Mutual-Capacitance Proximity Sensor Layout for Display Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-contact sensing technologies face challenges in accurately detecting targets separated from display screens due to small changes in capacitance and interference from user hands or fingers, leading to decreased sensing sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A proximity sensor arrangement with a first electrode, a second electrode of larger area, and a third electrode positioned closer to the first electrode, utilizing mutual capacitance type sensors to detect changes in capacitance without physical contact, enhancing detection sensitivity by adjusting electrode areas and signal phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional touch panel or proximity sensor is arranged in a display device, then a user can operate input buttons or icons and scroll images using a finger or touch pen, but the sensing sensitivity decreases due to small changes in capacitance and interference from user hands or fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, and third electrode) arranged in a specific configuration. The first and second electrodes form a mutual capacitance sensor, while the third electrode is positioned closer to the first electrode to enhance detection capability. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between genuine touch signals and interference from hands or fingers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrodes are assigned different functions based on their positions and characteristics. The first electrode receives a first signal, the second electrode (with larger area) receives a second signal, and the third electrode (positioned closer to the first) is specifically arranged to detect proximity. This local differentiation optimizes each electrode's contribution to sensing sensitivity while minimizing interference.
2Measurement precision
If mutual capacitance type sensors are used to detect changes in capacitance without physical contact, then accurate detection of targets over the display screen is enabled, but the detection sensitivity is limited by small changes in capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode configurations into a single integrated sensor system. The first and second electrodes form a mutual capacitance sensor for non-contact detection, while the third electrode is merged into the arrangement to provide additional detection capability. This merging amplifies the overall detection signal while maintaining the non-contact advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement extends into multiple spatial dimensions with electrodes positioned at different locations and depths. The third electrode is arranged closer to the first electrode in terms of position, creating a multi-dimensional detection network that enhances sensitivity to small capacitance changes by detecting variations from multiple spatial perspectives.
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 configuration allows for accurate detection of targets over the display screen without contact, improving sensitivity and reducing noise interference, enabling precise touch detection and non-contact sensing.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing mutual capacitance type sensors to detect changes in capacitance without physical contact
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity sensor is arranged with a first electrode input with a first signal, a second electrode input with a second signal different from the first signal, a third electrode arranged closer to the first electrode than the second electrode, and the second signal has a reverse phase of the first signal.