Cover Window Region Segmentation for Touch Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face challenges with touch input functionality due to their small screens and the deterioration of antenna radiation performance when a rotary wheel is integrated into the metal frame, which also reduces assistive input options.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a touch panel and display that includes a cover window with distinct regions for touch input detection, allowing for accurate selection of displayed objects using a processor to differentiate between types of touch inputs based on signal magnitude and movement, enabling effective control without obstructing the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary wheel is integrated into the metal frame to assist touch input, then touch input functionality is improved, but antenna radiation performance is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The cover window is divided into multiple regions (first region corresponding to touch panel, second region corresponding to outer region). The processor determines touch input type based on which region the touch occurs, enabling differentiated control without requiring a mechanical rotary wheel on the metal frame, thus preserving antenna performance while maintaining input functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover window acts as an intermediary element that enables touch input detection in the outer region without requiring direct contact with the metal frame. This intermediary structure allows the system to detect touch inputs and determine their characteristics (stationary vs. moving) without obstructing the antenna's electromagnetic radiation path.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rotary wheel is removed to maintain antenna performance, then antenna radiation performance is improved, but assistive touch input options are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover window serves multiple functions: it protects the display, enables touch input detection in the outer region, and provides a surface for differentiated touch control (first type touch for selection, second type touch for navigation). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate mechanical rotary wheel while maintaining diverse input capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of touch detection by utilizing the cover window's material properties and geometric configuration to detect touch inputs in the outer region. By analyzing signal characteristics (magnitude and movement), the system creates distinct control modes without adding mechanical components that would interfere with antenna performance.
3Measurement precision
If touch input is detected in the outer region of the cover window, then accurate object selection is enabled, but signal differentiation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover window is segmented into distinct regions (first region for touch panel, second region for outer region), and the processor uses this segmentation to differentiate between touch input types. By checking which region the touch occurs in and analyzing signal characteristics specific to that region, the system achieves precise object selection through a systematic, region-based approach rather than complex global signal analysis.
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 precise control of wearable devices through touch inputs in the outer region, enhancing user interaction and maintaining antenna performance without requiring direct finger contact on the screen.
Implementation Method 1
A touch panel generally recognizes a touch input and determines the coordinates thereof by sensing a change of capacitance
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments includes: a housing; a touch panel disposed in the housing; a display disposed in the housing; a cover window disposed on the touch panel and having a first region corresponding to the touch panel and a second region corresponding to a region outside the touch panel in which the first region includes a first sub-region corresponding to an inner region of the touch panel and a second sub-region corresponding to an outer region of the touch panel; and a processor operationally combined with the touch panel and the display, in which the processor is configured to: provide a UI through the display, obtain a signal of a touch input from the touch panel while the user interface is provided; determine a region in which the touch input has initially occurred, based on the signal; determine the touch input larger than a first critical value as a first type touch in response to the fact that the touch input has initially occurred in the 1-1 region; execute an event corresponding to the first type touch, based on the user interface and the first type touch; sense whether the touch input includes movement of touch coordinates in response to the fact that the touch input has initially occurred in the 1-2 region or the second region; determine the touch input as a second type touch discriminated from the first type touch in response to the fact that the touch input includes movement of the touch coordinates; and execute an event corresponding to the second type touch, based on the user interface and the second type touch.