Touch Sensor Position and Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with touch screens face challenges in accurately detecting both the position and intensity of touch inputs using a single conductive layer, as they often require separate mechanisms for position and pressure detection, which complicates the design and increases the thickness of the device.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus is designed with a sensor layer containing sensing patterns and sensing lines that operate in two modes: one for position detection based on self-capacitance measurement and another for intensity detection based on deformation of the sensing patterns, utilizing a switching circuit to selectively connect the sensing lines to a driving circuit for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate mechanisms are used for position and pressure detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines position detection and pressure detection functions into a single sensor layer. The sensing patterns serve dual purposes: their electrical properties detect touch position while their mechanical deformation detects touch pressure, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor layer is designed with multi-functionality, where the same sensing patterns and conductive layer perform both position detection (through electrical signal changes) and pressure detection (through deformation). This universal approach allows one component to fulfill multiple detection roles, improving accuracy without adding separate mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If separate mechanisms are used for position and pressure detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges position and pressure detection into a single integrated sensor layer, eliminating the need for multiple stacked detection layers. This consolidation maintains detection accuracy while significantly reducing the overall thickness of the touch display device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (deformation/strain) in addition to the traditional two-dimensional electrical signal detection. By measuring deformation of the sensing patterns in the thickness direction, the system extracts pressure information from the same layer used for position detection, adding a detection dimension without adding physical layers
3Device complexity
If a single conductive layer is used for both position and pressure detection, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching between different detection modes using a switching circuit. The system can dynamically select between position detection mode and pressure detection mode, or combine both, allowing the single conductive layer to achieve high detection precision by optimizing its operation mode based on the specific detection requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the sensing patterns based on detection needs. For position detection, the system monitors electrical signal parameters (capacitance, resistance), while for pressure detection, it monitors mechanical deformation parameters (strain, shape change). This parameter switching enables high precision detection with a single layer
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 solution allows for the detection of both touch position and intensity using a single conductive layer, enabling a slim and versatile touch-pressure detection device that can operate in different modes based on user input, enhancing user interaction while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may detect the position of the touch in the first mode based on a self-capacitance measurement of each of the sensing patterns
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may detect the intensity of the touch in the second mode based on a deformation of shape of each of the sensing patterns in response to the touch
Implementation Method 3
Each of the sensing patterns may include a strain gauge
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a touch sensor, a driving circuit, and a switching circuit. The driving circuit includes a first detector and a second detector. The first detector transmits/receives an electrical signal to detect a position of a touch. The second detector transmits/receives an electrical signal to detect an intensity of the touch. The switching circuit selectively connects the first detector or the second detector to the sensor.