BR102016027910A2 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR EXTENSION OF DETECTION SURFACES INTERFACING A PLURALITY OF MOBILE ELEMENTS WITH A DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

"PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR EXTENDING DETECTION SURFACES INTERFACING A PLURALITY OF MOBILE ELEMENTS WITH A DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM" [0001] The present invention relates to interfaces between moving objects and a data processing system, especially in the field. from tracking people in a predetermined environment and more particularly to a process and device for extending detection surfaces interfacing with a large number of moving elements with a data processing system.

In numerous situations, it may be necessary for a data processing system to detect the position and / or orientation of moving elements to enable the latter to react accordingly. Thus, for example, in virtual reality applications that allow enriching an environment viewed by multiple users, the application employed by the data processing system must know the position of all users, to calculate a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object, typically according to a position and orientation for each user to add this representation to the scene viewed by each user.

There are different technologies for detecting the position and / or orientation of real objects on detection surfaces that allow them to be used as interfaces of data processing systems.

Thus, for example, the inventors have previously adapted a process and devices to interface a large number of moving elements with a data processing system. This process and devices were the purpose of a patent application which led to patent FR 2 964 479.

In accordance with the invention described therein, the movable elements are provided with one or more locating modules and an activation module for determining the position and preferably the orientation of each movable element. sequential way. The position of moving elements is captured in this case by electromagnetic field. For this purpose, a position sensing surface of the movable elements, composed of a line / grid type electromagnetic pickup column, is used. It is associated with an electronic module capable of demultiplexing the position of a location module that emits an electromagnetic field.

Each location module is therefore sequentially selected according to an identifier that is appropriate to it so that it emits an electromagnetic field. A position sensing pilot module is associated with the sensing surface to sequentially activate the electromagnetic emissions from the locating modules by means of a command signal.

The position detection surface is, for example, a PCB type card (acronym for Front Circuit. (In Anglo-Saxon terminology) for electromagnetic reception, flexible or rigid.

[0008] Figure 1 illustrates an example of detection surface and associated logic.

The detection surface 1100 in this case consists of a mesh in the form of rows and columns forming a conductive grid. The latter comprises a set of conducting circuits along two orthogonal axes. Each circuit is a subtle pickup that allows you to measure the current intensity or voltage induced by a radiation element, typically a solenoid belonging to a moving element whose position and / or orientation must be calibrated, which is positioned on the surface of detection.

By way of illustration, it is considered that a solenoid is placed at position 105, that is, at the intersection of circuits 110 and 115 of which one end is connected to a ground and the other end is connected to the electronics used to calculate a position. When the solenoid at position 105 is fed, it generates an induction current in circuits 110 and 115 that can be analyzed and compared to the induced current in other circuits. Thus, it is possible, by induction coupling between the solenoid and the grid and by measuring the induced current, to determine the position of the solenoid.

Des multiplexers 120 and 125 are connected to each circuit of each of the two grid axes, i.e. here in each of the vertical and horizontal circuits, respectively. The outputs of multiplexers 120 and 125 are connected to automatic gain controllers (CAG) 130 and 135, respectively, of a sensing and position capturing pilot module, with reference to 140-1, of a material module 140. output signals from automatic gain controllers 130 and 135 are first demodulated on demodulators 145 and 150, respectively. The demodulation produced a continuous signal (DC) in proportional to the original sinusoid complete with alternating components (AC) in multiple Anglo-Saxon terminology. fixed frequency emitted by the solenoid.

A calculating module 140-2 of material module 140 pilots multiplexers 120 and 125 here to sequentially activate circuits, that is, to activate an n + 1 circuit after an n circuit. When the last circuit is reached, the processor starts a new cycle and pilots the activation of the first circuit.

As illustrated, a bandpass filter is employed in this case on each automatic gain controller 130 and 135 to suppress unwanted harmonics of the demodulated signal as well as electromagnetic background noise. This filtering allows you to fine tune the signals from the multiplexers 120 and 125, which are demodulated on demodulators 145 and 150 and then numbered on analog / numeric (CAN) converters 155 and 160, respectively.

The numerical values obtained are transmitted to the central handling unit (CPU) 165 of the calculation module 140-2 for storage. As illustrated, central treatment unit 165 controls demodulators 145 and 150.

After the values have been memorized, the central processing unit increments the address of the multiplexers in order to number the signals from the following circuits. When a last circuit is reached, the central handling unit resets the multiplexer address corresponding to the value of the first axis circuit considered.

At the end of a cycle, the central handling unit memorized as many numerical values for each axis as there are adjacent circuits near the position of the solenoid. From these values, the central treatment unit calculated the position of the solenoid by interpolation as described hereinafter.

The position detection and capture pilot module 140-1 comprises here a transmitter 170, controlled by the central handling unit 165 of the calculation module 140-2, which enables a locating module of a movable element to be activated.

Thus, to evaluate the position of a locating module assembly, it is necessary to sequentially activate each locating module and, for each of these activations, according to the embodiment described herein, cycle each locating module. circuits.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates the physical principle of inductive coupling between a solenoid and a circuit conducting a sensing surface.

Each movable element whose position and / or orientation must be calibrated comprises at least one solenoid whose axis is preferably oriented towards the detection surface.

Solenoid 200 is traversed by an alternating current and emits an electromagnetic field that propagates to the sensing surface, especially in this example, to circuit 115. Circuit 115, which receives an electromagnetic field from solenoid 200, it mates with the solenoid 200. Then it is possible to measure an alternating signal to the limits of this circuit with reference to 205.

The coupling between solenoid 200 and circuit 115 may be expressed as the following relationship, where E denotes voltage within the limits of solenoid 200, R denotes the voltage of the signal received within limits 205 of the circuit. 115, D is the distance between the solenoid 200 and the receiving circuit 115 ek is a constant linked to intrinsic factors of the system comprising the solenoid and the receiving circuit, especially the number of turns of the solenoid and the size of the circuit. .

Figure 3 schematically illustrates an interpolation mechanism for calculating the position of a solenoid placed on a detection surface along a given axis from measurements obtained by a system as described with reference to Figure 1.

In this case it is assumed that the solenoid is in the vicinity of vertical circuits B3, B4 and B5, positioned according to abscissa X3, X4 and X5, the voltages measured at the limits of these circuits being marked as V3, V4 and V5. respectively. The solenoid is here in an abscissa position marked as XS.

The X3, X4 and X5 coordinates can be obtained by the central handling unit from a corresponding circuit identifier element (these values are predefined according to the routing scheme of the detection surface). and preferably stored in a nonvolatile memory).

