I-Corps: Dimensional touch: pressure-sensitive touchscreens for mobile applications

最常见的触屏类型——电容式触屏——能够检测触摸的位置，但不能检测力度。压力感应触摸屏技术的开发，可以测量触摸的位置以及施加的力的大小，这对于下一代手机和交互式电子产品（包括先进的3D导航、图形设计、触控笔操作和医疗保健）的发展至关重要。这个I-Corps团队开发了一种压敏触摸屏技术，可以在成本和性能上与电容技术竞争。拟议中的触摸屏可以检测用户触摸的位置和力度，有可能在增加新功能的同时取代电容式触摸屏，并颠覆触摸屏技术市场。主要的手机制造商可以在发布旗舰设备的头三天内销售多达1300万部。最近几代的手机都采用了“3D Touch”技术，该技术允许与移动应用程序进行两级、基于力的交互，可变范围的压敏触摸屏尚未开发。目前采用的技术使显示器单位重量从12克增加到29克。提出的技术提供可变范围的压力灵敏度和额外的功能，而不会增加显示器的重量。重量的减少将导致销售前三天的运输重量减少约20万公斤，减少运输和能源成本，更不用说提供增强的用户体验。因此，拟议中的技术将允许“3D触摸”功能，从而促进更便宜的手机型号和改善用户与手机的互动。此外，这项技术带来了更符合人体工程学的键盘，减少了用户的疲劳。压敏触摸屏的应用范围远远超出了手机，几乎任何需要模拟输入力和压力的远程/触摸屏控制，包括转向，医疗，机械和军事领域。通过NSF国家I-Corps项目，这个I-Corps团队将采访100位触摸屏行业联系人，包括潜在客户、合作伙伴和顾问。

The most common type of touchscreen - capacitive touchscreen - is capable of detecting the location of touch, but not the amount of force. The development of a pressure-sensitive touchscreen technology that can measure the location of touch as well as the amount of force applied is crucial for empowering next generation cell-phone and interactive electronics including advanced 3D navigation, graphic design, stylus operation, and medical care. This I-Corps team has developed a pressure sensitive touchscreen technology that can compete with capacitive technology on both cost and performance. The proposed touchscreen can detect where and how hard the user is touching, has the potential to replace the capacitive touchscreen while adding new features, and disrupt the touchscreen technology market. Major cell phone manufacturers can sell up to 13 million units within the first three days of launch of a flagship device. Most recent generations of cell phones incorporate the "3D Touch" technology that allows two-level, force-based interaction with mobile apps, and variable range pressure sensitive touch screens are yet to be developed. The technology currently employed causes an increased display unit weight from 12 grams to 29 grams. The proposed technology provides variable range pressure sensitivity and additional functionality without increasing the display weight. The weight savings would lead to a reduction of shipping weight by about 200,000 kilograms for the first three days of sales, reducing transportation and energy costs, not to mention providing enhanced user experiences. Therefore, the proposed technology would allow "3D Touch" functionality that facilitates cheaper phone models and improved user-phone interaction. Additionally, this technology results in more ergonomic keyboards and reduces user fatigue. The application of the pressure sensitive touch screen extends well beyond cell phones to virtually any remote/touchscreen control that requires analog input of forces and pressures, including steering, medical, mechanical, and military domains. Through the NSF National I-Corps program, this I-Corps Team will interview 100 touchscreen industry contacts, including potential customers, partners, and advisors.