Electromagnetic Resonant Panel for Precise Pen Multi-Input Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-input screens face malfunctions when selecting icons due to small icon sizes and close gaps, leading to unintended function execution when using fingertip inputs, as precise inputs are challenging and often result in adjacent selection.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a pen input device that utilizes an electromagnetic resonant panel to detect inputs by generating and responding to resonant signals, allowing for precise pen input events and gestures, such as drag and rotation, on a multi-input screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fingertip input is used on multi-input screen, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidinput precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pen input device as an intermediary tool between the user and the multi-input screen. The pen device with resonance detection capability serves as a mediator that enables precise input detection while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive writing gestures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based fingertip input system with an acoustic wave-based pen input system. By substituting the mechanical detection method with acoustic resonance detection, the system achieves higher precision while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If icon size is reduced to increase information density, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates causing unintended selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation densityVSAvoidselection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the area-based mechanical touch detection with acoustic resonance detection. This substitution allows for precise point detection even when icons are small and densely packed, as the acoustic wave can detect the exact point of contact with high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from area-based pressure distribution (in mechanical touch) to frequency-based resonance detection. This parameter change enables precise localization of input points regardless of icon size or density on the screen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If acoustic wave scheme is used for pen input detection, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited input ways

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput recognition precisionVSAvoidinput method versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the acoustic wave-based pen input system universal by enabling it to detect multiple types of input gestures (writing, drawing, typing, etc.) through a single detection mechanism. The resonance detection method can accommodate various input styles and applications, enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic gesture recognition capabilities to the acoustic wave detection system. By analyzing the temporal and spatial characteristics of resonance signals, the system can distinguish between different input gestures and adapt its response accordingly, enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If resonant frequency detection is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service detection mechanism where the multi-input screen itself generates and detects the acoustic resonance waves without requiring external complex detection equipment. The screen structure serves both as the input surface and the resonance detection medium, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the display function and the detection function into a single integrated system. The acoustic wave detection capability is built into the multi-input screen structure, combining what would traditionally be separate components into one unified device, thereby reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution enables accurate and precise pen input events on multi-input screens, reducing malfunctions and ensuring intended functions are executed, improving user interaction by distinguishing between single and multi-input events and handling gestures effectively.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustic wave multi-input screen has been widespread due to its excellent input recognition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

an input is detected using a resonant frequency generated in the multi-input screen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonant frequency detection: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3014399B1Method for handling pen input and apparatus for the same
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3014399B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3014399B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B
  • EP3014399B1 patent drawingFigure 4C~4D

AI summary

An electronic device and method are provided. The electronic device includes an electromagnetic resonant panel, an electromagnetic controller configured to detect input values, which are induced in multiple locations of the electromagnetic resonant panel by at least one resonant circuit of an input pen, and a controller configured to detect a pen multi-input event based on the detected input values, and to control an operation corresponding to the detected pen multi-input event.