The part of curve 300 shown in Figure 3 illustrates the voltage variation for position XS of the solenoid according to the positions of the solenoid coupled circuits extrapolated from the values measured by circuits B3, B4 and B5. It can be assimilated to a second degree function of the parabolic type. This local approximation corresponds in practice to the phenomenon of electromagnetic coupling between a solenoid and circuits of a conductive grid.

The following relationships illustrate this property. V3 = a (X3-XS) 2 + b V4 = a (X4-XS) 2 + b V5 = a (X5-XS) 2 + b where a and b are constants, a being a constant less than zero ( a <0).

Furthermore, taking into account the hypothesis of a second degree function, the relationships of a second degree function, the relations between the abscissa X3, X4 and X5 may be expressed as: X4-X3 = X5 -X4 = XX X5-X3 = 2AX

[0031] representing the distance between abscissa X3 and X4 and between abscissa X4 and X5).

Thus, it is possible to interpolate the position of the solenoid according to the following formula: It is also possible, according to the same logic, to determine the position of the solenoid along the ordinate axis.

In addition, the distance between the solenoid and the circuit (ie the solenoid altitude relative to the sensing surface) can be set according to the following relationship. [0035] The distance D is therefore function of the value of R representing the voltage within the considered circuit boundaries of the sensing surface. It can be extrapolated from the measurements taken. It is observed that the accuracy of this distance calculation is especially linked to the stability of the E signal emitted by the solenoid whose value should also be as constant as possible over time, which requires a stabilized power supply in the location module that should not be decreased by occasion of the discharge of the battery. This can be guaranteed by a location module voltage regulator.

While such a solution is found to be very effective for interfacing a small size surface moving element assembly, it is difficult to determine the position and / or orientation of moving elements relative to the large surface area. and large surfaces which may comprise discontinuous (i.e. disconnected) parts. The invention allows to solve at least one of the above problems.

[0038] The invention thus relates to a control process in a system comprising a detection surface at the interface of a large number of moving elements with a data processing system, the detection surface comprising a large number of elementary detection surfaces means the elementary detection surfaces forming at least one group comprising several subgroups, several subgroups, each subgroup comprising at least one elementary detection surface, each elemental detection surface being configured to determine a position of a moving element, each moving element and a large number of moving elements may be activated by a management module associated with a subgroup, the process comprising the following steps, for at least one subgroup, enrolling at least one moving element in the presence of the subgroup management module at least d the movable element being entered in a list movable element references; reserve a different time period for each moving element cited with references in the reference list, said time period enabling the activation of a moving element and determining a position of an activated moving element, the periods of reserved time forms a sequence that enables sequential activation of the subscribed moving elements in the presence of the management module of at least one of said subgroups; wherein at least one moving element is enrolled in the presence of management modules from at least two different subgroups, the time period reserved for said at least one moving element enrolled in the presence of management modules from at least two different subgroups being even in each of said at least two subgroups.

[0039] The method according to the invention thus enables the management of detection surfaces of varying sizes, in particular large sizes, connected or not, allowing the real-time determination of the position of a large number of moving elements.

According to a particular embodiment, the method further comprises a step of comparing a position of a movable element with a predetermined zone and, in response to the comparison, a step of modifying at least one period of time. time reserved for the moving element whose position is compared to a predetermined zone.

According to a particular embodiment, said step of modifying at least one reserved time period comprises reserving a new time period for the movable element whose position is compared to a predetermined zone, the new time period being the same as another time period previously reserved for the moving element whose position is compared to a predetermined zone, the new time period and the other time period being reserved in different subgroup management modules .

According to a particular embodiment, said step of modifying at least one reserved time period comprises deleting a previously reserved time period for the movable element whose position is compared to a predetermined zone.

According to a particular embodiment, the predetermined zone is a zone comprising a part of a first elemental detection surface of a first subgroup and a part of a second elemental detection surface of a second different subgroup. of the first subgroup.

According to a particular embodiment, the method further comprises a step of synchronizing position calculation modules associated with each elementary detection surface of a subgroup.

According to a particular embodiment, the process further comprises a step of activating a moving element and a step of determining a position of an activated moving element, the activation and determining steps being performed according to said sequence.

According to a particular embodiment, the step of determining a position of an activated moving element comprises a step of measuring a voltage at the output of a treatment circuit connected to each detection circuit of a large number of. detection circuits of an elementary detection surface, a step of obtaining an impedance of each of the detection circuits of the large number of detection circuits and a step of calculating an induced voltage at the limits of each of the detection circuits of large number of detection circuits as a function of impedances obtained and voltage measurements.

According to a particular embodiment, a moving element is activated by a radio signal comprising a unique identifier of a moving element to be activated.

According to a particular embodiment, the method further comprises a position determination step of a previously activated moving element and a position transmission step determined to said previously activated moving element.

[0049] The invention also relates to a detection surface for interfacing a large number of moving elements with a data processing system, the detection surface comprising a large number of elementary detection surfaces, the detection surfaces. elements forming at least one group comprising several subgroups, each subgroup comprising at least one elementary sensing surface, each elemental sensing surface being configured to determine a position of a moving element, each moving element of the large number of elements. can be activated by a management module associated with a subgroup, each management module associated with a subgroup being configured to: subscribe at least one moving element to a list of moving element references; reserve a different time period for each moving element listed in the reference list, said time period permitting the activation of a moving element and determining a position of an activated moving element, with the reserved time periods forming a sequence allowing a sequential activation of the subscribed moving elements in the presence of the management module of said at least one subgroup; management modules associated with subgroups are still configured so that the same time period is reserved for the same moving element enrolled in the presence of multiple management modules of at least two different subgroups.

[0050] The surface according to the invention thus allows the use of variable size detection surfaces, in particular large sizes, connected or not, allowing the real-time determination of the position of a large number of moving elements.

According to a particular embodiment, at least one elementary sensing surface comprises a large number of sensing circuits and whereby a position calculation module is associated with at least one elemental sensing surface, the position calculation module being configured to obtain an impedance for each of the elementary sensing circuits and to calculate a voltage induced at the limits of each of the sensing circuits of the large number of sensing circuits as a function of the impedances obtained.

According to a particular embodiment, a management module associated with a subgroup is further configured to activate a moving element by a radio signal comprising a unique identifier of a moving element to be activated.

The invention is also directed to a computer program comprising instructions adapted to perform at least some of the process steps described above when said program is executed on a microcontroller. The advantages provided by this computer program are similar to those previously remembered during the process observation.

