Rear Touch Input Mapping for Display Obstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of portable terminals face inconvenience due to the blocking of the front touch window during feedback input for applications, and touch inputs can leave stains or fingerprints on the screen.

Innovation Solution

A terminal control system that allows touch input on the back surface, mapping the touch recognition area to the front display screen, enabling control of applications without obstructing the front interface and preventing stains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If touch input is performed on the front touch window, then application control is enabled, but the front touch window becomes blocked and stains/fingerprints are left on the screen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication controlVSAvoidblocking and stains on front touch window
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second touch-sensitive surface on the rear side of the terminal, extending the interaction space from one dimension (front surface only) to two dimensions (both front and rear surfaces). This allows users to control applications through the rear touch surface while keeping the front display unobstructed and free from stains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copied touch-sensitive surface on the rear side that mirrors the functionality of the front touch window. The rear touch surface replicates the interaction capabilities, allowing users to perform the same control operations without touching the front display, thus avoiding blocking and stains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If the front touch window is used for both display and input, then interface simplicity is maintained, but user feedback input blocks the display view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual function of front touch windowVSAvoiddisplay visibility during input
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the display and input functions by introducing a rear touch surface, allowing the front touch window to be dedicated to display while the rear surface handles input. This spatial separation eliminates the blocking issue and enhances display visibility during interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the terminal's interaction surfaces into two distinct segments: the front touch window for display and the rear touch surface for input. This segmentation allows each surface to optimize its specific function without interfering with the other, improving both display visibility and input capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2677411B1Apparatus and method for controlling a terminal using a touch input
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 PANTECH CO LTD
  • EP2677411B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2677411B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2677411B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

Terminals, apparatuses and methods for controlling an operation of or an application executed by a terminal by recognizing a touch input on a surface of a terminal, including: a mapping unit to map a touch recognition area on a first surface of the terminal on an active area on a display screen on a second surface of the terminal; a determining unit to determine at least one of a location of the active area to be displayed on the display screen and a size of the active area; and a control unit to control an operation of the terminal based on a touch input on the touch recognition area of the terminal. And a touch pad on the back of the terminal may receive the touch input, with the first surface located on the back and the second surface located on the front of the terminal.