Capacitance Touch and Press Detection Electrode Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operation apparatuses for electronic devices face challenges in stably detecting touch and press operations due to the difficulty in distinguishing between capacitance changes caused by these actions using a single capacitance detecting system.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a movable operation member, a first electrode that moves with the member, a second electrode whose distance from the first electrode changes, and a detector to differentiate between touch and press operations by analyzing capacitance changes, with thresholds set to accurately determine the type of operation performed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single capacitance detecting system is used to detect both touch and press operations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of operation detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitance detecting system is segmented into two independent detection paths: a first capacitance detecting system using a first electrode to detect touch operations, and a second capacitance detecting system using a second electrode to detect press operations. This segmentation allows each system to specialize in detecting specific operation types, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining reasonable overall device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable electrode is introduced as an intermediary component that mechanically couples the operation member to the first electrode. When the operation member is pressed, the movable electrode moves and changes the distance to the first electrode, enabling indirect detection of press operations through capacitance changes. This intermediary mechanism allows differentiation between touch and press operations with improved reliability.
2Ease of operation
If capacitance change detection is used for both touch and press operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of distinguishing between operation types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into specialized subsystems: the first capacitance detecting system monitors capacitance changes at the first electrode position for touch operations, while the second capacitance detecting system monitors capacitance changes related to distance variations for press operations. This segmentation enables reliable distinction between operation types by analyzing different capacitance change patterns from spatially separated electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits different parameters of capacitance change to distinguish operation types: touch operations produce capacitance changes detected by the first electrode, while press operations produce capacitance changes in the second electrode related to distance variations. By monitoring different capacitance parameters from different electrode positions, the system achieves reliable operation type distinction while maintaining ease of use.
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 configuration allows for stable detection of both touch and press operations, preventing misclassification and enhancing the reliability of user inputs in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a detector configured to detect a capacitance change generated in the first electrode by the touch operation
Implementation Method 2
a capacitance change generated in the first electrode as the distance changes
Data Source
AI summary
An operation apparatus to be provided to an electronic apparatus includes an operation member configured to receive a touch operation and a press operation that moves the operation member from a position where the touch operation is performed, a first electrode configured to move as the operation member moves, a second electrode disposed so as to change a distance from the first electrode that is moving, and a detector configured to detect a capacitance change generated in the first electrode by the touch operation and a capacitance change generated in the first electrode as the distance changes.