Wristwatch Control Interface Using Capacitive Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wristwatch-type devices with touch-sensitive interfaces face challenges in control due to their small display size, making it difficult to target virtual controls and maintaining visibility of the screen during interactions.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates capacitance-measuring electrodes on both the case and wristband, allowing detection of control objects in contact or proximity to the display zone and external zones, enabling improved control methods that include edge detection and remote control capabilities, which enhance usability and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch-sensitive interface is used on a small display, then the device can be controlled, but the display screen becomes obscured and controls become difficult to target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the control interface from the two-dimensional display surface to the three-dimensional space surrounding the device by detecting control objects in proximity to external surfaces (case and wristband). This allows users to interact with the device without touching the display, maintaining visibility while enabling precise control through spatial detection zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external detection zones on the case and wristband as intermediary surfaces between the user and the display. These zones act as mediators that transmit control commands without requiring direct contact with the display screen, thus preserving visibility while enabling control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display size is reduced for wristwearability, then the device can be worn on the wrist, but the control interface becomes difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced display size by expanding the control interface into the surrounding spatial environment. Detection zones are created on external surfaces (case and wristband) and in proximity to the display, allowing users to control the device from various positions without requiring a larger screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is segmented into multiple detection zones distributed across different surfaces (display zone, case zones, wristband zones). This segmentation allows users to control different functions from different physical locations, making the small device easier to operate despite its compact size.
3Device complexity
If capacitance-measuring electrodes are placed only on the display, then the control interface is simple, but the detection area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the capacitance-measuring electrodes universal by placing them on multiple surfaces (display, case, wristband) that all serve as control interfaces. Each surface can detect control objects independently, allowing the device to be controlled from various locations without adding complex control mechanisms.
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 more effective and intuitive control of wristwatch-type devices by extending the detection area beyond the display screen, reducing the need to obscure the screen with a finger and improving the targeting of small controls, thus enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
They comprise electrodes positioned in the form of rows and columns, or in a matrix. The presence of control objects disrupts the electric field lines around these electrodes, which makes it possible to detect them.
Implementation Method 2
The presence of control objects disrupts the electric field lines around these electrodes, which makes it possible to detect them.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic device intended to be worn secured to a part of the human body, comprising a case (11) provided with a display zone (13), a wristband (12), and a control interface with capacitive measuring electrodes (14, 15, 16) arranged to detect control objects, said control interface being arranged so as to allow the detection of control objects (21) in contact with or across from (i) a detection zone superimposed on the display zone (13), (ii) at least one other detection zone (17, 18, 23) outside said display zone (13).The invention also relates to a method implemented in this device.