Touch Panel Sensitivity Switching for In-Vehicle False Touch Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
False detection of touch sensors due to objects hanging from a rearview mirror in in-vehicle infotainment systems, which cannot be prevented by conventional calibration methods due to the swinging motion of these objects.
Innovation Solution
A touch detection system using non-visible light sources and photodetectors to distinguish between an operator's hand and hanging objects by analyzing the intensity and frequency of reflected light, adjusting detection sensitivity based on predetermined conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensitivity of the touch panel is increased to detect proximity of the operator, then the touch detection accuracy is improved, but false detection due to noise or hanging objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent components: touch sensors for detecting finger contact, proximity sensors for detecting hand proximity, and a determination unit that integrates signals from both sensors. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between actual touch intent and false proximity detections by requiring coordinated activation of multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the output signals from the touch sensor and proximity sensor into a unified determination unit that makes the final touch detection decision. By merging the detection results from multiple sensor types, the system achieves more reliable touch detection that is not susceptible to false positives from noise or hanging objects.
2Reliability
If calibration is performed to set detection characteristics, then false detection from fixed objects is prevented, but false detection from swinging objects cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic detection mechanism where the determination unit continuously monitors the temporal relationship between proximity sensor activation and touch sensor activation. The system adapts to different object types by analyzing the pattern and duration of sensor signals, allowing it to distinguish between static calibration objects and dynamic swinging objects without requiring recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit uses feedback from both the proximity sensor and touch sensor to make real-time detection decisions. By continuously analyzing the feedback signals and their temporal relationships, the system can dynamically adjust its detection behavior to account for swinging objects while maintaining accuracy for fixed objects.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to detect reflected light intensity, then the ability to distinguish hand from objects is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions light sources and photodetectors at specific locations below the display to create localized detection zones. By strategically placing these components, the system achieves high measurement precision for hand detection while minimizing the total number of components required, thus reducing overall device 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
Effectively prevents false touch detections by distinguishing between an operator's hand and hanging objects, ensuring accurate touch sensor operation in in-vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
three or more light sources, arranged below the lower edge of the display surface of the display, and configured to emit non-visible light upward in a direction toward a space in front of the display surface, photodetectors, each configured to detect a reflected light of the non-visible light emitted by a corresponding one of the light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A touch detection system includes a display, touch sensors arranged below a lower edge of a display surface of the display, light sources, photodetectors to detect a reflected light of the non-visible light emitted by the light source, a touch detector to detect a touch on the touch sensors with a set detection sensitivity, and a proximity detector to detect proximity of a hand to a region below the lower edge of the display surface, wherein the proximity detector detects the proximity of the hand to the region when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when the proximity of the hand to the region is detected, the touch detector sets the detection sensitivity of the touch detector to a first sensitivity, and otherwise, the touch detector sets the detection sensitivity of the touch detector to a second sensitivity, which is less sensitive than the first sensitivity.