Other advantages, objects and features of the present invention derive from the following detailed description, by way of non-limiting example, by observing the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates an example of detection surface and associated logic;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates the physical principle of inductive coupling between a solenoid and a conductive circuit of a sensing surface;

Figure 3 schematically illustrates an interpolation mechanism for calculating the position of a solenoid placed on a detection surface along a given axis from measurements obtained by a system such as that described with reference to Figure 1;

Figure 4 schematically illustrates some sensing circuits of an elementary sensing surface as well as associated circuits for determining the position and / or orientation of a moving element provided with a solenoid, taking into account the impedance of the sensing circuits. detection;

Figure 5 illustrates an environment 500 in which the position and / or orientation of moving elements can be determined with the aid of various elementary sensing surfaces;

Figure 6 illustrates a simplified example of a time diagram for determining the position and / or orientation of inscribed moving elements in the presence of a management module of the same master elementary detection surface;

Figure 7 illustrates certain steps of an algorithm employed to determine the position of moving elements located near elementary detection surfaces of a subgroup k;

Figure 8 illustrates a simplified example of a time diagram for determining the position and / or orientation of inscribed moving elements in the presence of master elementary detection surface management modules of the same group;

Figure 9, comprising Figures 9a to 9d, illustrates an example of TimeSlots management and registration of a moving element whose position can be determined by elementary detection surfaces of two subgroups of the same group;

[0064] Figure 10 illustrates steps of an algorithm for generating moving element inscriptions in the presence of elementary detection surface subgroup management modules;

Figure 11 illustrates an example of a logical architecture of a system for determining the position and / or orientation of moving elements placed in proximity to a sensing surface comprising several elementary sensing surfaces organized by subgroups and groups, and [0066]. Figure 12 illustrates an example architecture of a central module or module that may be associated with a master elemental detection surface or a group.

In general, the invention relates to detection surfaces and the management of detection surfaces made up of several elementary detection surfaces which allow the determination of position (abscissa, ordinate and / or altitude) and / or orientation ( cap, pitching and / or cylinder) of moving elements or parts arranged thereon and used together.

According to particular embodiments, each elementary sensing surface comprises a flexible sheet, for example, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate acrylic) type plastic sheet, comprising circuits formed of a conductive material such as the silver. These conductive circuits form the grid (rows and columns) described above, which allows the detection of an electromagnetic field. Such circuits may especially be screen printed, deposited or printed.

Screen printing of such circuits can be performed by spreading a paste such as a silver paste on the holder.

Printing can be done using standard inkjet printing technology using conductive ink, for example ink charged with silver particles, especially silver nanoparticles. It is noted that printing can offer practical advantages such as unwinding of the flexible support and simultaneous printing of the conducting circuits.

According to other embodiments, the detection circuits are realized starting from conductive wires that can be glued on the support, inserted between layers of the support or sewn to the latter.

The impedances of the circuits obtained according to these processes are substantially equivalent, but may vary from one circuit to another, especially because of their length. The inventors thus observed that unlike circuits made with a copper-based material on small or equivalent glass fiber surfaces, they could not be overlooked here.

The supports thus produced may be of large sizes, typically several square meters. By way of illustration, these may be one meter by two lanes.

According to particular embodiments, the impedance of each circuit is measured and memorized for use in determining the position and / or orientation of a solenoid emitting an electromagnetic field. Measurements can be made at circuit manufacturing or later during an initialization phase. The measured values can be stored in a table linked to a reference of the corresponding circuits. These references are unique.

Of course, there are numerous solutions for referencing circuits. A simple solution is to index them hierarchically. Thus, for example, when centralized detection management is performed for a detection surface formed from several groups, each group comprising several subgroups and each subgroup comprising several elementary detection surfaces, a circuit reference may comprise a circuit index on the elementary sensing surface, an elementary sensing surface index, a subgroup index, and a group index.

Alternatively, when one of the detections is performed for each subgroup, a circuit reference may comprise a circuit index on the elementary detection surface and an elementary detection surface index.

[0077] An example of such a table is provided in the appendix (Table 1). As illustrated, subgroup k comprises M elementary sensing surfaces, the first elemental sensing surface comprising N1 sensing circuits, the second elementary sensing surface comprising N2 sensing circuits, and so on. By way of illustration, the measured impedance of the second detection circuit of the first elemental detection surface is 600 ohms (□). Similarly, always by way of example, the measured impedance of the first detection circuit of the elementary detection surface having the index j is equal to 570 ohms.

The electrical signals generated by coupling are read similarly to the reading described with reference to Figure 1, taking into account the impedance of each circuit.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates some sensing circuits of an elementary sensing surface as well as the associated circuits for determining the position and / or orientation of a moving element provided with a solenoid, taking into account the impedance of the sensing circuits. detection.

By way of illustration, elementary detection surface 400 comprises n detection circuits with references 405-1 to 405-n. Each of these circuits at an observed impedance R1 where i corresponds to the circuit index. These detection circuits are connected to a ** multiplexer 410, commanded by a central handling unit (CPU) 415. Multiplexer 410 allows selection of a detection circuit such that one end of the selected circuit is connected to the output. from the multiplexer, the other end of the selected circuit being grounded.

The multiplexer output is here connected to an analog treatment module 420 allowing especially the amplification and filtering of a signal received from a detection circuit. As illustrated, the analog treatment module input 420 at an impedance Ra. The output of analog treatment module 420 is connected to an analog numeric converter 425 which can be integrated with central treatment unit 415.

The central handling unit 415 is able to obtain a measurement of the signals from each circuit in order to determine the position and / or orientation of a movable element provided with a solenoid.

For these purposes, it is observed that the voltage represented as Vout measured at the output of analog treatment module 420 may be expressed as a function of a voltage induced within the limits of the detection circuit having index i (written Vind), as follows: where G represents the gain of the analog treatment chain.

Thus, the inventors have observed that evaluating the position and / or orientation of a moving element in relation to the output voltage (Vout) measured at the output of analog treatment module 420 can, by the fact that impedances that may differ in detection circuits lead to erroneous results.

Consequently, for all detection circuits, central handling unit 415 calculates the induced voltage (Vind) at the limits of the selected detection circuit (which has index i), that induced voltage being independent of the circuit impedance. , to determine the position and / or orientation of a movable element.

In other words, the position of a movable element may be interpolated according to the following formula: wherein X3, X4 and X5 are the abscissae of three detection circuits B3, B4 and B5, positioned according to abscissa X3, X4 and X5 (considering that DX represents the distance between abscissa X3 and X4 and between abscissa X4 and X5), the induced stresses calculated at the limits of these circuits are represented as Vind3, Vind4 and Vind5, respectively. The solenoid is here at an abscissa position represented by XS.

The induced voltage Vind, within the limits of a sensing circuit i may be expressed as a function of the voltage Voutj measured at the output of analog treatment module 420 as follows: [0088] It is thus possible to determine the position of a moving element. according to measured voltages taking into account the impedance of each detection circuit.

