WO2022049362A1

WO2022049362A1 - Sensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2022049362A1
Application number: PCT/GB2021/000097
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Robert GARRETT
Original assignee: Peratech Holdco Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-02
Filing date: 2021-09-01
Publication date: 2022-03-10

Abstract

An apparatus provides an output in response to a mechanical interaction, such as an applied force or pressure. The apparatus comprises a touch screen (103) comprising a display (104) viewable on a front surface (105) of the apparatus (102) and a sensing device (201) positioned on a rear surface (301) of the apparatus. The rear surface is substantially opposite to the front surface. The sensing device comprises a force sensing element (202) and a capacitive sensing element (203) and the force sensing element is activated by an application of a mechanical interaction on the rear surface. The capacitive sensing element provides positional data in response to the activation.

Description

Sensing device

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application number GB 20 13 755.0, filed on 02 September 2020, United Kingdom Patent Application number GB 20 13 759.2, filed on 02 September 2020 and United Kingdom Patent Application number GB 20 13 762.6, filed on 02 September 2020, the whole contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing an output in response to a mechanical interaction, such as an applied force or pressure, and a method of providing an output in response to such a mechanical interaction.

Electronic devices comprising touch sensing devices are increasingly common in the art. Many electronic devices comprise touch screens which are configured to receive applied forces and output corresponding responses. In addition, electronic devices may be provided with further force sensing devices which provide input devices such as buttons.

In the known art, issues arise with false touch, whereby an accidental application of force or pressure can result in a response unintended by a user. Solutions to these types of false touch exist in the art, and may involve solutions to only recognise applied pressures over a certain threshold. In many cases, battery-life of such devices can also be reduced due to the need to monitor the inputs constantly.

One handed operation in such devices often also requires the touch screen to be covered or partially covered by a user. This creates a problem in which part of the screen is obscured which reduces the view of the operation to the user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for providing an output in response to a mechanical interaction, comprising: a touch screen comprising a display viewable on a front surface of said apparatus; a sensing device positioned on a rear surface of said apparatus, said rear surface being substantially opposite to said front surface; wherein said sensing device comprises a force sensing element and a capacitive sensing element; and said force sensing element is activated by an application of a mechanical interaction on said rear surface, and said capacitive sensing element is configured to provide positional data in response to said activation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing an output in response to a mechanical interaction, comprising the steps of: applying a mechanical interaction to a rear surface of an apparatus comprising a sensing device positioned on said rear surface; activating a force sensing element of said sensing device in response to said mechanical interaction; activating a capacitive sensing element of said sensing device following said activation of said force sensing element; providing positional data from said capacitive sensing element in response to said activation; and providing an output to a display on a front surface of said apparatus according to said positional data.

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed embodiments show the best mode known to the inventor and provide support for the invention as claimed. However, they are only exemplary and should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. Their purpose is to provide a teaching to those skilled in the art. Components and processes distinguished by ordinal phrases such as “first” and “second” do not necessarily define an order or ranking of any sort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an electronic device incorporating an apparatus for providing an output in response to a mechanical interaction; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a sensing device forming part of the apparatus;

Figure 3 shows a rear schematic view of an electronic device comprising an example embodiment of the apparatus;

Figure 4 shows a method of providing an output to an electronic device in response to a mechanical interaction;

Figure 5 shows further steps in a method of providing an output to an electronic device in response to a mechanical interaction;

Figure 6 shows a user holding an electronic device comprising the apparatus of the present invention and a corresponding output to the electronic device in an example embodiment;

Figure 7 shows an alternative output to the electronic device in the method previously shown in Figure 6; and

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment and corresponding output in response to a mechanical interaction input from a user to an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1

A scenario is illustrated which shows a user 101 utilising an electronic device 102 in a conventional manner. In the embodiment, user 101 provides an input to electronic device 102, by means of a mechanical interaction in the form of a finger press. In the embodiment, electronic device 102 comprises a mobile telephone. In the embodiment, electronic device 102 comprises a touch screen 103 comprising a display 104 which is viewable on a front surface 105 of electronic device 102.

