3D Touch Display Input for Overlapping Operation Area Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input display devices with three-dimensional operation portions face challenges in accurately detecting operations when the detection areas of adjacent three-dimensional operation portions overlap or are close to each other, leading to reduced detection accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The input display device employs a capacitive touch sensor and includes a distance detector to determine the distance of an operation object from the touch sensor and a position detector to determine the position of the operation object. Additionally, a determiner uses the detected distance and position, along with the moving direction analyzed by an analyzer, to accurately determine which three-dimensional operation portion is being operated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple three-dimensional operation portions are arranged adjacent to each other to improve space utilization, then the device can perform more functions in limited space, but the detection accuracy deteriorates because their detection areas overlap

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality densityVSAvoidoperation detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new detection dimension (distance from touch sensor) to differentiate between adjacent three-dimensional operation portions. By detecting the distance parameter in addition to position, the system can accurately identify which specific operation portion is being touched even when their projection areas overlap on the touch sensor plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in detection parameters (distance and position) to distinguish between adjacent operation portions. The distance detector measures varying distances from the touch sensor to the operation object, and the position detector tracks position changes, allowing the determiner to identify the specific operation portion being operated despite overlapping detection areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the detection area of three-dimensional operation portions is enlarged to improve ease of operation, then users can operate more easily, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to overlapping detection areas with adjacent portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation accessibilityVSAvoidoperation detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By adding distance detection as a new dimension, the system can maintain large detection areas for ease of operation while resolving ambiguities caused by overlaps. The distance parameter provides additional information that allows accurate identification of the intended operation portion even when multiple portions share the same projected position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The distance detector acts as an intermediary that provides additional information to resolve the conflict between large detection areas and accurate identification. By measuring the distance from the touch sensor to the operation object, it enables the determiner to distinguish between adjacent portions with overlapping detection areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If three-dimensional operation portions are placed close together to reduce device size, then the device becomes more compact, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to overlapping detection areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidoperation detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs distance detection as an additional dimension to enable compact arrangement of three-dimensional operation portions. By detecting the distance parameter, the system can accurately identify which specific portion is being operated even when portions are placed close together with overlapping projection areas, thus allowing device miniaturization without sacrificing detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes changes in distance and position parameters to accurately detect operations on closely spaced three-dimensional operation portions. The distance detector measures the varying distances from the touch sensor to the operation object, enabling the determiner to distinguish between adjacent portions and maintain detection accuracy in a compact form factor.

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 solution enables accurate detection of operations on intended three-dimensional operation portions even when their detection areas overlap or are close, thereby improving the overall accuracy and reliability of the input display device.

Implementation Method 1

a touch sensor of a capacitive type mounted on the display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4546095A1Input display device
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP4546095A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4546095A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4546095A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An input display device that includes: a display configured to display an image; a touch sensor of a capacitive type mounted on the display; a plurality of three-dimensional operation portions mounted over the touch sensor and capacitively coupled to the touch sensor; a distance detector configured to detect a distance, that is the distance from an operation object to the touch sensor, of the three-dimensional operation portion receiving an operation by the operation object among the three-dimensional operation portions; a position detector configured to detect a position of the operation object, in response to the operation to the three-dimensional operation portion by the operation object; and a determiner configured to determine the three-dimensional operation portion being operated by the operation object, among the three-dimensional operation portions, based on the distance detected by the distance detector and the position detected by the position detector.