Active input sensing using area scanning

Abstract

Aspects described herein include a method, an associated input device, and a processing system. The method includes dividing a sensing area into a plurality of regions. The sensing areas are defined by a plurality of sensor electrodes. Each of the plurality of regions partially overlaps with one or more other regions. The method also includes detecting the presence of an active input device by a first sensor electrode during at least a first active input sensing sub-period. The method also includes selecting a first region of the plurality of regions including the first sensor electrode based on a position of the first sensor electrode. The method also includes determining the position of the active input device using the sensor electrodes included in the first region during at least a second active input sensing sub-period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to electronic devices. Background Art

[0002] Input devices including proximity sensor devices (also commonly referred to as touchpads or touch sensor devices) are widely used in a variety of electronic systems. Proximity sensor devices typically include a sensing area, often distinguished by a surface, in which the proximity sensor device determines the presence, position, and / or motion of one or more input objects. Proximity sensor devices can be used to provide an interface for an electronic system. For example, proximity sensor devices are often used as input devices for larger computing systems (such as opaque touchpads integrated into or on the periphery of laptops or desktop computers). Proximity sensor devices are also often used in smaller computing systems (such as touch screens integrated into cellular phones). Summary of the Invention

[0003] One embodiment described herein is a method for sensing during one or more sensing periods, each sensing period including a touch sensing sub-period and at least one active input sensing sub-period. The method includes dividing a sensing area into a plurality of regions, wherein the sensing area is defined by a plurality of sensor electrodes, and wherein each region in the plurality of regions partially overlaps with one or more other regions in the plurality of regions. The method also includes detecting the presence of an active input device by a first sensor electrode from a plurality of sensor electrodes during at least a first active input sensing sub-period of a first sensing period. The method also includes selecting a first region from a plurality of regions including the first sensor electrode based on a position of the first sensor electrode. The method also includes determining the position of the active input device using a sensor electrode from the plurality of sensor electrodes included in the first region during at least a second active input sensing sub-period.

[0004] Another embodiment described herein is an input device that includes a plurality of sensor electrodes defining a sensing area, and a processing system configured to divide the sensing area into a plurality of regions, wherein each region in the plurality of regions partially overlaps with one or more other regions in the plurality of regions. The processing system is further configured to detect the presence of an active input device by a first sensor electrode in the plurality of sensor electrodes during at least a first active input sensing sub-period of a first sensing period that includes a touch sensing sub-period and at least one active input sensing sub-period. The processing system is further configured to select a first region in the plurality of regions that includes the first sensor electrode based on a position of the first sensor electrode. The processing system is further configured to determine the position of the active input device using a sensor electrode in the plurality of sensor electrodes included in the first region during at least a second active input sensing sub-period.

[0005] Another embodiment described herein is a processing system for operating a plurality of sensor electrodes defining a sensing area. The processing system includes a sensor circuit configured to divide the sensing area into a plurality of regions, wherein each region of the plurality of regions partially overlaps with one or more other regions of the plurality of regions. The sensor circuit is further configured to detect the presence of an active input device by a first sensor electrode of the plurality of sensor electrodes during at least a first active input sensing sub-period of a first sensing period that includes a touch sensing sub-period and at least one active input sensing sub-period. The sensor circuit is further configured to select a first region of the plurality of regions including the first sensor electrode based on a position of the first sensor electrode. The sensor circuit is further configured to determine the position of the active input device using a sensor electrode of the plurality of sensor electrodes included in the first region during at least a second active input sensing sub-period. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In order that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present disclosure may be understood in detail, a more particular description of the present disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope of the invention, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an input device according to one or more embodiments.

[0008] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Portions of an exemplary sensor electrode implementation are illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary processing system in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 5 is an exemplary timing diagram for sensing an active input device configured to transmit multiple frequencies in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 6 A method of performing sensing using partially overlapping areas of sensing regions according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sensing area divided into partially overlapping areas along one dimension according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 8 and Figure 9is a schematic diagram illustrating other techniques for detecting the presence of an active input device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0014] Figure 10 and 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating determining a position of an input device according to one or more embodiments.

[0015] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sensing area divided into partially overlapping areas along two dimensions according to one or more embodiments.

[0016] To facilitate understanding, the same reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be used in other embodiments without specific description. Unless specifically noted, the drawings discussed herein should not be understood as being drawn to scale. Furthermore, the drawings are often simplified and details or components are omitted for clarity of presentation and explanation. The drawings and discussion serve to illustrate the principles discussed below, where identical reference numerals denote identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the application and use of the present disclosure. In addition, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing background technology, summary of the invention or the following detailed description.

[0018] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide input devices and methods for improving usability. The input device may include electrodes that are operated as sensor electrodes to detect interaction between the input device and an input object (e.g., a stylus or a user's finger). To detect passive input objects, the input device typically drives a sensing signal onto the sensor electrodes to obtain capacitive measurements and / or force measurements corresponding to the sensing area. To detect active input objects, the input device typically obtains capacitive measurements without driving a sensing signal.

[0019] The location of the active input device can be determined by scanning all sensor electrodes of the sensing area (e.g., an active input sensing frame). However, scanning the entire sensing area may be cost-prohibitive in terms of hardware (e.g., receiver circuitry) and / or the amount of active input sensing time. According to one or more embodiments, the sensing area is divided into a plurality of partially overlapping regions. When the presence of an active input device is detected by a particular sensor electrode, one of the partially overlapping regions including the sensor electrode is selected. The location of the active input device is determined using the sensor electrodes included in the selected region. In this way, relatively little hardware is required to complete active input sensing in a suitable amount of active input sensing time. In other embodiments, active input sensing performance can be improved by performing more concentrated active input sensing in the selected region.

[0020] Exemplary Input Device Implementations

[0021] Figure 1 1 is a schematic block diagram of an input device 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology. In various embodiments, the input device 100 includes a display device integrated with a sensing device. The input device 100 can be configured to provide input to an electronic system 150. As used in this document, the term "electronic system" (or "electronic device") broadly refers to any system that can electronically process information. Some non-limiting examples of electronic systems include personal computers of all sizes and shapes, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, netbook computers, tablet computers, web browsers, e-book readers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Additional example electronic systems include composite input devices, such as a physical keyboard including the input device 100 and a separate joystick or key switch. Other example electronic systems include peripherals, such as data input devices (including remote controls and mice) and data output devices (including display screens and printers). Other examples include remote terminals, kiosks, and video game consoles (e.g., video game consoles, portable game devices, etc.). Other examples include communication devices (including cellular phones such as smartphones) and media devices (including recorders, editors and players such as televisions, set-top boxes, music players, digital photo frames and digital cameras). Additionally, the electronic system can be a host or slave to the input device.

[0022] The input device 100 may be implemented as a physical part of the electronic system, or may be physically separate from the electronic system. As appropriate, the input device 100 may communicate with portions of the electronic system using any one or more of the following: a bus, a network, and other wired or wireless interconnects. Example communication protocols include Inter-Integrated Circuit (IC) 2 C), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Personal System / 2 (PS / 2), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Radio Frequency (RF) and Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communications protocols.

[0023] exist Figure 1 , the input device 100 is shown as a proximity sensor device (also often referred to as a "touchpad" or "touch sensor device") that is configured to sense input provided by one or more input objects 140 in a sensing area 170. Example input objects include fingers and styluses, such as Figure 1 As shown in .

[0024] The sensing region 170 encompasses any space above, around, within, and / or near the input device 100 in which the input device 100 is capable of detecting user input (e.g., user input provided by one or more input objects 140). The size, shape, and location of a particular sensing region can vary widely depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the sensing region 170 extends from the surface of the input device 100 in one or more directions into space until the signal-to-noise ratio prevents sufficiently accurate object detection. In various embodiments, the distance to which the sensing region 170 extends in a particular direction can be on the order of less than a millimeter, several millimeters, several centimeters, or more, and can vary significantly depending on the type of sensing technology used and the desired accuracy. Thus, in some embodiments, sensed input can include: no contact with any surface of the input device 100, contact with an input surface of the input device 100 (e.g., a touch surface), contact with an input surface of the input device 100 coupled with some amount of applied force or pressure, and / or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the input surface can be provided by a surface of a housing (in which the sensor electrodes are located), a panel or any housing applied over the sensor electrodes, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the sensing area 170 has a rectangular shape when projected onto the input surface of the input device 100 .

[0025] The input device 100 can utilize any combination of sensor components and sensing technologies to detect user input in the sensing area 170. The input device 100 includes a plurality of sensor electrodes 120 for detecting user input. The input device 100 can include one or more sensor electrodes 120 combined to form a sensor electrode. As several non-limiting examples, the input device 100 can use capacitive, elastic, resistive, inductive, magnetoacoustic, ultrasonic, and / or optical technologies.

[0026] Some implementations are configured to provide images spanning one, two, three, or higher dimensional spaces.Some implementations are configured to provide projections of input along particular axes or planes.

[0027] In some resistive implementations of the input device 100, a flexible and conductive first layer is separated from a conductive second layer by one or more spacer elements. During operation, one or more voltage gradients are created across the layers. Pressing the flexible first layer can cause it to deflect sufficiently to create electrical contact between the layers, resulting in a voltage output reflecting the contact point(s) between the layers. These voltage outputs can be used to determine position information.

