Touchscreen Electrode State Switching to Prevent Capacitive Cross-Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touchscreen technologies face challenges in integrating capacitive sensing and haptic feedback without mechanically moving parts, as electrotactile systems interfere with capacitive touch sensors, causing cross-coupling issues that affect touch input detection and can lead to accidental triggering or damage to measurement circuits.
Innovation Solution
The use of the same electrodes for both touch input detection and haptic feedback, switching between states to prevent capacitive cross-coupling by configuring the electrodes to be either part of a capacitive touch sensor or an electrotactile element, allowing for independent control and reducing the need for additional conductive layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate conductive layers are used for capacitive sensing and haptic feedback, then touch input detection and haptic feedback functionality are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by configuring existing electrodes to serve dual purposes: capacitive touch sensing during the first state and haptic feedback generation during the second state. The controller manages state transitions of the electrodes, allowing the same conductive elements to perform both sensing and actuation functions without requiring separate dedicated layers for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the capacitive sensing function and haptic feedback function into a single integrated electrode system. By combining these functions in the same conductive layer, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensor and actuator layers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining both functionalities.
2Reliability
If separate conductive layers are used for capacitive sensing and haptic feedback, then both functions are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by configuring existing electrodes to serve dual purposes: capacitive touch sensing during the first state and haptic feedback generation during the second state. The controller manages state transitions of the electrodes, allowing the same conductive elements to perform both sensing and actuation functions without requiring separate dedicated layers for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the capacitive sensing function and haptic feedback function into a single integrated electrode system. By combining these functions in the same conductive layer, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensor and actuator layers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining both functionalities.
3Reliability
If electrotactile systems are integrated with capacitive touch sensors, then haptic feedback is provided, but capacitive cross-coupling interferes with touch input detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing time-division multiplexing where electrodes alternately switch between sensing mode and haptic feedback mode. During the first state, electrodes function as capacitive sensors for touch detection; during the second state, they function as electrotactile elements for haptic feedback. This periodic state switching prevents capacitive cross-coupling interference by ensuring that sensing and haptic functions do not operate simultaneously on the same electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electrode configuration dynamically switchable between two functional states. The controller adjusts the electrical configuration of electrodes in real-time, transitioning them between capacitive sensing mode and electrotactile actuation mode based on operational requirements, thereby optimizing performance for each function while minimizing interference.
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
This approach simplifies the device design, reduces manufacturing costs, and enables flexible touchscreens with improved durability by eliminating the need for separate sensor and electrotactile components, while maintaining effective touch input detection and haptic feedback functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode is configured to couple capacitively to a stylus when said stylus is in proximity to the electrode
Implementation Method 2
an electrotactile surface which takes advantage of capacitive coupling to the user's skin to create a variable frictional force on the touchscreen panel
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to provide a first state or a second state for an electrode, wherein in the first state, the electrode is configured for use in the detection of touch input, and in the second state, the electrode is configured for use in the provision of haptic feedback.