Touch Input Proximity Detection and Pointer Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch panels face challenges in accurately assisting users in selecting items due to the gap between the accuracy of electronic device processing and user input accuracy, particularly when finger size mismatch occurs with button sizes on the screen.
Innovation Solution
An input device that detects finger proximity and displays an indicator or enlarges items on the screen based on calculated proximity coordinates, allowing for efficient selection by correcting pointer positions and enlarging touch targets for improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If touch panel buttons are made small to display more information, then the information density increases, but the input accuracy deteriorates due to finger size mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pointer as an intermediary element between the user's finger and the touch panel buttons. The pointer is displayed at a position corresponding to the finger's location, allowing users to precisely select small buttons without directly touching them with their fingers. This mediator resolves the conflict between displaying many small items and maintaining accurate selection.
2Measurement precision
If touch panel buttons are made large to improve input accuracy, then the input accuracy improves, but the number of displayable items decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy (pointer) of the user's finger position on the display screen. This pointer copy allows users to interact with small buttons by moving their finger freely, while the pointer accurately indicates the selection target. The copying mechanism enables high information density while maintaining easy selection through the pointer's precise positioning.
3Measurement precision
If non-contact detection is implemented to improve input accuracy, then the input accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or capacitive non-contact detection systems with a simpler software-based pointer positioning system. Instead of using additional sensors or complex detection mechanisms, the system uses the existing touch panel's coordinate information to calculate and display the pointer position, achieving accurate input without increasing hardware complexity.
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
Enhances user selection accuracy and comfort by visually guiding users to the correct touch targets, reducing errors and improving interaction with touch panels.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitors are formed at the crossing points of the transmission electrodes and the reception electrodes and capacitors are formed as a fingertip of the user comes closer to a touch panel. Therefore, the capacitances of the capacitors vary according to the degree of proximity of the finger.
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus includes: a display; and a detector that detects contactless proximity of an object to the display at first coordinates of the object along a plane of the display, and contact of the object with the display at second coordinates of the object along the plane of the display. When the contactless proximity of the object is detected, and the first coordinates of the object are located within a first distance in the plane of the display from an item, the item is temporarily selected. After the item has been selected temporarily, when the contact of the object is detected, and the second coordinates of the object are located within a second distance in the plane of the display from the item, the item is finally selected. The second distance from the item is longer than the first distance from the item.