Proximity Sensor Distinguishing Single and Multiple Input Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensor devices often struggle to reliably distinguish between the actions of a single input object and multiple input objects in the sensing region, leading to incorrect user interface actions and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An input device with an array of sensing electrodes and a processing system that determines distances between object positions to differentiate between single and multiple input objects, facilitating accurate user interface actions by generating control signals based on these determinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the proximity sensor device uses a sensing region with virtual button portions for user interface functions, then the device can provide specific interface functions, but the device cannot reliably distinguish between single object actions and multiple object actions, leading to incorrect user interface actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing region into multiple zones including a cursor control region and virtual button portions. By segmenting the sensing area into functionally distinct regions, the system can differentiate between actions in different zones and improve reliability in determining whether a single or multiple objects are present, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing versatile UI functions and reliably distinguishing object actions.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor device interprets presence in the virtual button zone as a tap action, then the button function is activated, but the device incorrectly ceases cursor control when the user intends to continue moving the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different interpretation rules to different regions of the sensing area. The virtual button portions are configured to respond to tap actions, while the cursor control region continues to track object motion. By assigning local quality differences to different sensing zones, the system can accurately distinguish between intended button presses and continued motion, preventing incorrect cessation of cursor control while maintaining button functionality.
3Productivity
If the sensor device interprets rapid finger movement across the sensing region as multiple object actions, then the device may initiate unintended user interface actions, but the device cannot accurately determine whether the user moved a single object or placed multiple objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms to track the history of sensed object positions and determine whether rapid movements correspond to single object actions or multiple object placements. By continuously monitoring and comparing positional changes against stored reference data, the system can distinguish between rapid single-finger movements and multi-finger actions, preventing loss of object identity information while maintaining fast response to user inputs.
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 solution improves sensor device usability by reliably activating correct user interface actions, reducing unintended actions and user frustration, such as cursor jumps, by accurately determining the presence of single or multiple input objects.
Implementation Method 1
A proximity sensor device typically includes a sensing region, often demarked by a surface, in which the input device determines the presence, location and/or motion of one or more input objects
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described herein provide devices and methods that facilitate improved sensor device usability. Specifically, the devices and methods provide the ability to determine more reliably that sensed object positions correspond to a single input object or multiple input objects. For example, the devices and methods may be used to determine if a first sensed object position and a second sensed object position correspond to a single input object. The determination of a single input object or multiple input objects may be used to facilitate the reliable activation of user interface actions, such as cursor control and the use of virtual button zones, and thus can improve sensor device usability.