[0089] It is noted here that the impedance values of the detection circuits can be measured and memorized periodically to prevent system failure.

According to particular embodiments, several elementary detection surfaces are combined to extend the surface of the zone in which the position and / or orientation of moving elements can be determined and / or to allow discontinuous zones to exist in the zones. which position and / or orientation of moving elements can be determined.

[0091] Figure 5 illustrates an environment 500 in which the position and / or orientation of moving elements can be determined with the help of various elementary sensing surfaces.

The environment 500 is here a three-piece representation of a building, with reference numerals 505-1 to 505-3, represented in a horizontal plane. The thick dashes correspond to walls. The position and / or orientation of moving elements can be determined on each part 505-1 to 505-3 with the help of elementary detection surfaces regrouped by subgroups and by group.

In a concern with understanding the system, each subgroup here corresponds to a part. However, according to certain embodiments, a part may comprise several subgroups and, conversely, one subgroup may be associated with several parts.

Thus, environment 500 here comprises three subgroups each associated with one of parts 505-1 to 505-3 (in the illustrated example, references 505-1 to 505-3 therefore refer indifferently to a part or subgroup) , each subgroup comprising here three elementary detection surfaces.

Thus, for example, subgroup 505-1 comprises elementary detection surfaces 510-11 to 510-13. Similarly, subgroup 505-2 comprises elementary sensing surfaces 510-21 to 510-23 and subgroup 505-3 comprises elementary sensing surfaces 510-31 to 510-33.

If each subgroup here comprises three elementary detection surfaces, their number may vary from one to several dozen. In addition, the number of elementary detection surfaces may vary from one subgroup to another.

As shown, a movable member may pass from part 505-1 to part 505-2 through an opening at the junction of sensing surfaces 510-13 and 510-22.

According to a particular embodiment, each subgroup comprises an elementary detection surface called a master. The other elementary detection surfaces of the subgroup are so-called slave elementary detection surfaces. Sequential activation of moving elements in the vicinity of a subgroup is effected by a management module associated with the master elementary detection surface of that subgroup.

By way of illustration, the master elementary detection surfaces may be elementary detection surfaces 510-12, 510-21 and 510-31 (as suggested by the use of bold characters).

Each subgroup allows detection of moving elements in the vicinity of the subgroup. Thus, for example, movable elements located in the zone with reference to 515-1 may be activated by the management module associated with the master elementary detection surface of subgroup 505-1. Similarly, moving elements located in the zone with reference to 515-2 can be activated by the management module associated with the master elementary detection surface of subgroup 505-2 and moving elements located in the zone with reference to 515-3 can be activated. activated by the management module associated with the master elementary detection surface of subgroup 505-3.

There may be zones in which a moving element may be activated by one subgroup or another, for example zone 520. In the latter, a moving element may be activated by the management module associated with the subgroup's master elementary detection surface. 505-1 or the management module associated with the master elementary detection surface of subgroup 505-2. According to the position of the movable element in zone 520, its position and / or orientation is determined by the elemental sensing surface 510-13 or the elemental sensing surface 510-22.

According to a particular embodiment, a movable element is inscribed in the presence of a single management module (associated with a master elementary detection surface) when its presence is detected in the vicinity of the detection surface. For these purposes, an enrollment mechanism similar to the connection mechanisms present in the radio protocol of the type known under the name ANT or ANT + may, for example, be used.

According to a simplified version of this mechanism, a movable element that is not enrolled in the presence of a management module of a master elementary detection surface issues a request that can be received by one or several management modules (associated with master elementary detection surfaces). When the order is received by multiple management modules, a selection is operated so that the moving element is entered only in the presence of a single management module of a master elemental detection surface.

Each management module associated with a subgroup's master elementary detection surface generates a list of moving elements to be activated.

Subgroups comprising contacting elemental sensing surfaces and allowing moving elements from one elemental sensing surface of one subgroup to another elemental sensing surface of another subgroup, which have common activation zones, form groups. . Thus, for example, subgroups 505-1 and 505-2 shown in Figure 5 form a first group whereas subgroup 505-3 forms a group on itself.

When a moving element is inscribed in the presence of a management module of a master elementary detection surface, a radio communication loop is established between the moving element and the management module. After this connection is established, a first communication step is to obtain a unique identifier of the moving element, for example a unique identifier encoded over 24 or 32 bits, then to transmit to the mobile element a communication channel reference that it must use. to receive activation messages so preferably a radio channel reference that it should use to receive other types of messages.

As described above, the sequential activation of the moving elements is generated by a master elementary detection surface. Each activation period, that is, each time period comprising activation of a moving element and measurements of the induced stresses on the corresponding elementary sensing surfaces is called “TimeSlot” (also represented TS).

The emission of a modulated radio signal encoding the unique identifier of a moving element, in the form of an activation message, by a management module associated with a master elementary detection surface activates a single moving element.

[00109] Such a message is used to select a single moving element to be activated and to synchronize when that moving element should activate its (first) solenoid.

[00110] It is noted here that the radio range of a management module of a master elementary detection surface must encompass its own surface as well as the slave elementary detection surfaces dependent upon this master elementary detection surface.

To synchronize the detection modules of the slave elementary detection surfaces of a subgroup with that of the master elementary detection surface of that subgroup, the detection module or master elementary detection surface management module outputs a synchronization signal on the start of each activation sequence (that is, each activation cycle of the moving element set of a moving element list).

Such synchronization signal may be transmitted using the radio means used to transmit messages to the moving elements, especially activation messages, or using other wired or wireless communication means. This synchronization signal may also come directly from a source shared by all detection modules of the elementary detection surfaces of the same subgroup.

At each (potential) activation of a moving element, ie each activation step of an activation sequence, each elementary detection surface of the same subgroup, whether master or slave, seeks to detect the presence of a moving element.

Figure 6 illustrates a simplified example of a time diagram for determining the position and / or orientation of inscribed movable elements in the presence of a management module of the same master elemental detection surface located in the vicinity of this detection surface. elementary and slave elementary detection surfaces associated with the latter, these elementary detection surfaces belonging to the same subgroup k.

As illustrated, time is divided into segments which correspond here to TimeSlots, each segment allowing to activate a moving element and determine its position and / or orientation. Thus it is possible to determine the position and / or orientation of a moving element E (0), after a moving element E (1) and so on to a moving element E (n-1) before resuming the sequence to determine again the position of the moving element E (0).

