Dynamic Electric Field Control for Gloved Touch Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive touch detection systems in aircraft cockpit displays face challenges such as difficulty in use with gloves and susceptibility to false touch detection due to fluid spills or condensing moisture, which can increase radiated emissions and complicate qualification and certification.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically control touch sensitivity by varying the electric field strength based on temperature and operational state, using a temperature sensor and touch controller to adjust the number and strength of electric fields applied to capacitive touch sensors, allowing for gloved operation without increasing radiated emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric field strength is increased to enable gloved operation and overcome fluid interference, then touch sensitivity is improved, but radiated emissions increase complicating qualification and certification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of electric field strength based on detected touch conditions. The system switches between a first electric field strength for normal operation and a second electric field strength for gloved operation, optimizing both sensitivity and emissions through conditional dynamic control rather than static high-field operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electric field strength parameter dynamically based on detected touch conditions. By monitoring touch sensitivity and switching between different field strength levels, the system adapts to gloved operation requirements while minimizing radiated emissions during normal conditions
2Ease of operation
If the electric field strength is increased to enable gloved operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational modes into distinct electric field strength levels (first and second field strengths). By dividing the operation into discrete sensitivity modes triggered by detectable conditions, the system enables gloved operation without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from touch detection to automatically switch between electric field strength levels. The system monitors touch responses and adjusts field strength accordingly, enabling gloved operation capability through automatic feedback-based control rather than manual complexity
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 reliable touch sensitivity control in capacitive touch detection systems, improving usability with gloves and reducing false detections, while minimizing radiated emissions and simplifying certification processes.
Implementation Method 1
sensing a temperature that is at least representative of touch sensitive region temperature
Implementation Method 2
Capacitive touch detection systems rely on an applied electric field that is scanned to detect changes in the field caused by a touch event
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods of controlling the touch sensitivity of a projected capacitive touch detection system are provided. The temperature that is at least representative of the touch sensitive region temperature is sensed. Based on the sensed temperature, the numbers of the capacitive touch sensors that have different strength electric fields applied thereto are varied and/or the relative magnitudes of the different electric fields are varied. When installed in a vehicle, the operational state of the vehicle may also impact this operation.