Touch Panel Pocket Detection via Movement Direction Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face touch malfunctions and operational issues when used in pocket environments due to incorrect input detection, leading to unnecessary operations and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a processor that determines a pocket reception state based on touch movement direction and device movement direction, activating or deactivating functions accordingly to prevent touch malfunctions and optimize power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the touch panel remains active in pocket environment, then user can access device functions, but touch malfunctions occur due to false input detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to device functionsVSAvoidtouch input accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the touch panel state between active and inactive based on detected movement patterns. When pocket reception is detected through characteristic movement signatures, the touch panel is deactivated to prevent false inputs. When normal usage patterns are detected, the touch panel remains active for user access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors touch input patterns and device movement data, comparing them against known pocket reception signatures. Based on this feedback loop, the system automatically determines whether the device is in a pocket and adjusts touch panel functionality accordingly, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the touch lock function is activated to prevent touch malfunctions, then touch reliability improves, but user convenience deteriorates due to restricted access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch input accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a static touch lock state, the system dynamically activates touch lock only when pocket reception is detected through movement pattern analysis. During normal usage, the touch panel remains fully functional. This dynamic approach maintains reliability when needed while preserving user convenience during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects pocket reception conditions and activates/deactivates touch lock without requiring user intervention. The device monitors its own movement patterns and autonomously determines when to apply the touch lock function, eliminating the need for manual user configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If device functions remain active during pocket reception, then device versatility is maintained, but power consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice function availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts device function availability based on detected context. When pocket reception is detected, non-essential functions are deactivated to reduce power consumption. When normal usage is detected, full device functionality is restored. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between versatility and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (function activation states) based on detected pocket reception conditions. Communication functions, display, and other power-intensive features are adjusted or deactivated during pocket reception to minimize energy consumption while maintaining essential adaptability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If the system continuously monitors touch input to detect pocket reception, then detection accuracy improves, but computational overhead and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepocket reception detection accuracyVSAvoidcomputational power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial monitoring by focusing computational resources on analyzing specific movement patterns and touch signatures characteristic of pocket reception. Rather than continuously analyzing all possible inputs, the system selectively monitors for the specific patterns that indicate pocket reception, achieving adequate detection accuracy with reduced computational overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10198118B2Operating method and electronic device for processing method thereof

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus and a method are provided for controlling an operation of an electronic device. The electronic device includes a touchscreen and a processor. The processor may be configured to determine a pocket reception state based on a touch movement direction and a movement direction of the electronic device. The processor can also process an operation corresponding to the pocket reception state.