More precisely, at time t0 (or a little time prior to accounting for synchronization time), a synchronization signal (SSk) is output to synchronize all elementary detection surfaces of subgroup k. At the same or near instant, an activation signal of the moving element E (0), represented as Sk, to, E (o), is emitted. Thus, if the moving element E (0) is within range of the management module associated with the subgroup k master elementary detection surface, it emits an electromagnetic field capable of inductively creating an induced voltage in surface detection circuits. elementary detection surfaces of subgroup k or, where applicable, as described hereinafter, elementary detection surface detection circuits of other subgroups located in the vicinity of subgroup k.

By way of illustration, voltage measurements (Vout) are taken during TimeSlot 0 to enable the position and / or orientation of the moving element E (0) to be determined, as described above, preferably taking into account impedances. of detection circuits. It is noted in this case that if voltage measurements (Vout) are taken during TimeSlot 0, the position and / or orientation of the moving element E (0) may be continued during the next TimeSlot (TimeSlot 1) when measurements are taken. tensions to enable the position and / or orientation of the movable element E (1) to be determined according to a mode known under the name of the pipeline.

Once the position and / or orientation of the movable element E (0) has been determined on each of these elementary sensing surfaces, the positions and / or orientations thus evaluated can be consolidated into a position calculation module and / or orientation associated with each of the related subgroups, in particular in a position and / or orientation calculation module associated with subgroup k.

Similarly, at time ti, an activation signal Sk, ti, E (i) of the moving element E (1) is output. Thus, again, if the moving element E (1) is within range of the management module associated with the subgroup k master elementary detection surface, it emits an electromagnetic field capable of inductively creating an induced voltage in detection of elementary detection surfaces of subgroup k or, where appropriate, elementary detection surface detection circuits of other subgroups in the vicinity of subgroup k, [00120] Similarly, voltage measurements (Vout) are performed during TimeSlot 1 to enable the position and / or orientation of the moving element E (1) to be determined, preferably taking into account impedances of the sensing circuits. Again, if Vout measurements are taken during TimeSlot 1, the position and / or orientation calculation of the moving element E (1) can be continued during the next TimeSlot (TimeSlot 2), when measurements are taken. tensions to determine the position and / or orientation of the movable element E (2).

In that same period of time and after the position and / or orientation of the moving element E (1) has been determined, the positions and / or orientations thus estimated may be consolidated.

As illustrated, this process repeats for all moving elements inscribed in the presence of subgroup k then repeats in sequence.

[00123] Figure 7 illustrates certain steps of an algorithm employed to determine the position of moving elements located near elementary detection surfaces of a subgroup k.

As illustrated, a first step is to initialize a variable i, which represents an index on the moving elements entered in the presence of the subgroup k master elementary detection surface management module, at zero (step 700).

A synchronization signal is then output to synchronize all elementary detection surfaces of subgroup k (step 705).

A test is then performed to determine if variable i is equal to the constant M representing the number of moving elements entered in the presence of the subgroup k master elemental detection surface management module (step 710).

If the value of variable i equals the constant Μ, the algorithm recurs in the initialization step of variable i (step 700) unless the algorithm is not terminated.

If, on the contrary, the value of variable i is not equal to the constant M, a timer is started to wait for the instant ti at which an activating signal of moving element i can be issued (step 715).

At time ti, an activation signal from movable element E (i) having index i (step 720) is emitted. Such an activation signal typically comprises a unique identifier of the moving element to be activated.

[00130] The variable i is then incremented by one (step 725) and the algorithm recirculated to step 710.

After an activation signal of the moving element E (i) is emitted and after an activation delay (730) of that moving element, the detection and locating modules associated with each elementary detection surface of subgroup k determine the position and / or orientation of the activated moving element independently. The following steps with reference to 735 are thus performed on each of these modules and, in particular, on a module associated with the elementary detection surface with reference to j.

After activation of a moving element, that is, upon receipt of a synchronization signal or according to predetermined synchronization sequencing over a previously received synchronization signal, variables a and b, which represent indices relative to the synchronization circuitry. Horizontal and vertical detections, respectively, of the elemental detection surface j are initialized to zero (step 740).

The elementary detection surface j (of subgroup k) multiplexers are then configured to select the horizontal detection circuit having index a (step 745) and the vertical detection circuit having index b (step 750) .

Then a measurement is made of the voltages generated in each of the selected circuits (steps 755 and 760). These values are memorized and variables a and b are incremented by one (steps 765 and 770). A test is then performed to determine if the values of variables a and b are equal to MHjik and MVjik, respectively, ie to determine if all horizontal and vertical detection circuits have been selected (steps 775 and 780). The values MHj, k and MVjik, which represent here the number of horizontal sensing circuits and the number of vertical sensing circuits, respectively, of the elementary sensing surface j of subgroup k.

If all horizontal and vertical sensing circuits have not been selected, steps 745, 755, 765, and 775 and / or steps 750, 760, 770, and 780 are repeated until all horizontal and vertical sensing circuits have have been selected and the corresponding voltage measurements have been made.

When all horizontal and vertical detection circuits have been selected, a calculation is made to determine, if appropriate, the position Pj, k (E (i)) and / or orientation of the selected moving element E (i ) on the elementary detection surface j of subgroup k (step 785). This position may be transmitted to different devices, for example, to the movable element E (i) itself and / or to a module for calculating a master elementary detection surface, for example, to determine the positions determined for each of the surfaces. elementary detection parameters of subgroup k are consolidated to determine the position Pk (E (i)) of the selected moving element. This position can also be passed to an application or a system using that position.

It is noted here that according to particular embodiments, the elementary detection surfaces do not overlap. In this case, only the detection circuits of a single elemental detection surface are excited by the activated moving element (the use of limits allows each position and / or orientation module to determine whether or not the activated moving element is in proximity or not). ).

Steps 700 to 725 are therefore unique to all elementary detection surfaces of subgroup k whereas steps 740 to 785 are performed on each of these elementary detection surfaces.

[00139] Figure 8 illustrates a simplified example of a time diagram for determining the position and / or orientation of inscribed moving elements in the presence of master elementary detection surface management modules of the same group.

The illustrated diagram is intended for a group m comprising two subgroups j and k, for example, subgroups 505-1 and 505-2 illustrated in figure 5.

As with the time diagram illustrated in figure 6, time is divided into TimeSlots, each TimeSlot corresponding to a time period enabling a moving element to be activated and taking stress measurements to determine its position (and / or your orientation).

The time period corresponding to a complete sequence of interrogation of moving elements is here divided into two elementary periods called subsequences.

According to particular embodiments, during the first subsequence at the beginning of each TimeSlot, management modules associated with master elementary detection surfaces of the subgroups involved simultaneously send activation messages to the same moving element. During the second subsequence, the management modules associated with the master elementary detection surfaces of the involved group simultaneously issue, at the beginning of each TimeSlot, activation messages for mobile elements enrolled exclusively in its subgroup.