Thus, when user 101 applies a finger press, the applied force or pressure from the finger press is transmitted to the touch screen 103 to provide an input signal and corresponding output to and from electronic device 102.

When such a force or pressure is applied in this conventional manner, the hand of user 101 partially obscures the viewable display 104 of touch screen 103 thereby reducing visibility of the corresponding output and decreasing usability. Thus, the present invention provides alternative methods of input to avoid this problem and provide an improved user experience for interacting with electronic device 102.

It is appreciated that while the example shown herein illustrates the apparatus is suitable for use in mobile telephony, it is further suitable for use in alternative applications such as those involving alternative electronic devices to mobile telephones and in scenarios such as automotive cockpit applications.

Figure 2

The apparatus of Figure 1 is consequently provided with a sensing device in accordance with the invention. Sensing device 201 is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view in Figure 2. Sensing device 201 is configured to be provided on a rear surface of electronic device 102, which is substantially opposite to front surface 105 shown in Figure 1. This allows a user to provide an input to the rear surface of the device as will be further described herein.

Sensing device 201 comprises a force sensing element 202 and a capacitive sensing element 203. In the embodiment, force sensing element 202 comprises a first conductive layer 204, a second conductive layer 205 and a pressure sensitive layer 206 positioned between first conductive layer and second conductive layer. Pressure sensitive layer 206 comprises a material configured to change resistance in response to an applied force or pressure, such as the mechanical interaction or finger press described previously.

In the embodiment, pressure sensitive layer 206 comprises a quantum tunnelling material such as one provided under the trade mark QTC® available from the present applicant, Peratech Holdco Limited, Brompton-on-Swale, United Kingdom.

Capacitive sensing element 203 comprises a plurality of electrodes arranged to provide a change in capacitance on receiving an applied force or pressure. The capacitive sensing element may then provide positional data following its activation.

In this way, sensing device 201 provides a combined force sensing and capacitive sensing in the same sensing device. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , sensing device 201 is provided to the rear surface of electronic device 102. Force sensing element 202 is configured to provide an indication of a magnitude of an applied force and capacitive sensing element 203 is configured to provide an indication of position of an applied force.

Thus, when a force is applied to sensing device 201 , the magnitude of applied force can be determined by means of the pressure sensitive layer 206 and its corresponding change in resistance, and the position of the applied force can be determined by means of the capacitive sensing element 203 by measuring a change in capacitance between electrodes forming the capacitive sensing element in a conventional manner. Sensing device 201 therefore determines both force and position of an applied force to the rear surface of electronic device 102.

This method of measuring a mechanical interaction will be described in further detail with respect to Figure 4 and offers a combination of signals which eliminates the false touch associated with conventional capacitive sensors by only measuring capacitive input once a force reading has been measured from the force sensing element. In addition, battery life can be saved by reducing the amount of scanning conducted on the capacitive sensing element.

In the embodiment, sensing device 201 is further connected to a processor and electric circuit configured to receive an output signal corresponding to the resistance from pressure sensitive layer 206 and an output signal indicating capacitance from capacitive sensing element 203. The processor may then process these signals to determine the force magnitude and positional data (x, y) of the applied force. Thus, the same circuitry can be utilised to process both signals.

Figure 3

A schematic view of the rear surface of electronic device 102 is shown in Figure 3 illustrating an example positioning of a plurality of sensing devices on the rear surface.

Rear surface 201 of electronic device 102 comprises a plurality of sensing devices 302, 303, 304, 305 and 306. In the embodiment, sensing devices are added to rear surface 301 such as, for example, the back cover of a mobile telephone.

In the embodiment, each sensing device 302, 303, 304, 305 and 306 is substantially similar to sensing device 201 described previously with respect to Figure 2.

