Capacitive Gesture Input on Segmented LCD Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current low bandwidth user interface systems, such as those with 2 or more buttons for numeric input and chord combinations, are not intuitive and require prior knowledge or experimentation, and are costly due to the need for graphics liquid crystal display (LCD) screens with touch screens in low-cost applications.

Innovation Solution

A capacitive-based gesture input system integrated into an LCD display with capacitive touch sensors arranged above or within the display layers, allowing for intuitive input capabilities using a controller to determine and respond to gestures, such as sliding motions, for numeric and graphic symbol manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a graphics liquid crystal display (LCD) screen with touch screen is used, then intuitive touch input capability is achieved, but cost becomes prohibitive in low cost applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintuitive touch input capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The display is divided into segments that can function as both display elements and capacitive touch sensors. Each segment or group of segments can independently detect touch gestures while displaying information, eliminating the need for a separate full graphics touch screen layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The LCD display segments serve dual purposes: visual display and touch sensing. The same structural elements that display information also function as capacitive sensors, allowing the system to provide both display and intuitive touch input without requiring separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons and chord combinations are used for numeric input, then input functionality is achieved, but the system becomes non-intuitive and requires prior knowledge or experimentation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput functionalityVSAvoidintuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical button system is replaced with a capacitive touch system that detects finger proximity and gestures through the display surface. This substitution allows for more intuitive interaction where users can directly touch or gesture over the displayed content to input data, rather than learning complex button combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The display itself performs the sensing function, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms. The capacitive segments automatically detect touch gestures and translate them into input commands, making the system self-sufficient and more intuitive for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If separate touch screen layer is added to LCD display, then touch input capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch input capabilityVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display structure and touch sensing structure are merged into a single integrated system. The capacitive segments are formed using the same LCD display segments or transparent conductive layers, combining visual display and touch sensing functions into one unified structure rather than layering separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Provides a low-cost, intuitive human device interface with advanced input capabilities, enabling direct touch input functionality on segmented LCD displays, reducing the need for additional circuitry and offering flexible and user-friendly interaction.

Implementation Method 1

at least one capacitive touch sensor arranged above a display layer or within transparent layers of the LCD display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10474298B2Capacitive based gesture input system

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A liquid crystal display with integrated capacitive touch sensors has an LCD display with at least one alphanumerical or graphic symbol, and at least one capacitive touch sensor arranged above a display layer or within transparent layers of the LCD display forming the alphanumerical or graphical symbol.