Thus, according to these embodiments, at time to, at the beginning of the first subsequence or shortly before, a synchronization signal (SSm) is emitted to synchronize all elementary detection surfaces of the group m subgroups, especially the subgroups je k. At the same moment as at an instant thereafter, activation signals Sj, t0, E (a) and Sk, t0, E (a) are emitted by the master elementary detection surface management modules of the jek subgroups respectively for activate the moving element E (a). Thus, if the moving element E (a) is located in the vicinity of one of these modules, it can emit an electromagnetic field capable of inductively creating an induced voltage in the detection circuits of the group m elementary detection surfaces.

The measurement of the Vout voltages produced by the moving element E (a) is then performed during TimeSlot 0 (TS 0) on each of these elementary sensing surfaces as described above, preferably taking into account circuit impedances. detection In the same or a subsequent period of time, the position and / or orientation of the movable element E (a) is determined by these elementary sensing surfaces. As illustrated by reference E (a))) j, the position of the moving element E (a) is determined here by subgroup j (no position of the moving element is detected by subgroup k).

Similarly, at time ti, activation signals Sj, t1, E (d) and Sk, t1, E (d) are issued by the master elementary detection surface management modules of the jek subgroups respectively for activate module E (d). Thus, again, if the movable element E (d) is located in the vicinity of one of these modules, it emits an electromagnetic field capable of inductively creating an induced voltage in the detection circuits of the elementary detection surfaces of group m.

Again, a measurement of the Vout voltages produced by the moving element E (a) during TimeSlot 1 (TS 1) is made to enable the position and / or orientation of the moving element E (d) during that TimeSlot to be determined. or later. The position and / or orientation of the movable element E (d) may then be consolidated. As illustrated by reference E (d))) k, the position of the moving element E (d) is determined here by subgroup k (no position of the moving element is detected by subgroup j).

At time tq, which corresponds here to the beginning of the second subsequence, different activation signals Sj, tq, E (w) and Sk, tq, E (g) are issued by the master elementary detection surface management modules of the jek subgroups, respectively. Thus, the subgroup j master elemental detection surface management module activates the moving element E (w) whereas the subgroup k master elementary detection surface management module activates the moving element E (g).

Thus, as illustrated with reference E (w))) j, if the moving element E (w) is located in the vicinity of the management module associated with the subgroup j master elementary detection surface, it emits an electromagnetic field capable of inductively creating an induced voltage in detection circuits of the elementary detection surfaces of group m, here of subgroup j. Similarly, as illustrated by reference E (g))) k, if the cabinet E (g) is located in close proximity to the management module associated with the subgroup k master elementary detection surface, it emits an electromagnetic field susceptible to inductively create an induced voltage in the detection circuits of the elementary detection surfaces of group m, here of subgroup k.

[00150] The position and / or orientation of the moving elements E (w) and E (g) are determined during TimeSlot q (TS q) and possibly during a portion of the next TimeSlot (TS q + 1).

[00151] This process repeats for all moving elements entered in the presence of s subgroups of group m then repeats in sequence.

[00152] According to particular embodiments, the management of the first subsequence TimeSlots is effected by a management module associated with each group comprising several subgroups. This management module can especially be the management module associated with the master elementary detection surface of one of the subgroups of the group involved. Management of the second subsequences TimeSlots can be performed directly by the master elementary detection surface management modules.

It is noted here that according to particular embodiments, activation messages of a moving element by several distinct subgroups of the same group during the first subsequence may be issued simultaneously. These signals can be output on the same channel.

Alternatively, the activation messages may be transmitted on different channels, the moving elements being then parameters during a registration phase to hear the activation messages corresponding to the strongest received signals, [00155] Alternatively still, the messages The activation elements can be transmitted on different channels, the moving elements being then parameters, during a registration phase, to select a channel and to listen to the corresponding activation messages as a function of the relative position of the moving element and subgroups, for example by choosing one. subgroup minimizing this relative distance.

Figure 9, comprising Figures 9a to 9d, illustrates an example of TimeSlots management and registration of a moving element whose position can be determined by elementary detection surfaces of two subgroups of the same group.

As illustrated in Figure 9a, the detection environment herein comprises a first elemental detection surface of a first subgroup (SG1) and a second elemental detection surface of a second subgroup (SG2). A movable element 900 may move from the first elemental sensing surface to the second by a transition zone (ZT) and vice versa.

By way of illustration, it is admitted herein that the movable element 900 is initially inscribed only in the presence of the management module associated with the master elementary detection surface of subgroup SG1. Accordingly, the movable element 900 may be activated by the management module associated with the subgroup SG1 master elementary detection surface (as represented by the dotted bold rectangle).

Thus, when the management module associated with the subgroup SG1 master elementary detection surface sequentially activates the moving elements entered in its presence, it first interrogates, if appropriate, the moving elements registered in the presence of several modules. associated with master detection surfaces (first subsequence) then moving elements only registered in the presence of the management module associated with master elementary detection surface of subgroup SG1, whose moving element 900, as illustrated in Figure 9a, under the representation of the SG1 and SG2 subgroups in the form of a TimeSlots time diagram.

When movable element 900 moves in zone SG1 to enter transition zone ZT, as illustrated in Figure 9b, obtaining its position allows it to be determined that it is in transition zone ZT between subgroups SG1 and SG2 ( this transition zone typically being determined during a configuration step). This information is directed to the management module associated with the master elementary detection surface of subgroup SG2 which enters moving element 900 on its list. The movable element 900 being inscribed in the presence of two subgroups of the same group, a specific TimeSlot is assigned to that movable element in the first sequence of activation sequences of subgroups SG1 and SG2.

Thus, the management modules associated with the master elementary detection surfaces of subgroups SG1 and SG2 attempt to activate moving element 900 at the same time, as illustrated in Figure 9b, under the representation of subgroups SG1 and SG2. The position of the movable element 900 is here always determined by the master elementary detection surface of subgroup SG1.

As the movable element 900 moves from the SG1-referenced zone to the SG2-referenced zone while remaining in the ZT transition zone, as illustrated in Figure 9c, it has continued to be activated by the associated management modules. the master elementary detection surfaces of subgroups SG1 and SG2. However, the position of the movable element 900 is now determined by the master elementary detection surface of subgroup SG2.

Finally, as illustrated in Figure 9d, the movable element 900 leaves the transition zone ZT, remaining in zone SG2. The position and / or orientation of the moving element 900 is then always determined by the master elementary detection surface of subgroup SG2 after that moving element has been activated.

The information according to which the movable element 900 leaves the transition zone is here transmitted to the management module associated with the master elementary detection surface of subgroup SG1 which activated that movable element but has not determined its position. The management module associated with the master elementary detection surface of subgroup SG1 then decides to remove it from its list of moving elements to be activated.

