Rotary Touch Detection Using Predicted Rotational States

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for touch detection on rotary devices in computer peripherals, such as scroll wheels, are hindered by high costs, electromagnetic interference, and the need for conductive coatings, making them unsuitable for modern devices with translucent materials.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control system that uses existing rotary device sensors to track real-time rotation and predict rotational states, combined with physical characteristics to detect touch events without additional hardware, by comparing predicted and instant rotational states and translational movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional touch detection methods (capacitive sensors, electromagnetic sensors) are used on rotary devices, then touch detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase, and electromagnetic interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor hardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary device uses its existing rotation sensor to detect both rotational movement and touch events. The sensor serves dual purposes: measuring rotation for scrolling functionality and detecting touch interactions through changes in rotational characteristics. This eliminates the need for separate touch detection hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable touch detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The existing rotation sensor is made multi-functional by implementing algorithms that extract both rotational position data and touch event data from the same sensor output. The sensor simultaneously performs rotation measurement and touch detection, allowing one component to serve multiple functions and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional touch detection methods are used on rotary devices, then touch detection capability is achieved, but additional sensors and hardware are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor hardware components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary device uses its existing rotation sensor to detect both rotational movement and touch events. The sensor serves dual purposes: measuring rotation for scrolling functionality and detecting touch interactions through changes in rotational characteristics. This eliminates the need for separate touch detection hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable touch detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional touch detection methods are used on rotary devices, then touch detection capability is achieved, but electromagnetic interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch detection capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic touch detection methods with a mechanical analysis approach. Instead of using electromagnetic sensors that are susceptible to interference, the system analyzes mechanical rotational characteristics (angular position, velocity, acceleration) from the rotation sensor to infer touch events. This mechanical-based detection method avoids electromagnetic interference while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If conductive coatings are applied to rotary devices for touch detection, then touch detection capability is achieved, but compatibility with translucent materials is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch detection capabilityVSAvoidmaterial compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic touch detection methods with a mechanical analysis approach. Instead of using electromagnetic sensors that are susceptible to interference, the system analyzes mechanical rotational characteristics (angular position, velocity, acceleration) from the rotation sensor to infer touch events. This mechanical-based detection method avoids electromagnetic interference while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate touch detection on rotary devices without additional sensors or hardware, enhancing user interaction and functionality in computer peripherals.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor may be a Hall-Type Sensor, optical sensor, or other suitable sensing device configured to detect movement of the rotary device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall Effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

The sensor may be a Hall-Type Sensor, optical sensor, or other suitable sensing device configured to detect movement of the rotary device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12373045B2Rotary touch detection in an input device

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 LOGITECH EUROPE SA

AI summary

A method comprises receiving rotation data from a sensor configured to detect a rotation of a rotary device on a computer peripheral device, calculating a predicted rotational state of the rotary device after a period of time based on the rotation data and physical characteristics of the rotary device, and receiving updated rotation data from the sensor after the period of time. The method further includes calculating a difference between the predicted rotational state and an instant rotational state of the rotary device, the instant rotational state based on the updated rotation data and determining that a touch event has occurred on the rotary device when the calculated difference between the predicted rotational state and the instant rotational state is greater than a difference threshold value. The rotation data can include at least one of angular position data, angular velocity data, or angular acceleration data.