[0028] In some inductive implementations of the input device 100, one or more sensor electrodes 120 collect a loop current induced by a resonant coil or coil pair. Some combination of the current's amplitude, phase, and frequency can then be used to determine position information.

[0029] In some capacitive implementations of input device 100, a voltage or current is applied to create an electric field. Nearby input objects cause changes in the electric field and produce detectable changes in capacitive coupling, which can be detected as changes in voltage, current, etc.

[0030] Some capacitive implementations utilize arrays or other regular or irregular patterns of capacitive sensor electrodes 120 to create an electric field. In some capacitive implementations, separate sensor electrodes 120 can be ohmically shorted together to form a larger sensor electrode. Some capacitive implementations utilize a resistive sheet, which can be uniformly resistive.

[0031] As described above, some capacitive implementations utilize a "self-capacitance" (or "absolute capacitance") sensing method based on changes in the capacitive coupling between the sensor electrodes 120 and the input object. In one embodiment, the processing system 110 is configured to drive a voltage having a known amplitude onto the sensor electrodes 120 and measure the amount of charge required to charge the sensor electrodes to the driving voltage. In other embodiments, the processing system 110 is configured to drive a known current and measure the resulting voltage. In various embodiments, an input object near the sensor electrodes 120 changes the electric field near the sensor electrodes 120, thereby changing the measured capacitive coupling. In one implementation, the absolute capacitance sensing method operates by modulating the sensor electrodes 120 relative to a reference voltage (e.g., system ground) using a modulated signal and by detecting the capacitive coupling between the sensor electrodes 120 and the input object 140.

[0032] Additionally, as discussed above, some capacitive implementations utilize a "mutual capacitance" (or "transcapacitive") sensing method based on changes in the capacitive coupling between sensing electrodes. In various embodiments, an input object 140 in the vicinity of the sensing electrodes changes the electric field between the sensing electrodes, thereby changing the measured capacitive coupling. In one implementation, the transcapacitive sensing method operates by detecting the capacitive coupling between one or more transmitter sensing electrodes (also referred to as "transmitter electrodes") and one or more receiver sensing electrodes (also referred to as "receiver electrodes"), as further described below. The transmitter sensing electrodes can be electrically modulated relative to a reference voltage (e.g., system ground) to transmit a transmitter signal. The receiver sensing electrodes can be maintained substantially constant relative to the reference voltage to facilitate receiving the resulting signal. The resulting signal can include (one or more) effects corresponding to the one or more transmitter signals and / or corresponding to one or more sources of environmental interference (e.g., other electromagnetic signals). The sensing electrodes can be dedicated transmitter electrodes or receiver electrodes, or can be configured to both transmit and receive.

[0033] exist Figure 1 , the processing system 110 is shown as part of the input device 100. The processing system 110 is configured to operate the hardware of the input device 100 to detect input in the sensing area 170. The processing system 110 includes part or all of one or more integrated circuits (ICs) and / or other circuit components. For example, a processing system for a mutual capacitance sensor device may include a transmitter circuit configured to transmit a signal using a transmitter sensor electrode, and / or a receiver circuit configured to receive a signal using a receiver sensor electrode. In some embodiments, the processing system 110 also includes electronically readable instructions, such as firmware code, software code, etc. In some embodiments, the components that make up the processing system 110 are located together, such as near the (one or more) sensor electrodes 120 of the input device 100. In other embodiments, the components of the processing system 110 are physically separated, with one or more components being near the (one or more) sensor electrodes 120 of the input device 100 and one or more components being elsewhere. For example, the input device 100 can be a peripheral device coupled to a desktop computer, and the processing system 110 can include software configured to run on the desktop computer's central processing unit and one or more ICs (possibly with associated firmware) separate from the central processing unit. As another example, the input device 100 can be physically integrated into a mobile device such as a phone, and the processing system 110 can include circuitry and firmware that is part of the phone's main processor. In some embodiments, the processing system 110 is dedicated to implementing the input device 100. In other embodiments, the processing system 110 also performs other functions, such as operating a display screen, driving a haptic actuator, etc.

[0034] The processing system 110 can be implemented as a collection of modules that handle different functions of the processing system 110. Each module can include circuitry, firmware, software, or a combination thereof that is part of the processing system 110. In various embodiments, different combinations of modules can be used. Example modules include hardware operation modules for operating hardware such as sensor electrodes and display screens, data processing modules for processing data such as sensor signals and position information, and reporting modules for reporting information. Additional example modules include sensor operation modules configured to operate sensor electrodes 120 to detect input, recognition modules configured to recognize gestures such as mode change gestures, and mode change modules for changing operating modes. The processing system 110 can also include one or more controllers.

[0035] In some embodiments, processing system 110 responds directly to user input (or lack of user input) in sensing area 170 by causing one or more actions. Example actions include changing operating modes, as well as graphical user interface (GUI) actions such as cursor movement, selection, menu navigation, and other functions. In some embodiments, processing system 110 provides information about the input (or lack of input) to some portion of the electronic system (e.g., to a central processing system of the electronic system that is separate from processing system 110, if such a separate central processing system exists). In some embodiments, some portion of the electronic system processes the information received from processing system 110 to act on the user input, such as to facilitate a full range of actions, including mode change actions and GUI actions.

[0036] For example, in some embodiments, the processing system 110 operates the sensor electrode(s) 120 of the input device 100 to generate an electrical signal indicating an input (or lack of input) in the sensing area 170. The processing system 110 can perform any appropriate amount of processing on the electrical signal in generating information provided to the electronic system. For example, the processing system 110 can digitize the analog electrical signal obtained from the sensor electrodes 120. As another example, the processing system 110 can perform filtering or other signal conditioning. As yet another example, the processing system 110 can subtract or otherwise account for a baseline so that the information reflects the difference between the electrical signal and the baseline. As yet another example, the processing system 110 can determine position information, recognize input as a command, recognize handwriting, and the like.

[0037] As used herein, "position information" broadly encompasses absolute position, relative position, velocity, acceleration, and other types of spatial information. Exemplary "zero-dimensional" position information includes near / far or contact / no-contact information. Exemplary "one-dimensional" position information includes position along an axis. Exemplary "two-dimensional" position information includes motion in a plane. Exemplary "three-dimensional" position information includes instantaneous or average velocity in space. Additional examples include other representations of spatial information. Historical data regarding one or more types of position information may also be determined and / or stored, including, for example, historical data tracking position, motion, or instantaneous velocity over time.

[0038] In some embodiments, input device 100 is implemented with additional input components that are operated by processing system 110 or by some other processing system. These additional input components may provide redundant functionality for input in sensing region 170 or some other functionality. Figure 1 A button 130 is shown near a sensing area 170, which can be used to facilitate selection of items using the input device 100. Other types of additional input components include sliders, balls, wheels, switches, etc. Conversely, in some embodiments, the input device 100 can be implemented without additional input components.

[0039] In some embodiments, the input device 100 includes a touch screen interface, and the sensing area 170 overlaps at least partially with the active area of ​​the display screen of the display device 160. For example, the input device 100 may include a substantially transparent sensor electrode 120 covering the display screen and providing a touch screen interface for the associated electronic system. The display screen can be any type of dynamic display capable of displaying a visual interface to the user, and can include any type of light emitting diode (LED), organic LED (OLED), cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, electroluminescence (EL) or other display technology. The input device 100 and the display device 160 can share physical elements. For example, some embodiments can utilize some of the same electrical components for display and sensing. As another example, the display device 160 can be operated in part or in whole by the processing system 110.

[0040] It should be understood that while many embodiments of the present technology are described in the context of a fully functioning device, the mechanisms of the present technology can be distributed as a program product (e.g., software) in a variety of forms. For example, the mechanisms of the present technology can be implemented and distributed as a software program on an information bearing medium readable by an electronic processor (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable and / or recordable / writable information bearing medium readable by processing system 110). Additionally, embodiments of the present technology apply equally regardless of the particular type of medium used to perform the distribution. Examples of non-transitory electronically readable media include various disks, memory sticks, memory cards, memory modules, etc. Electronically readable media can be based on flash, optical, magnetic, holographic, or any other storage technology.

[0041] Exemplary sensor electrode implementations

[0042] Figure 2 and Figure 3 FIGURE 2 illustrates a portion of an exemplary sensor electrode arrangement according to embodiments described herein. Specifically, arrangement 200 ( Figure 2 ) illustrates a portion of a pattern of sensor electrodes configured to sense in a sensing area 170 associated with the pattern, according to several embodiments. For clarity of illustration and description, Figure 2 The sensor electrodes are shown in a simple rectangular pattern, and various associated components are not shown. The pattern of sensing electrodes includes a first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 (e.g., 205-1, 205-2, 205-3, 205-4) and a second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 (e.g., 215-1, 215-2, 215-3, 215-4). Sensor electrodes 205, 215 are each an example of sensor electrodes 120 discussed above. In one embodiment, processing system 110 operates first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 as a plurality of transmitter electrodes and second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 as a plurality of receiver electrodes. In another embodiment, processing system 110 operates first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 and second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 as absolute capacitive sensing electrodes.

[0043] The first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 and the second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 are typically ohmically isolated from one another. That is, one or more insulators separate the first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 from the second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 and prevent them from electrically shorting to one another. In some embodiments, the first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 and the second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 can be disposed on a common layer. The plurality of sensor electrodes 205, 215 can be electrically separated by an insulating material disposed between them at the intersection; in such a configuration, the first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 and / or the second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 can be formed with jumpers connecting different portions of the same electrode. In some embodiments, the first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 and the second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 are separated by one or more layers of insulating material. In some embodiments, the first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 and the second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 are separated by one or more substrates; for example, they can be disposed on opposite sides of the same substrate, or on different substrates laminated together.

