3D Input Display Tilt Detection Using Capacitive Touch Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input display devices face challenges in detecting tilting operations on three-dimensional operation parts without relying on additional pressure-sensitive sensors, which increase cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The input display device employs a capacitive touch sensor to detect tilting operations on a three-dimensional operation part by analyzing the movement of a finger's touch position, determining tilting based on the movement amount of the touch position, without the need for pressure-sensitive sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If pressure-sensitive sensors are added to detect tilting operation on three-dimensional operation parts, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetilting operation detectionVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tilting operation detection function with the existing capacitive touch sensor that is already present on the display. Instead of adding separate pressure-sensitive sensors, the invention merges multiple detection capabilities (touch position detection and tilting detection) into a single capacitive sensor system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitive touch sensor is designed to serve multiple functions: it detects both the position of finger touches on the display and the tilting operations on three-dimensional operation parts. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated pressure-sensitive sensors, reducing both device complexity and cost while preserving detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If pressure-sensitive sensors are added to detect tilting operation, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetilting operation detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive touch sensor performs dual functions of detecting both touch positions and tilting operations, eliminating the need for additional pressure-sensitive sensors and reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing capacitive sensor system serves itself by extending its detection capabilities to include tilting operations. The sensor utilizes its own existing infrastructure (electrodes, signal processing circuitry) to detect tilting through capacitance changes, avoiding the need for separate dedicated sensors and reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are used for comprehensive gesture detection, then operational versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture detection versatilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive sensor system is designed to detect multiple types of gestures (touch, tilt, rotation) using a single sensor infrastructure, providing operational versatility without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system detects different gestures by analyzing changes in capacitance parameters at various positions and patterns. By monitoring capacitance variations in different spatial configurations and temporal patterns, the system distinguishes between touch, tilt, and rotation gestures using the same sensor hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for low-cost, simple configuration to detect tilting operations, enhancing the multi-functionalization and operability of three-dimensional operation parts.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitive touch sensor that is disposed on the display (110)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a three-dimensional operation part (132) that is disposed on the capacitive touch sensor (120) and is capacitively coupled to the capacitive touch sensor (120)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4542349B1Input display device
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP4542349B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4542349B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4542349B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

An input display device includes a display that displays an image, a capacitive touch sensor disposed on the display, a three-dimensional operation part disposed on the capacitive touch sensor and capacitively coupled to the capacitive touch sensor, a detector that detects a touch position of an operating finger on the three-dimensional operation part, and a determination part that determines whether or not tilting operation is performed on the three-dimensional operation part based on a movement amount of the touch position in a set direction detected by the detector.