Mobile Phone Touch Panel Proximity Lock via Camera
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile phones with touch panels often experience accidental function triggering due to the proximity of the receiver, which can lead to unintended interactions with the touch panel, especially with capacitive touch panels that are highly sensitive to human presence.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a camera and processor that use a trigger signal to determine if an object is closer than a preset distance, locking the touch panel to prevent accidental activations during communication modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a proximity sensor is used to detect user proximity and switch the touch panel on/off, then accidental triggering of functions is avoided, but manufacturing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is made multi-functional by using it for both photography and proximity detection. The same camera lens and image sensor are utilized to detect whether the user's face or ear is close to the touch panel, eliminating the need for a separate proximity sensor while maintaining the ability to prevent accidental triggering during calls
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity detection function is merged with the camera module. The camera's image sensor captures images that are processed to determine proximity status, combining two functions (photography and proximity detection) into a single hardware component, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity
2Ease of operation
If the touch panel sensitivity is increased for better user interaction, then operation responsiveness improves, but accidental triggering increases
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the camera continuously monitors proximity status and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. When the user's face or ear approaches the touch panel during a call, the system detects this through image analysis and automatically locks the touch panel, preventing accidental triggering while maintaining high sensitivity for normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The touch panel's operational state is made dynamic based on proximity conditions. The system adjusts the touch panel state (locked/unlocked) dynamically according to real-time proximity detection results, allowing high sensitivity during normal use while automatically reducing sensitivity (locking) when proximity triggers potential accidental input
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile phone is provided. The mobile phone comprises a touch panel, a camera, and a processor. The touch panel comprises a touch-sensitive display screen, implementing a plurality of virtual buttons. The camera comprises a camera lens having a view-finding area in relation to the touch panel. The processor, respectively coupled with the touch panel and the camera, switches on the camera in response to receipt of a trigger signal, determines whether a focus of the camera for a subject is shorter than a preset distance, and if so, locks the touch panel.