Touch Panel and Pen Tablet Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses with combined electrostatic capacity type touch panels and electromagnetic induction type pen tablets face issues with unintentional switching of input mechanisms when a stylus is used, leading to operational errors and reduced operability due to the need for manual switching and the complexity of detecting stylus proximity accurately.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a first sense unit for direct touch detection and a second sense unit for electromagnetic interaction-based detection, along with an approach detecting unit to differentiate between touch and proximity, enabling automatic switching between input mechanisms based on defined detection ranges to prevent unintentional switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If both electrostatic capacity type touch panel and electromagnetic induction type pen tablet are located under a common operation surface, then space utilization is improved, but unintentional switching between input mechanisms occurs leading to operational errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection space into multiple detection ranges (first detection range for touch panel, second detection range for pen tablet) and assigns different sense units to each range. This segmentation prevents unintentional switching by ensuring that each input mechanism only responds to inputs within its designated range, resolving the conflict between space utilization and operational accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different detection characteristics to different regions of the operation surface. The first sense unit is optimized for detecting finger touches in the first detection range, while the second sense unit is optimized for detecting stylus inputs in the second detection range. This local optimization ensures reliable input recognition without cross-interference.
2Ease of operation
If automatic switching mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional detection ranges and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between input mechanisms based on the detected position and characteristics of the input device. The control unit automatically selects which sense unit to activate based on real-time detection, providing adaptive and intuitive operation without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic switching between touch panel and pen tablet modes based on the detected input characteristics and position. The control unit autonomously determines which input mechanism should be active, eliminating the need for manual switching and simplifying user interaction.
3Measurement precision
If detection sensitivity is increased to accurately detect stylus proximity, then measurement precision is improved, but false detection of stylus approach increases causing unintended mode changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection space into distinct first and second detection ranges with different sensitivity thresholds. The first detection range uses lower sensitivity for general touch detection, while the second detection range uses higher sensitivity specifically for stylus detection. This segmentation allows precise stylus detection without triggering false positives in the touch panel mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters (sensitivity thresholds, detection ranges) based on the detected input characteristics. When a stylus is detected in the second detection range, the system adjusts its parameters to maintain high sensitivity for stylus detection while avoiding false triggers in the first detection range, thus improving both measurement precision and reliability.
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
The solution allows for reliable switching and operation of both input mechanisms, improving the accuracy and operability of the information processing apparatus by enabling precise detection of stylus proximity and touch, reducing errors and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrodes may be embedded in an operation surface of the touch panel and a touched position may be determined by detecting electrostatic capacity changes between the electrodes when the user touches the operation surface with the finger
Implementation Method 2
a second sense unit for detecting whether a position pointing device approaches or contacts the operation surface based on an electromagnetic interaction generated between the second sense unit and the position pointing device
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes an operation surface, a first sense unit for electrically detecting whether the operation surface is directly touched, a second sense unit for detecting whether the position pointing device approaches or contacts the operation surface based on an electromagnetic interaction, and an approach detector for detecting whether the position pointing device approaches a detection range from the operation surface based on an output from the second sense unit. The information processing apparatus further includes a display controller for disabling display processing based on a detection output from the first sense unit and for enabling display processing based on a detection output from the second sense unit if the approach detecting unit determines that the position pointing device is within of the detection range.