Touch Sensor Zone Segmentation for Misoperation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch sensors in electronic apparatuses, such as imaging devices, often lead to misoperation when users unintentionally shift their fingers from one zone to another while operating the device, especially when focusing on a target object or monitor screen, causing unintended operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a touch sensor with at least two zones (second and third zones) with distinct functions, where a specific function is assigned to one zone and can be continuously performed even if the user's touch input shifts to the other zone without interruption, as long as the initial zone remains touched continuously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple zones with different functions are allocated on the touch sensor, then the functionality and versatility of the electronic apparatus is improved, but the risk of misoperation increases when users unintentionally shift their fingers between zones
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor surface is divided into multiple zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) with different functions. The first zone is for initial touch input, the second zone maintains the selected function, and the third zone provides additional functions. This segmentation allows multiple functions to be allocated while preventing misoperation through defined zone boundaries and specific touch sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires a preliminary touch action in the first zone before allowing function switching to the second or third zones. This preliminary action establishes the initial function selection, and subsequent touches in other zones can only modify or maintain the function if the continuous touch condition from the first zone is met, preventing accidental activations.
2Ease of operation
If a user touches the touch panel while watching a target object or monitor screen without watching the touch panel, then the ease of operation is improved, but misoperation occurs when the user unintentionally shifts their finger between zones
Solution Approach 1:
The first zone acts as an intermediary region that mediates between the user's unintentional finger movements and the functional zones (second and third zones). By requiring the touch to originate from or pass through the first zone, the system creates a buffer that prevents direct accidental activation of functional zones while the user is watching the screen rather than the touch panel.
3Ease of operation
If the touch sensor zones are made larger to accommodate unintentional finger shifts, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of zone selection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones have different functional qualities and sensitivity requirements. The first zone is designed to be more inclusive and tolerant to accommodate the initial touch and finger movements, while the second and third zones have specific functional assignments that are activated only under controlled conditions (continuous touch from first zone). This local differentiation allows larger effective zones without sacrificing selection precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus has a touch sensor provided with a first touching zone including at least a second touching zone and a third touching zone, the second and third touching zones being allocated with different functions. The electronic apparatus is controlled to perform a specific function assigned to a specific touching zone that is the second or the third touching zone when there is a first touch input at first through the specific touching zone and continuously perform the specific function even if there is a second touch input that follows the first touch input, through either the second or the third touching zone that is not the specific touching zone, as long as there is a continuous touch input through the first touching zone from the first to the second touch input with no intermission.