Touch Input Detection Using Capacitance and Force Sensors in Moisture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in accurately determining touch input positions when exposed to moisture, leading to inaccurate user interactions and compromised functionality in wet or submerged environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system within electronic devices that combines capacitance detection and force input detection to differentiate between true and false touch inputs, using sensors like capacitance detectors and force sensors to determine touch positions and activate appropriate user interfaces, even in wet or submerged conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitance detection is used to determine touch input position, then the device can detect touch events, but moisture on the protective cover causes false detection and reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines capacitance detection and force detection systems into a unified touch input detection mechanism. The processor integrates data from both the capacitance detector (which detects changes in capacitance at the protective cover) and the force detector (which detects applied force at the protective cover) to determine touch input positions. This merging allows the system to differentiate between true touch inputs and false detections caused by moisture, as each detection method has complementary strengths that compensate for the other's weaknesses in moist environments.
2Measurement precision
If the device uses multiple detection signals (capacitance and force) to determine touch position, then accuracy in moisture environments improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal detection system where the protective cover serves multiple functions: it acts as both a capacitive sensor surface and a force-sensing membrane. The same physical structure (the protective cover) is utilized by both the capacitance detector and the force detector, allowing dual detection capabilities without requiring separate sensing elements. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having entirely separate detection systems, as the processor can selectively use or combine signals from both detection methods depending on environmental conditions.
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 enables electronic devices to maintain accurate touch input detection and modify user interfaces for optimal functionality in various moisture exposure scenarios, enhancing user experience and operational reliability in wet or submerged environments.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance detector capable of (i) detecting a change in capacitance and a location corresponding to the change in capacitance in accordance with the touch event
Implementation Method 2
an applied force detector capable of (i) detecting an amount and a location of a force applied to the protective cover that is associated with the touch event
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to an electronic device that includes a processor and a display assembly overlaid by a protective cover. The display assembly can include a touch detection system capable of detecting a touch event at the protective cover. The touch detection system can include a capacitance detector capable of detecting a change in capacitance and a location corresponding to the change in capacitance, and an applied force detector capable of detecting an amount and a location of a force applied to the protective cover that is associated with the touch event. The electronic device can include a moisture detector capable of detecting an amount of moisture present at the protective cover, where when the amount of moisture is greater than a threshold amount, the processor determines a position of the touch event based on detection signals provided by the capacitance detector and the applied force detector.