Self-Capacitance Device for Contactless Touchscreen Object Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projected capacitive touchscreens require human contact to detect objects, limiting their ability to recognize non-human objects and necessitating constant user interaction.
Innovation Solution
Self-capacitance devices with a capacitance coil and multiple contacts that simulate human finger capacitance, allowing detection without direct human contact, and software to distinguish between multiple devices based on contact patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conductive object is used to transfer capacitance from the user's hand, then the touchscreen can detect the object, but the user must maintain constant contact with the object which limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The device generates its own capacitance signal through the capacitance coil, eliminating the need for the user to manually transfer capacitance from their hand. The coil continuously produces the capacitive field that the touchscreen detects, allowing the device to serve itself without requiring constant user contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitance coil creates an artificial capacitance signal that copies the electrical characteristics of a human finger. This copied capacitance signal is sufficient to deceive the touchscreen into thinking a human finger is present, enabling object detection without actual human contact.
2Ease of operation
If a capacitance coil is used to generate self-capacitance, then detection without human contact is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitance coil serves multiple functions: it generates the capacitive signal for detection, acts as the primary sensing element, and can be integrated with the device's existing circuitry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite enabling contactless detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple self-capacitance devices are used simultaneously, then user flexibility is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each self-capacitance device has a unique configuration of contacts (e.g., different numbers, positions, or arrangements) that segments the detection space. The touchscreen can distinguish between multiple devices by recognizing these unique contact patterns, allowing simultaneous interaction without requiring a completely new detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the touchscreen's detection of contact patterns to identify which specific device(s) are being interacted with. By analyzing the spatial arrangement and characteristics of the contact signals, the system can differentiate between multiple devices and provide appropriate responses for each.
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 object recognition on touchscreens without human contact, facilitating interaction with multiple devices simultaneously and enhancing user flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance coil disposed within the body... the at least three contacts are in electrical contact with the capacitance coil
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a self-capacitance device that is configured to be detectable by a known touchscreen without the need for human contact. Such a device has a device body, a capacitance structure disposed within the body, and at least three contacts disposed on one side of the body and electrically coupled to the capacitance structure. Further disclosed herein are systems having at least two such self-capacitance devices and a software application configured to recognize each of the at least two self-capacitance devices.