Capacitive Touch Panel Contactless Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems require users to physically touch the screen to switch between contact and contactless operation modes, which can be inconvenient, especially for hygiene reasons or in scenarios where minimizing screen contact is desired.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a processor that switches between contact and contactless operation modes based on user input detected in a contactless manner, using a capacitive touch panel to recognize operations without physical contact, allowing users to perform operations without touching the screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a touch panel is used for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but hygiene is worsened due to required physical contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidhygiene

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based touch panel operation with a contactless operation system. The processor detects operations performed in the air above the touch panel without physical contact, substituting the mechanical touching action with a contactless detection mechanism that maintains ease of operation while eliminating hygiene concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism between the user and the touch panel. Instead of direct contact, the system detects operations through changes in the electromagnetic field or capacitance in the air above the panel, acting as a mediator that transfers the operation signal without requiring physical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If contactless operation is implemented, then hygiene is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to lack of tactile feedback

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehygieneVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the tactile feedback mechanism with an alternative detection system that operates contactlessly. By detecting operations through electromagnetic or capacitive changes in the air above the panel, the system maintains operational ease without requiring tactile contact, thus preserving hygiene.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from physical contact pressure to electromagnetic or capacitive field changes. This parameter change allows the system to detect operations without mechanical contact, maintaining ease of operation while improving hygiene by eliminating the need for physical touching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If mode switching requires physical contact, then reliability is improved through confirmed user intent, but productivity is worsened due to additional contact steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser intent confirmationVSAvoidoperation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based mode switching with a contactless detection system. The processor detects mode switching operations performed in the air above the touch panel, substituting the mechanical touching action with contactless detection, thereby maintaining reliable user intent confirmation while improving operation speed by eliminating the need for physical contact steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 seamless switching between contact and contactless modes without physical contact, enhancing user convenience and hygiene by allowing operations to be performed without touching the screen, reducing the risk of contamination and improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

using a capacitive touch panel to recognize operations without physical contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20240069663A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to switch a mode between a first mode and a second mode in response to an operation performed on a screen in a contactless manner in accordance with the mode, the first mode being a mode in which a first screen for performing a contact operation with a target contacting an object in the screen is displayed, the second mode being a mode in which a second screen for performing a contactless operation without the target contacting the object in the screen is displayed, the second screen being related to the first screen and different from the first screen in a display form of the object.