Synchronizing input sensing with display updates

Abstract

A processing system is configured to receive a first display control signal corresponding to a non-display update period of a display frame and a second display control signal corresponding to a display update period of the display frame. The processing system is also configured to acquire a first result signal from a sensor electrode electrically connected to a sensor driver based on receipt of the first display control signal by operating the sensor electrode for a first type of input sensing during a first period overlapping at least a portion of the non-display update period. Further, the processing system is configured to acquire a second result signal with the sensor electrode based on receipt of the second display control signal by operating the sensor electrode for a second type of input sensing during a second period overlapping at least a portion of the display update period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure herein generally relates to electronic devices, and more specifically, to operational sensing devices. Background Technology

[0002] Input devices, including proximity sensors, can be used in a variety of electronic systems. A proximity sensor device may include a sensing area demarcated by a surface, within which the proximity sensor device determines the presence, position, force, and / or motion of one or more input objects. Proximity sensor devices can be used to provide interfaces for electronic systems. For example, proximity sensor devices can be used as input devices in larger computing systems, such as touchpads integrated into or surrounding laptops or desktop computers. Proximity sensor devices are also frequently used in other computing systems, such as touchscreens integrated into cellular phones and automotive multimedia entertainment systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one example, a processing system includes a sensor device. The sensor device is configured to receive a first display control signal corresponding to a non-display update period of a display frame and a second display control signal corresponding to a display update period of the display frame. The sensor device is also configured to acquire a first result signal from sensor electrodes electrically connected to a sensor driver by operating sensor electrodes for a first type of input sensing during the first period, based on the receipt of the first display control signal. The first period overlaps with at least a portion of the non-display update period. Furthermore, the sensor driver is configured to acquire a second result signal using the sensor electrodes by operating sensor electrodes for a second type of input sensing during the second period, based on the receipt of the second display control signal. The second period overlaps with at least a portion of the display update period. The second type of input sensing differs from the first type of input sensing.

[0004] In one example, a method for input sensing includes receiving at a sensor driver a first display control signal corresponding to a non-display update period of a display frame and a second display control signal corresponding to a display update period of the display frame. The method further includes acquiring a first result signal using sensor electrodes by operating sensor electrodes for a first type of input sensing during the first period, based on the reception of the first display control signal. The first period overlaps with at least a portion of the non-display update period. Furthermore, the method includes acquiring a second result signal using sensor electrodes by operating sensor electrodes for a second type of input sensing during the second period, based on the reception of the second display control signal. The second period overlaps with at least a portion of the display update period. The second type of input sensing differs from the first type of input sensing.

[0005] In one example, an input device includes sensor electrodes and a processing system electrically connected to the sensor electrodes. The processing system is configured to receive a first display control signal corresponding to a non-display update period of a display frame and a second display control signal corresponding to a display update period of the display frame. The processing system is also configured to acquire a first result signal using the sensor electrodes by operating them for a first type of input sensing during the first period, based on the receipt of the first display control signal. The first period overlaps with at least a portion of the non-display update period. Furthermore, the processing system is configured to acquire a second result signal using the sensor electrodes by operating them for a second type of input sensing during the second period, based on the receipt of the second display control signal. The second period overlaps with at least a portion of the display update period. The second type of input sensing differs from the first type of input sensing. Attached Figure Description

[0006] To enable a more detailed understanding of the foregoing features of this disclosure, a more specific description of the disclosure briefly outlined above can be obtained by referring to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments only and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, as other equivalent embodiments are permissible.

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

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of sensor electrodes according to one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 3A It is a schematic block diagram of an input device according to one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3B The illustration shows a display frame according to one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 3C The illustration shows the display line update period according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic view of a stack of input devices according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for capacitive sensing according to one or more embodiments.

[0014] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals have been used wherever possible to designate the same elements common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be advantageously used in other embodiments without specific description. The figures mentioned herein should not be construed as being drawn to scale unless specifically indicated. Furthermore, for clarity of presentation and explanation, the figures are generally simplified and details or parts are omitted. The figures and discussion are used to explain the principles discussed below, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0015] In input devices that include both sensing and display devices, interference generated by the display device negatively impacts the sensing device's ability to accurately detect input objects. For example, interference caused by the display device may lead to the sensing device reporting ghosting of input objects (e.g., incorrect input objects or misidentification of input objects). In various examples, display interference is mitigated by acquiring sensing data during periods that do not overlap with display updates, as these sensing periods are not adversely affected by display interference. Sensing data acquired during periods when no display updates occur can be used to mitigate the impact of display interference on sensing data acquired simultaneously with display updates.

[0016] The following detailed descriptions are merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit this disclosure or its application and use. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theories presented in the foregoing background, description of the invention, or the following detailed descriptions.

[0017] In this document, including in the claims, the terms “coupled with” and “connected to” and their derivatives may be used. “Coupled” or “connected” may mean one or more of the following: “Coupled” or “connected” may mean two or more elements in direct physical or electrical contact. However, “coupled” or “connected” may also mean two or more elements in indirect contact with each other, but still cooperating or interacting with each other, and may mean one or more other elements coupled or connected between elements considered to be coupled or connected to each other. The terms “directly coupled” or “directly connected” may mean two or more elements in direct contact.

