Force-Sensing Touch Interface for Adverse Weather Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional capacitive touch screen interfaces are ineffective in cold and moist environments, as they require bare skin for operation and may not function during emergencies in adverse weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a force-sensing touch screen graphical user interface that detects force applied in three dimensions (x, y, z), allowing user input through force exertion, which is resistant to moisture and cold temperatures, and combines with capacitive sensing for improved functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If capacitive sensing is used for touch detection, then the interface is simple and cost-effective, but it fails to operate in cold and moist environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliability in adverse weatherVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines capacitive sensing and force sensing into a single hybrid touch interface system. The force sensing capability is integrated with the existing capacitive touch screen, allowing the device to detect both touch location and applied force. This merging enables the interface to operate reliably in adverse weather conditions while maintaining the benefits of capacitive sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from purely capacitive (electrical) to include mechanical force detection. By adding force sensing capability to the touch interface, the system can detect user input through mechanical pressure rather than relying solely on capacitive coupling, which fails in cold and moist environments. This parameter change enables operation when users wear gloves or when the environment is adverse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If force sensing is added to the touch interface, then environmental resistance improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliability in adverse weatherVSAvoidsensing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensing technology is merged with the existing capacitive touch screen structure. Rather than adding a completely separate sensing system, the patent integrates force detection capabilities into the current touch interface architecture, sharing common components such as the display structure and control electronics where possible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch interface is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect touch location through capacitive sensing, detect applied force through force sensing, and differentiate between various input types (tap, press, drag). This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated system rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If force threshold validation is implemented, then false input detection improves, but response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefalse input detection accuracyVSAvoidinput response time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary force threshold validation during the touch detection process itself, rather than as a separate subsequent step. The force sensing data is evaluated concurrently with capacitive touch data, allowing the system to determine whether the applied force meets the required threshold before finalizing the input recognition. This preliminary validation prevents false inputs without significantly delaying the overall response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 user input in various conditions, including rain or snow, by using force detection to command actions like answering calls, reducing the need for bare skin and enhancing usability in humid or cold settings.

Implementation Method 1

force-sensing touch screen graphical user interface that detects force applied in three dimensions (x, y, z)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce sensing: Force

Implementation Method 2

traditionally, touch screen graphical user interfaces include touch sensors based on capacitive sensing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9031617B2Receiving user input on a graphical user interface

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A method for a device to receive a user input commanding the device to perform an action includes detecting a first amount of force exerted onto a graphical user interface, providing an indication that additional force must be exerted onto the graphical user interface to command the device to perform the action, detecting a second amount of force larger than the first amount of force exerted onto the graphical user interface, and providing a signal including data commanding performance of the action.