Ceramic Watch Case Touch Interface Without Display Obstruction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch interfaces on the glass of portable electronic objects, such as timepieces, obstruct visibility and complicate user interaction due to finger placement, leading to reduced aesthetics and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a capacitive touch interface on the insulating case, preferably made of ceramic material, which creates a capacitance variation upon user contact, allowing intuitive interaction without obstructing the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch interface is arranged on the glass of the timepiece, then the interactivity and handling are improved, but the visibility of the information displayed on the dial is reduced due to finger placement on the glass
Solution Approach 1:
The touch interface is extracted from the glass and relocated to the case of the timepiece. This separation removes the conflict between touch interaction and display visibility, allowing users to operate the device without obscuring the dial with their fingers.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch interface is moved from the two-dimensional glass surface to the three-dimensional case structure. This dimensional relocation provides an alternative interaction surface that does not compete with the display area for visual attention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a touch interface is combined with conventional control elements like push buttons or crowns, then the functionality is enhanced, but the complexity of handling the timepiece increases due to multiple combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The touch interface and conventional control elements are merged into a unified control system on the case. This integration allows the system to function as a cohesive unit where different input methods work together seamlessly, reducing the perceived complexity despite enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be universal, accepting both touch inputs and conventional button/crown operations. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated controls for each function.
3Ease of operation
If the touch interface is arranged on the glass, then the interactivity is improved, but the aesthetics are deteriorated due to fingerprints and grease traces on the glass surface
Solution Approach 1:
The touch interface is extracted from the glass surface and relocated to the case. This removal eliminates the aesthetic problem of fingerprints and grease traces appearing on the display glass, as the touch interaction now occurs on a separate, non-display surface.
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
Enhances visibility and simplifies user interaction by eliminating the need for finger placement on the display, maintaining aesthetics and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
When the user wants to activate the interface, he makes contact on the outer face of the glass, preferably with his finger. This means that this contact can be a press or a touch. This contact causes the appearance of an additional capacitance which is formed between said electrode and the finger which is an electrically conductive element.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable electronic object including a casing (3) including at least one first portion (3a) made of insulating materials, said portable electronic object including at least one electronic module (10) providing at least one information item to display means (15), said portable electronic object further including control means (20) enabling the user to control said at least one electronic module.