Capacitive Touch Sensor Side Surface Finger Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices with touch panels, such as smartphones, face operational burdens when used with one hand due to the need for additional sensors and inefficiencies in optimizing operations on small devices.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that detects finger positions on both the front and side surfaces using a capacitance-type or pressure-sensitive touch sensor, allowing for control of screen content and application execution without additional sensors, by determining operation regions based on finger detection and using machine learning for application specification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is added to detect finger position on the back surface, then finger detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is designed to detect fingers on multiple surfaces (front, back, and sides of the device) using a single sensor component. The sensor serves multiple detection functions across different locations, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each surface and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive finger detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the detection capability from a single surface (2D) to multiple surfaces including front, back, and side surfaces (3D spatial distribution). By adding the side surface dimension to the detection space, the system achieves comprehensive finger position detection without requiring additional sensors for each surface, as the same sensor can detect contacts across different spatial dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If the device is made small for one-handed use, then portability is improved, but operational ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds side surface detection capability to the traditional front surface touch interface. By enabling finger detection on the side surface, users can operate the small device more easily with one hand by sliding their finger along the side surface to navigate through applications and controls, thereby improving operational ease without increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into multiple operational zones (front surface, back surface, and side surfaces), each capable of independent finger detection. This segmentation allows users to distribute their finger operations across different surfaces, making the small device more manageable and easier to operate with one hand by utilizing the side surface as an additional control area.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect finger position, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is designed with multi-functionality to detect fingers on the front, back, and side surfaces using a single sensor component. This universal detection capability eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining high finger position detection precision across all surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection functions for multiple surfaces into a single sensor system. By combining the detection capabilities for front, back, and side surfaces into one integrated sensor, the manufacturing process is simplified compared to using separate sensors for each surface, while still achieving precise finger position detection across the entire device envelope.
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 the operational burden on small terminals with touch panels by enabling efficient one-handed use through intelligent detection and control of finger inputs on both surfaces, enhancing usability and reducing the need for additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
capacitance-type or pressure-sensitive touch sensor
Implementation Method 2
capacitance-type or pressure-sensitive touch sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] It becomes possible to reduce a burden of an operation related to a small terminal that includes a touch panel and that is used with one hand. [Solution] An information processing device including a control unit that determines, on the basis of a detection position of an operating finger of a user on a side surface with respect to a display screen, a region to display predetermined information on the display screen, and that determines, on the basis of the detection position, a region to receive an operation by the operating finger from a region that is a combination of the display screen and the side surface is provided.