Touchscreen I/O Converter Using Grid Conductors and Phototransistors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available tablet computers and mobile phones have limited input and output capabilities, making them less suitable for real-time monitoring and control applications compared to traditional desktop computers, which lacked the versatility of bus slots and customized I/O cards.
Innovation Solution
A digital input and output converter system utilizing the touchscreen of tablet computers and mobile phones, where a grid of conductors on the screen provides input by disturbing the electric field to interpret data and phototransistors in a matrix convert screen pixels to digital signals for output, mimicking the functionality of older bus cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If tablet computers and mobile phones eliminate traditional I/O ports and bus slots to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but input and output capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the touchscreen display to serve multiple functions: its primary function as a user interface and its secondary function as an I/O interface through the grid conductor system. The same touchscreen hardware is used both for displaying information and for receiving input signals, eliminating the need for separate physical ports while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of conductors embedded in the touchscreen that act as a mediator between the traditional I/O world and the modern touchscreen interface. These conductors detect touch inputs and translate them into digital signals, serving as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between eliminating physical ports and maintaining I/O capability.
2Device complexity
If tablet computers and mobile phones use touchscreen interface for all interactions, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation for monitoring and control applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the touchscreen surface into a grid of conductors that can be independently activated. This segmentation allows the touchscreen to function as a matrix keyboard, where specific rows and columns can be selectively engaged to create physical-like feedback for monitoring and control operations, making the interface more suitable for complex tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating regions of different tactile properties on the touchscreen through the conductor grid. Areas with higher conductor density or different electrical characteristics can be designed to provide enhanced feedback for specific functions, making certain zones more suitable for precise control operations while maintaining the overall simplicity of the touchscreen interface.
3Reliability
If traditional bus slots and I/O cards are eliminated, then device complexity is reduced and reliability is improved, but adaptability for customized monitoring and control systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the I/O interface software-configurable rather than hardware-fixed. The touchscreen grid conductor system can be programmatically reconfigured to accommodate different monitoring and control requirements, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt to various applications through software updates without requiring physical I/O card changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the electrical characteristics of the touchscreen grid to be modified through software control. Conductors can be selectively activated or deactivated, and their sensitivity parameters can be adjusted to create different I/O configurations, enabling customized monitoring and control systems without physical hardware changes.
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 tablet computers and mobile phones to be used for monitoring and control tasks by enhancing their I/O capabilities, allowing them to handle digital and analog inputs and outputs, thereby making them more versatile and general-purpose devices.
Implementation Method 1
a grid overlays the touchscreen and has a plurality of conductors electrically charged such that an electric field disturbs the touchscreen to trigger the mobile phone or tablet computer touchscreen
Implementation Method 2
The output converter is achieved by a plurality of phototransistors arranged in a matrix which interpret a plurality of video image dots, squares or groups of pixels on the tablet computer or mobile phone screen converting them to is (ones) or Os (zeroes)
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter that fits to a touchscreen of a tablet computer or mobile phone enabling input and output to and from the device. Output is achieved by a plurality of phototransistors arranged in a matrix which interpret a plurality of video image dots, squares or groups of pixels on the tablet computer or mobile phone touchscreen converting them to 1s (ones) or 0s (zeroes).Input is achieved by a plurality of conductors which are selectively electrified by control electronics to a charge sufficient to disrupt the field or capacitance of the touchscreen finger tip sense at a plurality of locations on the screen. A program(s) on the tablet computer or mobile phone interprets the electronically controlled touches as data.