Capacitive Control Surface Edge Effect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive control surfaces in electronic devices suffer from the 'edge effect' phenomenon, where objects on the periphery are not detected unless in contact, leading to increased complexity and manufacturing costs due to additional selection means like electromechanical buttons or capacitive sensors.
Innovation Solution
Exploiting the edge effect to detect control objects on a neutral surface without capacitive electrodes, allowing for the triggering of device functions, thereby simplifying interaction, reducing costs, and eliminating the need for additional control means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional selection means (electromechanical buttons or capacitive sensors) are added to the periphery of the capacitive control surface, then the functionality for detecting objects on the periphery is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive control surface is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary touch-sensitive control interface and as a detector for objects placed on the periphery neutral surface. The same capacitive electrodes detect both touches on the control surface and objects on the peripheral neutral surface, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms and reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the detection function for peripheral objects with the existing capacitive control surface. Instead of adding separate electromechanical buttons or capacitive sensors, the patent combines the detection of objects on the neutral peripheral surface with the control surface's existing capacitive sensing capability, thereby reducing component count and manufacturing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional selection means (electromechanical buttons or capacitive sensors) are added to the periphery of the capacitive control surface, then the functionality for detecting objects on the periphery is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive control surface is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary touch-sensitive control interface and as a detector for objects placed on the periphery neutral surface. The same capacitive electrodes detect both touches on the control surface and objects on the peripheral neutral surface, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms and reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the detection function for peripheral objects with the existing capacitive control surface. Instead of adding separate electromechanical buttons or capacitive sensors, the patent combines the detection of objects on the neutral peripheral surface with the control surface's existing capacitive sensing capability, thereby reducing component count and manufacturing complexity
3Reliability
If the edge effect is minimized or ignored to avoid interference with surrounding objects, then the reliability of capacitive detection is improved, but the detection range of the control surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful edge effect into a beneficial feature. Instead of minimizing or ignoring the edge effect as conventional approaches do, the patent exploits the edge effect to enable detection of objects placed on the neutral peripheral surface. The edge effect, which causes field distortion at the boundaries, is now used to detect objects on the periphery that would otherwise be undetectable, thereby expanding the effective detection range while maintaining reliability through proper signal interpretation
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 simpler, faster interaction with capacitive control surfaces by detecting objects on neutral surfaces, reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs while preserving functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitive control surfaces allow detection of a control object, such as a finger or stylus, in contact with the control surface or at a distance from the control surface
Implementation Method 2
Control surfaces using capacitive technology suffer from an undesirable phenomenon, called 'edge effect', which we try to minimize or ignore
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for interacting with an electronic (300) and/or computer device, referred to as the user device (300), comprising: - a control surface (102) provided with a plurality of capacitive electrodes (104), and - at least one surface (302-308), referred to as the neutral surface, arranged at the periphery of said control surface (102) such that none of said capacitive electrodes (104) of said control surface (102) are disposed in said neutral surface (302-308); said method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - detection of at least one control object disposed in contact with or opposite said neutral surface (302-308) of said device (300), by exploiting the edge effect, and - triggering, as a function of said detection, at least one function in said user device (300).It also relates to a human-machine interface for interacting with a user device and a user device, implementing this process.