface, and generating a personalized display area within the available display area based on the position of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: SIGMASENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: Richard Stuart Seger, SR., Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Gerald Dale Morrison, Timothy W. Markison
  • Publication number: 20210326020
    Abstract: A touch sensor system includes touch sensors, drive-sense circuits (DSCs), memory, and a processing module. A DSC drives a first signal via a single line coupling to a touch sensor and simultaneously senses, when present, a second signal that is uniquely associated with a user. The DSC processes the first signal and/or the second signal to generate a digital signal that is representative of an electrical characteristic of the touch sensor. The processing module executes operational instructions (stored in the memory) to process the digital signal to detect interaction of the user with the touch sensor and to determine whether the interaction of the user with the touch sensor compares favorably with authorization. When not authorized, the processing module aborts execution of operation(s) associated with the interaction of the user with the touch sensor. Alternatively, when authorized, the processing module facilitates execution of the operation(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: SIGMASENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: Patrick Troy Gray, Gerald Dale Morrison, Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Richard Stuart Seger, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210326019
    Abstract: A touch sensor system includes touch sensors, drive-sense circuits (DSCs), memory, and a processing module. A DSC drives a first signal via a single line coupling to a touch sensor and simultaneously senses, when present, a second signal that is uniquely associated with a user. The DSC processes the first signal and/or the second signal to generate a digital signal that is representative of an electrical characteristic of the touch sensor. The processing module executes operational instructions (stored in the memory) to process the digital signal to detect interaction of the user with the touch sensor and to determine whether the interaction of the user with the touch sensor compares favorably with authorization. When not authorized, the processing module aborts execution of operation(s) associated with the interaction of the user with the touch sensor. Alternatively, when authorized, the processing module facilitates execution of the operation(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: SIGMASENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: Patrick Troy Gray, Gerald Dale Morrison, Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Richard Stuart Seger, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210325991
    Abstract: A touchscreen display includes one or more display drivers coupled to an active matrix display and one or more touch controllers coupled to one or more touch sensor conductors. The one or more display drivers are coupled to the active matrix display via active matrix conductive components. When enabled, the one or more display drivers is configured to transmit a first signal to the active matrix display in accordance with display operation. A touch sensor conductor includes one or more segments of the active matrix conductive components. When enabled, a touch controller of the one or more touch controllers is configured to transmit a second signal via the touch sensor conductor in accordance with touchscreen operation that is performed concurrently with the display operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: SIGMASENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Michael Shawn Gray, Kevin Joseph Derichs
  • Publication number: 20210325979
    Abstract: A method includes transmitting, by a plurality of drive-sense circuits of an interactive display device, a plurality of signals on a plurality of electrodes of the interactive display device. The method further includes detecting, by a set of drive-sense circuits of the plurality of drive-sense circuits, a change in electrical characteristics of a set of. The method further includes interpreting, by a processing module of the interactive display device, the change in the electrical characteristics of the set of electrodes to be caused by a user input passive device in close proximity to an interactive surface of the interactive display device, generating a digital pad on the interactive surface for interaction with the user input passive device, and interpreting user inputs received from the user input passive device in close proximity to the digital pad as functions to manipulate data on a display area of the interactive display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: SIGMASENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: Richard Stuart Seger, JR., Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Gerald Dale Morrison, Timothy W. Markison
  • Publication number: 20210325485
    Abstract: A Hall effect sensor system includes a Hall effect sensor and a drive-sense circuit (DSC). The Hall effect sensor includes an input port to receive a DC (direct current) current signal and generates a Hall voltage based on exposure to a magnetic field. The DSC generates the DC current signal based on a reference signal and drives it via a single line that operably couples the DSC to the Hall effect sensor and simultaneously to sense the DC current signal via the single line. The DSC detects an effect on the DC current signal corresponding to the Hall voltage that is generated across the Hall effect sensor based on exposure of the Hall effect sensor to the magnetic field and generates a digital signal representative of the Hall voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: SIGMASENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: Patrick Troy Gray, Gerald Dale Morrison, Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Richard Stuart Seger, JR.
