Sensing Module for Proximity Detection and Touch Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch displays in electronic devices suffer from bacterial contamination due to direct user contact, while proximity sensing lacks accuracy compared to direct touch input.
Innovation Solution
A display module with integrated touch and proximity sensing capabilities, utilizing a sensing module comprising a proximity sensing electrode, a set of sensing electrodes, a touch circuit, a proximity circuit, and a processor to detect both touch and proximity inputs in two and three dimensions respectively, allowing for accurate command generation without direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct physical touch input is used, then input accuracy is high, but bacterial contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proximity sensing electrode as an intermediary between the user and the display screen. This electrode detects changes in capacitance caused by the user's hand approaching the screen, enabling input without direct contact. The intermediary transfers the sensing function from the screen surface to a dedicated electrode, thus preventing bacterial contamination while maintaining input capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based input system with a capacitive sensing system. Instead of requiring physical touch (mechanical interaction), the system uses electrical field detection through the proximity sensing electrode to detect hand approach and gesture movements, substituting mechanical input with electrical field-based sensing
2Object-affected harmful factors
If proximity sensing is used, then bacterial transfer is reduced, but sensing accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into two separate components: a first set of sensing electrodes for high-precision touch input detection and a proximity sensing electrode for contactless proximity detection. This segmentation allows each electrode type to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining high accuracy for both touch and proximity modes while preventing bacterial transfer in proximity mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different sensing modes. The system can transition between touch input mode (using first sensing electrodes) and proximity input mode (using proximity sensing electrode) based on user interaction state. This dynamic adaptation ensures high sensing accuracy is maintained across different operational contexts
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensing electrodes are added, then sensing functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the first set of sensing electrodes to serve dual purposes: they function as touch input sensors when the user directly touches the screen, and as proximity sensors when the user approaches without touching. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate electrode systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while enhancing sensing versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the touch sensing and proximity sensing functions into a unified sensing module. By integrating the proximity sensing electrode with the existing touch electrode structure and combining their signal processing circuits, the patent achieves enhanced sensing functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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 reduces bacterial transfer by enabling proximity input and maintains high accuracy for touch operations, enhancing user interaction while minimizing power consumption and device thickness.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive touch displays have functions of multiple points touch input
Data Source
AI summary
A display includes a display module and a sensing module including a proximity sensing electrode, a set of sensing electrodes, a touch circuit, a proximity circuit and a processor. The sensing electrodes are configured to sense a touch input during a first period and sense a proximity input during a second period. The touch circuit is coupled to the sensing electrodes for controlling the sensing electrodes to sense the touch input in the first period, and converting a two-dimensional analog touch signal transmitted from the set of the sensing electrodes to a two-dimensional digital touch signal. The proximity circuit is coupled to the sensing electrodes and the proximity sensing electrode for controlling the sensing electrodes and the proximity sensing electrode to sense the proximity input, and converting a three-dimensional analog proximity signal transmitted from the set of sensing electrodes and proximity unit to a three-dimensional digital proximity signal.