Electrostatic Sensing Device Using 1D Semiconductors for Hover Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current touch panels lack the ability to recognize hover events using electrostatic sensing, which is essential for advanced user interactions in electronic devices with optically transparent displays.

Innovation Solution

An electrostatic sensing device comprising a substrate with one-dimensional semiconducting linear structures, such as ultra-long carbon nanotubes or graphene strips, that detect changes in resistance due to electrostatic charges without physical contact, allowing for the recognition of hover events by modulating the Fermi surface and electron density of states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional touch panels are used, then basic touch operation is achieved, but hover event recognition capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehover event recognition capabilityVSAvoidsensing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the unique electrical properties of one-dimensional semiconducting linear structures (carbon nanotubes and graphene strips). These materials exhibit significant resistance changes in response to electrostatic fields from hover events, enabling detection capability that conventional touch panel materials cannot achieve. The one-dimensional structure provides enhanced sensitivity to electrostatic charge variations, allowing reliable hover event recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If one-dimensional semiconducting linear structures are used, then hover event detection sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehover event detection sensitivityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical or capacitive touch sensing mechanisms with a field-based electrostatic sensing approach using one-dimensional semiconducting linear structures. This substitution enables non-contact hover detection through electrical resistance changes caused by electrostatic fields, eliminating the need for complex mechanical structures or multiple sensor layers while achieving high detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrostatic sensing is implemented, then hover event recognition is enabled, but contact-based operation reliability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehover event recognitionVSAvoidcontact-based operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the one-dimensional semiconducting linear structures to simultaneously detect both hover events (through electrostatic field-induced resistance changes) and contact events (through direct electrical contact). This universal sensing approach allows the same structure to recognize different interaction modes, maintaining contact-based operation reliability while adding hover event recognition capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 detection of hover events and position tracking of objects with electrostatic charge, enhancing user interaction capabilities in electronic devices with optically transparent displays by providing sensitive and accurate electrostatic sensing.

Implementation Method 1

an electrostatic sensing device comprises a substrate, one-dimensional semiconducting linear structures, such as ultra-long carbon nanotubes or graphene strips

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic sensing: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

detect changes in resistance due to electrostatic charges without physical contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistivity change: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

allowing for the recognition of hover events by modulating the Fermi surface and electron density of states

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermi surface modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS10261637B2Electrostatic sensing device

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

An electrostatic sensing device comprises an electrostatic sensing module and a control unit electrically connected to the electrostatic sensing module. The electrostatic sensing module comprises a first electrostatic sensing element comprising opposite ends, and two first electrodes. The two first electrodes are separately located on and electrically connected to the two opposite ends of the first electrostatic sensing element. The first electrostatic sensing element is one-dimensional semiconducting linear structure with a diameter less than 100 nanometers. The control unit electrically is configured to apply a direct voltage to the first electrostatic sensing element and measure a current/resistance of the first electrostatic sensing element.