  • Patent number: 11152818
    Abstract: A device operative to transfer power wirelessly includes a drive-sense circuit (DSC), memory that stores operational instructions, and processing module(s). The DSC generates a drive signal based on a reference signal and provides the drive signal to a first coil via a single line and via a resonating capacitor, and simultaneously senses the drive signal via the single line, to facilitate electromagnetic coupling to a second coil to transfer power wirelessly to another device. The DSC also detects electrical characteristic(s) of the drive signal. The processing module(s) generates the reference signal and processes the digital signal to determine the electrical characteristic(s) of the drive signal. In some examples, the processing module(s) adapts the reference signal based on detection of the other device (e.g., based on interpreting the electrical characteristic(s) of the drive signal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SIGMASENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: John Christopher Price, Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Phuong Huynh
  • Patent number: 11152817
    Abstract: A device operative to transfer power wirelessly includes a drive-sense circuit (DSC), memory that stores operational instructions, and processing module(s). The DSC generates a drive signal based on a reference signal and provides the drive signal to a first coil via a single line and via a resonating capacitor, and simultaneously senses the drive signal via the single line, to facilitate electromagnetic coupling to a second coil to transfer power wirelessly to another device. The DSC also detects electrical characteristic(s) of the drive signal. The processing module(s) generates the reference signal and processes the digital signal to determine the electrical characteristic(s) of the drive signal. In some examples, the processing module(s) adapts the reference signal based on detection of the other device (e.g., based on interpreting the electrical characteristic(s) of the drive signal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SIGMASENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: John Christopher Price, Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Phuong Huynh
  • Patent number: 11151072
    Abstract: A low voltage drive circuit includes a transmit digital to analog circuit that converts transmit digital data into analog outbound data by: generating a DC component; generating a first oscillation at a first frequency; generating a second oscillation at the first frequency; and outputting the first oscillation or the second oscillation on a bit-by-bit basis in accordance with the transmit digital data to produce an oscillating component, wherein the DC component is combined with the oscillating component to produce the analog outbound data, and wherein the oscillating component and the DC component are combined to produce the analog outbound data. A drive sense circuit drives an analog transmit signal onto a bus, wherein the analog outbound data is represented within the analog transmit signal as variances in loading of the bus at the first frequency and wherein analog inbound data is represented within an analog receive signal as variances in loading of the bus at a second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SigmaSense, LLC.
    Inventors: Richard Stuart Seger, Jr., Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Gerald Dale Morrison, Timothy W. Markison
  • Patent number: 11153143
    Abstract: A low voltage drive circuit (LVDC) includes a digital to digital converter that converts transmit digital data into a digital input signal, wherein the transmit digital data is synchronized to a clock rate of a host device and the digital input signal is synchronized to a clock rate of a bus to which the LVDC is coupled. An output limited digital to analog is converter converts the digital input signal into analog outbound data by generating a DC component and converting the digital input signal into an oscillating component at a first frequency, wherein magnitude of the oscillating component is limited to a range that is less than a difference between magnitudes of power supply rails of the LVDS, and wherein the oscillating component and the DC component are combined to produce the analog outbound data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SigmaSense, LLC.
    Inventors: Richard Stuart Seger, Jr., Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Gerald Dale Morrison, Timothy W. Markison
  • Patent number: 11152948
    Abstract: An analog to digital converter (ADC) senses an analog signal (e.g., a load current) to generate a digital signal. The ADC operates based on a load voltage produced based on charging of an element (e.g., a capacitor) by a load current and a digital to analog converter (DAC) output current (e.g., from a N-bit DAC). The ADC generates a digital output signal representative of a difference between the load voltage and a reference voltage. This digital output signal is used directly, or after digital signal processing, to operate an N-bit DAC to generate a DAC output current that tracks the load current. The digital output signal provided to the N-bit DAC is an inverse function of the load current. The ADC is operative to sense very low currents (e.g., currents as low as is of pico-amps) and consume very little power (e.g., less than 2 ?W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SigmaSense, LLC.
    Inventor: Phuong Huynh
  • Publication number: 20210318781
    Abstract: An encoded data pattern touchscreen sensing system includes an encoded data pattern including one or more electrical materials arranged in a pattern representative of data. The encoded data pattern touchscreen sensing system further includes an encoded data pattern touchscreen sensing computing device including: a touchscreen, a plurality of electrodes integrated into the touchscreen, and a plurality of drive-sense circuits coupled to the plurality of electrodes, where, when in close proximity to the encoded data pattern, the plurality of drive-sense circuits detect changes in electrical characteristics of the plurality of electrodes caused by the encoded data pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: SigmaSense, LLC.
