Input apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive button technologies struggle to differentiate between contact operations using objects of varying sizes, particularly when multiple buttons are close together, leading to incorrect control inputs, especially when a child's hand or larger objects are used.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus with multiple operating areas and a control unit that utilizes a combination of first sensing electrodes and peripheral electrodes to detect capacitance changes, weighting these values to determine the validity of contact operations based on the sum of capacitance changes, thereby distinguishing between intended and unintended contact sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of capacitive buttons is disposed close to each other, then the device can provide multiple operating areas for various functions, but it becomes impossible to apply multiplexed electrode configuration to each button, making it impossible to detect the size of the electrically conductive object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing functions of multiple buttons by sharing a common set of peripheral electrodes around the operating areas. Instead of each button having its own dedicated multiplex electrodes, the peripheral electrodes serve multiple operating areas simultaneously, enabling size detection across all buttons while maintaining compact spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral electrodes perform multiple functions: they detect capacitance changes for size determination and serve as boundary definitions for multiple operating areas. This universal electrode configuration allows the system to handle both multiple operating functions and size detection with a single electrode set.
2Device complexity
If only a single sensing electrode is used for each operating area, then the device structure is simplified, but it cannot differentiate between contact operations using objects of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different electrode types (first sensing electrodes for operating area detection and peripheral electrodes for size detection) positioned at specific locations. Each electrode type serves a specialized function, with peripheral electrodes strategically placed around operating areas to detect capacitance changes indicative of object size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to size detection by placing peripheral electrodes around the perimeter of operating areas rather than just within them. This dimensional expansion allows the system to measure capacitance changes at the boundaries, providing size information without adding complex internal electrode structures.
3Measurement precision
If the technique from PTL 1 is used with multiple multiplex electrodes, then size detection is possible, but it cannot prevent erroneous operations when a child's hand or large object contacts the button
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using peripheral capacitance values to validate operating area capacitance changes. When a capacitance change is detected in an operating area, the system checks corresponding peripheral capacitance values to confirm the contact size matches the expected operating body size, providing a verification feedback mechanism that prevents erroneous operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by establishing peripheral electrodes that detect abnormal contact patterns before they result in erroneous operations. The peripheral capacitance monitoring is continuously active, ready to counteract potential false inputs by invalidating operations that don't match the expected size profile.
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 accurate differentiation between contact operations of different sizes, preventing erroneous inputs from larger objects or children's hands by validating or invalidating control actions based on the weighted sum of capacitance changes, ensuring proper functionality and compliance with safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
when contact of an operating body with the operating area is detected by the first sensing electrode
Implementation Method 2
a sum of capacitance values of electrodes of the plurality of peripheral electrodes around the operating area where the contact of the operating body is detected
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus includes at least one operating area on an operating surface, at least one first sensing electrode corresponding to the operating area, a plurality of electrodes around the first sensing electrode, and a control unit configured to, when contact of an operating body with the operating area is detected by the first sensing electrode, make control different according to a contact operation on the one operating area according to a sum of capacitance values of electrodes of the plurality of peripheral electrodes around the operating area where the contact of the operating body is detected.