Optical Force Sensor for Touch Display Depression Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with touch-sensitive displays face challenges in accurately detecting depression or force exerted on the screen, leading to potential unintended selections due to limited space and the need for reliable input methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of mechanical and piezoelectric actuators, along with optical depression sensors, to detect force thresholds on the touch-sensitive display, providing tactile feedback and enhancing user interaction by differentiating between intended and unintended touches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the touch-sensitive display size is decreased to improve portability, then the device becomes more portable, but the space for user input and output is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct functional zones on the touch-sensitive display surface. Different regions have different properties: some areas are sensitive to light touches for selection, while other areas require deliberate pressure to activate, preventing accidental activations in limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic response characteristics where the display surface changes its sensitivity state based on applied force. The system transitions from a static touch interface to a dynamic one that adapts its response threshold, allowing the same physical space to serve multiple input modes.
2Reliability
If mechanical actuators and optical sensors are added to detect force thresholds, then the reliability of touch input is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical sensor system multi-functional by using the same sensor infrastructure for both force threshold detection and display operations. The optical sensors serve dual purposes: detecting user input force and maintaining display functionality, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical sensing layer that mediates between the mechanical actuator and the control system. This optical intermediary converts mechanical force into optical signals, providing a reliable detection mechanism without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex mechanical sensing structures.
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 enables more reliable selection and confirmation of options on portable electronic devices by accurately detecting force exerted on the screen, reducing unintended selections and improving user experience through tactile and visual feedback.
Implementation Method 1
One or more optical signals are emitted towards the touch-sensitive display. Reflected optical signals are received from the touch-sensitive display and evaluated for a change in reflection
Implementation Method 2
piezoelectric actuators, along with optical depression sensors, to detect force thresholds on the touch-sensitive display
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display and a sensor configured to detect a force that results in depression of the touch-sensitive display. The sensor includes an optical device that receives a reflection of an optical signal, wherein the force affects the reflection.