Pressure Sensor Touch Input Detection in Submerged Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with capacitive touch panels struggle to accurately sense user inputs in submerged states due to moisture conductivity, leading to difficulties in distinguishing user touches from moisture-induced capacitance changes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating pressure sensors on top of or beneath the touch panel to detect user inputs based on pressure applied to the display, allowing the device to differentiate between user interactions and moisture effects, even when submerged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a capacitive touch panel is used to detect user input, then the device can sense touch positions through capacitance changes, but in submerged states the moisture conductivity causes false capacitance changes that cannot be distinguished from actual user touches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into two separate systems: a capacitive touch panel for detecting touch positions and a pressure sensor for detecting pressure magnitude. By segmenting the sensing mechanism, the system can distinguish between capacitance changes caused by moisture and those caused by actual user touches, since the pressure sensor only responds to mechanical pressure applied by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the touch panel and the control system. When the device is submerged, the pressure sensor provides reliable pressure detection that is not affected by moisture conductivity, thereby enabling accurate user input detection despite the presence of water.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device operates in a submerged state with moisture present, then the device can function in water environments, but the capacitive touch panel cannot accurately distinguish user touches from moisture-induced capacitance changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the input detection system into capacitive sensing for position and pressure sensing for force detection. This segmentation allows the device to maintain adaptability in submerged states while preserving measurement precision, as the pressure sensor provides reliable detection that is independent of moisture conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from relying solely on capacitance changes to using pressure sensor output signals. By switching to pressure-based detection in submerged states, the system maintains both adaptability to water environments and accuracy in user input detection.
3Device complexity
If only a capacitive touch panel is used for input detection, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot accurately sense user inputs when submerged due to moisture interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitive touch panel with a pressure sensor into an integrated sensing system. This combination allows the device to use both capacitive sensing for position detection and pressure sensing for force detection, achieving accurate user input detection in both dry and submerged states without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it detects pressure magnitude, helps distinguish actual user touches from moisture interference, and provides reliable input detection in submerged states. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain simple structure while achieving accurate detection across different environmental conditions.
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 sensing of user input positions and pressures in submerged states, enhancing usability by allowing device operation and functionality even underwater.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor disposed on an upper layer or a lower layer of the touch panel to sense a pressure applied to at least a region of the display
Implementation Method 2
the electronic device may receive a user input by sensing a change in a capacitance resulted from a user's touch
Data Source
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AI summary
According to various embodiments, Disclosed is an electronic device comprising: at least one sensor; a display comprising a touch panel; at least one pressure sensor disposed in the upper or lower layer of the touch panel such that pressure applied to at least a part of a region of the display can be sensed; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured so as to: sense whether the electronic device is in a submerged state by using the at least one sensor or the display; receive a user input with respect to the at least a part of a region of the display while the electronic device is sensed to be in the submerged state; acquire the pressure and the position of the user input by using the at least one pressure sensor; and process the user input on the basis of the acquired pressure and the acquired position. Additional various embodiments identified through the specification are possible.