Touch Screen Hover Object Identification via Permittivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with touch screens primarily rely on touch-based interfaces, which are limited to direct contact and lack effective proximity sensing capabilities, hindering the development of more advanced user interaction methods.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device method and apparatus that senses and identifies objects using a hovering technique by detecting conductive substances' permittivity and distance from the touch screen, generating code values to recognize and differentiate objects based on these parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hovering technology is used to sense objects within threshold distance, then proximity sensing capability is improved, but the interface remains fundamentally touch-based without significant differentiation from direct touch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sensing parameters from simple proximity detection to multi-dimensional characterization including permittivity values and distance measurements. By measuring multiple conductive substances with different permittivity characteristics at varying distances, the system creates a richer parameter space that enables sophisticated object identification and differentiated interaction modes beyond traditional touch interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional depth to touch sensing by measuring objects in three-dimensional space above the screen surface. Instead of binary contact/non-contact detection, the system measures distance, permittivity, and spatial position, creating a multi-dimensional sensing space that enables new interaction paradigms such as hovering selection, virtual keyboards, and gesture recognition
2Device complexity
If traditional touch-based interface is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but user interaction functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the touch screen universally functional by enabling it to detect and differentiate multiple types of objects (fingers, styluses, other conductive materials) at multiple distances. The same hardware infrastructure supports both direct touch and hovering interactions, as well as identification of different object types, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate sensing systems
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 advanced user interaction by accurately identifying objects at varying distances and orientations, enhancing the functionality of electronic devices with proximity touch recognition beyond traditional touch-based interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
sensing at least four or more conductive substances which are contained in the object, and identifying the sensed object base on at least one of permittivity of each of the sensed conductive substances and a distance to each of the sensed conductive substances
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an electronic device for identifying the object are provided. The method includes sensing an object which is located within a threshold distance from a touch screen, sensing at least four or more conductive substances which are contained in the object, and identifying the sensed object base on at least one of permittivity of each of the sensed conductive substances and a distance to each of the sensed conductive substances.