Dual-Sensor Operating Interface for False Touch Rejection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current control devices, such as touch screens and mechanical switches, face issues with sensitivity variability, wear, contamination risks, and reliability due to debris and humidity variations, leading to inaccurate and unreliable user input.

Innovation Solution

A control device utilizing dual detection means, where an object's speed and interference intensity with an electromagnetic field determine valid user input, combining infrared and capacitive detection to differentiate between user intent and environmental interference, thereby reducing false detections and enhancing precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If capacitive touch controls are used, then contactless operation is enabled, but false detections occur due to objects like cloth and environmental factors like humidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontactless operationVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different detection means (first detection means and second detection means) into a unified control system. The first detection means detects object presence, while the second detection means detects user press actions. Both detection results are integrated to determine whether to execute a control command, thereby combining the advantages of contactless operation with the reliability of contact detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that receives detection results from both detection means and determines whether to execute control commands. This intermediary layer filters out false detections by requiring consistent signals from both detection systems before triggering an action, thus improving reliability while maintaining contactless operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical push buttons or switches are used, then reliable user input is obtained, but debris accumulation causes malfunctioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser input reliabilityVSAvoiddebris contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical push buttons or switches with a combination of electromagnetic field-based detection means. The first detection means uses electromagnetic fields to detect object presence without mechanical contact, eliminating the problem of debris accumulation in mechanical mechanisms while maintaining reliable user input detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If touchscreen interfaces are used, then user control is enabled, but repeated touches cause wear and soiling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control capabilityVSAvoiddevice lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical touchscreen interfaces with contactless detection means that use electromagnetic fields to detect user input. This substitution eliminates the wear and soiling problems associated with repeated physical touches while maintaining full user control capability over the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If dual detection means are activated continuously, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by activating the second detection means only when the first detection means detects an object. This conditional activation strategy maintains high detection accuracy by using both detection means when needed, while reducing energy consumption by keeping the second detection means inactive during periods when no object is present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 dual detection system provides stable and precise user input recognition, minimizing contamination risks and improving reliability by distinguishing between valid user interactions and environmental triggers, while reducing energy consumption by activating secondary detection only when necessary.

Implementation Method 1

detection means providing a position of an object as a function of interference of the object with an electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field interference: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the wave emitted by detection means is an infrared wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3224701B1Operating device and method and appliance comprising such a device
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 SEQUERIS
  • EP3224701B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3224701B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3224701B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an operating device (10) comprising: detection means designed to supply a position of an object interfering with at least one electromagnetic field; a means for determining the speed at which the object is moving according to the position of the object supplied by the detection means; and operating means designed to operate an action if: the detection means supply a position of the object, and the speed of the object is lower than a pre-determined speed value.