Touch Input Transition Control via Contact Motion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current touch sensing systems lack the ability to seamlessly transition between different touch inputs based on complex interactions and finger movements, often requiring users to lift all fingers and reapply them to change inputs, which can be cumbersome and limit user control.

Innovation Solution

A method that tracks contacts on a touch sensing surface to detect gestures and determine whether to switch inputs based on predetermined criteria, including the number of contacts, their arrangement, motion, and resting state, allowing for more nuanced and intuitive control over touch-based interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the system requires all fingers to be lifted to change input selection, then input transition control is simplified, but user control flexibility and interaction complexity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput transition controlVSAvoiduser control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts input selection based on the number of contacts and their motion states. When contacts are stationary, the system maintains the current input selection. When contacts move, the system transitions to a new input selection, allowing flexible control without requiring all fingers to be lifted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses changes in contact parameters (number of contacts, motion state, arrangement) to trigger input transitions. By monitoring whether contacts are moving or stationary, the system determines whether to switch inputs, providing nuanced control based on touch dynamics rather than requiring complete finger lift.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system allows complex gesture-based input transitions, then user control and interaction capability are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments touch interaction into distinct phases: initial contact detection, motion detection, and input selection based on contact count and motion state. By dividing the gesture recognition process into discrete stages with clear transition criteria, the system manages complexity while enabling rich interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines input selection based on observed contact behavior without requiring explicit command sequences. By monitoring contact number, arrangement, and motion state, the system self-determines the appropriate input, reducing the need for complex user commands while maintaining high interaction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If the system transitions input selection rapidly in response to contact changes, then responsiveness is improved, but input stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput transition responsivenessVSAvoidinput selection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors contact state and periodically evaluates whether transition criteria are met. By checking contact number, arrangement, and motion state at regular intervals, the system achieves responsive yet stable input transitions, only switching when sustained motion criteria are satisfied rather than on every minor contact fluctuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from contact motion detection to control input transitions. When contacts move, the system transitions to a new input selection; when contacts become stationary, the system maintains the current selection. This feedback mechanism ensures responsive transitions while maintaining stability during stationary phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 more complex and intuitive interactions by allowing input transitions based on specific touch information, enhancing user control and experience without the need for all-fingers-lifted transitions, thus improving the usability of touch sensing systems.

Implementation Method 1

Mutual capacitance touch sensor panels, for example, can be formed from a matrix of drive and sense lines of a substantially transparent conductive material such as Indium Tin Oxide (ITO)... Drive signals can be transmitted through the drive lines, which can make it possible to measure the static mutual capacitance at the crossover points or adjacent areas (sensing pixels) of the drive lines and the sense lines.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMutual capacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2476046B1Touch input transitions
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 APPLE INC
  • EP2476046B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2476046B1 patent drawingFigure 1D
  • EP2476046B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Selection of input of a touch sensing surface is provided. Contacts on or near a surface are tracked to obtain touch information of the contacts. A first gesture is detected corresponding to first touch information of a number of contacts performing an activity, and a first input corresponding to the first gesture is selected. A second gesture is detected corresponding to second touch information of a number of contacts performing an activity. A determination of whether to select a second input corresponding to the second gesture is made. The second input is selected if third information satisfies a predetermined criteria, and the first input is maintained if the third information does not satisfy the predetermined criteria.