Capacitive Touch Panel Proximity Detection Using Orientation Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional proximity sensors in smartphones increase production costs and can lead to misjudgment of user inputs due to their presence near the touch screen during calls, especially with larger screens.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a capacitive sensing device, such as a touch panel, in conjunction with an auxiliary detecting device like an orientation sensor, and a controller to detect proximity events without a conventional proximity sensor, allowing the touch panel to switch between touch control and proximity detection modes based on operational status outputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional proximity sensor is used to detect proximity events, then proximity detection function is achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity detection functionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive sensing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect both touch inputs and proximity events using the same hardware component. By configuring the device to operate in different detection modes based on the presence of conductive materials, the system eliminates the need for a separate proximity sensor, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining reliable proximity detection functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitive sensing device serves itself by detecting proximity events through its own capacitive characteristics without requiring an additional dedicated proximity sensor. The system uses the inherent capacitive properties of the sensing device to detect changes in capacitance caused by nearby conductive objects, allowing the same component to perform both touch and proximity detection functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the touch screen is enabled during calls, then user input is received, but misjudgment of user inputs occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input receptionVSAvoidinput detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between touch control mode and proximity detection mode based on real-time detection of conductive materials near the screen. During calls, when the user's face (containing conductive materials) approaches the screen, the system automatically transitions to proximity detection mode, disabling touch input to prevent misjudgment. When the user moves away, it switches back to touch control mode, ensuring accurate user input reception at all times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors capacitive sensing output to detect the presence of conductive materials near the screen. Based on this feedback, it automatically adjusts the operational state of the touch screen, enabling or disabling touch input functionality. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the system responds appropriately to user proximity, preventing misjudgment during calls while maintaining normal touch operation when appropriate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the touch screen is disabled during calls, then misjudgment is prevented, but user input cannot be received

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput detection accuracyVSAvoiduser input reception

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the touch screen based on real-time detection conditions. Rather than keeping the screen permanently disabled during calls, it switches between enabled and disabled states based on whether conductive materials are detected near the screen. This dynamic approach ensures that user input can be received when safe (when the user is not close to the screen) while preventing misjudgment when the user is in proximity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution reduces production costs by eliminating the need for a separate proximity sensor and improves detection accuracy by dynamically adjusting sensitivity settings, ensuring accurate differentiation between user inputs and proximity events.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitive sensing device, which is arranged for generating a capacitive sensing output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10088290B2Apparatus and method for performing proximity detection according to capacitive sensing output and status output

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 COMM ADVANCES LLC

AI summary

A proximity detecting apparatus for detecting a proximity event includes a capacitive sensing device, an auxiliary detecting device, and a controller. The capacitive sensing device is arranged for generating a capacitive sensing output. The auxiliary detecting device is arranged for detecting an operational status of an electronic device in which the capacitive sensing device is disposed and accordingly generating a status output. The controller is arranged for detecting the proximity event according to the capacitive sensing output and the status output.