[0018] Figure 1 An input device 100 according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. The input device 100 includes a processing system 110 and sensor electrodes 120. The input device 100 is configured to provide input data corresponding to one or more input objects to an electronic system.

[0019] Among other things, the electronic system can be one of a personal computer (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, or netbook computer), tablet computer, mobile phone, and e-book reader. Furthermore, the electronic system can be an Internet of Things (IoT) device. In other embodiments, the electronic system is a multimedia controller for an automobile or other type of vehicle. The input device 100 can be integrated with the electronic system in a common housing or in a separate housing from the electronic system. In one embodiment, the electronic system can be referred to as a host device, and the processor of the electronic system can be referred to as a host processor. The host processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or another processor of the host device. The input device 100 can communicate with a portion of the electronic system using any combination of wired or wireless connections. In various embodiments, the input device 100 can be referred to as a touchpad, touchscreen, touch sensor device, etc.

[0020] Input device 100 is configured to sense input associated with one or more input objects 140 within its sensing area. Among other things, example input objects 140 include fingers, electrotransmitters, and passive pens, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. An electrotransmitter may be external to the input device 100 and configured to transmit an active device signal. Among other things, an example electrotransmitter may include an active pen. The sensing area of ​​the input device 100 covers any space above, around, in, and / or near the input device 100, in which the input device 100 is capable of detecting user input, such as user input provided by one or more input objects 140. In some embodiments, the sensing area extends from the surface of the input device 100 into space in one or more directions until the signal-to-noise ratio prevents sufficiently accurate object detection. In various embodiments, the distance this sensing area extends in a particular direction may be approximately less than one millimeter, several millimeters, several centimeters, or greater, and may vary significantly depending on the type of sensing technology used and the desired accuracy. Thus, an input object 140 that does not contact any surface of the input device 100 may be within the sensing area and detected by the input device 100, and / or an input object 140 that contacts an input surface (e.g., a touch surface) may be within the sensing area and detected by the input device 100. The input surface may be provided via a panel or lens disposed above the sensor electrodes.

[0021] Processing system 110 includes sensor circuitry 112. Sensor circuitry 112 is configured to operate sensor electrodes 120 for capacitive sensing. For example, sensor circuitry 112 is configured to drive sensor electrodes 120 using a sensing signal and receive a result signal from sensor electrodes 120 for capacitive sensing. For example, in one embodiment, sensor circuitry 112 includes transmitter circuitry configured to drive one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for capacitive sensing to acquire a result signal from one or more of sensor electrodes 120. Among other things, transmitter circuitry may include driver circuitry and / or amplifier circuitry. Furthermore, sensor circuitry 112 includes receiver circuitry configured to receive a result signal from sensor electrodes 120. Among other things, receiver circuitry may include one or more of analog front-end (AFE), filter circuitry, sample-and-hold circuitry, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuitry, and / or demodulation circuitry.

[0022] In one embodiment, sensor circuitry 112 operates sensor electrode 120 for different types of sensing. For example, sensor circuitry 112 operates sensor electrode 120 for cross-capacitive sensing, absolute capacitive sensing, and / or active device (e.g., active pen) sensing.

[0023] In embodiments where sensor circuitry 112 operates sensor electrodes 120 for transcapacitive sensing (e.g., in a transcapacitive sensing mode), sensor circuitry 112 may be configured to drive one or more of the sensor electrodes 120 with a transcapacitive sensing signal and receive a result signal from a second or more of the sensor electrodes 120. The result signal may include an effect corresponding to the transcapacitive sensing signal. The sensor electrode driven with the transcapacitive signal is modulated relative to the sensor electrode operated to receive the result signal. In one embodiment, the sensor electrode receiving the result signal may be maintained at a substantially constant voltage or modulated to be different from the voltage of the sensor electrode driven with the transcapacitive sensing signal (e.g., a different frequency, amplitude, and / or phase).

[0024] The transcapacitive sensing signal has a varying voltage and is either periodic or aperiodic. Furthermore, among other things, the transcapacitive sensing signal can be one of a square waveform, a sinusoidal waveform, a trapezoidal waveform, and a triangular waveform. The transcapacitive sensing signal varies between two or more voltages. For example, the transcapacitive sensing signal can vary between a first voltage and a second voltage, wherein the second voltage is greater than the first voltage. In one embodiment, the first voltage can be in the range of approximately 0V to approximately 5V, while the second voltage can be in the range of approximately 5V to approximately 10V. However, in other embodiments, other voltages can be used. Furthermore, the frequency of the transcapacitive sensing signal can be in the range of approximately 100 kHz to approximately 1 MHz. However, frequencies less than approximately 100 kHz and greater than approximately 1 MHz can be used.

