Capacitive Pointing Device with Moveable Conductive Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user interface devices, such as touch-sensor pads and sliders, require significant desk space and numerous sensors for directional inputs, and are physically bulky, especially in three-dimensional form factors like joysticks.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensing system with a moveable conductive plate and sensor elements that determine deflection magnitude and direction using a processing device, allowing for a smaller form factor and reduced sensor count, and incorporating a self-centering mechanism to return the plate to a known position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional touch-sensor pads and sliders are used for directional inputs, then user interface functionality is provided, but significant desk space and physical bulk are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical touch-sensor systems with magnetic sensing technology. A moveable conductive plate interacts with magnetic sensors to detect directional input, eliminating the need for large mechanical sensor arrays while maintaining user interface functionality. This substitution reduces the physical footprint from a full touchpad to a compact mechanism suitable for keyboard integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a moveable conductive plate that replicates the functionality of a traditional touchpad through magnetic field interaction rather than direct mechanical contact. The plate's position and movement are detected by magnetic sensors, creating a functional copy of touchpad behavior in a significantly reduced physical space.
2Ease of operation
If conventional touch-sensor pads are used for directional inputs, then user interface functionality is provided, but numerous sensors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces numerous mechanical capacitive or resistive touch sensors with a magnetic sensing system. The moveable conductive plate interacts with magnetic fields generated by Hall effect or magnetoresistive sensors, allowing directional detection with fewer sensing elements. This reduces device complexity while maintaining full directional input capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable conductive plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the user interface element and the conductive object that interacts with the magnetic sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional joysticks are used for directional inputs, then three-dimensional control is provided, but physically bulky form factor results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical joystick structures with a flat, moveable conductive plate that interacts with magnetic sensors. The plate can be positioned and tilted to provide three-dimensional control input without requiring the vertical stem and ball structure of traditional joysticks. This maintains adaptability for 3D control while dramatically reducing physical volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional mechanical joystick structure to a two-dimensional planar plate that achieves 3D control through magnetic field interaction and positional detection. The control dimensions are achieved through the plate's position and orientation relative to the magnetic sensors, not through physical height, thereby reducing volume while maintaining versatility.
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
The solution enables a compact, reliable user interface that reduces desk space and physical dimensions, improving usability and reducing computational requirements for directional inputs.
Implementation Method 1
One type of touchpad operates by way of capacitance sensing utilizing capacitive sensors. The capacitance detected by a capacitive sensor changes as a function of the proximity of a conductive object to the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for determining a deflection of a moveable conductive plate that is moved over a capacitive sensing device. The method may include moving the moveable conductive plate over sensor elements of the capacitive sensing device, and determining the deflection of the moveable conductive plate. In determining the deflection, a deflection magnitude and a deflection direction may be determined by calculating a vector of x- and y-directions or a vector of a radius and an angle.