Touch Force Volume Control Using Acoustic Wave Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch detection technologies, such as capacitive and resistive technologies, face challenges in accurately and efficiently detecting pressure or force of a touch input, especially with hard stylus or varying finger sizes, and are costly for larger screens, while surface acoustic wave technologies struggle with accuracy due to external noise and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The system uses acoustic transducers to transmit waves through a medium, detecting scattered waves to determine the force of a touch input, allowing for accurate detection of touch location and pressure without coating the entire screen, enabling reliable multi-touch inputs and user interface interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitive or resistive touch detection technology is used, then touch input can be detected, but the glass screen clarity is reduced and manufacturing costs increase for larger screens
Solution Approach 1:
The touch detection function is segmented from the display glass layers. Instead of coating the entire glass surface with conductive materials, the patent uses acoustic transducers positioned at the edges or corners of the display to detect touch inputs acoustically, separating the detection mechanism from the optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to detect touch inputs. The acoustic transducers emit sound waves that travel through the display structure, and touch inputs create detectable disturbances in these waves, allowing indirect detection without physical contact with the glass surface.
2Reliability
If capacitive or resistive touch detection technology is used, then touch input can be detected, but manufacturing and component costs become prohibitively expensive for larger screens
Solution Approach 1:
The touch detection functionality is extracted from the expensive glass coating process. By using acoustic transducers that can be positioned at edges or corners, the system eliminates the need for expensive conductive coatings across the entire large glass surface, reducing material costs for larger displays.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive conductive materials coated on glass, the patent uses acoustic wave propagation through existing structural elements (bezel, frame, or air gaps) to create a virtual sensing layer, copying the touch detection function through a different physical mechanism that is more cost-effective for large screens.
3Ease of operation
If surface acoustic wave technology is used, then touch detection is possible, but accuracy is reduced due to external sounds and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors acoustic wave patterns and uses signal processing to distinguish between intentional touch-induced disturbances and ambient noise. By analyzing the characteristics of acoustic wave disturbances (frequency, amplitude, location), the system can filter out external sounds and vibrations that do not match touch input patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of acoustic wave detection by using specific frequencies and analyzing disturbance patterns. By monitoring multiple acoustic parameters simultaneously and comparing them against expected touch input signatures, the system can differentiate between genuine touches and environmental noise.
4Ease of operation
If surface acoustic wave technology with ultrasonic waves in guided pattern is used, then touch detection is possible, but costs increase and implementation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of guiding ultrasonic waves through complex reflector patterns across the entire screen surface, the patent inverts the approach by using free-space acoustic wave propagation and detecting disturbances at specific measurement points. This eliminates the need for complex wave guiding structures while maintaining touch detection capability.
5Loss of information
If current touch detection technology is used, then basic touch location can be detected, but pressure or force of touch input cannot be reliably detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to touch detection by measuring not just the location (2D position) but also the force or pressure applied (3D dimension). Acoustic wave disturbance amplitude and energy provide information about the magnitude of the applied force, enabling pressure-sensitive detection beyond simple location tracking.
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 approach allows for precise detection of touch force and pressure across larger surfaces without compromising optical transparency or increasing costs, enabling effective user interface interactions and multi-touch capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
An acoustic transducer transmits an acoustic wave through a medium. The touch input scatters the acoustic wave to produce a scattered acoustic wave.
Data Source
AI summary
An indicator identifying a force intensity of a touch input provided on a touch input surface is received. It is determined that the touch input is associated with an audio volume control. An audio volume is controlled based at least in part on the indicator identifying the force intensity of the touch input.