Capacitive Touch Position Filtering Using Device Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch input methods on electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, often incorrectly identify unintended touch positions due to variations in capacitance sensing, leading to user dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus equipped with a capacitive sensor and an acceleration sensor identifies orientation information to differentiate between intended and unintended touch positions by analyzing X-axis and Y-axis values based on the device's orientation, using threshold values and gravity direction calculations to determine the intended touch position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If capacitance sensing is used to detect touch input, then touch sensitivity is improved, but wrong touch position identification occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch position detection accuracyVSAvoidtouch input accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by combining capacitance sensing data with orientation sensor data. Instead of relying solely on capacitance values at touch positions, the system adds orientation information (device angle, vertical position) as an additional dimension to differentiate between intended and unintended touches, thereby resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the parameters used for touch determination based on device orientation. By adjusting which touch positions are considered valid based on orientation parameters (e.g., considering only upper portion touches when held vertically), the system adapts the touch recognition criteria to match the user's intended interaction, improving both precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If multiple touch positions are detected, then comprehensive touch coverage is improved, but identification of intended touch position becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch detection coverageVSAvoidtouch position identification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary filtering of touch positions by comparing detected touch locations against the predetermined valid touch region (determined by orientation). This preliminary action eliminates invalid touch positions before final processing, simplifying the identification of the intended touch position while maintaining comprehensive coverage of valid input areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary validation step that acts as a mediator between raw touch detection and final touch position identification. The orientation-based valid region serves as an intermediary filter that resolves ambiguity among multiple detected touch positions, making the identification process simpler and more reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If orientation information is used to identify intended touch position, then touch accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintended touch position identification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the touch detection process into distinct stages: (1) raw touch position detection, (2) orientation-based valid region determination, (3) filtering touches outside the valid region, and (4) identifying the intended touch position. This segmentation simplifies processing by breaking down the complex task into manageable, sequential steps, each handling a specific aspect of the problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances user satisfaction by accurately identifying the intended touch position, reducing errors in touch input recognition.

Implementation Method 1

when a touch is recognized by sensing capacitance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

identify orientation information of the electronic apparatus based on first sensing data obtained by the acceleration sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP4375817B1Electronic device and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4375817B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4375817B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4375817B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device. The electronic device comprises: a display panel; an electrostatic capacitive sensor arranged under the display panel; an acceleration sensor; and a processor configured to identify posture information of the electronic device on the basis of first sensing data obtained by the acceleration sensor, identify, on the display panel, a plurality of touch locations corresponding to touch data of a threshold value or more on the basis of second sensing data obtained by the electrostatic capacitive sensor, identify a touch location that is relatively higher from among the plurality of touch locations on the basis of the posture information and coordinate information corresponding to each of the plurality of touch locations, and perform an operation corresponding to the touch location that is identified to be relatively higher.