Foldable Touchscreen Geometry for Accurate 3D Coordinate Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges in accurately identifying three-dimensional coordinates of objects positioned away from the touchscreen due to reduced capacitance detection accuracy, especially when the device is folded, leading to imprecise identification of three-dimensional coordinates.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a flexible display with two non-parallel touchscreen areas, utilizing a touch sensor, angle sensors, and processors to identify coordinate information from each area, applying weights and adjusting coordinate values based on angles to calculate precise three-dimensional coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitance detection method is used to identify three-dimensional coordinates, then the electronic device can detect object position on touchscreen, but the accuracy is reduced when object is positioned a predetermined distance or more away from the touchscreen
Solution Approach 1:
The touchscreen is divided into multiple independent detection areas (first area and second area) that can detect objects from different spatial positions. Each area independently measures capacitance changes, and the results are combined to calculate three-dimensional coordinates, improving detection accuracy for objects at various distances and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional touchscreen detection to three-dimensional coordinate identification by utilizing the non-parallel spatial relationship between the first and second areas. The angle between these areas provides an additional dimensional reference that enables accurate height and depth calculation, transforming the detection capability from 2D to 3D space.
2Measurement precision
If the device is folded to form non-parallel touchscreen areas, then three-dimensional coordinate identification capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touchscreen structure is made flexible and foldable, allowing it to dynamically change between parallel and non-parallel configurations. The hinge structure enables the second area to be folded at a predetermined angle relative to the first area, transforming the device from a rigid flat structure to a dynamic three-dimensional structure that can adapt its geometry for enhanced coordinate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible display and flexible touchscreen structure that can be folded without damage. The flexible nature of the display and touchscreen layers allows the creation of non-parallel areas while maintaining structural integrity and detection functionality, enabling three-dimensional coordinate identification without requiring complex rigid mechanical structures.
3Measurement precision
If multiple touchscreen areas are used to identify coordinates, then three-dimensional coordinate accuracy is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors capacitance changes from multiple areas and uses this feedback to calculate and update three-dimensional coordinates in real-time. The processor receives detection data from both areas, applies the predetermined angle relationship, and computes accurate spatial coordinates, providing continuous feedback-based position tracking that improves accuracy while managing processing through efficient algorithms.
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 precise three-dimensional coordinate identification and manipulation of objects, enhancing user experience and control over external devices by accurately determining object positions and gestures across non-parallel display areas.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic device may include a touch sensor panel (TSP) (in other words, a touch sensor) constituted of a plurality of electrodes. The electronic device may detect a change in the capacitance (e.g., self-capacitance and/or mutual-capacitance) of at least some of the plurality of electrodes if an object is positioned in contact or adjacent to the touchscreen and identify the two-dimensional coordinates of the object on the touchscreen. In addition to the identified two-dimensional coordinates, the electronic device may identify the height (e.g., vertical distance) of the position of the object from the touchscreen based on the degree of change in capacitance to identify the three-dimensional coordinates of the object on the touchscreen.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a hinge structure; a first housing connected to the hinge structure and including a first surface and a second surface; a second housing connected to the hinge structure and including a third surface and a fourth surface; a flexible display; a touch sensor; memory; and a processor, wherein the memory stores instructions configured to cause, when executed by the processor, the electronic device to, identify first coordinate information of at least one object on a first area of the flexible display and second coordinate information of the at least one object on a second area of the flexible display by using the touch sensor; and on the basis of the identified first coordinate information and the identified second coordinate information, identify three-dimensional coordinate information of the at least one object in the space formed by the first surface and the third surface.