Touch Panel Hover Detection Without Proximity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch screen systems rely on proximity hardware sensors for hover detection, which are costly, space-consuming, and limit practical use due to limited detection range and inefficient information gathering, necessitating an alternative method to replace these sensors without adding hardware components.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine proximity using a touch panel by obtaining hover data from capacitive, resistive, inductive, ultrasonic, or luminance sensors, employing both touch panel calculation-based and machine learning-based approaches to detect hovers and calculate proximity without relying on traditional proximity hardware sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a proximity hardware sensor is used to detect hover events, then hover detection capability is provided, but production cost increases and device space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of proximity sensor functionality by using machine learning models that process touch panel sensor data to simulate hover detection, eliminating the need for physical proximity hardware sensors while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The touch panel is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary display function and hover detection function through machine learning-based processing of its existing sensor data, replacing the dedicated proximity sensor
2Reliability
If traditional proximity sensors are used, then hover detection is possible, but detection range is limited and information gathering is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameters by using machine learning models that can process and interpret multiple sensor data types (capacitive, resistive, inductive, ultrasonic, luminance) to expand detection range and improve accuracy beyond traditional sensor limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical proximity sensor system with a software-based machine learning system that processes electrical and optical sensor signals, enabling more versatile and accurate detection
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 effective hover detection and proximity determination without increasing hardware costs or space, improving the practicality of hover detection by using sensor data and machine learning models to accurately assess object proximity to the touch panel.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining hover data from a touch panel of the electronic device... based on a change in capacitance of column and row electrodes of the touch panel
Implementation Method 2
obtaining hover data from a touch panel of the electronic device... based on at least one of sensor comprising a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, an inductive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a proximity of at least one object using an electronic device is provided. The method includes obtaining hover data from a touch panel of the electronic device. Further, the method includes determining at least one of a first hover or a second hover based on the hover data of the at least one object obtained for the touch panel. Further, the method includes determining the proximity of the at least one object to the touch panel of the electronic device based on at least one of the first hover or the second hover.