Multi-Touch Force Apportionment via Segmented Sensor Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-based input devices cannot effectively detect and apportion forces applied by multiple fingers simultaneously, limiting their ability to provide nuanced input and control in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising force sensors and touch sensors distributed across a flexible touch input surface, along with a module for apportioning forces using calibration data and matched filter techniques, allows for the determination of force amounts applied by individual fingers, enabling precise force detection and distribution across multiple touch points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a touch-based input device uses binary force detection, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot register or process a range of inputs correlated to a range of forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the touch input surface into multiple discrete sensor locations, with each sensor capable of detecting force independently. This segmentation allows the system to detect force at multiple points simultaneously, enabling range-based force detection while maintaining relatively simple individual sensor structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from binary force detection (one dimension: pressed/not pressed) to multi-level force detection by adding the force magnitude dimension. Each sensor now measures not just whether force is applied, but how much force, creating a three-dimensional input space (x, y, force magnitude) that enables nuanced force-based interactions.
2Measurement precision
If a touch-based input device detects multi-touch inputs, then the device can recognize multiple finger locations, but the device cannot determine or assign forces applied by each finger separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns individual force sensors to specific locations on the touch surface, creating a segmented sensing array. When multiple fingers touch the surface, each finger's force is detected by the sensor at that location, enabling separate force measurement for each touch point without complex computational apportionment.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor location serves itself by independently detecting the force applied at its specific position. The sensor array collectively provides force information for all touch points without requiring centralized force distribution algorithms, as each sensor naturally measures the force at its location.
3Measurement precision
If a touch input surface uses a flexible layer that deflects in response to force, then the surface can detect force magnitude, but the system cannot distinguish forces from multiple simultaneous touches
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible touch input surface is segmented into multiple independent sensing zones with discrete sensors distributed across the surface. This segmentation allows the system to detect force deflection at multiple locations simultaneously, distinguishing forces from multiple fingers even though the surface itself is flexible and continuous.
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 accurate detection and attribution of forces applied by multiple fingers, enhancing user interaction with electronic devices by providing additional dimensions of input and control, such as faster scrolling and highlighting, and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
force calibration data including force deflection measurement values as measured by each of the plurality of force sensors in response to a standardized force applied to various known locations on the touch input surface
Implementation Method 2
The touch input surface may include a flexible layer, such as a flexible glass or transparent layer, that deflects in response to the force applied by the at least two fingers of the user
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for determining the amounts of force applied by at least two fingers of a user to a touch input device having a touch input surface. In one example, a system may include a plurality of force sensors distributed about the touch input surface; a plurality of touch sensors distributed about the touch input surface; and a module for apportioning a first amount of force as measured by the plurality of force sensors to one of the at least two fingers, and for apportioning a second amount of force as measured by the plurality of force sensors to another of the at least two fingers. The system may also include a persistent data structure including force calibration data with force deflection measurement values as measured by each of the plurality of force sensors in response to a standardized force applied to various known locations on the touch input surface. The system may also include one or more matched filter modules.