Capacitive Touch Panel Layout for Multi-Device Home Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home control systems require manual interaction with physical devices or remote controls for controlling lighting, audio, and other home systems, lacking intuitive and efficient touch-based control options.
Innovation Solution
A touch-based control device with a control module and exterior panel that detects and interprets touch inputs on any location of the panel, allowing for gesture and touch control of connected devices, including lighting, ceiling fans, and other home appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual interaction with physical devices or remote controls is used, then control functionality is achieved, but user convenience and intuitiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and physical remote controls with a capacitive touch interface that detects electrical signals from user contact. The exterior panel serves as a capacitive sensor that detects touch inputs, substituting mechanical actuation with electrical field detection to improve ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device integrates multiple control functions into a single unified interface. The exterior panel can detect various touch input types (tap, swipe, press duration) to control different aspects of connected devices, eliminating the need for separate physical switches and remote controls for different functions.
2Ease of operation
If touch sensors are integrated into the exterior panel, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the exterior panel structure with the capacitive touch sensor functionality into a single integrated component. The panel itself serves as both the structural element and the sensing element, eliminating the need for separate sensor layers or additional manufacturing steps for integrating touch capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural housing, displays visual information, and acts as the capacitive touch sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the advanced functionality.
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 intuitive and efficient control of home devices through touch inputs, eliminating the need for manual device interaction and providing seamless control of multiple devices with gestures and touch commands.
Implementation Method 1
A touch-based control device with a control module and exterior panel that detects and interprets touch inputs on any location of the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes an exterior panel comprising multiple regions, including a groove region and a surrounding region that surrounds the groove region. The control device further includes a sensor layer comprising one or more sensors to detect touch inputs performed on the groove region and the surrounding region of the exterior panel. The control device further includes a control module configured to operate a plurality of devices. The control module is configured to detect a first touch input performed by a user on the groove region and a second touch input performed on the surrounding region. Based at least in part on the location of the touch inputs the control module operates respective devices of the plurality of devices.