Non-Touch Input Screen Using Millimeter Wave Radar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile wireless communication devices with touch screens lack a non-touch based input method that can accurately determine the location of an object in three-dimensional space for enhanced user interaction, such as a virtual keyboard, which limits user experience and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A non-touch based input device using millimeter wave radio frequency signals, specifically 60 GHz frequency band, with transceivers positioned around the input screen to compute the location of an object through frequency modulated continuous-wave radar, determining x, y, z coordinates for applications like a three-dimensional keyboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch screen is used for input, then the display screen can be used as an input device removing physical keys, but it requires touch activation which limits non-touch based input methods and three-dimensional interaction capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces millimeter wave transceivers as an intermediary between the user and the display screen. These transceivers detect reflected radio frequency signals from objects near the screen to determine three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z), enabling non-touch based input methods while maintaining compatibility with the existing touch screen interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch-based input system with a radio frequency-based detection system. Instead of requiring physical contact with the screen, the system uses millimeter wave transceivers to detect the position of objects through reflected signals, substituting mechanical interaction with electromagnetic field-based detection.
2Measurement precision
If traditional transceivers are used to detect object location, then position information can be obtained, but the complexity of the system increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the transceiver system by using millimeter wave frequencies (60 GHz band). This frequency choice enables smaller antenna sizes and reduced component dimensions, facilitating miniaturization while maintaining detection precision. The specific frequency parameters are optimized to balance measurement accuracy with device size constraints.
3Volume of moving object
If millimeter wave RF signals at 60 GHz are used, then miniaturization and reduced interference are achieved, but the system requires precise frequency modulation and signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs frequency modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar signals with periodic frequency sweeping. The transceivers transmit RF signals that sweep through a defined frequency range, and the reflected signals are processed by comparing frequency differences. This periodic frequency modulation simplifies the manufacturing process by using standard FMCW techniques while achieving precise distance measurement through the relationship between frequency shift and time delay.
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 enhances user experience by allowing non-touch based input methods that accurately detect object location in 3D space, enabling new interaction possibilities without the complexity of traditional transceivers, while leveraging the advantages of the 60 GHz band for miniaturization and reduced interference.
Implementation Method 1
A non-touch based input device using millimeter wave radio frequency signals, specifically 60 GHz frequency band, with transceivers positioned around the input screen to compute the location of an object through frequency modulated continuous-wave radar
Implementation Method 2
each configured to transmit a millimeter wave RF signal and receive reflected signals from an object positioned close to the input screen
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A communications device includes a housing and a wireless transceiver and processor carried by the housing and operative with each other. An input screen is carried by the housing and comprises a plurality of spaced transceivers positioned at the input screen and connected to the processor and each configured to transmit a millimeter wave RF signal and receive reflected signals from an object positioned close to the input screen. The processor is configured to determine the location of the object relative to the input screen based on the reflected signals received at each transceiver.