Touch-Sensitive Layer Activation via Physical Key Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face issues with accidental input activation due to physical key actuation without intentional touch input, leading to unintended functions and power consumption inefficiencies, as they often require continuous activation of touch-sensitive layers for functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where the touch-sensitive input layer is activated only upon detection of a physical key actuation, distinguishing between intentional skin or capacitive contact and accidental non-conductive surface contacts, thereby reducing accidental inputs and optimizing power usage by switching to a non-detecting state when no intentional interaction is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the touch-sensitive input layer is continuously activated to detect user inputs, then the responsiveness and functionality of the device is improved, but the power consumption increases and accidental inputs from non-skin contacts may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive input layer alternates between active and inactive states. It is activated only when a physical key actuation is detected, and deactivated otherwise. This periodic activation pattern reduces power consumption while maintaining reliable input detection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects physical key actuation as a preliminary condition before activating the touch-sensitive input layer. This preliminary detection ensures that the touch layer is only activated when intentional user interaction is likely, preventing accidental inputs from non-skin contacts.
2Ease of operation
If the touch-sensitive input layer is continuously activated, then accidental inputs from non-skin contacts (e.g., fabric, plastic) are detected, but the device functionality is improved for intentional touches
Solution Approach 1:
Physical key actuation serves as a preliminary action that triggers the activation of the touch-sensitive input layer. This ensures that the layer is only active when the user is likely to provide intentional input, reducing accidental activations from non-skin contacts while maintaining responsiveness for intended touches.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical key actuation detection acts as an intermediary condition between the touch-sensitive layer and the input processing system. This intermediary gate controls when the touch layer is active, filtering out accidental non-skin contacts while allowing intentional user inputs to pass through.
3Productivity
If the touch-sensitive layer remains in detecting state, then power consumption is high, but the device is more responsive to user inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive input layer operates in periodic cycles of activation and deactivation. It is activated only when physical key actuation is detected, and deactivated during periods of no interaction. This periodic operation maintains input processing efficiency when needed while minimizing power waste during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The state of the touch-sensitive input layer is dynamically changed from inactive to active based on detected physical key actuation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between power consumption and input processing efficiency in real-time based on actual user interaction needs.
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 significantly reduces the likelihood of accidental inputs and conserves power by ensuring the touch-sensitive layer is only active when intended user interactions occur, enhancing user control and device security while maintaining access to essential functions in a locked or low-power state.
Implementation Method 1
The touch-sensitive input layer may be configured to detect the contact of human skin, a stylus configured for capacitive contact
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, the apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: change the state of a touch-sensitive input layer from a non-detecting state to a detecting state based on detection of a user input made using a user interface of an electronic device, the user interface comprising the touch-sensitive input layer and a physical key layer wherein the respective layers are at least partly overlying and the detection of the user input comprises detection of actuation using the physical key layer.