Touch Key and Pressure Sensing for Space-Saving Terminal Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smartphones with three virtual keys occupy significant space, making one-hand operation difficult and limiting flexibility in design, especially when space is needed for other functional devices like antennas.
Innovation Solution
A terminal with a touch key integrated into the screen cover plate, featuring a touch sensor and pressure sensor beneath the key, allowing multiple functions to be performed with a single key, reducing hardware complexity and space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three virtual keys are arranged below the display area, then different functions can be realized, but the space occupancy increases and one-hand operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate virtual keys into a single touch key located at the bottom center of the display area. This touch key can recognize different touch operations (such as single tap, double tap, long press) and directions (left, right, center) to realize multiple functions that were previously distributed across three separate keys, thereby reducing space occupancy while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single touch key is designed to perform multiple functions by recognizing different touch operations and directions. For example, a single tap in the center may return to the home screen, while a long press may activate voice assistant, and a leftward swipe may switch tasks. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain adaptability while occupying minimal space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three virtual keys are arranged below the display area, then different functions can be realized, but the design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates three separate key structures into a single touch key, simplifying the overall device design. This merger reduces the complexity of hardware arrangement and allows for more flexible design of other components, such as antennas and speakers, which can now be positioned without accommodating multiple separate keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch key is designed with universal functionality to replace three separate keys. By implementing software-based operation recognition (different touch patterns, directions, and durations), the system achieves the same functional capability with a simpler, more flexible hardware design that allows greater freedom in component layout.
3Adaptability or versatility
If three virtual keys are arranged below the display area, then different functions can be realized, but the hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hardware structures of three virtual keys into a single touch key with integrated touch and pressure sensors. This reduces the number of separate sensor arrays, connection circuits, and control modules required, thereby simplifying hardware complexity while maintaining the capability to recognize multiple touch operations and directions for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single touch key with pressure sensor is designed to provide universal operational functionality that replaces three separate keys. The integrated sensor system can detect various touch patterns (single tap, double tap, long press, directional swipes) and transmit this information to the processing unit, which interprets the different operations to trigger corresponding functions, thereby achieving operational versatility with reduced hardware complexity.
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 efficient one-hand operation and reduces space occupancy, allowing for a more flexible design by consolidating functions and potentially freeing up space for other devices like antennas.
Implementation Method 1
a touch sensor arranged below the touch key
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor arranged below the touch key
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal and a touch response method and device are provided. The terminal includes: a screen cover plate comprising a display area part and a key area portion, a touch key is formed in the key area portion; a touch sensor arranged below the touch key; a pressure sensor arranged below the touch key; and a processing chip electrically connected with the touch sensor and the pressure sensor respectively.