Full Front Screen Soft Key Simulation via Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with full front screens face challenges in providing a larger touch screen display while maintaining soft key functionality, as the inclusion of soft keys reduces the screen size, and there is a need for a structure to replace soft keys for continuous user usability.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a pressure sensor and a fingerprint sensor in the soft key area, which detect pressure and fingerprint data respectively, allows for the simulation of soft key functions on a full front screen, enabling user interface operations similar to traditional soft keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If soft keys are arranged on the front surface of the electronic device, then soft key functionality is provided, but the touch screen display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the soft key structure with the touch screen display by integrating pressure sensors beneath the display surface. The soft keys are merged into the touch screen assembly, allowing the same physical space to serve both as display area and as input area for soft key operations. This eliminates the need for separate physical soft key regions while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch screen display surface is given multiple functions: it serves as both the visual display area and the input area for soft key operations. By incorporating pressure-sensitive layers beneath the display, the same surface area performs dual roles, allowing users to interact with both the display content and soft key functions without requiring additional space.
2Area of stationary object
If the touch screen display area is increased to meet user demands, then user satisfaction is improved, but soft key functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The soft key functionality is merged into the touch screen display by placing pressure sensors beneath the display surface. This integration allows the expanded display area to simultaneously serve as the operational area for soft keys, eliminating the trade-off between display size and soft key functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical soft key structures with pressure-sensitive sensing layers integrated into the touch screen. Instead of requiring separate physical buttons or switches, the system uses pressure detection beneath the display surface to recognize soft key inputs, thereby maintaining soft key functionality while maximizing display area.
3Area of stationary object
If pressure sensors and fingerprint sensors are integrated in the soft key area, then soft key functions are simulated on full front screen, but sensor integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor and fingerprint sensor are merged into a single integrated structure beneath the touch screen display. The pressure-sensitive layer serves dual purposes: detecting pressure inputs for soft key operations and providing the structural basis for fingerprint sensing. This integration reduces the number of separate sensor components while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects pressure for soft key operations, captures fingerprint patterns for authentication, and maintains the structural integrity of the full front screen design. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities provided.
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 solution allows for the processing of input signals from overlapping areas on the touch screen display, providing seamless user interaction and maintaining the functionality of soft keys without the physical space constraints, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor that detects pressure exerted on the touch screen display by an external object
Implementation Method 2
a touch sensor that is disposed between the cover glass and the touch screen display and that detects whether an external object present outside the electronic device makes contact with the cover glass
Implementation Method 3
a fingerprint sensor that detects a fingerprint of the external object
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a printed circuit board, a bracket, a pressure sensor, a touch screen display, a cover glass, a touch sensor, and a fingerprint sensor. Besides, it may be permissible to prepare various other embodiments speculated through the specification.