In an embodiment, any one of the sensing devices 302, 303, 304, 305 and 306 may comprise a plurality of capacitive sensing elements and a plurality of force sensing elements. In an embodiment, sensing device 302 comprises ten capacitive sensing elements and three corresponding force sensing elements and is positioned around an edge of rear surface 301.

In the embodiment, sensing device 306 is positioned substantially centrally on rear surface 301 and arranged to provide a joystick to a user. In this embodiment, sensing device 306 provides a track pad comprising both the capacitive sensing element and force sensing element to permit a scrolling input to be received on rear surface 301. In this way, user 101 does not need to obscure the front surface of electronic device 102 when providing an input to electronic device 102. In this way, user 101 can view the whole of display 104 while providing inputs to electronic device 102 by means of their hand on rear surface 301. Usability is therefore improved while still only requiring input from a single hand.

Each sensing device of the present application is provided with both force sensing and capacitive sensing capabilities. The apparatus is configured such that capacitive scanning is not enabled until a force input has been detected, as will be described in further detail with respect to Figure 4.

Figure 4

A method of providing an output in response to a mechanical interaction such as a finger press applying a force or pressure to electronic device 102 is shown schematically in Figure 4.

In use, the processor is configured to scan the force sensing element for an applied force or pressure which leads to an activation. At step 401 , the processor scans for an applied force on the force sensing element. When an applied force is detected, such as one arising from a finger press or other mechanical interaction applied to the rear surface of electronic device 102, the force sensing element is activated in response to the mechanical interaction.

At step 402, the input pressure is calculated and a magnitude of force is determined. A question may then be asked at step 403 as to whether the calculated magnitude of force or pressure has reached a required threshold for activation. If this threshold has not been reached, the processor will continue to scan the force sensing element for an appropriate pressure input which can be identified as a genuine activation pressure. This thereby avoids accidental activation, such as when a user’s electronic device is being carried around in a bag, for example. The input threshold may be a predetermined value based on user characteristics or other considerations based on expected use. When setting up the electronic device for example, a user may be requested to provide an input pressure to allow the threshold input pressure to be calibrated based on their desired input force for activation.

Once the threshold input pressure has been reached, the processor activates the capacitive sensing element at step 404 to enable scanning of the capacitive sensing element. Thus, until activation of the capacitive sensing element has occurred, scanning of the capacitive sensing element is not conducted, thereby reducing the power consumed by the electronic device. The processor therefore only scans for an output from the capacitive sensing element once the threshold input has been reached.

At step 405, positional data (x, y) is determined by interpolating between the capacitive electrodes. This then provides a positional signal which can be further processed to determine the desired display output on the touch screen display, which is provided at step 406.

Figure 5

Further steps in the method for providing an output to electronic device 102 in response to a mechanical interaction are shown schematically in Figure 5, providing steps in a process for determining a user’s grip on electronic device 102.

In this embodiment, between steps 405 and 406 described previously with respect to Figure 4, the positional data determined at step 405 is processed further at step 501. The positional data (x, y) and previously determined pressure input data from the force sensing element may be processed by the processor to determine an input configuration. In the embodiment, an input configuration corresponds to the manner in which user 101 is holding the electronic device 102, such as their grip. By analysing the positioning on the rear surface of the user’s applied forces, derived from the positioning of their fingers around the electronic device, an input configuration can be determined at step 502.

In relation to this input configuration, at step 503, an appropriate output is applied corresponding to the input configuration. In particular, an output to the display is provided over an area unobscured by the input configuration.

Assessment of the user’s position is repeated during the process, and, at step 504, a question is asked to assess whether the input configuration has altered. If the question is answered in the affirmative, a further input configuration may be determined. If the question is answered in the negative, the processor awaits the application of a further pressure input from a user at step 505.

The process allows for a user to hold the electronic device in the most convenient manner, while not affecting their ability to view the display of the electronic device. An application of this process will be described further with respect to Figures 6 and 7.

