Foldable Touch Display Input Detection With Adaptive Region Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with touch sensors face challenges in accurately distinguishing between different types of touch inputs, particularly when the device is folded or bent, leading to inconsistent touch sensitivity and recognition.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a touch sensor system with distinct regions, each with its own sensitivity settings, allowing the control circuitry to differentiate between touch inputs based on predefined reference values, adjusting sensitivity levels accordingly depending on the device's configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single touch sensitivity setting is used across the entire display, then the device structure remains simple, but touch input recognition becomes inaccurate when the device is folded or bent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch input recognition accuracyVSAvoidtouch sensor configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display is divided into multiple regions (first region and second region) with different touch sensitivity characteristics. The touch sensor is segmented into a first portion in the first region and a second portion in the second region, each with its own sensitivity settings optimized for local conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the display are assigned different touch sensitivity levels. The first region has a first touch sensitivity while the second region has a second touch sensitivity, allowing each area to be optimized for its specific functional requirements and physical conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device is folded or bent, then portability and form factor improve, but touch sensitivity becomes inconsistent across different regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice configuration flexibilityVSAvoidtouch sensitivity consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The touch sensor system dynamically adjusts sensitivity settings based on the device's physical state. The control circuitry determines whether to use first or second touch sensitivity based on detected conditions, allowing the system to adapt to folded, bent, or unfolded configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the touch sensitivity parameter based on the device's physical configuration. When the device is folded or bent, the control circuitry switches between different sensitivity thresholds (first reference value and second reference value) to maintain accurate touch recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If different touch sensitivity levels are applied to different regions, then touch recognition accuracy improves in folded states, but the control logic becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch sensitivity accuracyVSAvoidcontrol circuitry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuitry is pre-programmed with multiple sensitivity thresholds (first reference value and second reference value) and corresponding touch sensitivity levels. This preliminary configuration allows the system to quickly switch between sensitivity modes based on detected conditions without complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the touch sensor to determine which sensitivity level to apply. The control circuitry continuously monitors touch input characteristics and adjusts the sensitivity setting accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enhances the accuracy and consistency of touch input recognition, even when the device is folded or bent, by dynamically adapting sensitivity settings to maintain effective touch detection.

Implementation Method 1

The touch sensor may identify the contact based on a capacitive method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive method: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The touch sensor may identify the contact based on a resistive method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive method: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4660763A1Electronic device comprising display comprising touch sensor for processing contact of object
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4660763A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4660763A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4660763A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises: a display including a first region and a second region; a touch sensor including a first portion and a second portion; and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to: acquire a first value indicating a first contact through the second portion; acquire a second value indicating a second contact through the first portion while the first contact is maintained; on the basis that the first value is less than a first reference value, identify whether the second contact is recognized as a touch input according to a first touch sensitivity; and, on the basis that the first value is greater than or equal to the first reference value, identify whether the second contact is recognized as the touch input according to a second touch sensitivity, which is different from the first touch sensitivity. Various other embodiments are possible.