[0044] The plurality of sensor electrodes 205, 215 can be formed into any desired shape. Moreover, the size and / or shape of the sensor electrode 205 can be different from the size and / or shape of the sensor electrode 215. Additionally, the sensor electrodes 205, 215 located on the same side of the substrate can have different shapes and / or sizes. In one embodiment, the first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 can be larger (e.g., have a larger surface area) than the second plurality of sensor electrodes 215, but this is not required. In other embodiments, the first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 and the second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 can have similar sizes and / or shapes.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 extend substantially in a first direction, and the second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 extend substantially in a second direction. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 extend in one direction, while second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to sensor electrodes 205. Other orientations are possible (eg, parallel or other relative orientations).

[0046] In some embodiments, both the first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 and the second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 are located outside of the multiple (or display stack) layers that together form the display device 160. An example of a display stack may include layers such as a lens layer, one or more polarizer layers, a color filter layer, one or more display electrode layers, a display material layer, a thin film transistor (TFT) glass layer, and a backlight layer. However, other implementations of a display stack are possible. In other embodiments, one or both of the first plurality of sensor electrodes 205 and the second plurality of sensor electrodes 215 are located within the display stack, whether included as part of a display-related layer or as a separate layer. For example, a Vcom electrode within a particular display electrode layer can be configured to perform both display updating and capacitive sensing.

[0047] Figure 3 Arrangement 300 illustrates a portion of a pattern of sensor electrodes configured to sense in sensing region 170 according to several embodiments. For clarity of illustration and description, Figure 3 The sensor electrodes 120 are shown in a simple rectangular pattern and other associated components are not shown. The exemplary pattern includes sensor electrodes 120 arranged in X columns and Y rows. X，Y , where X and Y are positive integers, although one of X and Y may be zero. It is contemplated that the pattern of sensor electrodes 120 may have other configurations, such as an annular array, a repeating pattern, a non-repeating pattern, a single row or column, or other suitable implementations. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the number of sensor electrodes 120 may vary from row to row and / or from column to column. In one embodiment, at least one row and / or column of sensor electrodes 120 is offset from the others such that it extends further in at least one direction than in other directions. The sensor electrodes 120 are coupled to the processing system 110 and used to determine the presence (or absence) of an input object in the sensing area 170.

[0048] In the first operating mode, the sensor electrodes 120 (120 1，1 , 120 2，1 , 120 3，1 ,……,120 X，Y ) arrangement can be used to detect the presence of an input object via absolute sensing techniques. That is, the processing system 110 is configured to modulate the sensor electrodes 120 to obtain measurements of changes in capacitive coupling between the modulated sensor electrodes 120 and the input object to determine the position of the input object. The processing system 110 is further configured to determine a change in absolute capacitance based on the measurements of the resulting signals received using the modulated sensor electrodes 120.

[0049] In some embodiments, arrangement 300 includes one or more grid electrodes (not shown) disposed between at least two of sensor electrodes 120. The grid electrode(s) may at least partially surround a plurality of sensor electrodes 120 as a group, and may also, or in the alternative, completely or partially surround one or more of sensor electrodes 120. In one embodiment, the grid electrode is a planar body having a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture surrounds a respective one of sensor electrodes 120. In other embodiments, the grid electrode(s) include a plurality of segments that can be driven individually or in groups of two or more segments. The grid electrode(s) may be manufactured similarly to sensor electrodes 120. The grid electrode(s) along with sensor electrodes 120 may be coupled to processing system 110 using conductive routing traces and used for input object detection.

[0050] The sensor electrodes 120 are typically ohmically isolated from each other and are also ohmically isolated from the grid electrode(s). That is, one or more insulators separate the sensor electrodes 120 and the grid electrode(s) and prevent them from electrically shorting to each other. In some embodiments, the sensor electrodes 120 and the grid electrode(s) are separated by an insulating gap, which can be filled with an electrically insulating material, or can be an air gap. In some embodiments, the sensor electrodes 120 and the grid electrode(s) are vertically separated by one or more layers of insulating material. In some other embodiments, the sensor electrodes 120 and the grid electrode(s) are separated by one or more substrates; for example, they can be disposed on opposite sides of the same substrate, or on different substrates. In yet other embodiments, the grid electrode(s) can be comprised of multiple layers on the same substrate or on different substrates. In one embodiment, a first grid electrode can be formed on a first substrate (or a first side of a substrate), and a second grid electrode can be formed on a second substrate (or a second side of a substrate). For example, the first grid electrode comprises a layer disposed on the display device 160 ( Figure 1 ), and the second grid electrode is disposed on the color filter glass of the display device 160. The sizes of the first grid electrode and the second grid electrode may be equal or different in at least one dimension.

[0051] In the second mode of operation, when the transmitter signal is driven onto the grid electrode(s), the sensor electrodes 120 (120 1，1 , 120 2，1 , 120 3，1 ,……,120 X，Y) can be used to detect the presence of an input object via transcapacitive sensing technology. That is, the processing system 110 is configured to drive the grid electrode(s) with a transmitter signal and to receive a resulting signal with each sensor electrode 120, wherein the resulting signal includes a contribution corresponding to the transmitter signal, which is utilized by the processing system 110 or other processor to determine the position of the input object.

[0052] In a third operating mode, sensor electrodes 120 may be divided into groups of transmitter and receiver electrodes for detecting the presence of an input object via transcapacitive sensing. That is, processing system 110 may drive a first group of sensor electrodes 120 with a transmitter signal and receive a resulting signal with a second group of sensor electrodes 120, wherein the resulting signal includes an input corresponding to the transmitter signal. The resulting signal is then used by processing system 110 or another processor to determine the location of the input object.

[0053] The input device 100 may be configured to operate in any one of the above-described modes. The input device 100 may also be configured to switch between any two or more of the above-described modes.

[0054] An area of ​​capacitively coupled localized capacitive sensing may be referred to as a "capacitive pixel," "touch pixel," "tixel," etc. Capacitive pixels may be formed between individual sensor electrodes 120 and a reference voltage in a first mode of operation, between sensor electrodes 120 and grid electrode(s) in a second mode of operation, and between sensors 120 and a plurality of grid electrodes in a second mode of operation. Figure 2 The capacitive coupling varies with the proximity and movement of an input object in the sensing region 170 associated with the sensor electrodes 120 and can therefore be used as an indicator of the presence of an input object in the sensing region of the input device 100.

[0055] In some embodiments, the sensor electrodes 120 are "scanned" to determine these capacitive couplings. That is, in one embodiment, one or more of the sensor electrodes 120 are driven to transmit a transmitter signal. The transmitter can be operated so that one transmitter electrode transmits simultaneously, or so that multiple transmitter electrodes transmit simultaneously. In the case where multiple transmitter electrodes transmit simultaneously, the multiple transmitter electrodes can transmit the same transmitter signal and thereby produce an effectively larger transmitter electrode. Alternatively, the multiple transmitter electrodes can transmit different transmitter signals. For example, the multiple transmitter electrodes can transmit different transmitter signals according to one or more coding schemes that enable the combined impact of the transmitter signals on the resulting signals of the receiver electrodes to be independently determined. In one embodiment, the multiple transmitter electrodes can transmit the same transmitter signal simultaneously, and the receiver electrodes receive the impact and are measured according to the scanning scheme.

[0056] The sensor electrodes 120 configured as receiver sensor electrodes can be operated individually or in multiples to obtain the resulting signals. The resulting signals can be used to determine the measurement results of the capacitive coupling at the capacitive pixel. The processing system 110 can be configured to receive using the sensor electrodes 120 in a scanning manner and / or multiplexed manner to reduce the number of simultaneous measurements to be performed and the size of the supporting electrical structure. In one embodiment, one or more sensor electrodes are coupled to the receiver of the processing system 110 via a switching element such as a multiplexer. In such an embodiment, the switching element can be inside the processing system 110 or outside the processing system 110. In one or more embodiments, the switching element can also be configured to couple the sensor electrode 120 to a transmitter or other signal and / or voltage potential. In one embodiment, the switching element can be configured to couple more than one receiver electrode to a common receiver at the same time.

[0057] In other embodiments, "scanning" the sensor electrodes 120 to determine these capacitive couplings includes modulating one or more of the sensor electrodes and measuring the absolute capacitance of the one or more sensor electrodes. In another embodiment, the sensor electrodes can be operated such that more than one sensor electrode is driven and configured to receive at a time. In such an embodiment, absolute capacitive measurements can be obtained from each of the one or more sensor electrodes 120 simultaneously. In one embodiment, each of the sensor electrodes 120 is driven and configured to receive simultaneously, thereby obtaining absolute capacitive measurements from each of the sensor electrodes 120 simultaneously. In various embodiments, the processing system 110 can be configured to selectively modulate a portion of the sensor electrodes 120. For example, the sensor electrodes can be selected based on, but not limited to, an application running on the host processor, the state of the input device, and the operating mode of the sensing device. In various embodiments, the processing system 110 can be configured to selectively shield at least a portion of the sensor electrodes 120 and selectively shield or transmit with the grid electrode(s) 122 while selectively receiving and / or transmitting with other sensor electrodes 120.

