Touch Panel Angle Detection via Capacitance Scanning

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch panel systems in terminal devices require complex operations for input recognition, often necessitating additional units or cumbersome methods, which can be unintuitive for users.

Innovation Solution

A touch panel system that detects changes in capacitance to determine the angle and orientation of an object, such as a finger, relative to the panel, allowing for intuitive control of displayed content without additional devices by scanning capacitance values on both the panel surface and imaginary planes, enabling precise angle and orientation calculation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional touch panel systems are used to detect object touching or approaching, then basic touch operations can be recognized, but complex operation recognition requires additional units or cumbersome methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation recognition capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch panel is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting basic touch operations, determining object orientation through capacitance distribution analysis, and enabling complex gestures like scrolling and zooming without requiring additional sensing units. The existing capacitance detection system is extended to provide both positional and orientational information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the touch panel's own capacitance detection capabilities to determine object orientation and enable advanced operations. By analyzing the distribution pattern of capacitance changes across the panel surface, the system self-determines the angle and orientation of the touching object, eliminating the need for external sensing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional units are added to enhance operation recognition, then operation versatility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation recognition capabilityVSAvoidhardware structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch panel is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting basic touch operations, determining object orientation through capacitance distribution analysis, and enabling complex gestures like scrolling and zooming without requiring additional sensing units. The existing capacitance detection system is extended to provide both positional and orientational information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the touch panel's own capacitance detection capabilities to determine object orientation and enable advanced operations. By analyzing the distribution pattern of capacitance changes across the panel surface, the system self-determines the angle and orientation of the touching object, eliminating the need for external sensing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If complex operation methods are used, then operation precision improves, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation recognition accuracyVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines object orientation and extracts operational intent from the natural way users interact with the interface. The capacitance distribution analysis occurs transparently in the background, converting simple touch patterns into precise operational commands without requiring users to perform complex manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors capacitance changes and provides real-time feedback to determine the current operation state. By analyzing the dynamic changes in capacitance distribution, the system can distinguish between different gestures (scrolling, zooming, tapping) and respond appropriately, maintaining high precision while keeping the user experience simple.

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 users to perform operations like scrolling and zooming through simple finger gestures by determining the angle and orientation, enhancing user experience with precise control and power efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the capacitance system detecting a change in the capacitance value of a touched part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the capacitance system detecting a change in the capacitance value of a touched part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic Induction: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10359889B2Terminal device, information processing method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus that detects, at a touch panel formed on or integrally with a display, an object touching or approaching the touch panel; determines a change in an angle that the object forms with the touch panel based on an output of the touch panel; and controls content displayed on the display based on the determined change in angle between the object and the touch panel.