Force Detection Using Virtual Logical Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional touch force detection apparatuses require a large number of electrodes for accurate force detection, making them costly and unable to effectively realize multi-touch functionality.

Innovation Solution

The method employs virtual logical channels and spatial interpolation to improve the consistency of force information, allowing for accurate multi-finger force detection using fewer sensing electrodes by establishing equations based on feedback forces and relative elastic coefficients at different positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large number of electrodes are arranged for more accurate force detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of electrodes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch screen is divided into multiple logic channels, with each channel independently detecting force information. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive force detection coverage without requiring a dense grid of electrodes across the entire screen, thereby reducing the total number of electrodes needed while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces relative elastic coefficients as an intermediary parameter to relate electrode feedback forces to actual pressing forces at different positions. By using these coefficients, the system can accurately calculate pressing forces even with fewer electrodes, as the coefficients compensate for positional variations in the touch screen's mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a large number of electrodes are arranged for more accurate force detection, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the touch screen into logic channels and assigning fewer electrodes to each channel, the overall electrode count is reduced, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy through the distributed channel architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of electrode density by introducing relative elastic coefficients that account for positional variations. This allows the system to use fewer electrodes by compensating for mechanical property variations through computational parameters rather than physical electrode density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional touch force detection apparatus is used, then force detection is achieved, but multi-touch functionality cannot be realized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-touch capabilityVSAvoidelectrode arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch screen is divided into multiple logic channels that can independently detect force information. This segmentation enables the system to handle multiple simultaneous touch events by having each channel or combination of channels detect forces at different positions,从而实现 multi-touch functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each logic channel is designed to be multi-functional, capable of detecting force information that can be used for both single-touch and multi-touch scenarios. The channels can work independently or in combination, providing universal force detection capability across the entire touch screen surface.

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

This approach enables accurate force information acquisition at multiple positions with fewer electrodes, reducing costs and enhancing user experience by effectively implementing multi-finger press detection on touch screens.

Implementation Method 1

Acquiring a deformation caused by external force applied to at least one sensing electrode and identifying the deformation by the sensing electrode, wherein the deformation is converted into a corresponding raw feature value characterized by an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3351915B1Method, device and equipment for detecting pressure
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 SHENZHEN GOODIX TECH CO LTD
  • EP3351915B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3351915B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3351915B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5d

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of touch technologies, and provides a force detection method, apparatus and device. The force detection method includes: receiving a deformation caused by external force and identified by at least one sensing electrode, and converting the deformation into a corresponding raw feature value characterized by an electrical signal, wherein the raw feature value corresponds to the force; and calculating force information fed back by the at least one sensing electrode according to the raw feature value of the at least one sensing electrode. With the force detection method, apparatus and device according to the invention, when a plurality of positions is pressed by force, the force information at each position may be accurately acquired. In practice, multi-finger press detection may be implemented on the touch screen by using fewer electrodes, thereby reducing the cost and improving the user experience.