[0058] The collection of measurements from the capacitive pixels forms a "capacitive image" (also called a "capacitive frame") that represents the capacitive coupling at the pixel. Multiple capacitive images can be acquired over multiple time periods, and the differences between them are used to derive information about the input in the sensing region. For example, consecutive capacitive images acquired over consecutive time periods can be used to track the motion of one or more input objects entering, leaving, and within the sensing region.

[0059] In any of the above embodiments, multiple sensor electrodes 120 can be combined together so that the sensor electrodes 120 are modulated simultaneously or used to receive simultaneously. Compared to the above method, combining multiple sensor electrodes together can produce a coarse capacitive image that may not be used to distinguish precise position information. However, the coarse capacitive image can be used to sense the presence of an input object. In one embodiment, the coarse capacitive image can be used to move the processing system 110 or the input device 100 out of a "doze" mode or a low power mode. In one embodiment, the coarse capacitive image can be used to move the capacitive sensing IC out of a "doze" mode or a low power mode. In another embodiment, the coarse capacitive image can be used to move at least one of the host IC and the display driver out of a "doze" mode or a low power mode. The coarse capacitive image can correspond to the entire sensor area or only a portion of the sensor area.

[0060] The background capacitance of the input device 100 is the capacitive image associated with the absence of an input object in the sensing area 170. The background capacitance varies with environmental and operating conditions and can be estimated in various ways. For example, some embodiments take "baseline images" when it is determined that no input objects are in the sensing area 170, and use those baseline images as their estimates of the background capacitance. The background capacitance or baseline capacitance can exist due to stray capacitive coupling between two sensor electrodes (one of which is driven with a modulated signal and the other remains unchanged relative to system ground), or due to stray capacitive coupling between a receiver electrode and a nearby modulated electrode. In many embodiments, the background capacitance or baseline capacitance can be relatively constant over the time period during which the user is inputting a gesture.

[0061] For more efficient processing, the capacitive image can be adjusted for the background capacitance of the input device 100. Some embodiments achieve this by “baselining” the measurements of capacitive coupling at the capacitive pixels to produce a “baselined capacitive image.” That is, some embodiments compare the measurements forming the capacitive image to the appropriate “baseline values” of a “baseline image” associated with those pixels and determine changes based on the baseline image.

[0062] In some touch screen embodiments, one or more of the sensor electrodes 120 include one or more display electrodes used in updating the display of the display screen. The display electrodes can include one or more elements of an active matrix display, such as one or more segments of a segmented Vcom electrode (common electrode(s), source drive lines, gate lines, anode subpixel electrodes or cathode pixel electrodes, or any other suitable display element. These display electrodes can be provided on an appropriate display screen substrate. For example, the common electrode can be provided on a transparent substrate (glass substrate, TFT glass, or any other transparent material) in some display screens (e.g., in-plane switching (IPS), fringe field switching (FFS), or surface-to-line switching (PLS) organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs)), on the bottom of the color filter glass in some display screens (e.g., patterned vertical alignment (PVA) or multi-domain vertical alignment (MVA)), above the emissive layer (OLED), etc. In such embodiments, the display electrode can also be referred to as a "combination electrode" because it performs multiple functions. In various embodiments, each of the sensor electrodes 120 includes one or more common electrodes. In other embodiments, at least two sensor electrodes 120 can share at least one common electrode. Although the following description may describe the sensor electrodes 120 and / or the grid electrode(s) as comprising one or more common electrodes, various other display electrodes as described above may also be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the common electrodes. In various embodiments, the sensor electrodes 120 and the grid electrode(s) comprise the entire common electrode layer (Vcom electrode).

[0063] In various touch screen embodiments, the "capacitive frame rate" (the rate at which continuous capacitive images are acquired) can be the same as or different from the "display frame rate" (the rate at which the displayed image is updated, including refreshing the screen to redisplay the same image). In various embodiments, the capacitive frame rate is an integer multiple of the display frame rate. In other embodiments, the capacitive frame rate is a fractional multiple of the display frame rate. In yet other embodiments, the capacitive frame rate can be any fractional or integer multiple of the display frame rate. In one or more embodiments, the display frame rate can be changed (e.g., to reduce power or to provide additional image data, such as 3D display information) while the touch frame rate remains constant. In other embodiments, the display frame rate can remain constant while the touch frame rate is increased or decreased.

[0064] Continue to refer Figure 3The processing system 110 coupled to the sensor electrodes 120 includes a sensor module 310 and, optionally, a display module 320. The sensor module 310 includes circuitry configured to drive at least one of the sensor electrodes 120 for capacitive sensing during a period of desired input sensing. In one embodiment, the sensor module 310 is configured to drive a modulated signal onto at least one sensor electrode 120 to detect a change in absolute capacitance between the at least one sensor electrode and an input object. In another embodiment, the sensor module 310 is configured to drive a transmitter signal onto at least one sensor electrode 120 to detect a change in transcapacitance between the at least one sensor electrode and another sensor electrode 120. The modulated signal and the transmitter signal are typically varying voltage signals that include multiple voltage transitions within the time period allocated for input sensing. In various embodiments, the sensor electrodes 120 and / or the grid electrode(s) can be driven differently in different operating modes. In one embodiment, the sensor electrodes 120 and / or the grid electrode(s) can be driven using signals (modulated signal, transmitter signal, and / or shielding signal) that can vary in any of phase, amplitude, and / or shape. In various embodiments, the modulated signal and the transmitter signal are similar in at least one shape, frequency, amplitude, and / or phase. In other embodiments, the modulated signal and the transmitter signal are different in frequency, shape, phase, amplitude, and phase. The sensor module 310 can selectively couple to one or more of the grid electrode(s) and / or sensor electrodes 120. For example, the sensor module 310 can be coupled to a selected portion of the sensor electrodes 120 and operate in an absolute or transcapacitive sensing mode. In another example, the sensor module 310 can be a different portion of the sensor electrodes 120 and operate in an absolute or transcapacitive sensing mode. In yet another example, the sensor module 310 can be coupled to all of the sensor electrodes 120 and operate in an absolute or transcapacitive sensing mode.

[0065] The sensor module 310 is configured to operate the grid electrode(s) as shield electrodes that can shield the sensor electrodes 120 from the effects of nearby conductors. In one embodiment, the processing system is configured to operate the grid electrode(s) as shield electrodes that can "shield" the sensor electrodes 120 from the effects of nearby conductors and to protect the sensor electrodes 120 from the grid electrode(s), thereby at least partially reducing the parasitic capacitance between the grid electrode(s) and the sensor electrodes 120. In one embodiment, a shield signal is driven onto the grid electrode(s). The shield signal can be a ground signal (such as system ground or another ground) or any other constant voltage (i.e., unmodulated) signal. In another embodiment, operating the grid electrode(s) as shield electrodes can include electrically floating the grid electrodes. In one embodiment, the grid electrode(s) can operate as effective shield electrodes while being electrically floating due to their large coupling to other sensor electrodes. In other embodiments, the shield signal can be referred to as a "guard signal," where the guard signal is a varying voltage signal having at least one of a phase, frequency, and amplitude similar to the modulated signal driven onto the sensor electrodes. In one or more embodiments, due to routing beneath the grid electrode(s) and / or sensor electrodes 120 , the routing traces may be shielded from responding to input objects and, therefore, may not be part of the active sensor electrodes shown as sensor electrodes 120 .

[0066] In one or more embodiments, capacitive sensing (or input sensing) and display updating can occur during at least partially overlapping periods. For example, when a common electrode is driven for display updating, the common electrode can also be driven for capacitive sensing. In another embodiment, capacitive sensing and display updating can occur during non-overlapping periods (also referred to as non-display update periods). In various embodiments, a non-display update period can occur between display line update periods for two display lines of a display frame and can be at least as long in time as the display update period. In such embodiments, the non-display update period can be referred to as a "long horizontal blanking period," "long h-blanking period," or "distributed blanking period," where the blanking period occurs between two display update periods and is at least as long as the display update period. In one embodiment, the non-display update period occurs between the display line update periods of a frame and is long enough to allow multiple transitions of the transmitter signal to be driven onto the sensor electrodes 120. In other embodiments, the non-display update period can include a horizontal blanking period and a vertical blanking period. The processing system 110 can be configured to drive the sensor electrodes 120 for capacitive sensing during any one or more of the different non-display update times, or any combination thereof. Synchronization signals can be shared between the sensor module 310 and the display module 320 to provide accurate control of overlapping display updates and capacitive sensing periods with repeatably coherent frequency and phase. In one embodiment, these synchronization signals can be configured to allow relatively stable voltages at the beginning and end of the input sensing period to coincide with display update periods with relatively stable voltages (e.g., near the end of the input integrator reset time and near the end of the display charge sharing time). The modulation frequency of the modulated signal or transmitter signal can be at a harmonic of the display line update rate, with the phase determined to provide nearly constant charge coupling from the display elements to the receiver electrodes, thereby allowing this coupling to be part of the baseline image.

[0067] The sensor module 310 includes circuitry configured to receive a resulting signal using the sensor electrodes 120 and / or the grid electrode(s), including an effect corresponding to the modulated signal or transmitter signal during a period of desired input sensing. The sensor module 310 may determine the location of the input object in the sensing area 170, or may provide a signal including information indicative of the resulting signal to another module or processor (e.g., a determination module or processor (i.e., a host processor) of the associated electronic system 150) for use in determining the location of the input object in the sensing area 170.