The moving element 900 is then only inscribed in the presence of a single master elementary detection surface management module, the associated TimeSlot is modified: a standardized TimeSlot appropriate to the SG2 subgroup is assigned to it (in second subsequence of the activation sequence of subgroup SG2), as shown in Figure 9d, represented by subgroups SG1 and SG2.

[00166] Figure 10 illustrates steps of an algorithm for generating moving element inscriptions in the presence of elementary detection surface subgroup management modules.

[00167] The first step (step 1000) here aims to configure the system, in particular to determine subgroups and groups as well as to determine transition zones. According to a particular embodiment, a common signal, at least per group, is determined to simplify the management of the positions of the moving elements, especially in relation to the transition zones.

[00168] In a next step (step 1005), it is determined whether registration requests are received from one or several moving elements. This step is preferably done continuously, in the background process, to allow for the registration of new moving elements.

If at least one moving element is detected, it is inscribed in the presence of a management module associated with the master elementary detection surface of a subgroup (step 1010). As described earlier, this initial enrollment phase can be carried out in a standard manner, for example with the help of the connection mechanism present in the radio protocol of the type known under the name ANT or ANT +.

In a next step, the TimeSlots which enable sequential activation of each moving element within each subgroup are determined (step 1015).

For these purposes, moving elements enrolled in the presence of management modules associated with the master elementary detection surfaces of subgroups of the same group are identified in order to allow corresponding TimeSlots to be reserved for each of the subgroups involved.

Thus, for example, a movable element inscribed in the presence of management modules associated with the master elementary detection surfaces of subgroups SG1 and SG2 of the same group will have to define equivalent TimeSlots (ie having the same start time). ) in the management modules associated with the master elementary detection surfaces of subgroups SG1 and SG2. These TimeSlots are defined in the first subsequence of the corresponding sequences.

[00173] Appropriate timeSlots for each management module are then assigned to the subscribed moving elements in the presence of a single management module (associated with a single master elementary detection surface).

Once the TimeSlots have been defined, it is possible to sequentially activate the subscribed moving elements to determine their position and / or orientation (step 1020) as described above.

When the position of a moving element is determined (or after determining the position of several moving elements, for example all moving elements entered in the presence of a subgroup), the moving element (s) having entered a zone of where appropriate, are identified (step 10205) by comparing their position with the locations of the transition zones.

For each moving element that enters a transition zone, a message is sent to the management modules associated with the master elementary detection surfaces of subgroups whose elementary detection surfaces overlap the considered transition zone. A specific TimeSlot is then created for these management modules to simultaneously activate each of these moving elements, as described with reference to Figure 9b.

[00177] For these purposes, the circuit algorithm on the TimeSlots management step 1015.

In addition, when the position of a moving element is determined (or after the position of several moving elements has been determined, for example all moving elements entered in the presence of a subgroup), a test is performed to determine whether , for this moving element (s), the master elemental detection surface whose management module has activated the moving element (s) (for each of these surfaces) is the same as the master elemental detection surface which has enabled the position of that element or elements to be determined. furniture (step 1030).

If so, and when the moving element involved is not in a transition zone (step 1035), a message is sent to the management modules associated with the master elementary detection surfaces that activated the moving element (s) in order that the movable item (s) are removed from certain lists and the TimeSlots are, where appropriate, redefined. If the involved moving element (s) are not, after this operation, subscribed to a single list, appropriate TimeSlots for the involved subgroups are then assigned to that moving element (s), as described with reference to Figure 9d.

[00180] For these purposes, the circuit algorithm in step 1015 of managing the TimeSlots.

Figure 11 illustrates an example of a logical architecture of a system for determining the position and / or orientation of moving elements placed near a detection surface comprising several elementary detection surfaces organized by subgroups and groups.

As illustrated, the detection surface in this case comprises three groups of elementary detection surfaces.

[00183] The first group, with reference to 1100-1, comprises three subgroups with references to 1105-1 through 1105-3. Each of these subgroups here comprises three elementary detection surfaces between which one master elementary detection surface and two slave elementary detection surfaces. By way of illustration, subgroup 1105-1 comprises master elementary detection surface 1110-11 as well as slave elementary detection surfaces 1110-12 and 1110-13.

Subgroup 1105-4, which comprises two elementary detection surfaces whose master elementary detection surface 1110-41, constitutes an exclusive group.

In addition, the group with reference to 1100-2 comprises two subgroups with references to 1105-5 through 1105-6, the subgroup 1105-5 which then comprises three elementary detection surfaces and the subgroup 1105-6 comprises two subgroups. , whose master elementary detection surfaces 1110-51 and 1110-61 respectively.

[00186] One module is associated with each group comprising more than one subgroup to generate, especially, TimeSlots. Thus, module 1115-1 is associated with group 1100-1 and module 1115-2 is associated with group 1100-2. It is noted here that such a module can be integrated with the management module associated with the master elementary detection surface of one of the subgroups of the considered group.

Modules 1115-1 and 1115-2 also make it possible to consolidate positions and / or orientations within the subgroups of the group under consideration.

Finally, a central module with reference to 1120 allows to control the system, in particular, to centralize the positions and / or orientations determined for each of the detected moving elements.

[00189] This central module can be integrated with a module associated with a group or a management module associated with a master elementary detection surface.

[00190] The central module and the modules associated with the groups are used in particular to generate the TimeSlots.

Thus, for example, when a management module associated with a master elemental detection surface receives location signals from a moving element and if that management module has not reserved any TimeSlot for that moving element, it indicates to the group module to which he belongs. Such indication preferably comprises the position of the movable element and a unique identifier of the subgroup which has determined the position of that movable element.

The module associated with the group then communicates that this information to the master elementary detection surface management module which has assigned a TimeSlot to that moving element. According to the fact that the position of the moving element is in a transition zone or not, a common TimeSlot in the first subsequence is assigned by the management module associated with the master elemental detection surface that has received element location signals. and the master elementary detection surface management module that had assigned a TimeSlot to that mobile element or, alternatively, the master elementary detection surface management module that had assigned a TimeSlot to this mobile element releases this TimeSlot to assign it. you later to another moving element.

[00193] Figure 12 illustrates an example architecture of a central module or module that may be associated with a master elemental detection surface or a group.