    Inventors: Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Gerald Dale Morrison, Richard Stuart Seger, JR., Timothy W. Markison, Patricia Markison Healy
  • Publication number: 20210320537
    Abstract: A device operative to transfer power and communicate wirelessly includes a drive-sense circuit (DSC), memory that stores operational instructions, and processing module(s). The DSC generates a drive signal based on a reference signal and provides the drive signal to a first coil via a single line and via a resonating capacitor, and simultaneously senses the drive signal via the single line, to facilitate electromagnetic coupling to a second coil to transfer power wirelessly to another device. The DSC also detects electrical characteristic(s) of the drive signal including whether a communication signal is transmitted from another device and generates a digital signal representative thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: SIGMASENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: John Christopher Price, Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Phuong Huynh
  • Patent number: 11144160
    Abstract: A method includes generating, by a processing module interacting with a touch screen, drive sense data. The method further includes generating, by the processing module, capacitance grid data based on the drive sense data. The method further includes determining, by the processing module, a use for the capacitance grid data. The method further includes determining, by the processing module, data requirements for the capacitance grid data based on the use and properties of the capacitance grid. When data reduction is enabled, the method further includes determining, by the processing module, a data reduction scheme based on the data requirements and an output data rate. The method further includes processing, by the processing module, the capacitance grid data in accordance with the data reduction scheme to produce reduced capacitive gird data. The method further includes providing, by the processing module, the reduced capacitive grid data to a datap circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: SigmaSense, LLC.
    Inventors: Gerald Dale Morrison, Michael Shawn Gray, Grant Howard McGibney
  • Publication number: 20210303151
    Abstract: A method includes generating, by a processing module interacting with a touch screen, drive sense data. The method further includes generating, by the processing module, capacitance grid data based on the drive sense data. The method further includes determining, by the processing module, a use for the capacitance grid data. The method further includes determining, by the processing module, data requirements for the capacitance grid data based on the use and properties of the capacitance grid. When data reduction is enabled, the method further includes determining, by the processing module, a data reduction scheme based on the data requirements and an output data rate. The method further includes processing, by the processing module, the capacitance grid data in accordance with the data reduction scheme to produce reduced capacitive gird data. The method further includes providing, by the processing module, the reduced capacitive grid data to a datap circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: SigmaSense, LLC.
    Inventors: Gerald Dale Morrison, Michael Shawn Gray, Grant Howard McGibney
  • Publication number: 20210303101
    Abstract: A computing subsystem includes a plurality of drive-sense circuits operable for coupling to a plurality of loads and a processing module operable for coupling to the plurality of drive-sense circuits. A drive-sense circuit generates a small magnitude analog drive signal based on a reference signal, regulates the small magnitude analog drive signal as a characteristic of a load, generates a change signal based on regulation of the small magnitude analog drive signal, and generates a digital signal based on the change signal, wherein the digital signal is indicative of the characteristic of the load. The processing module is operable to receive a set of digital signals from at least some of the plurality of drive-sense circuits and process the set of digital signals to produce a plurality of frames of load data regarding the plurality of loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: SIGMASENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: Patrick Troy Gray, Gerald Dale Morrison, Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Richard Stuart Seger, JR.
  • Patent number: 11133811
    Abstract: A high resolution analog to digital converter (ADC) with improved bandwidth senses an analog signal (e.g., a load current) to generate a digital signal. The ADC operates based on a load voltage produced based on charging of an element (e.g., a capacitor) by a load current and a digital to analog converter (DAC) output current (e.g., from a N-bit DAC). The ADC generates a digital output signal representative of a difference between the load voltage and a reference voltage. This digital output signal is used directly, or after digital signal processing, to operate an N-bit DAC to generate a DAC output current that tracks the load current. In addition, quantization noise is subtracted from the digital output signal thereby extending the operational bandwidth of the ADC. In certain examples, the operational bandwidth of the ADC extends up to 100s of kHz (e.g., 200-300 kHz), or even higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: SigmaSense, LLC.
    Inventor: Phuong Huynh
  • Patent number: 11131714
    Abstract: A battery characterization system includes a drive-sense circuit (DSC), memory that stores operational instructions, and processing module(s) operably coupled to the DSC and the memory. Based on a reference signal, the DSC generates a charge signal, which includes an AC (alternating current) component, and provides the charge signal to a terminal of a battery via a single line and simultaneously to senses the charge signal via the single line to detect an electrical characteristic of the battery based on a response of the battery. The DSC generates a digital signal representative of the electrical characteristic of the battery. The processing module(s), based on the operational instructions, generate the reference signal to include a frequency sweep of the AC component of the charge signal (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: SIGMASENSE, LLC.
    Inventors: Patrick Troy Gray, Gerald Dale Morrison, Michael Frederick David Olley, Daniel Keith Van Ostrand, Richard Stuart Seger, Jr.