[0068] Display module 320 may be included in processing system 110 or separate from processing system 110. Display module 320 includes circuitry configured to provide display image update information to a display of display device 160 during non-sensing (eg, display updating) periods.

[0069] In one embodiment, the processing system 110 includes a first integrated controller that includes at least a portion of the display module 320 and the sensor module 310 (i.e., the transmitter module and / or the receiver module). In another embodiment, the processing system 110 includes a first integrated controller that includes the display module 320 and a second integrated controller that includes the sensor module 310. In yet another embodiment, the processing system includes: a first integrated controller that includes the display module 320 and a first portion of the sensor module 310 (e.g., one of the transmitter module and the receiver module); and a second integrated controller that includes a second portion of the sensor module 310 (e.g., the other of the transmitter module and the receiver module). In those embodiments that include multiple integrated circuits, a synchronization mechanism can be coupled between them and configured to synchronize display update periods, sensing periods, transmitter signals, display update signals, etc.

[0070] Example Arrangement for Active Input Sensing Using Regional Scanning

[0071] Figure 4 FIG4 is a diagram 400 illustrating an exemplary processing system 110 according to one or more embodiments. Features illustrated in diagram 400 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments. A sensor module 310 of processing system 110 is coupled to a plurality of sensor electrodes 120. Sensor module 310 includes a transmitter circuit 405 and a receiver circuit 410. Although transmitter circuit 405 and receiver circuit 410 are depicted as separate components, in other embodiments, transmitter circuit 405 and receiver circuit 410 may have shared circuitry.

[0072] In some embodiments, the transmitter circuit 405 includes one or more sensor electrode transmitters configured to drive a sensing signal (e.g., a modulated signal) onto the plurality of sensor electrodes 120 for performing capacitive sensing, force sensing, etc. In some embodiments, the transmitter circuit 405 includes one or more guard amplifiers configured to drive a guard signal onto the plurality of sensor electrodes 120. In some embodiments, the transmitter circuit 405 includes one or more coarse background compensation (CBC) transmitters configured to mitigate the background capacitance of the plurality of sensor electrodes 120. Any suitable combination of components of the transmitter circuit 405 is contemplated. In addition, any other components configured to drive a signal onto the plurality of sensor electrodes 120 to provide functionality to the sensor module 310 may be included in the transmitter circuit 405.

[0073] In some embodiments, the receiver circuit 410 includes multiple analog front ends (AFEs), each of which is configured to acquire capacitive measurements, force measurements, etc. using multiple sensor electrodes 120. The receiver circuit 410 is configured to acquire capacitive measurements (e.g., absolute capacitive measurements and / or transcapacitive measurements) using the multiple sensor electrodes 120 when performing touch sensing and when performing active input sensing. In some embodiments, each AFE includes any suitable type of analog-to-digital converter (ADC), such as a pipeline ADC, a successive approximation ADC, an integrating ADC, a Σ-Δ ADC, etc. Each AFE may include other suitable circuits for acquiring various capacitive measurements, such as filtering circuits or other signal conditioning circuits (e.g., amplifiers). In some embodiments, each AFE includes CBC capacitors for mitigating the background capacitance of the multiple sensor electrodes 120.

[0074] When acquiring capacitive measurements, sensor module 310 may operate plurality of sensor electrodes 120 according to a selected scan mode in plurality of scan modes 415. In some embodiments, sensor module 310 may control a plurality of switches according to the selected scan mode, which couples selected ones of plurality of sensor electrodes 120 with transmitter circuit 405 and / or receiver circuit 410. In some embodiments, one or more of plurality of scan modes 415 may configure sensor module 310 to sequentially acquire capacitive measurements for touch frames and / or active frames corresponding to an entire sensing area defined by plurality of sensor electrodes 120.

[0075] In some embodiments, different scanning modes in plurality of scanning modes 415 correspond to different power consumption levels of sensor module 310. For example, to reduce power consumption, one or more scanning modes in plurality of scanning modes 415 may sense at a reduced resolution (e.g., by sensing using fewer than all of plurality of sensor electrodes 120). Some examples of sensing at a reduced resolution include sensing along only one dimension (e.g., sensing using rows or columns of sensor electrodes 120), sensing using every other sensor electrode 120, etc. In some embodiments, sensor module 310 is configured to sense at a reduced resolution when the presence of an active input device is detected (e.g., from a state in which no active input device is detected).

[0076] Processing system 110 includes region information 420 that can be used by sensor module 310 to divide a sensing region (defined by multiple sensor electrodes 120) into multiple regions. Each of the multiple regions includes one or more of sensor electrodes 120. Each sensor electrode 120 in a set is assigned to at least one of the multiple regions. In some embodiments, the set includes less than all of the multiple sensor electrodes 120. In other embodiments, the set includes all of the multiple sensor electrodes 120.

[0077] Region information 420 can be implemented in any suitable form. Furthermore, region information 420 can be predefined or dynamically determined. The multiple regions can have any suitable size and positioning. In some embodiments, the multiple regions are sized such that each region includes a number of sensor electrodes that is less than or equal to the number of receive channels of sensor module 310. In this way, receiver circuit 410 can simultaneously acquire measurements for each of the sensor electrodes in a region, which can reduce the amount of time required to perform active input sensing. In some cases, each of the multiple regions is the same size. In other cases, at least one of the multiple regions is a different size.

[0078] In some embodiments, the multiple regions specified by region information 420 divide the sensing region along one dimension. For example, the multiple regions may be defined relative to rows or columns of sensor electrodes 120. In other embodiments, the multiple regions divide the sensing region along two dimensions. For example, the multiple regions may be defined relative to both rows and columns of sensor electrodes 120.

[0079] In some embodiments, each region specified by region information 420 partially overlaps with one or more other regions. Processing system 110 includes overlap information 425 reflecting one or more overlapping regions, in which two or more regions of the plurality of regions overlap. Processing system 110 also includes boundary information 430 reflecting one or more boundaries within the one or more overlapping regions. Boundary information 430 can be used to determine which region of the plurality of regions to scan for active input sensing. For example, the presence of an active input device can be detected at a sensor electrode 120 included in an overlapping region of a first region and a second region. Based on the position of sensor electrode 120 within the overlapping region (e.g., relative to the position of the boundary), when determining the position of the active input device, the first region or the second region can be selected to scan.

[0080] In some embodiments, the processing system 110 performs active input sensing according to the region information 420. By performing active input sensing according to the region information 420, the amount of time used to perform active input sensing can be reduced, thereby allowing additional time budget within a given period to perform touch sensing and / or display updates. In other embodiments, assuming the amount of time budgeted for active input sensing remains constant, active input sensing performance can be improved by performing more concentrated active input sensing in selected regions.

[0081] Figure 5 is an exemplary timing diagram 500 for sensing an active input device configured to transmit multiple frequencies according to one or more embodiments. The features illustrated in the timing diagram 500 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, for example, to control Figure 4 The timing of active input sensing and touch sensing of the sensor module 310 depicted in FIG.

[0082] As shown, the active input device is configured to periodically transmit two signals at two different frequencies. Curve 505 illustrates transmission periods 506, 507, and 508, during which the first signal is transmitted by the active input device at a first frequency F1. Curve 510 illustrates transmission periods 511, 512, and 513, during which the second signal is transmitted by the active input device at a second frequency F2. Any suitable value for the first frequency F1 and the second frequency F2 is contemplated, and in some cases the value can vary based on the frequency response of the sensor electrode 120. In some embodiments, the first frequency F1 and the second frequency F2 are each within a range from 50 kilohertz (kHz) to 500 kHz. The active input device can transmit the first signal and the second signal from different locations. In one embodiment, the active input device transmits the first signal from the conductive tip of the active input device and transmits the second signal from a conductive ring spaced apart from the conductive tip (e.g., 1-20 mm away). Other implementations of active input devices that support transmission at multiple frequencies are also contemplated.

[0083] Different signals and different frequencies F1, F2 can realize the processing system 110 ( Figure 4 ). For example, the first signal can be used to determine the position of the active input device relative to the sensing area, and the second signal can be used to determine the tilt of the active input device relative to the sensing area. Using the example implementation described above, the first signal received from the conductive tip can be used to determine the position of the conductive tip, which can also be determined as the position of the active input device. The position of the conductive ring can be determined using the second signal. By comparing the position of the conductive tip and the position of the conductive ring, with a predetermined distance between the conductive tip and the conductive ring, the tilt of the active input device can be determined.

[0084] In the example illustrated in timing diagram 500, transmission periods 506, 507, 508 and transmission periods 511, 512, 513 transmit at a predetermined periodicity (approximately 2.778 milliseconds, as shown). Transmission period 506 has a duration of 2.000 ms, and transmission periods 507, 508, 511, 512, 513 each have a duration of 1.200 ms. Transmission periods 506, 511 partially overlap, transmission periods 507, 512 completely overlap, and transmission periods 508, 513 completely overlap. Thus, the active input device can be configured to transmit simultaneously at frequencies F1, F2 during each of transmission periods 506, 511, transmission periods 507, 512, and transmission periods 508, 513.

[0085] Curve 515 illustrates the timing of the processing system providing active input sensing and touch sensing. Curve 515 includes active input sensing sub-periods 516 and 517 and a touch sensing sub-period 518 in a first sensing period 525-1, active input sensing sub-periods 519 and 520 and a touch sensing sub-period 521 in a second sensing period 525-2, and active input sensing sub-periods 522 and 523 and a touch sensing sub-period 524 in a third sensing period 525-3.

