Touch Input Detection Under Wet Conditions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices with touch input displays face accuracy issues and false positives when water is present, as water alters the electrostatic field, leading to deactivated touch input or non-responsive interfaces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a force detection assembly to determine the location of touch inputs by measuring changes in capacitance due to applied force, combined with a confidence interval algorithm to differentiate between user inputs and liquid droplets, and a machine learning algorithm to predict intended software applications based on historical data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is present on the display, then the electrostatic field is altered, but the touch input accuracy decreases and false positives occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the touch detection system into multiple independent sensing zones or electrodes that can individually detect changes in the electrostatic field. By segmenting the detection area, the system can identify whether a change is caused by water or user touch based on the spatial distribution and pattern of the changes, thereby maintaining accuracy even when water is present on the display surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the raw electrostatic field detection and the final touch determination. This intermediary layer analyzes the detected field changes through algorithms that consider multiple factors (such as the magnitude, duration, and spatial pattern of capacitance changes) to distinguish between water-induced alterations and actual user touch inputs, thereby improving both reliability and precision.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If water provides an electrical ground to the display, then the electrostatic field is altered, but the touch input component may deactivate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by continuously monitoring the electrostatic field characteristics and using predictive algorithms to anticipate and compensate for water-induced field alterations. The system pre-calibrates detection thresholds and uses reference measurements to distinguish between normal operational variations and water interference, preventing false deactivation while maintaining responsiveness to actual user inputs even when water is present on the display.
3Measurement precision
If the touch input component deactivates under wet conditions, then false positives are reduced, but the interface becomes non-responsive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of detection sensitivity and activation thresholds based on real-time environmental conditions. The system continuously adapts its detection parameters to distinguish between water presence and user touch, allowing the touch input component to remain active and responsive while filtering out false positives caused by water, thus maintaining both accuracy and ease of operation under wet 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
Enables accurate detection of touch inputs even under wet conditions by distinguishing user inputs from liquid droplets and predicting software selections with high confidence, enhancing the reliability of touch input systems.
Implementation Method 1
multiple electrodes that form several capacitors that define an electrostatic field. When a user touches a region of the touch input display, the electrostatic field is altered, as determined by a change in capacitance, in that region.
Implementation Method 2
multiple electrodes that form several capacitors that define an electrostatic field. When a user touches a region of the touch input display, the electrostatic field is altered
Implementation Method 3
a force detection assembly configured to determine an amount of force applied to the transparent layer from the touch input. The force detection assembly is capable of determining a first location of the touch input
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device disclosed herein is adapted to determine a location of touch input when liquid is present. The electronic device may include a force detection assembly having force detection units. When a touch input is applied to the display layer, the force detection units generates a differential capacitance that is used to determine a location of the touch input. The electronic device may further include a confidence interval algorithm that uses the location and builds a confidence interval around the location. The electronic device may include a touch input components that can determine whether the liquid is present. The confidence interval algorithm determines whether the liquid is present within the confidence interval and provides an updated location of the touch input. The electronic device further includes a machine learning algorithm designed predict a software application the user intends to select using the touch input.