Figure 6

An embodiment utilising electronic device 102 comprising an image capture device such as a camera and the method of claim 5 will be described with respect to Figures 6 and 7.

In the embodiment, electronic device 102 is provided with an application thereon which allows user 101 to take photographs with the electronic device 102. The user may activate the application by applying a force to electronic device 102, such as by squeezing around electronic device 102 thereby applying a force or pressure to the force sensing element of the sensing device of electronic device 102. This then activates the capacitive sensing element, which then provides the positional data (x, y) and allows an input configuration to be determined. In this illustrated example, the input configuration is the user’s grip in the position shown in Figure 6; that is, a position in which the user’s hand obscures around half of display 104 with the camera facing user 101 , as if user 101 is taking a photograph of themselves.

In the embodiment, the output to display 104 is adjusted such that a first portion 601 of display 104 is provided with the image of the user from the camera, and a second portion 602 of display 104 is provided with an obscuring portion corresponding to the area obscured by the user’s hand. Thus, the output in portion 601 is fully viewable by user 101 even though part of display 104 is obscured by their grip position.

Figure 7

It is anticipated that, in use, user 101 may adjust the positioning of their hand to either get a better grip of electronic device 102 or as the camera is moved to better position the subject. The sensing device on the rear surface of electronic device 102 is therefore configured to monitor the input configuration to take into account any movement of the user’s grip. Thus, when the processor identifies a change in the input configuration, the output onto display 104 can be altered accordingly.

As shown in Figure 7, user 101 has moved their hand further across the display 104 of electronic device 102. In this way, the first portion 701 has decreased in size, while the second portion 702 has increased in size. However, the whole image to be displayed on display 104 has been adjusted to be displayed into portion 701 to ensure that user 101 can still see the whole output from the application.

When user 101 wishes to take the photograph, for example, this can be achieved by utilising the force sensing element(s) of the sensing device. While the capacitive sensing device(s) are used to identify the input configuration, by applying an increased force or pressure, while still holding the electronic device in the input configuration, a signal can be provided to the processor from the force sensing element and the pressure input applied to confirm the photograph.

Thus, this method ensures that a photograph can be taken effectively in a comfortable and intuitive manner without risk of obscuring the view of what is being photographed on the screen. This is particularly helpful in active sports, such as skiing, where the focus of a user is to retain their balance without dropping the electronic device.

It is appreciated that the example described in Figures 6 and 7 is not limited to the use of a camera function on an electronic device, and is appropriate for use with alternative applications. In particular, any suitable application in which a user may obscure part of the display of the electronic device may be suitable and in which it would be beneficial to adapt the display to avoid the user obscuring part of the output.

Figure 8

A further example embodiment of the manner in which the apparatus of the present invention may be utilised is shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment, the apparatus is configured as a slider around the edges of the electronic device and a user provides a moving pressure input by means of a sliding gesture along the rear surface of the electronic device.

In the embodiment, the sensing device is positioned around the edges of the rear surface of electronic device 102. By positioning the sensing devices along the edges of the rear surface, a corresponding output 801 may be provided which is aligned with the position of the sensing device underneath. Thus, user 101 may slide their fingers along the rear surface to affect a dynamic output 801.

As described, the output 801 is activated by means of at least one force sensing element, and the dynamic output is determined by a plurality of capacitive sensing elements once the force threshold has been determined. In the embodiment, output 801 is shown to output bars of different heights corresponding to the position of the user’s fingers. In contrast, output 802 is shown to output bars of a single height as the user is not presently activating those bars on the rear surface of the electronic device 102. These representations may correspond to operations on electronic device 102, such as the volume or brightness from electronic device 102.

In the embodiment, as the user’s finger moves across the rear surface of electronic device 102, interpolation between each electrode and determination of the change in capacitance occurs to calculate the change in positional data (x, y) from the plurality of capacitive elements in response to the moving pressure input from the user. This then allows for a corresponding output to the moving pressure input following processing from the processor. In this embodiment, the moving pressure input comprises a sliding gesture along the rear surface of the electronic device 102.

