Capacitive Touch Pad Cover Detection and Threshold Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive touch pads are difficult to operate when covered, such as with protective casings, as the cover can prevent direct user interaction, making it challenging to register user actuations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the presence of a cover overlaying a capacitive touch pad and adjust the threshold input for user actuation by changing the threshold capacitance, allowing registration of user inputs even with a cover in place, using data obtained via wireless or physical connections, and reverting to the original threshold when the cover is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a protective cover is provided overlaying the capacitive touch pad, then protection and durability are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the touch sensitivity threshold based on whether a cover is detected. When a cover is present, the threshold is lowered to enable operation through the cover; when no cover is present, the threshold returns to normal levels. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the same touch pad to function optimally in both protected and unprotected states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the capacitance threshold parameter based on cover detection. By modifying this critical parameter dynamically, the system enables the touch pad to operate effectively whether a cover is present or not, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving the protective function of the cover.
2Ease of operation
If the threshold capacitance is lowered to enable operation with a cover, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different threshold capacitance values based on cover detection. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize for ease of operation when needed while maintaining precision when the cover is removed, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from cover detection to automatically adjust the threshold capacitance. This feedback mechanism ensures that the appropriate precision level is automatically selected based on the operational context, balancing measurement precision with ease of operation without manual intervention.
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 user actuation of capacitive touch pads even when covered, ensuring functionality and usability in various environments, including underwater or with protective casings, by adjusting the sensitivity settings based on the cover's presence and properties.
Implementation Method 1
A user may be able to actuate such a touch pad by bringing an object such as their finger close to the surface of the touch pad or touching the touch pad
Implementation Method 2
adjusting, in response to the determining, a threshold input at which user actuation of the capacitive touch pad is registered... changing a threshold capacitance from a first capacitance to a second capacitance where the second capacitance is lower than the first capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program wherein the method includes determining that a cover is positioned overlaying a capacitive touch pad; and adjusting, in response to the determining, a threshold input at which user actuation of the capacitive touch pad is registered.