18449551. PROXIMITY DETECTION FOR TOUCH INPUT DEVICES simplified abstract (APPLE INC.)

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PROXIMITY DETECTION FOR TOUCH INPUT DEVICES

Organization Name

APPLE INC.

Inventor(s)

Tavys Q. Ashcroft of San Jose CA (US)

PROXIMITY DETECTION FOR TOUCH INPUT DEVICES - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18449551 titled 'PROXIMITY DETECTION FOR TOUCH INPUT DEVICES

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a technology that uses sensors to detect user objects in different zones of a touch screen interface, reducing power consumption of the device.

  • The technology uses at least one object sensor with a larger detection range than the touch screen sensor.
  • The touch screen sensor can enter a low power state until the object sensor detects a user object approaching the touch screen.
  • Object sensors are positioned around or within the touch screen's interaction area.
  • The object sensors consume less power than the touch screen sensors, improving the device's battery life and energy efficiency.
  • Object sensors can also detect gestures and user object positioning.

Potential Applications

This technology can have various applications in electronic devices, such as:

  • Smartphones and tablets
  • Laptops and computers
  • Gaming consoles and controllers
  • Automotive touch screen interfaces
  • Public touch screen kiosks

Problems Solved

The technology addresses the following problems:

  • High power consumption of touch screen interfaces, especially when the device is in a suspended or sleep state.
  • Limited battery life of electronic devices due to continuous touch screen sensor operation.
  • Inefficient use of power by touch screen sensors when no user object is present.

Benefits

The technology offers several benefits:

  • Extended standby battery life for electronic devices.
  • More energy-efficient operation, reducing the need for frequent charging.
  • Improved user experience by reducing power consumption without compromising touch screen functionality.
  • Enhanced gesture recognition and object positioning capabilities.


Original Abstract Submitted

Sensors capable of detection of user objects within different detection zones can be used to reduce power consumption of a touch screen interface of an electronic device, even while the device is in a suspended or sleep state. At least one object sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, has a detection zone or range exceeding the range of a touch screen sensor, so the touch screen sensor can be placed into a low power state until the object sensor detects a user object in a position approaching the touch screen. The object sensor(s) are positioned around or within the perimeter of the interaction area of the touch screen. The object sensor(s) can have less power consumption than the touch screen sensors, so the electronic device can have extended standby battery life or other more energy efficient operation. Object sensors are also used to detect gestures or user object positioning.

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