[0086] During the active input sensing sub-periods 516, 519, and 522 that overlap with the transmission periods 506, 511, the transmission periods 507, 512, and the transmission periods 508, 513, respectively, measurements of the first signal may be acquired at a first frequency F1 to determine the position of the active input device in two dimensions (X and Y) in the sensing area. During the active input sensing sub-periods 517, 520, and 523 that overlap with the transmission periods 506, 511, the transmission periods 507, 512, and the transmission periods 508, 513, respectively, measurements of the second signal may be acquired at a second frequency F2 to determine the position of the active input device in two dimensions (X and Y) in the sensing area.

[0087] In some embodiments, the measurements taken during each of the active input sensing sub-periods 516, 517, 519, 520, 522, and 523 can represent an active frame corresponding to the entire sensing area. The measurements taken during each of the touch sensing sub-periods 518, 521, and 524 can represent a portion of a touch frame corresponding to the entire sensing area. In some embodiments, touch frame 540 includes multiple distributed touch sensing sub-periods 518, 521, and 524. In some embodiments, touch frame 540 also includes multiple active input sensing sub-periods 516, 517, 519, 520, 522, and 523.

[0088] Thus, in timing diagram 500, when acquiring three (3) active frames 530-1, 530-2, 530-3 within a sensing period of 8.333 ms, sensor module 310 may acquire active input measurements at a rate of 360 frames per second (fps). When acquiring one touch frame 540 within sensing period 535, sensor module 310 may acquire touch measurements at a rate of 120 fps. It will be understood that the various values ​​shown in timing diagram 500 are merely examples, and that timing may vary based on the particular implementation of the input device (e.g., the characteristics of sensing area 170 and / or sensor module 310). For example, each sensing period 525-1, 525-2, 525-3 can be longer or shorter, the touch sensing sub-periods 518, 521, 524 can be longer within the corresponding sensing periods 525-1, 525-2, 525-3 to improve touch sensing performance, the active input sensing sub-periods 516, 517, 519, 520, 522, 523 can be longer within the corresponding sensing periods 525-1, 525-2, 525-3 to improve active input sensing performance, the touch sensing sub-periods 518, 521, 524 and the active input sensing sub-periods 516, 517, 519, 520, 522, 523 can have different orders within the corresponding sensing periods 525-1, 525-2, 525-3, etc.

[0089] According to some embodiments, it may be possible to (for example, according to Figure 4 Active input sensing is performed within (one or more) selected regions of the region information 420. For example, the sensor module 310 may acquire active input measurements for the selected region during each active input sensing sub-period 516, 517, 519, 520, 522, 523, rather than acquiring the entire active frame. In some cases, the active input measurements for the selected region may be measurements in two dimensions (X and Y). The amount of time used to perform active input sensing (e.g., active input sensing sub-periods 516, 517, 519, 520, 522, 523) may be reduced, thereby allowing additional time budget within a given period to perform touch sensing (e.g., touch sensing sub-periods 518, 521, 524) and / or display updates. In other implementations, assuming the amount of time budgeted for active input sensing remains constant, active input sensing performance may be improved by performing more concentrated active input sensing in the (one or more) selected regions.

[0090] Figure 6 is a method 600 for sensing using partially overlapping areas of sensing regions according to one or more embodiments. The method 600 can be used, for example, with Figure 4 The sensor module 310 depicted in FIG. 3 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments implemented herein.

[0091] Method 600 begins at block 605 where a sensing region may be divided into a plurality of regions. The sensing region may be defined by a plurality of sensor electrodes. Each region in the plurality of regions may partially overlap with one or more other regions in the plurality of regions.

[0092] At block 615, one or more boundaries may be defined within the one or more overlapping regions. In each of the one or more overlapping regions, a corresponding first region in the plurality of regions may overlap with a corresponding second region in the plurality of regions. In some embodiments, the one or more boundaries may be defined within the one or more overlapping regions along a dimension. In one example, the boundary may be defined halfway along a dimension in the first overlapping region.

[0093] At block 625, during at least a first active input sensing sub-period of a first sensing period, the presence of an active input device can be detected by a first sensor electrode. In some embodiments, the first sensing period also includes at least one touch sensing period. In some cases, an active input device can be detected by multiple adjacent sensor electrodes, and the first sensor electrode can be determined as the sensor electrode closest to the active input device. The closest sensor electrode can be determined using any suitable technique, such as the sensor electrode with the greatest measured signal strength (e.g., decibel milliwatts (dBm), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), etc.).

[0094] At block 635, a first region including the first sensor electrode may be selected. In some embodiments, the first region may be selected based on a position of the first sensor electrode within a first overlapping region, wherein the first region overlaps a second region in the plurality of regions. In some embodiments, selecting the first region may include determining on which side of a boundary the first sensor electrode is located.

[0095] At block 645, during at least the second active input sensing sub-period, the position of the active input device may be determined using sensor electrodes included in the first area. In some embodiments, determining the position of the active input device may include sensing at a first frequency. In some embodiments, the second active input sensing sub-period may be included in the first sensing period. In other embodiments, the second active input sensing sub-period may be included in the second sensing period. At block 655, during a third active input sensing sub-period, a second frequency emitted by the active input device may be sensed. In some embodiments, the third active input sensing sub-period may be included in the first sensing period. In other embodiments, the third active input sensing sub-period is included in the second sensing period. Method 600 ends after completing block 655.

[0096] Figure 7 700 is a diagram illustrating sensing region 170 divided into partially overlapping regions along one dimension according to one or more embodiments. The features illustrated in diagram 700 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments (e.g., reflecting the execution of a portion of method 600 by sensor module 310).

[0097] Sensing area 170 can be defined by a plurality of sensor electrodes X1, X2, ..., X10 and a plurality of sensor electrodes Y1, Y2, ..., Y20. Sensor electrodes X1, X2, ..., X10 can extend along a first dimension of sensing area 170 (e.g., along the "Y" dimension) and can be arranged in a plurality of columns. Sensor electrodes Y1, Y2, ..., Y20 can extend along a second dimension of sensing area 170 (e.g., along the "X" dimension) and can be arranged in a plurality of rows. As shown, the first dimension and the second dimension can be orthogonal, although other non-orthogonal arrangements are also contemplated. Thus, sensing area 170 can be defined by 20 rows and 10 columns of sensor electrodes, although other numbers and arrangements of sensor electrodes are also contemplated. For example, a plurality of smaller sensor electrodes can be selectively combined together to form a larger sensor electrode within sensing area 170.

[0098] In some embodiments, the sensor module 310 may (for example, using Figure 4 The sensing area 170 is divided into a plurality of regions using the region information 420 of FIG. 4 . As shown, the sensing area 170 can be divided into three regions along one dimension (the "Y" dimension as shown): region 705-1 including sensor electrodes Y1-Y10, region 705-2 including sensor electrodes Y6-Y15, and region 705-3 including sensor electrodes Y11-Y20. Although regions 705-1, 705-2, 705-3 are shown as being approximately the same size (e.g., each including 10 rows), regions positioned at different sizes are also contemplated. Although three regions 705-1, 705-2, 705-3 are shown, a different number of regions along one dimension (e.g., four or more) are also contemplated. Furthermore, other embodiments may have a sensing area 170 divided into a plurality of regions along multiple dimensions, as discussed below. Figure 12 Like in.

[0099] Each of regions 705-1, 705-2, 705-3 may partially overlap with one or more other regions. For example, region 705-1 may partially overlap with region 705-2, region 705-2 may partially overlap with regions 705-1 and 705-3, and region 705-3 may partially overlap with region 705-2. The overlap of regions 705-1 and 705-2 is reflected as overlap region 710-12, and the overlap of regions 705-2 and 705-3 is reflected as overlap region 710-23. Although each of overlap regions 710-12 and 710-23 is shown as being approximately 50% of the size of regions 705-1, 705-2, and 705-3, overlap regions positioned at different sizes are also contemplated. Overlap regions 710-12 and 710-23 may be stored as Figure 4 Overlap information 425.

[0100] Boundary 715-1 may be defined within overlap region 710-12, and boundary 715-2 may be defined within overlap region 710-23. Each boundary 715-1, 715-2 may be defined intermediately within the respective overlap region 710-12, 710-23 along a first ("Y") dimension. Each boundary 715-1, 715-2 may extend along a second ("X") dimension. However, other embodiments may have different arrangements of boundaries 715-1, 715-2. Boundaries 715-1, 715-2 may be stored as Figure 4 Boundary information 430.

[0101] In some embodiments, one of boundaries 715-1 and 715-2 can be used to determine which of regions 705-1, 705-2, and 705-3 will be scanned by sensor module 310 when an active input device is detected in one of the corresponding overlapping regions 710-12 and 710-23. For example, assume that sensor electrode Y12 within overlapping region 710-23 detects the presence of an active input device. Sensor module 310 can determine which of regions 705-2 and 705-3 to scan based on the position of sensor electrode Y12 within overlapping region 710-23. For example, if sensor electrode Y12 is located on one side of boundary 715-2, sensor module 310 can select region 705-2 to scan. In contrast, if sensor electrode Y15 within overlapping region 710-23 detects the presence of an active input device, sensor module 310 can select region 705-3 to scan.

