Narrow-Bezel Proximity Sensing With Multi-Surface Capacitance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices with narrow bezels, existing proximity sensing methods face challenges in accurately detecting user intent due to limited space, leading to erroneous operations and high power consumption, as they struggle to distinguish between intended touches and external disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a single capacitive proximity sensor/touch sensor circuit with sensors arranged on the front, side, and rear surfaces, where the processor generates sensing information by compensating capacitance values from multiple sensors to accurately determine object proximity and prevent ghost touch phenomena.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If an infrared proximity sensor is used to detect object proximity, then the sensing distance is extended beyond capacitive touch sensor range, but the bezel width must be increased to accommodate the emitter and detector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the proximity sensor and touch sensor into a single integrated sensor structure. The same sensor element serves dual functions: detecting proximity of objects beyond touch distance and detecting touch inputs on the display surface, eliminating the need for separate infrared emitter and detector components in the bezel area.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor performs multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a proximity sensor for detecting objects near the device and a touch sensor for detecting user interactions with the display, replacing the need for separate specialized sensors and reducing bezel requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to improve detection accuracy and distinguish intended touches from external disturbances, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges proximity sensing and touch sensing capabilities into a single sensor system, allowing the device to maintain high detection reliability through integrated multi-functionality while avoiding the power consumption penalty of operating multiple separate sensors simultaneously.
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 detection accuracy, reduces power consumption, and prevents erroneous operations by robustly compensating for external disturbances, allowing for efficient proximity sensing in narrow bezel designs without the need for complex pattern recognition.
Implementation Method 1
A method utilizing a single capacitive proximity sensor/touch sensor circuit with sensors arranged on the front, side, and rear surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an electronic device including a narrow bezel and a proximity sensing method for the electronic device. The electronic device includes: a first sensor configured to be arranged in a first area which is at least part of the non-display area of a front surface including a display, and to detect first capacitance between a first object in front of the front surface and the first sensor; a second sensor configured to be arranged in a first side surface adjacent to the first area, and to detect second capacitance between a second object in front of the first side surface and the second sensor; and a processor configured to generate sensing information by compensating the first capacitance based on the second capacitance, and to determine the proximity of the first object based on the sensing information.