In the embodiment, the output may be configured to adjust the audio output, such as a volume output from the electronic device. In an alternative embodiment, the output may be configured to adjust a visual output from the electronic device. It is appreciated that the moving pressure input gesture may be utilised to provide any other suitable output to electronic device 102.

The arrangement provides an improved user experience for interacting with a device using a linear slider. By using both capacitive and force sensing in combination, the slider allows the user to activate the slider and determine a relative or absolute position on the slider. In addition, capacitive scanning is not enabled until the force input is detected which saves power and reduces the problems of false touch.

Claims

CLAIMS The invention claimed is:

1. Apparatus for providing an output in response to a mechanical interaction, comprising: a touch screen comprising a display viewable on a front surface of said apparatus; a sensing device positioned on a rear surface of said apparatus, said rear surface being substantially opposite to said front surface; wherein said sensing device comprises a force sensing element and a capacitive sensing element; and said force sensing element is activated by an application of a mechanical interaction on said rear surface, and said capacitive sensing element is configured to provide positional data in response to said activation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said mechanical interaction comprises an application of force or pressure.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said force sensing element comprises a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a pressure sensitive layer positioned between said first conductive layer and said second conductive layer.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said pressure sensitive layer comprises a material configured to change resistance in response to a pressure applied.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said force sensing element is configured to provide an indication of a magnitude of an applied force.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said capacitive sensing element is configured to provide an indication of position of an applied force.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a processor configured to scan said force sensing element and capacitive sensing element for an output

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said processor only scans for an output from said capacitive sensing element once a threshold input to said force sensing element has been reached.

9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus further comprises a processor configured to provide an output on said display in response to a signal from said sensing device.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said processor is configured to: calculate positional data of said mechanical interaction; process said positional data to determine an input configuration; and provide an output to said display over an area unobscured by said input configuration.

11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said sensing device comprises a plurality of capacitive sensing elements and a plurality of force sensing elements, said sensing device being positioned around the edge of said rear surface of said electronic device.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, said apparatus comprising a plurality of capacitive sensing elements and at least one force sensing element, wherein said processor is configured to: 14 activate said plurality of capacitive sensing elements in response to an applied pressure determined by said at least one force sensing element; interpolate positional data from said plurality of capacitive sensing elements in response to a moving pressure input applied to said rear surface; and provide an output corresponding to said moving pressure input on said display.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said moving pressure input comprises a sliding gesture along said rear surface of said apparatus.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said output is configured to adjust an audio output from said electronic device.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said output is configured to adjust a visual output from said electronic device.

16. An electronic device comprising the apparatus of any preceding claim.

17. A method of providing an output in response to a mechanical interaction, comprising the steps of: applying a mechanical interaction to a rear surface of an apparatus comprising a sensing device positioned on said rear surface; activating a force sensing element of said sensing device in response to said mechanical interaction; activating a capacitive sensing element of said sensing device following said activation of said force sensing element; providing positional data from said capacitive sensing element in response to said activation; and providing an output to a display on a front surface of said apparatus 15 according to said positional data.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of: determining said mechanical interaction exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure; calculating positional data of said mechanical interaction; processing said positional data to determine an input configuration; and providing an output to said display over an area unobscured by said input configuration.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of: recalculating positional data to determine a further input configuration on said apparatus; and moving said output to said display in accordance with said recalculated positional data.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said sensing device comprises at least one force sensing element and a plurality of capacitive sensing elements, and further comprising the steps of: activating said plurality of capacitive sensing elements in response to said mechanical interaction determined by said at least one force sensing element; applying a moving pressure input to said rear surface; interpolating positional data from said plurality of capacitive sensing elements in response to said moving pressure input; and providing an output corresponding to said moving pressure input on said display.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein said step of applying a moving pressure input comprises applying a sliding gesture along said rear surface of said apparatus.