Dynamic Touch Panel Input Repositioning for Wear Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch panel devices in consumer electronic devices suffer from wear and tear due to frequent user input actions, particularly in applications like games, leading to premature failure of touch sensors.
Innovation Solution
A protection method that monitors user input actions and surface area sizes on touch panels, shifting input elements from their original positions to alternative locations based on usage patterns to distribute wear evenly and reduce stress on specific sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If input elements are kept at fixed positions on the touch panel, then user operation convenience is maintained, but touch sensors at those positions suffer accelerated wear and premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic repositioning of input elements based on monitored usage patterns. The system transitions from static fixed positions to dynamic positions that change over time, redistributing wear across different touch sensor areas while maintaining operational convenience through automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the number of actuations for each position and uses this feedback information to determine when and how to reposition input elements. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to wear patterns and redistribute usage evenly across the touch panel surface.
2Reliability
If input elements are moved to alternative positions to distribute wear, then touch panel lifespan is extended, but user may experience confusion due to changing positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic repositioning of input elements rather than continuous or random changes. By monitoring accumulation of actuation counts and triggering repositioning only when thresholds are exceeded, the system creates predictable periodic changes that extend lifespan while minimizing user confusion through controlled, spaced intervals.
3Reliability
If the touch panel monitors every position for user input actions and surface area sizes, then wear distribution can be optimized, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The touch panel system monitors its own usage patterns and automatically makes repositioning decisions without requiring external intervention or complex external processing. The monitoring and control functions are integrated into the touch panel device itself, enabling self-service optimization of wear distribution.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides protection method for a touch panel device (151, 251, 351), the protection method comprising monitoring (S1) for every position on the touch panel device (151, 251, 351) a number of user input actions (103, 203) and surface area sizes (104, 204) of the user input actions (103, 203), and moving (S2) input elements (152, 252, 253, 254, 352, 353, 354, 355) that are displayed on the touch panel device (151, 251, 351) from their original position (110, 310, 311, 312, 313) to an alternative position (115, 215, 216, 217, 315, 316, 317, 318) based on the monitored numbers and surface area sizes (104, 204). Further, the present invention provides a respective protection unit (100, 200).