Single Touch Key Layout With Pressure Sensing for One-Handed Phones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-key designs for smartphones occupy a large front space and are not conducive to one-hand operation due to the separate distribution of keys.
Innovation Solution
A terminal with a touch key position formed in the key area part of the screen cover plate, where a touch sensor and a pressure sensor are arranged below the touch key position, allowing multiple functions such as light touch, pressing, double click, and long pressing to be realized by a single key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three virtual keys are arranged below the display area, then different functions can be realized, but the front space is occupied and one-hand operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate virtual keys into a single physical key located at the bottom center of the display area. This single key integrates multiple functions (return to previous page, return to desktop menu, switch task) that were previously distributed across three separate keys, thereby reducing the occupied front space while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single physical key is designed to perform multiple functions through different interaction modes. By detecting different touch operations (light touch, pressing, double click, long pressing), the key universally provides access to multiple system functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate keys and optimizing the use of front space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three separate virtual keys are used, then different functions are accessible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate key structures into a single integrated physical key. This merging reduces hardware complexity by eliminating redundant structural elements while maintaining the ability to provide three distinct functions through software-based touch operation detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The single physical key is designed as a universal input component that can trigger multiple functions. The system uses a touch sensor to detect different touch operations on the same key location, allowing one hardware component to replace three, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If conventional physical keys are used, then tactile feedback is provided, but the structural footprint is large and service life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical physical keys with a touch-sensitive interface. A touch sensor detects touch operations on the screen surface, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical key structures. This substitution provides tactile feedback through haptic mechanisms while significantly reducing the structural footprint and extending service life by removing mechanical wear components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple touch operations are detected on a single key, then multiple functions are accessible, but the measurement precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms to confirm detected touch operations to the user. When a touch operation is detected on the single key, the system provides visual or haptic feedback to confirm the operation type (light touch, pressing, double click, or long pressing), ensuring accurate function execution despite the increased precision requirements for distinguishing between different touch patterns.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a terminal and a touch response method and device, and belongs to touch control technology. The terminal includes: a screen cover plate (11), a touch sensor (12), a pressure sensor (13) and a processing chip (14); the screen cover plate (11) includes a display area part and a key area part, and a touch key position (15) is formed in the key area part; the touch sensor (13) is arranged below the touch key position (15); the pressure sensor (13) is arranged below the touch key position (15); and the processing chip (14) is electrically connected with the touch sensor (12) and the pressure sensor (13) respectively.