Multi-Object Force Sensing via Capacitive Position and Dedicated Force Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensors have limited accuracy in estimating applied force, which restricts their ability to determine user input effectively, limiting their flexibility as input devices.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a processing system with sensors that can determine both positional and force information for multiple objects in a sensing region, using a combination of sensing technologies and force sensors to provide accurate force measurements, allowing for specific user interface actions based on force indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proximity sensors estimate applied force by measuring increased capacitance, then force detection capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing technologies (capacitive sensors for position and force sensors for force measurement) into a single sensor device. This merging allows the device to simultaneously detect both positional information and force information with high precision, resolving the contradiction between providing force detection capability and maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting presence, location, motion, and force of input objects. By making the sensor device universal and multi-functional, it can accurately measure force while also providing positional information, thus improving both adaptability and measurement precision simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If proximity sensors are used as input devices, then user interface functionality is provided, but flexibility deteriorates due to limited ability to determine user input from force
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting presence, location, motion, and force of input objects. By making the sensor device universal and multi-functional, it can accurately measure force while also providing positional information, thus improving both adaptability and measurement precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the force information and positional information detected by the sensor device to provide feedback for determining user input. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond appropriately to different force levels and object positions, enhancing both user interface functionality and flexibility in handling user input.
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 enhances user interface functionality by enabling precise determination and response to force and positional data, providing improved flexibility and accuracy in user input handling.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of force sensors coupled to the surface to provide a plurality of measures of force applied to the surface
Implementation Method 2
The proximity sensor device can utilize one or more sensors based on capacitive, resistive, inductive, optical, acoustic and/or other technology
Data Source
AI summary
An input device is provided that facilitates improved user interface functionality by determining force information for each of multiple objects in a sensing region. The input device includes a processing system, a sensor configured to sense objects in a sensing region proximate a surface, and a plurality of force sensors. The plurality of force sensors are coupled to the surface to provide a plurality of measures of force applied to the surface. The processing system is configured to determine positional information for each the multiple objects sensed by the sensor in the sensing region. Furthermore, the processing system is configured to determine force information for each of the multiple objects from the positional information and the plurality of measures of force applied to the surface. Thus, device and method provides the ability to determine both positional information and force information for each of multiple objects in a sensing region.