Proximity and Multi-Touch Sensor Integration for Hover Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch panel technologies are limited in their ability to detect and track multiple points of contact simultaneously, and they lack the capability to detect objects hovering near the surface, which restricts the range of functions a computing system can perform.
Innovation Solution
The integration of proximity sensors with multi-touch panels allows for the detection of both touch and hover events, enabling additional functionalities such as controlling system operations without actual contact, by using infrared proximity sensors and connecting both types of sensors to a single analog channel for processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional touch panel technologies are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to detect multiple points of contact simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines proximity sensors with multi-touch panels to detect both touch and hover events. The proximity sensors are integrated into the touch panel structure, allowing the system to detect multiple points of contact simultaneously while maintaining a unified device architecture that manages complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects touch events, hover events, and multiple simultaneous contact points. This multi-functionality allows a single system to replace what would traditionally require separate devices, thereby improving versatility while managing the complexity through unified processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only touch sensors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to detect hovering objects is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
Proximity sensors are merged with touch sensors in a unified panel structure. This integration allows the system to detect both touch and hover events using a single integrated device, eliminating the need for separate proximity detection devices while adding the desired hover detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensors act as intermediaries that detect hover events before touch events occur. These sensors serve as an intermediate detection layer that enables the system to respond to proximity-based interactions, providing a bridge between the user and the touch panel without requiring direct contact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate processing circuitry is used for touch and proximity sensors, then the detection accuracy is high, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing circuitry for touch and proximity sensors into a unified processing system. This consolidation allows both sensor types to be handled by the same processing architecture, reducing the overall system cost while maintaining the functional capabilities of detecting both touch and hover events through integrated signal processing.
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 combination enhances the detection and operational capabilities of touch panels, enabling functions like powering down subsystems, dimming displays, and triggering virtual button actions without physical contact, while reducing the need for separate processing circuitry and lowering system costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more infrared (IR) proximity sensors can be driven with a specific stimulation frequency and emit IR light from one or more areas
Implementation Method 2
The reflected IR signal, if any, resulting from a hovering or touching object, can be demodulated using synchronous demodulation
Data Source
AI summary
The use of one or more proximity sensors in combination with one or more touch sensors in a multi-touch panel to detect the presence of a finger, body part or other object and control or trigger one or more functions in accordance with an “image” of touch provided by the sensor outputs is disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more infrared (IR) proximity sensors can be driven with a specific stimulation frequency and emit IR light from one or more areas, which can in some embodiments correspond to one or more multi-touch sensor “pixel” locations. The reflected IR signal, if any, can be demodulated using synchronous demodulation. In some embodiments, both physical interfaces (touch and proximity sensors) can be connected to analog channels in the same electrical core.