[0102] In some cases, one or more of the boundaries 715-1, 715-2 may be defined such that particular sensor electrodes are included on both sides of the respective boundaries 715-1, 715-2. For example, sensor electrode Y8 may be included on both sides of the boundary 715-1, and sensor electrode Y13 may be included on both sides of the boundary 715-2. In such a case, detecting an active input device by only one of the sensor electrodes Y8, Y13 may not determine whether the active input device is located on one side or the other side of the boundaries 715-1, 715-2. In some embodiments, assuming that one of the sensor electrodes Y8, Y13 represents the sensor electrode closest to the active input device (e.g., having the greatest measured signal strength), the next-closest sensor electrode (e.g., having the second-greatest measured signal strength) may be used to determine whether the active input device is located on one side or the other side of the boundaries 715-1, 715-2. For example, assuming that the sensor electrode Y13 is determined to be the closest sensor electrode, one of the sensor electrodes Y12 , Y14 adjacent to (or adjacent to) the sensor electrode Y13 may be determined to be the second closest sensor electrode based on the measured signal strength.

[0103] As discussed above, the location of an active input device can be determined by scanning the sensor electrodes of the sensing area 170. However, scanning the entire sensing area 170 may be cost-prohibitive in terms of the hardware included in the receiver circuit 410 and / or the amount of active input sensing time. According to the embodiments described herein, the location of an active input device can be determined by scanning the sensor electrodes included in a selected area. In this way, the receiver circuit 410 may require relatively less hardware (e.g., fewer AFEs) to complete active input sensing within a suitable amount of active input sensing time.

[0104] In some embodiments, a plurality of switches 725 can be connected to the sensor electrodes X1, X2, ..., X10, Y1, Y2, ..., Y20 and to the receiver circuit 410. The region information (e.g., Figure 4 The switch 725 is controlled by the region information 420 to couple the sensor signal 720 received from a selected one of the sensor electrodes X1, X2, ..., X10, Y1, Y2, ..., Y20 to a limited number of receive channels 730. The switch 725 can be implemented in any suitable form, such as a transistor. By performing active input sensing based on the region information 420, the amount of time used to perform active input sensing can be reduced, thereby allowing additional time budget within a given period to perform touch sensing and / or display updates. In other embodiments, assuming that the amount of time budgeted for active input sensing remains constant, active input sensing performance can be improved by performing more concentrated active input sensing in the selected region.

[0105] Figure 8 and 9 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating other techniques for detecting the presence of an active input device according to one or more embodiments. The features illustrated in diagrams 800 and 900 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, such as those performed by sensor module 310.

[0106] In some embodiments, the sensor module 310 may sense at a reduced resolution when the presence of an active input device is detected (e.g., from a state in which no active input device is detected). As shown in schematic 800, sensor electrodes Y1, Y2, ..., Y20 may be connected to a receiver circuit (indicated by hatching), while sensor electrodes X1, X2, ..., X10 are not connected to the receiver circuit. Thus, in schematic 800, the input device may be configured to sense along only a first dimension of the sensing area 170 (e.g., along the "Y" dimension) using a first set of sensor electrodes Y1, Y2, ..., Y20. In some embodiments, the number of sensor electrodes operated during reduced resolution sensing may be less than or equal to the number of receive channels, such that measurements may be obtained simultaneously for all sensor electrodes in the first set of sensor electrodes Y1, Y2, ..., Y20. For example, the number of sensor electrodes operated during reduced resolution sensing may be equal to the number of receive channels to provide improved sensing performance.

[0107] In schematic 800, tip 810 of an active pen or stylus 805 (an example of an active input device) can be positioned at a first position above sensor electrode Y14. Circle 815-1 represents the effect of active pen 805 transmitting one or more signals through tip 810. Consequently, sensor electrodes Y13, Y14, and Y15 can each receive charge from the transmitted one or more signals. Since tip 810 can be closest to sensor electrode Y14, sensor electrode Y14 can have the greatest measured signal strength compared to the measured signal strengths of sensor electrodes Y13 and Y15, such that active pen 805 is determined to be detected by sensor electrode Y14. Since sensor electrode Y14 can be located on the region 705-3 side of boundary 715-2, sensor module 310 can determine to scan region 705-3.

[0108] As shown in schematic 900, sensor electrodes Y1, Y3, Y5, Y7, Y9, Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17, Y19 can be connected to receiver circuitry (indicated by hatching). Sensor electrodes Y2, Y4, Y6, Y8, Y10, Y12, Y14, Y16, Y18, Y20 and sensor electrodes X1, X2, ..., X10 can be unconnected to receiver circuitry. Thus, in schematic 900, the input device can be configured to use alternating electrodes along a first dimension (e.g., Figure 9 The first set of sensor electrodes Y1, Y3, Y5, Y7, Y9, Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17, Y19 in the embodiment of FIG. 10A and FIG. 11B ) sense at a reduced resolution along only a first dimension (e.g., along the "Y" dimension) of the sensing area 170. Other arrangements of the first set of sensor electrodes are also contemplated, such as other repeating (e.g., using every third electrode for sensing) or non-repeating patterns.

[0109] As with schematic diagram 800, the active pen can be set at a first position above sensor electrode Y14. The influence of the active pen, represented by circle 815-1, can be detected by sensor electrodes Y13 and Y15. When the measured signal strength at sensor electrodes Y13 and Y15 is approximately equal to and / or less than a threshold strength, this can indicate that the active pen is located between sensor electrodes Y13 and Y15 (e.g., it can be inferred that the active pen is closer to sensor electrode Y14 than either sensor electrode Y13 or Y15). When sensor electrode Y14 is completely positioned to one side of boundary 715-2, sensor module 310 can select region 705-3.

[0110] Assume another situation in which sensor electrode Y14 is included on both sides of boundary 715-2. When the influence of the active pen is detected by sensor electrodes Y13 and Y15, so that sensor electrode Y14 is inferred to be the closest sensor electrode, it may be uncertain whether the active input device is located on one side or the other side of boundary 715-2. In such a case, the larger measured signal strength for sensor electrode Y13 or for sensor electrode Y15 can indicate that the active input device is located on one side or the other side of boundary 715-2. If the measured signal strength is the same for sensor electrodes Y13 and Y15, (one or more) other tie-breaking processes can be used to determine whether the active input device is located on one side or the other side of boundary 715-2. In one example, sensor module 310 can determine the second closest sensor electrode for sensor electrodes Y13 and Y15, for example, by comparing the measured signal strengths of sensor electrodes Y11 and Y17.

[0111] Although schematics 800 and 900 illustrate detecting the presence of an active input device with reduced resolution sensing along only one dimension of sensing area 170 (e.g., along the "Y" dimension), other implementations are contemplated. For example, reduced resolution sensing can be performed along another dimension of sensing area 170 (e.g., along the "X" dimension), and / or along multiple dimensions of sensing area 170 (e.g., along both the "X" and "Y" dimensions). Furthermore, the set of sensor electrodes used for reduced resolution sensing can have any suitable arrangement.

[0112] Figure 10 and 11 1000 and 1100 illustrate determining the position of an input device according to one or more embodiments. The features illustrated in the diagrams 1000 and 1100 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, for example, when detecting a position of an input device such as Figure 8 or Figure 9 is executed after the presence of an active input device as shown.

[0113] In schematic 1000, circle 815-1 indicates that the active pen can be positioned at a first position above sensor electrodes Y14 and X8. Circle 815-1 indicates that sensor electrodes Y13, Y14, Y15, and X8 each receive charge from one or more signals transmitted from the active pen. Based on the measured signal strength, sensor electrode Y14 can be determined as the closest sensor electrode, and one of sensor electrodes Y13 and Y15 can be determined as the second closest sensor electrode.

[0114] When sensor electrode Y14 is located on the region 705-3 side of boundary 715-2, sensor module 310 can select region 705-3 to be scanned. As shown, all sensor electrodes in region 705-3 can be used to perform active sensing. Sensor electrodes Y11-Y20 and X1-X10 are connected to receiver circuitry (indicated by hatching), while sensor electrodes Y1-Y10 are not connected to receiver circuitry. By scanning selected region 705-3, fewer sensor electrode measurements can be used to determine the position of the active pen, thereby reducing the amount of time used to perform active input sensing and / or improving active input sensing performance.

[0115] In schematic 1100, tip 810 of active pen 805 can be moved to a second position between sensor electrodes Y9 and Y10 and between sensor electrodes X4 and X5. The movement of tip 810 between the first and second positions is indicated by arrow 1105. Circle 815-2 represents the effect of active pen 805 transmitting one or more signals through tip 810. As a result, sensor electrodes Y9, Y10, X4, and X5 can each receive charge from the transmitted one or more signals. When the movement of tip 810 causes active pen 805 to cross boundary 715-2, the sensor module can select area 705-2 to scan. As shown, all sensor electrodes in area 705-2 can be used to perform active sensing. Sensor electrodes Y6-Y15 and X1-X10 can be connected to receiver circuitry (indicated by hatching), while sensor electrodes Y1-Y5 and Y16-Y20 are not connected to the receiver circuitry.

[0116] Figure 12 1 is a diagram 1200 illustrating sensing region 170 divided into partially overlapping regions along two dimensions according to one or more embodiments. The features illustrated in diagram 1200 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments (e.g., reflecting the execution of a portion of method 600 by sensor module 310).

