Capacitive Proximity Detection Using Metal Sheet Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proximity detection accuracy of electronic devices is poor due to interference from environmental factors such as metal sheet deformation, ambient temperature, humidity, and static electricity, leading to inaccurate display control and user experience issues.
Innovation Solution
A support member is disposed between the metal sheet and the middle-frame screen compartment to stabilize the metal sheet, reducing deformation and improving capacitance value accuracy, while a display control method uses capacitance measurements from specific areas to accurately determine proximity and control the display status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proximity light sensor is installed in a border on a screen, then proximity detection function is achieved, but the border width must be sufficient to accommodate the sensor, which conflicts with the requirement for narrow or borderless screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional optical proximity light sensor with a capacitive sensing system that uses the touchscreen itself as the sensing element. The touch module includes a capacitance sensing layer that detects changes in capacitance values caused by proximity of conductive objects, eliminating the need for separate optical sensors and border space.
2Length of stationary object
If capacitive touchscreen sensing technology is used for proximity detection, then the screen can be made narrow or borderless, but capacitance data is highly susceptible to environmental interference, resulting in poor proximity detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metal sheet as an intermediary component between the touch module and the display module. This metal sheet serves as a reference electrode that is not susceptible to environmental interference, providing a stable baseline capacitance value against which proximity-induced capacitance changes can be accurately measured.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors capacitance values from both the touch module and the metal sheet, and uses feedback processing to distinguish between capacitance changes caused by environmental factors and those caused by actual proximity events. The controller compares reference capacitance values with measured values to determine true proximity states.
3Device complexity
If the metal sheet is directly fastened to the middle-frame screen compartment and display module, then the structure is simple, but the metal sheet deforms under gravity when device posture changes, causing capacitance detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local reinforcement by adding support members at specific locations beneath the metal sheet. These support members are positioned at areas most susceptible to gravitational deformation, providing localized structural support without requiring complete structural redesign or excessive complexity throughout the entire assembly.
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 enhances proximity detection accuracy and display control precision, reducing incorrect screen activations and improving user experience by minimizing environmental interference effects.
Implementation Method 1
deformation of the metal sheet due to gravity is weakened or avoided
Implementation Method 2
a capacitance value detected by a touch module can more truly reflect a distance between an obstruction and a touchscreen
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: when it is determined that a user's gesture of moving an electronic device is a preset gesture, obtaining a capacitance measurement value sensed at a contact in a preset area of the touchscreen, where the preset area is located in a peripheral edge area of the touchscreen; and when the obtained capacitance measurement value meets a first preset condition, controlling display status switching of the touchscreen.