Underwater Touch Screen Camera Control via Pressure Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional touch screens cannot operate underwater, preventing cameras equipped with touch screens from photographing by touch input.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating a camera with a touch input device that includes a touch screen, processor, and controller, utilizing a first drive mode to detect touch position by capacitance change due to touch pressure, allowing operation underwater.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional touch screen is used, then the camera can be operated easily on land, but it cannot operate underwater

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunderwater operation capabilityVSAvoidtouch detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the touch detection parameter from capacitance-based (conventional) to pressure-based (force sensing). By using a force sensing resistor or similar pressure-sensitive element, the system can detect touch positions underwater through pressure changes rather than capacitance changes, enabling underwater operation while maintaining detection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical field-based capacitance detection system with a mechanical pressure detection system. The force sensing resistor converts mechanical pressure into electrical signals, allowing the touch screen to function in underwater environments where capacitance detection fails

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If capacitance-based touch detection is used, then touch position can be detected on land, but detection fails underwater

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch position detection accuracyVSAvoidwater interference with capacitance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of water (which disrupts capacitance fields) into a useful detection mechanism by relying on pressure transmission. Water transmits pressure effectively, so the system uses pressure-sensitive resistors to detect touch positions through pressure changes, turning the presence of water from a harmful factor into a functional medium for detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 users to operate a camera underwater by detecting touch position through capacitance changes caused by pressure, overcoming the limitations of conventional touch screens in aquatic environments.

Implementation Method 1

performing a first drive mode in which a touch position is detected underwater by a capacitance change amount due to a touch pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10404898B2Method for operating camera underwater

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 HIDEEP INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method for operating a camera included in a touch input device including a touch screen is disclosed. A processor determines a capacitance pattern for a varying capacitance throughout the touch screen when the touch screen is underwater and no touch input occurs. The processor resets a varying reference capacitance for determining whether a touch input by an object occurs or not, the varying reference capacitance being reset based on the determined capacitance pattern when the touch screen is underwater and no touch input occurs. The touch screen receives a touch pressure by the object underwater. Operation of the camera is controlled according to the touch pressure to the touch screen.