[0117] In schematic 1200, for clarity of the different regions, the sensor electrodes defining the sensing region 170 are not depicted. As shown, the sensing region 170 can be divided into three regions 705-1, 705-2, and 705-3 along the "Y" dimension, and can be further divided into three regions 1205-1, 1205-2, and 1205-3 along the "X" dimension. Although regions 1205-1, 1205-2, and 1205-3 are shown as being of substantially the same size, regions of varying sizes are also contemplated.

[0118] Each of regions 1205-1, 1205-2, 1205-3 may partially overlap with one or more other regions. For example, region 1205-1 may partially overlap with region 1205-2, region 1205-2 may partially overlap with regions 1205-1 and 1205-3, and region 1205-3 may partially overlap with region 1205-2. The overlap of regions 1205-1 and 1205-2 is reflected as overlap region 1210-12, and the overlap of regions 1205-2 and 1205-3 is reflected as overlap region 1210-23. Although each of overlap regions 1210-12 and 1210-23 is shown as being approximately 50% of the size of regions 1205-1, 1205-2, and 1205-3, overlap regions positioned at different sizes are also contemplated. Overlap regions 1210-12 and 1210-23 may be stored as Figure 4 Overlap information 425.

[0119] Boundary 1215-1 may be defined within overlap region 1210-12, and boundary 1215-2 may be defined within overlap region 1210-23. Each boundary 1215-1, 1215-2 may be defined intermediately within the respective overlap region 1210-12, 1210-23 along the "X" dimension. Each boundary 1215-1, 1215-2 may extend along the "Y" dimension. However, other embodiments may have different arrangements of boundaries 1215-1, 1215-2. Boundaries 1215-1, 1215-2 may be stored as Figure 4 Boundary information 430.

[0120] Although each of regions 705-1, 705-2, 705-3 is shown as extending the entire width of sensing area 170 (along the "X" dimension), and each of regions 1205-1, 1205-2, 1205-3 is shown as extending the entire length of sensing area 170 (along the "Y" dimension), other implementations may include overlapping regions that do not extend completely along the dimensions of sensing area 170.

[0121] Therefore, the embodiments and examples set forth herein are presented in order to best explain embodiments according to the present technology and its particular applications, and to thereby enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed.

[0122] In view of the foregoing, the scope of the present disclosure is determined by the following claims.

[0123] Reference numerals

[0124] 100 Input Devices

[0125] 110 Processing System

[0126] 120 sensor electrodes

[0127] 130 buttons

[0128] 140 Input Object

[0129] 150 Electronic Systems

[0130] 160 display devices

[0131] 170 sensing areas

[0132] 200 Layout

[0133] 205 sensor electrode

[0134] 215 sensor electrode

[0135] 300 Layout

[0136] 310 sensor module

[0137] 320 display module

[0138] 400 Schematic Diagram

[0139] 405 transmitter circuit

[0140] 410 Receiver Circuit

[0141] 415 Scan Mode

[0142] 420 Regional Information

[0143] 425 Overlapping Information

[0144] 430 Boundary Information

[0145] 500 Example Timing Diagram

[0146] 505 Curve

[0147] 506 period

[0148] 507 period

[0149] 508 period

[0150] 510 Curve

[0151] 511 period

[0152] 512 period

[0153] 513 period

[0154] 515 Curve

[0155] 516 Active Input Sensing Sub-Period

[0156] 517 Active input sensing sub-period

[0157] 518 Touch sensing sub-period

[0158] 519 Active Input Sensing Sub-Period

[0159] 520 Active input sensing sub-period

[0160] 521 Touch sensing sub-period

[0161] 522 Active input sensing sub-period

[0162] 523 Active input sensing sub-period

[0163] 524 Touch sensing sub-period

[0164] 525 First Sensing Period

[0165] 530 active frames

[0166] 535 Sensing Period

[0167] 540 touch frames

[0168] 600 Method

[0169] 605 frame

[0170] 615 frame

[0171] 625 frame

[0172] 635 frame

[0173] 645 frame

[0174] 655 frame

[0175] 700 Schematic Diagram

[0176] 705 Area

[0177] 710 overlapping areas

[0178] 715 Boundary

[0179] 720 coupled sensor signal

[0180] 725 switch

[0181] Channel 730

[0182] 800 Schematic Diagram

[0183] 805 stylus

[0184] 810 Cutting Edge

[0185] 815 yuan

[0186] 900 Schematic Diagram

[0187] 1000 Schematic

[0188] 1100 Schematic

[0189] 1105 Arrow

[0190] 1200 Schematic Diagram

[0191] 1205 Area

[0192] 1210 Overlapping Area

[0193] 1215 Border

Claims

1. A method for sensing during one or more sensing periods, each sensing period comprising a touch sensing sub-period and at least one active input sensing sub-period, the method comprising: dividing a sensing area into a plurality of regions, wherein the sensing area is defined by a plurality of sensor electrodes, and wherein each region of the plurality of regions partially overlaps with one or more other regions of the plurality of regions; detecting, during at least a first active input sensing sub-period of a first sensing period, a presence of an active input device by a first sensor electrode of the plurality of sensor electrodes, wherein the first sensor electrode is within a first overlap region in which a first region of the plurality of regions overlaps with a second region of the plurality of regions; Selecting the first region or the second region based on a position of the first sensor electrode within the first overlapping region, wherein selecting the first region or the second region comprises: defining a boundary within the first overlapping region along one dimension, and determining on which side of the boundary the first sensor electrode is located; as well as During at least a second active input sensing sub-period, a position of the active input device is determined using sensor electrodes included in the selected area. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the boundary is defined medially along the dimension in the first overlapping region.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the boundary is defined such that the first sensor electrodes are located on both sides of the boundary, and wherein selecting the first area or the second area further comprises: A second closest sensor electrode to the first sensor electrode is determined.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the position of the active input device comprises: During the second active input sensing sub-period, the position of the active input device along the second dimension and along the first dimension of the sensing area is determined.

5. The method according to claim 4, Wherein determining the position of the active input device during the second active input sensing sub-period comprises sensing a first frequency transmitted by the active input device, the method further comprising: During a third active input sensing sub-period, a second frequency transmitted by the active input device is sensed.

6. The method according to claim 1, Each of the one or more sensing periods includes a corresponding touch frame corresponding to the entire sensing area, and each touch frame includes a corresponding plurality of distributed touch sensing sub-periods. The method of claim 6 , wherein each touch frame further comprises a corresponding plurality of active input sensing sub-periods. 8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the presence of the active input device comprises sensing at a reduced resolution using a first set of sensor electrodes of the plurality of sensor electrodes.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein detecting the presence of the active input device comprises sensing along only a first dimension of the sensing area using the first set of sensor electrodes, and Wherein determining the position of the active input device comprises sensing along the first and second dimensions of the sensing region using a second set of sensor electrodes from the plurality of sensor electrodes.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first set of sensor electrodes comprises alternating electrodes along the first dimension.

11. An input device comprising: a plurality of sensor electrodes defining a sensing area; as well as A processing system configured to: dividing the sensing area into a plurality of regions, wherein each region of the plurality of regions partially overlaps with one or more other regions of the plurality of regions; detecting, by a first sensor electrode of the plurality of sensor electrodes, the presence of an active input device during at least a first active input sensing sub-period of a first sensing period that includes a touch sensing sub-period and at least one active input sensing sub-period, wherein the first sensor electrode is within a first overlapping region in which a first region of the plurality of regions overlaps with a second region of the plurality of regions; Selecting the first region or the second region based on a position of the first sensor electrode within the first overlapping region, wherein selecting the first region or the second region comprises: defining a boundary within the first overlapping region along one dimension, and determining on which side of the boundary the first sensor electrode is located; as well as During at least a second active input sensing sub-period, a position of the active input device is determined using sensor electrodes included in the selected area.

12. The input device of claim 11 , wherein determining the position of the active input device comprises: During the second active input sensing sub-period, the position of the active input device along the second dimension and along the first dimension of the sensing area is determined.

13. The input device according to claim 11, Each of the one or more sensing periods includes a corresponding touch frame corresponding to the entire sensing area, and each touch frame includes a corresponding plurality of distributed touch sensing sub-periods.

14. A processing system for operating a plurality of sensor electrodes defining a sensing area, the processing system comprising: A sensor circuit configured to: dividing the sensing area into a plurality of regions, wherein each region of the plurality of regions partially overlaps with one or more other regions of the plurality of regions; detecting, by a first sensor electrode of the plurality of sensor electrodes, the presence of an active input device during at least a first active input sensing sub-period of a first sensing period that includes a touch sensing sub-period and at least one active input sensing sub-period, wherein the first sensor electrode is within a first overlapping region in which a first region of the plurality of regions overlaps with a second region of the plurality of regions; Selecting the first region or the second region based on a position of the first sensor electrode within the first overlapping region, wherein selecting the first region or the second region comprises: defining a boundary within the first overlapping region along one dimension, and determining on which side of the boundary the first sensor electrode is located; as well as During at least a second active input sensing sub-period, a position of the active input device is determined using sensor electrodes included in the selected area.

15. The processing system of claim 14, wherein determining the position of the active input device comprises: During the second active input sensing sub-period, the position of the active input device along the second dimension and along the first dimension of the sensing area is determined.

16. The processing system according to claim 14, Each of the one or more sensing periods includes a corresponding touch frame corresponding to the entire sensing area, and each touch frame includes a corresponding plurality of distributed touch sensing sub-periods.

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