Headphones Touch Input Unit Using ITO Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 4-pole headphones with button-type operating units are large in size and limited in detecting various button keys due to high voltage variation, making them inefficient for controlling multiple functions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a touch input unit using a single Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) film in headphones, which detects one-dimensional coordinates and processes user inputs without the need for additional IC chips, allowing for a simple circuit and reduced manufacturing costs, enabling the transmission of operation signals to a mobile device via a plug with sensing contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If button-type operating units are added to conventional 4-pole headphones, then control functions are improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button-type operating units with a touch input unit that detects touch coordinates through electrical signals. The touch input unit uses a touch sensor layer with ITO films and sensing circuits to detect touch positions and generate control signals, eliminating the need for physical buttons while maintaining control functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple button keys are included in conventional headphones, then control versatility is improved, but detection precision deteriorates due to high voltage variation
Solution Approach 1:
The touch input unit is divided into multiple touch-sensitive regions (first touch-sensitive region, second touch-sensitive region, third touch-sensitive region) that can detect different touch positions independently. Each region can be assigned different control functions, allowing versatile control while maintaining precise detection through spatial segmentation rather than voltage-level differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a touch sensor layer with ITO films as an intermediary between user touch and control signal generation. This layer converts physical touch into precise coordinate detection through capacitive sensing, eliminating the voltage variation problems associated with direct button contacts while enabling accurate position-based control.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If button keys with different resistances are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the resistance-based detection system with a capacitive touch sensing system. Instead of using resistors with different resistances to detect button presses, the system uses ITO film-based touch sensors that detect touch position through capacitance changes, simplifying the circuit while maintaining or improving detection capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If a touch input unit with single ITO film is implemented, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but functionality is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The single ITO film-based touch input unit is designed to perform multiple functions through software configuration of touch-sensitive regions. The same hardware structure can support various control operations (volume adjustment, track navigation, call control, etc.) by assigning different functions to different touch regions, maintaining full functionality while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 compact and efficient control of multiple functions on a mobile device through touch inputs, enhancing user interaction without the need for large button units and complex circuits, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance film layer which is coated with resistance components; and a conductive layer connected to the sensing contact, wherein the conductive layer contacts one side of the resistance film layer according to a user's touch input on the touch input unit
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A headphones apparatus with a touch input unit, and a mobile device for connecting to the headphones are provided. The apparatus includes a microphone for receiving audio signals, a left loudspeaker for outputting a left audio signal, a right loudspeaker for outputting a right audio signal, a touch input unit for receiving a user's operating signals to control a mobile device, and a plug. The plug includes a sensing contact for transmitting the operating signals from the touch input unit to the mobile device, a microphone contact connected to the microphone for supplying bias voltage to the microphone, a left audio contact connected to the left loudspeaker, a right audio contact connect to the right loudspeaker, and a ground contact.