Touch Sensor Power Control via Body Temperature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices require a physical power switch for operation, which limits key placement as devices shrink and can lead to design issues and operational errors due to frequent button presses.
Innovation Solution
A power control apparatus that uses a temperature sensor and touch sensor to detect user touch and body temperature, allowing power control without a separate external power button, utilizing comparators and a power determination unit to manage power switching through an XOR operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical power button is used to control power, then power switching function is achieved, but device area is reduced and design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power button function with the existing touchscreen display by detecting touch inputs directly on the screen. The touch sensor integrates with the display structure, allowing the display area to serve dual purposes as both information output and power control interface, thereby eliminating the need for separate physical button space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical power button with a touch-based sensing system. Instead of using a physical dome switch or tact switch that requires mechanical movement, the system uses touch sensors to detect user input through capacitive or resistive changes, substituting mechanical actuation with electrical field detection.
2Ease of operation
If a physical power button is used, then power control is achieved, but operational errors increase due to frequent pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensing that detects the thermal signature of a living body (human finger) to verify intentional touch input. This feedback mechanism distinguishes between deliberate user actions and accidental touches, providing confirmation that reduces operational errors while maintaining power control functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced, then portability is improved, but space for power button decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the touchscreen display universal by enabling it to perform both its primary function of displaying information and the secondary function of power control. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain full power control capabilities while utilizing existing display area, thus supporting device miniaturization without sacrificing functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If touch sensor and temperature sensor are used, then power control without physical button is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch sensor and temperature sensor into an integrated sensing system that shares common hardware resources and processing pathways. By combining these functions at the sensor level and using unified signal processing logic, the system achieves versatile power control capabilities while minimizing the increase in 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
Enables power control of electronic devices via touch input alone, overcoming key placement limitations and enhancing design flexibility by eliminating the need for a physical power button, while reducing operational errors.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor having a first input node and a second input node, and outputting voltages according to signals input through the first and the second input nodes, the first input node sensing a body temperature detected through a touch of a user
Implementation Method 2
a touch sensor for sensing a touch input by the user when a voltage is applied according to the switching operation of the power switching unit, and outputting a power control signal when there is a current change according to the sensed touch input
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling power of an electronic device, controlled by a touch input. To this end, a power control apparatus for an electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed including a touch sensor for sensing a user's touch by a user's finger or the like, and a temperature sensor for sensing a body temperature detected through the touch. Through such a touch sensor and such a temperature sensor, the power control apparatus senses the touch and body temperature of a user, and controls the power of the electronic device. As a result, even without a separate power button installed on the outside of the electronic device, it becomes possible to control the power of the electronic device.