Touch Screen False-Actuation Prevention via Proximity Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch screen devices often experience false actuation when held against the face or ear during phone calls or sound listening, due to proximity sensing inaccuracies, leading to unintended input suppression or device misoperation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a processor, memory, touch screen, proximity sensor, and orientation sensor that buffers touch data upon initial proximity and reorientation events, disabling the touch screen only when subsequent proximity events confirm the device is being held, thereby preventing false actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the touch screen is immediately disabled upon detecting a proximity event, then false actuation during phone calls is prevented, but intentional touch inputs are incorrectly suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by buffering touch data and checking for additional proximity events before actually disabling the touch screen. This preliminary verification step ensures that the touch screen is only disabled when truly necessary, preventing both false actuation and incorrect suppression of intentional inputs
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple proximity sensors and continuous monitoring of proximity events to make informed decisions about touch screen disabling. The feedback loop allows the system to distinguish between genuine holding scenarios and temporary proximity, resolving the contradiction between preventing false actuation and maintaining operational ease
2Ease of operation
If the touch screen remains enabled during proximity events, then intentional inputs are processed, but false actuation occurs when device is held to face or ear
Solution Approach 1:
The system buffers touch data and performs preliminary checks for additional proximity events before executing the disable action, allowing intentional inputs to be processed while preventing false actuation through verified holding scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The buffering mechanism acts as an intermediary between touch data reception and processing, allowing the system to verify proximity conditions before acting on touch inputs, thus resolving the contradiction between processing intentional inputs and preventing false actuation
3Reliability
If proximity sensing is used to suppress user input ability, then false actuation is reduced, but device functionality is limited during legitimate use
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts touch screen functionality based on continuous proximity monitoring and event patterns. Rather than statically disabling the touch screen, the system adapts its behavior in real-time, maintaining functionality during legitimate use while preventing false actuation during holding scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous feedback from proximity sensors and orientation sensors allows the system to adaptively control touch screen availability, ensuring device functionality is maintained during legitimate use while reducing false actuation during phone calls or sound listening
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
Effectively prevents false actuation of touch screens by ensuring intentional inputs are not suppressed during phone calls or sound listening, maintaining device functionality and user experience by distinguishing between intended and unintended touch events.
Implementation Method 1
at least one proximity sensor 136...when one or more of: (a) an initial proximity event occurs at proximity sensor 136
Implementation Method 2
at least one orientation sensor 138...when one or more of: (b) a reorientation event occurs at orientation sensor 138
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and method for preventing false-actuation of a touch screen are provided. When one or more of: (a) an initial proximity event occurs at a proximity sensor of he device, and (b) a reorientation event occurs at an orientation sensor of the device: touch data received via a touch screen of the device is buffered in a memory of the device. Thereafter, a processor of the device: processes the buffered touch data when a further proximity event does not occur within a given time period; and, disables the touch screen when the proximity event occurs within the given time period.