Remote Control Surface with Electrostatic Capacitance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control devices installed in mobile entities face challenges in operability due to stringent position requirements for user input, making it difficult for occupants to perform operations without visual inspection.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device with a control surface featuring distinct areas for different functions, utilizing electrostatic capacitance detection to enable or disable operations based on object proximity, allowing the intermediate area to adapt and alleviate position stringency, thereby improving usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the control surface has distinct separate areas for different functions, then the function identification is clear, but the operability without visual inspection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple distinct control areas into a single continuous control surface. The electrostatic capacitance detector continuously monitors the entire surface, and the processing device dynamically determines which function should be activated based on the detected contact position and operation type, eliminating the need for visually distinct separate areas while maintaining clear function identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The control surface transitions from a static layout with fixed functional areas to a dynamic system where the functional assignment of control regions changes based on detected input. The processing device dynamically adjusts which function is activated by analyzing the electrostatic capacitance detection results and determining both the contact position and operation type, allowing the same physical location to serve different functions at different times.
2Measurement precision
If the control surface requires precise position alignment, then the function activation accuracy is high, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by detecting electrostatic capacitance changes at multiple discrete detection points across the control surface rather than requiring precise full-contact alignment. The processing device determines the contact position based on which detection point shows the capacitance change, and combines this with operation type detection to accurately identify the intended function, tolerating imprecise positioning while maintaining high activation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the electrostatic capacitance detector to continuously monitor the control surface for contact events. The processing device receives this detection signal, determines both the position and operation type, and activates the appropriate function based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for positioning imprecision through intelligent interpretation of the detection data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are distributed across separate areas, then the function separation is clear, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single continuous control surface that can activate multiple different functions depending on where and how the user interacts with it. The electrostatic capacitance detector and processing device work together to identify both the contact position and operation type, enabling one unified interface to provide access to multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated areas for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of creating physically distinct separate control areas with an electronic field-based detection system. Instead of using mechanically separated buttons or zones, the system uses electrostatic capacitance detection across a continuous surface, substituting mechanical structural complexity with electronic sensing and software-based function determination.
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
Enhances operability by allowing operations to be performed without precise visual alignment, integrating multiple functions onto a continuous surface, and reducing the complexity and size of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a detector configured to detect an electrostatic capacity between the control surface and the object
Data Source
AI summary
A control surface has a first area configured to accept a first operation performed with an object for enabling a first function of the controlled device, a second area configured to accept a second operation performed with the object for enabling a second function of the controlled device, and a third area located between the first and second areas. A processing device is configured to: enable the third area to accept the first operation in a case where it is determined that an object contacts or approaches the first area; enable the third area to accept the second operation in a case where it is determined that the object contacts or approaches the second area; and disable acceptance of the first operation and the second operation in a case where it is determined that the objects contacts or approaches the third area prior to the first and second areas.