Digital Finger Touchscreen Testing Robot Load Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack an efficient method to validate the performance of capacitive touchscreens in appliances, specifically in measuring the pressing force and response time required for accurate touch input recognition.
Innovation Solution
A digital finger system is developed, comprising a finger holder, load cell housing, and control circuit, which simulates human interaction with the touchscreen. The system measures pressure applied to the touchscreen using a load cell and determines response time by analyzing signals from both the load cell and the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a digital finger system with load cell is used to measure pressing force, then measurement precision of touch pressure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A load cell is introduced as an intermediary device between the finger holder and the touchscreen. The load cell specifically measures the pressing force applied to the touchscreen by converting mechanical force into electrical signals, enabling precise measurement without requiring complex direct measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pressing action is substituted with electrical signal measurement. Instead of mechanically measuring force through complex mechanical gauges, the system uses a load cell that converts mechanical force directly into electrical signals that can be processed by the control circuit, simplifying the overall measurement system while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If response time measurement is implemented, then touchscreen performance validation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements feedback by monitoring both the load cell signals (indicating when pressure is applied) and the touchscreen recognition signals (indicating when the touch is registered). By comparing these feedback signals in time sequence, the system automatically calculates and determines the response time of the touchscreen.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (load cell and control circuit) to simultaneously perform both force measurement and response time measurement functions. The control circuit leverages the signals already being generated for force measurement to also determine response time, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement devices.
3Productivity
If automated testing with testing robot is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The digital finger system is designed as a multi-functional end effector that can be attached to the testing robot. It simultaneously performs multiple functions: applying controlled pressure to the touchscreen, measuring the pressing force via the load cell, and determining response time through control circuit analysis. This universal device replaces multiple separate testing tools, improving productivity while managing complexity through consolidation.
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
The digital finger system effectively measures the pressing force and response time of capacitive touchscreens, ensuring correct calibration values for software and optimizing user input registration in appliances.
Implementation Method 1
A load cell housing is configured to hold a load cell. The load cell housing defines a channel for receiving the finger holder, such that when the finger holder is pressed onto the touchscreen, the finger holder moves to increase pressure against the load cell.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital finger for testing a touchscreen of an appliance using a testing robot is provided. A control circuit receives, from a load cell, first signals indicative of pressure applied by a finger holder simulating interaction with the touchscreen, the load cell being held by a load cell housing defining a channel for receiving the finger holder, such that when the finger holder is pressed onto the touchscreen, the finger holder moves to increase pressure against the load cell. The control circuit receives, from the appliance, second signals indicative of recognition of a touch to the touchscreen. The control circuit determines, response time of the touchscreen and/or the pressure required to operate the touchscreen based on the first and second signals.