In late September 2017, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Samsung revealing a possible future feature for their Notebook line. Not only could they provide a force touch pad but also one that could recognize gestures as noted in our cover graphic.
Samsung's invention covers an electronic device that includes a multi-layer panel. A first upper electrode and a first lower electrode are disposed in different respective layers respectively of the multi-layer panel. A second upper electrode and a second lower electrode are disposed in different respective layers of the multi-layer panel. A first controller is configured to detect a touch input by detecting a change in an electromagnetic field between the first upper electrode and the first lower electrode.
A second controller is configured to detect a contactless user input by detecting a change in an electromagnetic field between the second upper electrode and the second lower electrode. Fig. 19 below illustrates a gesture being recognized by this future Samsung notebook.
Samsung notes that the method involves initially recognizing a contactless input by detecting a presence of a user appendage in proximity to a top surface of the touchpad at a region of the touchpad at which an electromagnetic field for contactless interaction is generated. The contactless input may be processed as a gesture input if the presence of the user appendage is detected for less than or equal to a threshold period of time. The contactless input may be ignored if the presence of the appendage is detected for greater than the threshold period of time. In the latter case, the contactless input may be recognized as an unintentional input, so that the keyboard may be utilized unimpeded.
Samsung filed their U.S. patent application back in June 2017. Considering that this is a patent application, the timing of such a product to market is unknown at this time.
Patently Mobile presents a detailed summary of patent applications with associated graphics for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent application should be read in its entirety for full and accurate details. About Posting Comments: Patently Mobile reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.
Comments