Stylus Input Method Using Variable Electricity Levels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable terminals with touch panels, relying on finger touch for input, are inadequate for precise tasks like memo-taking and drawing due to the large size of finger contact areas, necessitating an alternative input method.

Innovation Solution

A portable apparatus comprising a portable terminal and a pen with a button that generates different levels of electricity, allowing for distinct input states to perform specific functions or commands, enabling precise pen gestures and handwriting inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If finger touch is used for input on a touch panel, then the operation is simple and direct, but the input precision is insufficient for detailed tasks like memo-taking and drawing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput simplicityVSAvoidinput precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pen as an intermediary input device between the user and the touch panel. The pen includes a button that generates different levels of electricity, which the touch sensor detects to distinguish between different input states (first input state without button press, second input state with button press). This intermediary device enables precise input for detailed tasks while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive pen gestures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a pen with multiple input states is implemented, then the input precision and functionality are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput functionalityVSAvoidpen structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a pen with multi-functionality that can perform different operations based on button press state. The same pen device serves multiple purposes: general input operations in the first input state (without button press) and specific commands or application calls in the second input state (with button press). This universal design enhances adaptability without requiring multiple separate input devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

3Reliability

If different electricity levels are generated by the pen button, then distinct input states can be recognized, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput state recognition accuracyVSAvoidpen energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameter (electricity level) generated by the pen based on the button press state. The touch sensor detects these different electricity levels to reliably distinguish between the first input state (general input) and the second input state (specific command). This parameter change approach enables accurate input state recognition while consuming minimal energy, as it leverages the existing capacitive sensing capability of the touch panel rather than requiring additional power-intensive mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a specialized input experience for portable terminals, enabling precise operational control, improved user convenience through handwriting input, and the ability to call applications or perform commands independently, extending pen-specialized functionality to general mobile use.

Implementation Method 1

the pen generates a first level of electricity or to a second input state in which the pen generates a second level of electricity depending on whether or not the button has been pressed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric Effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the touch panel comprises an array of electrostatic capacitive sensors. Such a portable terminal provides for finger touch interaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2565770B1A portable apparatus and an input method of a portable apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2565770B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2565770B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2565770B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A portable apparatus comprising a portable terminal and a pen. The pen includes a button arranged to set the pen to a first input state in which the pen generates a first level of electricity or to a second input state in which the pen generates a second level of electricity. A touch sensor changes electricity according to the level of electricity generated by the pen when touched by the pen, to generate a first input signal or a second input signal accordingly. A controller analyses the first or second input signal, to determine a first input or second input, and performs a corresponding pre-set function for the first input in an executed application and calls a pre-set application or performs a pre-set command for the second input. A display unit displays a screen processed according to at least one of the first input and the second input.