Devices 1200 preferably involve a communication conductor 1202 to which they are connected: a central processing unit or microprocessor 1204 (CPU, Central Processing Unit (Anglo-Saxon terminology); a read-only memory 1206 (ROM). Read Only Memory Anglo-Saxon terminology) which may involve an operating system and programs such as "Prog"; a random access memory or cache memory 1208 (RAM, acronym for Random Access Memory Anglo-Saxon terminology) that involves registers adapted to record variables and parameters created and modified during the execution of the above programs and a communication interface 1210 connected to a distributed communication network 1212, for example, a wireless communication network and / or a local communication network, the interface being capable of transmitting and receiving data, especially towards or from another module and / or towards or from from a computer, tablet, or smart phone (smartphone). Communication interface 1210 may also enable, when device 1200 is used as a management module associated with a master elementary detection surface, to activate moving elements.

Optionally, devices 1200 may also have the following elements: an input / output interface 1214 for receiving data from sensing circuits or sensing circuit measurement handling circuits and / or a sensor reader 1216. mobile storage carrier 1218 such as a memory card.

The communication driver enables communication and interoperability between the different elements included in or connected to the 1200 device. The representation of the conductor is not limiting and especially the central unit is capable of communicating instructions to every element of device 1200 either directly or through another element of device 1200.

The executable code of each program allowing the programmable apparatus to employ the processes according to the invention, in particular for generating TimeSlots and / or determining positions of moving elements, may be stored, for example, in read-only memory. 1206.

In one embodiment, program executable code may be received via communication network 1212 via interface 1210 to be stored in the same manner as described above.

More generally, the program (s) may be loaded into one of the device 1200 storage media prior to execution.

The central unit 1204 will command and direct the execution of the instructions or software code portions of the program or programs according to the invention, instructions which are stored, for example, in read-only memory 1206 or then on the other storage elements mentioned above. At power up, the program (s) that are stored in nonvolatile memory, for example read-only memory 1206, are transferred to random access memory 1208 which then contains the executable code of the program (s) according to with the invention, as well as records to memorize the variables and parameters necessary for carrying out the invention.

Of course, to meet specific needs, a person skilled in the field of the invention may apply modifications to the foregoing description. The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, other variants and combinations of features are possible.

The present invention has been described and illustrated in the present detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented. Other variants and embodiments may be deduced and employed by the person skilled in the field of the invention while reading this description and the accompanying figures.

In the claims, the term "envelop" does not exclude other or other elements. The indefinite article "one" does not exclude the plural. A single processor or several other units may be used to employ the invention. The different features presented and / or claimed may be advantageously combined. Their presence in the description or in different dependent claims does not in fact exclude the possibility of combining them. Reference signals could not be understood as limiting the scope of the invention.

ANNEXES

Table 1: Circuit impedances of a subsystem k of a sensing surface comprising M elementary sensing surfaces, an elementary sensing surface i comprising Ni sensing circuits.

Claims (13)

1. A control method in a system comprising a sensing surface interfacing a plurality of moving elements with a data processing system, the sensing surface comprising a plurality of elementary sensing surfaces (1110-11, 1110-12 1110-13), wherein the elementary detection surfaces form at least one group (1100-1) comprising several subgroups (1105-1, 1105-2, 1105-3), each subgroup comprising at least one surface Each elementary detection surface is configured to determine a position of a moving element, and each moving element of the plurality of moving elements may be activated by a management module associated with a subgroup, the process comprising the following steps: For at least one subgroup, subscribe (1010) at least one moving element in the presence of at least one management module s a subgroup, wherein at least one moving element is entered in a moving element reference list; reserve (1015) a different time period for each moving element referenced in the reference list, said time period permitting the activation of a moving element and determining a position of an activated moving element, the periods of reserved time forms a sequence that allows sequential activation of the subscribed moving elements in the presence of said management module of at least one subgroup; wherein at least one moving element is enrolled in the presence of management modules from at least two different subgroups, the time period reserved for said at least one moving element enrolled in the presence of management modules from at least two different subgroups being even in each of said at least two subgroups. A method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of comparing a position of a movable element with a predetermined zone and, in response to the comparison, a step of modifying at least a period of time reserved for the movable element whose position is compared to a predetermined zone. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that said step of modifying at least one reserved time period comprises reserving a new time period for the movable element whose position is compared with a predetermined zone; the new time period being the same as another time period previously reserved for the moving element whose position is compared to a predetermined zone, the new time period and the other time period being reserved in different subgroup management modules . Method according to claim 2, characterized in that said step of modifying at least one reserved time period comprises deleting a previously reserved time period for the moving element whose position is compared with a predetermined zone. . Method according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the predetermined zone is a zone comprising a part of a first elementary detection surface of a first subgroup and a part of a second surface. elementary detection of a second subgroup different from the first subgroup. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises a step of synchronizing position calculation modules associated with each elementary detection surface of a subgroup. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises a step of activating a moving element and a step of determining a position of an activated moving element, the steps of activating and determining whether according to said sequence. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the step of determining a position of an activated moving element comprises a step of measuring an output voltage of a treatment circuit connected to each detection circuit of a plurality. of sensing circuits of an elementary sensing surface, a step of obtaining an impedance of each of the sensing circuits of the plurality of sensing circuits and a step of calculating an induced voltage at the terminals of each of the sensing circuits of detection circuits as a function of the impedances obtained and voltage measurements. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a moving element is activated by a radio signal comprising a unique identifier of a moving element to be activated. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises a step of determining the position of a previously activated moving element and a step of transmitting the determined position to said previously activated moving element. 11. Sensing surface for interfacing a plurality of moving elements with a data processing system, the sensing surface comprising a plurality of elementary sensing surfaces (1110-11, 1110-12, 1110-13), the surfaces elementary detection groups forming at least one group (1100-1) comprising several subgroups (1105-1, 1105-2, 1105-3), each subgroup comprising at least one elementary detection surface, each detection surface being The elemental element is configured to determine a position of a moving element, each moving element of the plurality of moving elements may be activated by a management module associated with a subgroup, each management module associated with a subgroup being configured to: subscribe (1010) by least one moving element in a moving element reference list; reserve (1015) a different time period for each moving element referenced in the reference list, said time period permitting the activation of a moving element and determining a position of an activated moving element, with the periods of reserved time forms a sequence that allows sequential activation of the subscribed moving elements in the presence of said management module of at least one subgroup; management modules associated with subgroups being further configured so that the same time period is reserved for the same subscribed mobile element in the presence of multiple management modules from at least two different subgroups. A sensing surface according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one elementary sensing surface comprises a plurality of sensing circuits and wherein a position calculation module is associated with at least one sensing surface. elementary, the position calculation module being configured to obtain an impedance for each of the elementary sensing circuits and to calculate an induced voltage at the terminals of each of the sensing circuits of the plurality of sensing circuits as a function of the impedances obtained. Detection surface according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a management module associated with a subgroup is further configured to activate a moving element by a radio signal comprising a unique identifier of a moving element. to be activated.