Capacitive Control and Data Entry Apparatus for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control and data entry apparatuses for portable devices lack adaptability, scrolling functionality, resistance to liquids and gases, and do not function without skin contact or a path to ground, making them unsuitable for diverse environmental conditions and user preferences.
Innovation Solution
A mutual capacitance control and data entry apparatus featuring a tiltable member with electrically conductive components and capacitance measurement circuits that allow for scrolling and clicking without a rotatable wheel, providing tactile feedback and resistance to environmental hazards, and operating without skin contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional 5-way keypad with dome switches is used, then the device provides basic directional control and button actuation, but it lacks scrolling functionality and requires skin contact to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical skin-contact-based operation with a capacitive sensing system. The control apparatus uses a capacitive sensor to detect finger proximity and movement without requiring direct skin contact, thereby enabling operation with gloves or insulated objects while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single control apparatus. The same capacitive sensor that detects scrolling movements also detects clicking actions, and the system can operate with or without skin contact, providing universal functionality across different usage scenarios
2Reliability
If the control apparatus is designed to be resistant to liquids and gases, then it provides protection against environmental hazards, but it may reduce tactile feedback and operational sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or thin film structure that provides environmental protection while maintaining tactile properties. This flexible layer allows the capacitive sensor to detect finger movements and pressure changes effectively, preserving tactile feedback while protecting against liquids and gases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible membrane as an intermediary between the external environment and the internal electronic components. This membrane acts as a barrier to liquids and gases while still allowing capacitive coupling for sensing, thus maintaining operational sensitivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable wheel mechanism is added to provide scrolling functionality, then the device achieves versatile control options, but it increases device complexity and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotatable wheel with a capacitive sensing system. The capacitive sensor detects finger movements across the surface to determine scrolling direction and speed, eliminating the need for complex mechanical rotating components while achieving the same scrolling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the scrolling functionality from a separate mechanical wheel component and integrates it into the flat surface control mechanism. The same capacitive sensor that detects clicking also detects scrolling movements, simplifying the overall device structure
4Measurement precision
If the control apparatus uses a fixed number of counts per revolution like the AVAGO AMRX keypad, then it provides consistent scrolling resolution, but it cannot adapt to different user preferences for fast or slow movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scrolling resolution by detecting the speed and distance of finger movements across the capacitive sensor. The system adjusts the number of scroll counts based on movement characteristics, providing fine-grained control for slow movements and faster scrolling for rapid movements, thereby adapting to different user preferences
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
Enables adaptable, efficient, and user-friendly control and data entry in portable devices, offering combined scrolling and clicking functionality while maintaining resistance to liquids and gases, and accommodating various user interactions.
Implementation Method 1
A mutual capacitance control and data entry apparatus featuring a tiltable member with electrically conductive components and capacitance measurement circuits
Data Source
AI summary
A control and data entry device adapted for use in for electronic devices such as portable computers, PDA's, cell phones, MP3 players and the like. The control and data entry device includes a tiltable member or similar structure carrying an electrically conductive member spaced from multiple sense electrodes disposed on a circuit substrate. In one embodiment, capacitances between the electrically conductive member and the electrodes are measured to provide information concerning the tiltable member's orientation relative to the sense electrodes. The tiltable member may be manipulated by a users finger to tilt such member slightly and thereby effect scrolling functionality, thereby simulating the operation of circular capacitive touch pads known in the art. Switches may also be included, responsive to greater tilting of the tiltable member, thereby to effect clicking functionality. In some embodiments, a rotatable knob may be used to effect scrolling functionality.