Multi-User Touchscreen Input Reconciliation via Dual Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-touch screens cannot accurately associate touches with specific users when used as a shared input device for multiple users, lacking the ability to identify which user has touched the screen.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual detection system comprising a user-identifier mechanism to detect the identity of the user and an input-locator mechanism to detect the location of the touch, with a synchronizer/controller system to reconcile the information and determine the likelihood of user input, using techniques such as RF detection and capacitive or acoustic pulse recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional multi-touch screen is used as a shared input device for multiple users, then the screen can detect multiple touch points simultaneously, but it cannot accurately identify which user has touched the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the touch detection function into two separate detection systems: one for detecting touch location and another for detecting user identity. This segmentation allows each system to specialize in its specific function, with the location system tracking finger positions and the identification system (using RF tags, capacitive sensors, or acoustic microphones) determining which user performed the action. The controller then integrates these separate detection results to achieve both multi-touch capability and user identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary detection mechanisms between the user and the touchscreen surface. These intermediaries include RF tags worn by users that emit unique identifiers, capacitive sensors that detect user proximity and characteristics, or acoustic microphones that capture user voice commands. These intermediary devices enable the system to identify users without interfering with the primary touch detection function of the screen.
2Measurement precision
If a dual detection system is implemented to identify users and locate touches, then user identification accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal detection mechanisms that can serve multiple functions simultaneously. For example, capacitive sensors can both detect touch location and identify users based on their proximity and electrical characteristics. Acoustic microphones can capture both touch-related sounds and user voice commands. The controller is designed to handle multiple types of input data (touch coordinates, RF identifiers, capacitive readings, acoustic signals) through a unified processing framework, reducing the need for separate specialized systems for each function.
3Measurement precision
If RF detection and capacitive or acoustic pulse recognition techniques are used, then user identification capability is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by implementing event-driven detection rather than continuous monitoring. The RF tags transmit identifiers only when a touch event is detected or at scheduled intervals, rather than continuously. Capacitive sensors activate only when proximity changes are detected. Acoustic microphones trigger recording only when specific sound patterns are detected. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining accurate user identification capability when needed.
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 accurate identification and processing of user inputs on a shared touchscreen surface, allowing for efficient multi-user interaction by distinguishing between users and ignoring non-user inputs, thereby enhancing user experience in gaming and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment, a user-identifier system is provided as a Radio Frequency (RF) system that can effectively detect a change in RF energy received by a RF receiver provided in the proximity of a user when the user touches a touchscreen.
Implementation Method 2
The touch-identifier system can include an APR (Acoustic Pulse Recognition) or capacitive touchscreen (or multi-touch screen).
Implementation Method 3
The touch-identifier system can include an APR (Acoustic Pulse Recognition) or capacitive touchscreen (or multi-touch screen).
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for providing a common input for multiple users are disclosed. Two separate input detection systems can be provided. One input detection system detects the identity of user while the other detects the location of input for processing. The information provided by the two detection systems is effectively reconciled to determine whether a particular user identified by the first system has provided input in a particular location indicated by the second system. Information can be reconciled, for example, at least partially based on the timing information provided by the two systems (e.g., whether the times indicated by the two systems are within an acceptable range). It will also be appreciated that both input system can be integrated into a single device which can be presented, for example, as multi-user touchscreen. The multi-user touch screen can provide a common input surface to serve numerous applications.