Capacitive Touch Input Device with Integrated Switch Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as remote controllers and portable computing devices, face challenges in providing efficient and intuitive ways for users to navigate and interact with electronic devices, especially in small form factors where mechanical buttons can be overwhelming and lack fine input capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device and electronic controller design that incorporates capacitive touch input regions and switch-actuating inputs across multiple adjacent surfaces, allowing for continuous touch input and button/switch press inputs, enabling two-dimensional touch gestures and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical buttons and switches are used in handheld devices, then input control is provided, but the device occupies significant space and lacks fine input capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical switch input regions with capacitive touch input regions into a single integrated input surface. The switch input device and capacitive touch input device are positioned adjacent to each other and can be actuated by the same finger contact, merging two separate input mechanisms into one unified interface that provides both mechanical and capacitive input capabilities without requiring separate physical spaces for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The input surface is designed to serve multiple functions: it can detect mechanical switch actuation, capacitive touch gestures, and continuous finger movement across the surface. The same physical region can respond to different input methods (button press, tap, swipe), making the input device multi-functional and reducing the need for separate specialized input components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate input devices are used to provide various input capabilities, then input versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates switch input detection and capacitive touch detection into a single input assembly where both detection mechanisms share the same physical space and can be actuated by the same user interaction. This merging reduces the number of separate input devices needed while maintaining versatile input capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The input surface is designed to respond to multiple types of user interactions (mechanical pressure, capacitive contact, sliding gestures) through a unified detection system. The controller can distinguish between different input types based on the detection mechanism triggered, providing versatile input handling without requiring separate dedicated devices for each input method.
3Ease of operation
If capacitive touch input regions are positioned adjacent to switch input regions, then continuous touch input is enabled, but the input device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The input surface is divided into adjacent regions: switch input regions and capacitive touch input regions. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration. The adjacent positioning enables seamless transition between input types without requiring a single monolithic structure, simplifying the overall design while enabling continuous touch input capabilities.
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 enables a compact and user-friendly input interface that allows for a wide range of inputs within a small space, improving ergonomics and simplifying operation while providing the capability for fine inputs and gestures.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive touch input device including a first capacitive touch input region having a first edge and a second capacitive touch input region having a second edge
Data Source
AI summary
Touch input devices are provided with the capability of sensing a capacitive load in a two-dimensional array while also being able to sense deflection or movement of the input device in multiple different locations under an input pad. A touch input device can beneficially be used in a remote control device and can be used with multiple input buttons or platforms overlaying multiple capacitive touch input regions on a capacitive touch sensor substrate. Movement and position of a capacitive load can be tracked and calculated via output signals from a set of electrodes or other capacitance sensors with irregular shapes, with inconsistent distances from the capacitive load, and which are positioned below variable materials and material compositions. Thus, tracking gestures and taps can be detected using the capacitance sensing devices, and deflection input can be detected using switches or other actuators situated under the capacitance sensing devices.