Multi-touch discrimination using patch minor radius
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-surface input devices lack the ability to robustly discriminate between multiple simultaneous inputs, such as fingers, thumbs, palms, ears, and cheeks, leading to potential misinterpretation of touch events and operational mode changes.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves obtaining a proximity image, segmenting it to identify patches, determining the minor axis radius for each patch, and controlling the touch-surface device based on identified large objects, such as cheeks or palms, to differentiate and manage inputs effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-touch capability is added to detect multiple simultaneous objects, then the functionality and versatility of the touch-surface device is improved, but the ability to accurately discriminate between different types of contacts (fingers, palms, ears, cheeks) deteriorates due to lack of robust identification methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the touch surface into multiple independently controllable regions or zones. Each zone can be analyzed separately for contact characteristics, allowing the system to distinguish between different types of contacts (fingers, palms, ears, cheeks) by examining which segments are activated and their specific contact patterns. This segmentation enables robust multi-touch discrimination by breaking down the complex contact scenario into manageable, analyzable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different analysis criteria and parameters to different regions of the touch surface. By tailoring the discrimination methodology to local characteristics of each contact zone, the system can accurately identify contact types based on location-specific patterns. For example, contacts at certain positions are more likely to be ears or cheeks, while others are fingers or palms, and the system adjusts its discrimination approach accordingly.
2Ease of operation
If the touch-surface device responds to all detected contacts, then the responsiveness and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of input interpretation deteriorates due to misidentification of large objects (cheeks, legs) as valid input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for contact evaluation by analyzing the geometric properties of contact patches, specifically the minor axis radius. By comparing this parameter against threshold values, the system can distinguish between valid input contacts (smaller minor radius) and large objects like cheeks or legs (larger minor radius). This parameter-based filtering maintains responsiveness to legitimate inputs while filtering out false activations from body parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary analysis layer between contact detection and device response. This intermediary process evaluates contact characteristics (patch geometry, minor axis radius, contact distribution) and determines whether the contact represents valid user input or should be ignored. This mediator ensures that only appropriately classified contacts trigger device responses, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate inputs.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for identifying and discriminating between different input patterns to a multi-touch touch-screen device are described. By way of example, large objects hovering a short distance from the touch-surface (e.g., a cheek, thigh or chest) may be identified and distinguished from physical contacts to the surface. In addition, rough contacts due to, for example, ears and earlobes, may be similarly identified and distinguished from contacts due to fingers, thumbs, palms and finger clasps.