iPhone 6S Capacitive pressure sensors

[mjz147]

I have done some research on the Capacitive pressure sensors on the new iPhone 6S and 6S+ and was looking for more information on the technology.
I have done some reading from google searches and through the iOS developers page. Does anyone here have any experience in engineering and could explain as simply as possible how exactly the technology in the iPhone works.
I understand the (2) different pressure methods that the user can use to open up a shortcut in the app, but I want to know HOW the iPhone recognizes the force of the touch. Is it strictly a Capacitive "receptor" if you will that measures the amount of electricity from your finger, OR does the iPhone have the capability to detect physical pushing of an object to the screen.
I know the difference between the Resistive touch screen's on the older technology (needed stylus) or to physically push down on the screen HARD to recognize the input.

My question is a bit difficult so I will try to describe it as simply as possible, Does the iPhone strictly register touches (peek and pop, press down a bit to peek, press even harder to pop) through ONLY the electric energy from our fingers OR is there other technology beneath the capacitive sensor that will detect physical force (not JUST from Electric current) Not asking if a stylus will work, but rather if the new iPhone's screen is ONLY capable of detecting electric input from your fingers if you will.

 

[Tyler23]

I have done some research on the Capacitive pressure sensors on the new iPhone 6S and 6S+ and was looking for more information on the technology.
I have done some reading from google searches and through the iOS developers page. Does anyone here have any experience in engineering and could explain as simply as possible how exactly the technology in the iPhone works.
I understand the (2) different pressure methods that the user can use to open up a shortcut in the app, but I want to know HOW the iPhone recognizes the force of the touch. Is it strictly a Capacitive "receptor" if you will that measures the amount of electricity from your finger, OR does the iPhone have the capability to detect physical pushing of an object to the screen.
I know the difference between the Resistive touch screen's on the older technology (needed stylus) or to physically push down on the screen HARD to recognize the input.

My question is a bit difficult so I will try to describe it as simply as possible, Does the iPhone strictly register touches (peek and pop, press down a bit to peek, press even harder to pop) through ONLY the electric energy from our fingers OR is there other technology beneath the capacitive sensor that will detect physical force (not JUST from Electric current) Not asking if a stylus will work, but rather if the new iPhone's screen is ONLY capable of detecting electric input from your fingers if you will.

Just a quick question (I know nothing of the technology), but if it was just measuring electric output from your finger, how would it tell the difference between just resting your finger on the screen and pushing harder?

Wouldn't it have to measure actual force? From Apple's video on the subject I think it's measuring actual force.

 

[mjz147]

that

Just a quick question (I know nothing of the technology), but if it was just measuring electric output from your finger, how would it tell the difference between just resting your finger on the screen and pushing harder?

Wouldn't it have to measure actual force? From Apple's video on the subject I think it's measuring actual force.

That's where I am a bit confused as well! I understand a LITTLE bit of the capacitive screen technology. From my understanding, (and correct me if I am mistaken) but the jist of it is, it recognizes user input through the small amount of electric current that are body has, the smallest touch from our finger is enough for the screen to sense that there is "active electric current" if you will somewhere on the screen and it can determine where on the screen the touch occurred.
My question is, is the new technology, simply able to recognize force through strictly capacitive input, (the harder you push the more electric current in that one area) OR is there more technology at play here? if so WHAT lol?

 

[Jman13]

It registers physical pressure. There are sensors between the backlight and the glass that send the distant the glass is being pushed in (using capacitance) to determine pressure.

 

[mjz147]

It registers physical pressure. There are sensors between the backlight and the glass that send the distant the glass is being pushed in (using capacitance) to determine pressure.

So using "capacitance" means then that it is ONLY able to measure by the touch of a finger correct (electric current)?

 

[Jman13]

So using "capacitance" means then that it is ONLY able to measure by the touch of a finger correct (electric current)?

Well, the pressure sensitivity will only activate if you're using something conductive to tap in the first place, as it works in conjunction with the normal capacitive layer on the surface to pinpoint location. The pressure sensitivity is then measured between the sensors and the screen glass.

It doesn't matter how much of your finger is touching. Deep pressing with just a sliver of skin and mostly fingernail will still activate a 3D touch. laying a big fat finger all the way across something still just registers a normal touch.

 

[mjz147]

Well, the pressure sensitivity will only activate if you're using something conductive to tap in the first place, as it works in conjunction with the normal capacitive layer on the surface to pinpoint location. The pressure sensitivity is then measured between the sensors and the screen glass.

It doesn't matter how much of your finger is touching. Deep pressing with just a sliver of skin and mostly fingernail will still activate a 3D touch. laying a big fat finger all the way across something still just registers a normal touch.

So is the touch screen able to detect/recognize something that is non conductive?

 

[Jman13]

So is the touch screen able to detect/recognize something that is non conductive?

No.

 

[mjz147]

that clears up what I wanted to find out, Thanks!