Single Pressure Sensor for Touch Screen Location Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Capacitive touch screens in multimedia devices lack the ability to accurately detect pressure applied to the screen, which is crucial for inputting commands, and existing solutions are either complex or costly.

Innovation Solution

A device with a single pressure sensor placed under the screen, utilizing a 3D matrix for pressure calculation and compensation, allowing for precise pressure detection across multiple locations and incorporating a safety feature to prevent damage by reducing power output when excessive pressure is applied.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple pressure sensors are used to detect pressure at multiple locations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the screen surface into multiple detection zones (first detection area, second detection area, third detection area) and uses a single pressure sensor to sequentially detect pressure in each zone by applying different detection voltages. This segmentation approach allows one sensor to perform the function of multiple sensors, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a voltage dimension to the detection process by applying different detection voltages (first detection voltage, second detection voltage, third detection voltage) to differentiate between various pressure locations. This transforms a spatial problem (multiple locations requiring multiple sensors) into a voltage-based problem solvable with a single sensor, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

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

2Device complexity

If a single pressure sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor quantityVSAvoidpressure detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary actions by setting different detection voltages before each pressure measurement. The first detection voltage is applied to detect pressure in the first detection area, followed by the second detection voltage for the second area, and so on. This preliminary voltage setting enables a single sensor to accurately distinguish pressure locations and magnitudes that would otherwise require multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by comparing the detected pressure signals against the applied detection voltages to determine both the location and magnitude of pressure applied. The system uses the relationship between applied voltage and detected signal to calculate pressure characteristics, enabling precise measurement with a single sensor through intelligent signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If pressure detection capability is added to the screen, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure input capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the pressure detection system universal by using a single pressure sensor that can detect pressure at multiple locations (first, second, and third detection areas) through the application of different detection voltages. This multi-functional approach allows one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple sensors or a complex sensor array, thereby adding pressure input capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces detection voltages as intermediaries between the pressure sensor and the pressure application points. By applying different detection voltages to different detection areas, the system enables a single sensor to indirectly detect pressure at multiple locations. This intermediary voltage mechanism simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 and sensitive pressure input with a single sensor, reducing costs and complexity, while ensuring device safety by automatically reducing power output during high-pressure events.

Implementation Method 1

A device with a single pressure sensor placed under the screen, utilizing a 3D matrix for pressure calculation and compensation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP3179341B1Method and device for sensing pressure applied to a screen with at least one sensor means
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 VESTEL ELEKTRONIK SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3179341B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3179341B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3179341B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention describes a device (101), in particular multimedia device, and a method, wherein the device at least comprises a screen (105), a processor unit (152) and at least one pressure sensor means (102), wherein the pressure sensor means (102) is mounted on a rigid element (106), wherein the rigid element (106) is more rigid than the screen (105), wherein the rigid element (106) is arranged on one side of the sensor means (102) and wherein the screen (105) is arranged on an opposing side of the sensor means (102), wherein a location detection unit is provided, wherein the location detection unit is configured to output a location signal, wherein the location signal provides location information for identifying the location where pressure is applied to the screen (105), wherein the pressure sensor means (102) is configured to output a pressure signal, wherein the pressure signal provides pressure information about the pressure measured by the pressure sensor means (102), wherein the processor unit (152) determines a pressure value for the pressure applied to the screen (105) by means of a location-pressure-function, wherein the location-pressure-function defines at least a dependency between the location information and the pressure information and wherein the processor unit (152) causes a function, an operation or an effect in dependency of the pressure value.