Capacitive Touch Sensor and NFC Zone Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near field communication devices with touch sensors of the capacitance type risk erroneous activation when an information processing terminal is brought near, due to interference from the communication signal.
Innovation Solution
The touch sensor detection area is made shorter than the near field communication area, with the touch sensor and near field communicator positioned such that the communication signal does not enter the sensor detection area, preventing erroneous activation by using a sensor top cover and communicator top cover configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch sensor detection area is extended to improve user input detection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to erroneous activation by near field communication signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device surface into distinct functional zones: a touch sensor detection area and a near field communication area. By spatially segmenting these functions and ensuring their detection ranges do not overlap, the system allows the touch sensor to maintain a sufficiently large detection area for ease of operation while preventing erroneous activation through proper zone separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional properties to different locations on the device surface. The touch sensor area is optimized for capacitance detection with appropriate sensitivity, while the near field communication area is optimized for electromagnetic signal transmission. This local differentiation ensures that the touch sensor maintains high detection capability in its designated zone without being affected by NFC signals in the communication zone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the near field communication area is extended to improve communication capability, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to interference with touch sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device surface into distinct functional zones, separating the near field communication area from the touch sensor detection area. This spatial segmentation allows the NFC area to be extended for improved communication capability while preventing interference with touch sensor operation by ensuring the two zones do not overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that coordinates between the near field communication unit and the touch sensor. The controller manages the operational states of both components, ensuring that when NFC is active, the touch sensor detection parameters are adjusted or the detection area is effectively reduced, thereby preventing interference while maintaining both functionalities.
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
This configuration allows for reliable near field communication without erroneously activating the touch sensors, ensuring accurate detection of user inputs while preventing interference from the communication signal.
Implementation Method 1
a touch sensor configured to detect a touch or an approach of an input object by detecting a change in capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device, including: a touch sensor configured to detect a touch or an approach of an input object by detecting a change in capacitance; and a near field communicator configured to perform near field communication with an information processing terminal present in a communication area in which near field communication is possible, the information processing terminal being capable of performing the near field communication, wherein a distance within which the touch or the approach of the input object is detectable by the touch sensor is shorter than a distance within which the near field communication by the near field communicator with the information processing terminal is possible.