[0025] In transcapacitive sensing mode, input object 140 affects the capacitive coupling (e.g., transcapacitive) between two or more sensor electrodes 120. For example, input object 140 can reduce the capacitive coupling between sensor electrodes driven by transcapacitive sensing signals and one or more sensor electrodes operated to receive a result signal. The effect of the capacitance of the sensor electrodes is reflected in the result signal.

[0026] In embodiments where sensor circuitry 112 operates sensor electrodes 120 for absolute capacitive sensing (e.g., in an absolute capacitive mode), sensor circuitry 112 is configured to drive one or more sensor electrodes 120 using an absolute capacitive sensing signal and receive a result signal from the one or more driven sensor electrodes. The result signal includes an effect corresponding to the absolute capacitive sensing signal. Driving sensor electrodes 120 using an absolute capacitive sensing signal includes modulating sensor electrodes 120 relative to system ground of input device 100. Furthermore, driving sensor electrodes 120 using an absolute capacitive sensing signal includes modulating sensor electrodes 120 relative to input object 140.

[0027] The absolute capacitive sensing signal has a varying voltage and is a periodic or non-periodic signal. Furthermore, among other things, the absolute capacitive sensing signal can include one of a square waveform, a sine waveform, a trapezoidal waveform, and a triangular waveform. Additionally, the absolute capacitive sensing signal can vary between two or more voltages. In one embodiment, the absolute capacitive sensing signal varies between a first voltage and a second voltage. The first voltage can be in the range of approximately 0V to approximately 5V, while the second voltage can be in the range of approximately 5V to approximately 10V. However, in other embodiments, other voltages can be used. In one or more embodiments, the absolute capacitive sensing signal has a frequency in the range of approximately 1 kHz to approximately 1 MHz. However, in other embodiments, frequencies less than approximately 1 kHz or greater than 1 MHz can be used.

[0028] In absolute capacitive sensing mode, the input object 140 affects the absolute capacitance of the sensor electrode 120 driven by the absolute capacitive sensing signal. For example, the input object 140 can increase the capacitance of the sensor electrode 120 driven by the absolute capacitive sensing signal. The effect of the capacitance of the sensor electrode 120 is reflected in the resulting signal.

[0029] Sensor circuit 112 can operate one or more sensor electrodes 120 for both transcapacitive and absolute capacitive sensing. For example, sensor circuit 112 is configured to receive a result signal from sensor electrodes driven by a transcapacitive sensing signal. Additionally, sensor circuit 112 modulates the sensor electrodes used for receiving the result signal during transcapacitive sensing using an absolute capacitive sensing signal. In such an embodiment, the result signal includes effects corresponding to both the transcapacitive and absolute capacitive sensing signals. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the absolute capacitive sensing signal differs from the transcapacitive sensing signal. For example, one or more of the waveform, frequency, amplitude, and phase of the absolute capacitive sensing signal differ from the waveform, frequency, amplitude, and phase of the transcapacitive sensing signal.

[0030] Sensor circuit 112 operates sensor electrode 120 in an active device sensing mode to acquire an active device signal to detect an active device. In such an embodiment, input object 140 is an active device external to input device 100, and the sensor electrode 120 transmits a signal to be acquired by sensor circuit 112. For example, the active device may be an active pen configured to transmit an active pen signal. The active device sensing mode may be referred to as an active pen sensing mode. Furthermore, other active devices may be alternatively referenced throughout the following disclosure which refers to an active pen.

[0031] Sensor circuit 112 operates sensor electrodes 120 to obtain a result signal that includes the effect of an active pen signal corresponding to an input object 140. For example, sensor circuit 112 may hold one or more of sensor electrodes 120 at a substantially constant voltage to receive a result signal corresponding to an active pen signal.

[0032] The active pen signal is generated by a crystal oscillator located inside the active pen, although other mechanisms for signal generation can be used. The active pen signal has waveform parameters (e.g., frequency, amplitude, phase, etc.) predetermined and known by the input device 100. However, in other embodiments, the active pen signal has waveform parameters unknown to the input device 100. The active pen signal is generated by an input object 140 external to the processing system 110. Therefore, one or more parameters of the active pen signal are unknown to the processing system 110. The active pen signal can be periodic or aperiodic. Furthermore, among other things, the active pen signal can have a square waveform, a sine waveform, a triangular waveform, or a trapezoidal waveform. Additionally, the active pen signal can vary between two or more voltages. Furthermore, the frequency of the active pen signal can be in the range of approximately 1 kHz to approximately 1 MHz. However, in other embodiments, the frequency of the active pen signal can be less than approximately 1 kHz or greater than approximately 1 MHz. The active pen signal is distinct from absolute capacitive sensing signals and transcapacitive sensing signals. For example, one or more of the waveform, amplitude, frequency, phase, and number of voltage transitions of the active pen signal may differ from those of the absolute capacitive sensing signal and the transcapacitive sensing signal. Furthermore, one or more parameters of the active pen signal (e.g., frequency, amplitude, phase, and duty cycle) can be varied to identify different states of the active pen. For example, the active pen can change its frequency to indicate a change in its state. Among other things, different states of the active pen can identify input color, pen size / width, tools (e.g., pencil, eraser), button presses, and gesture inputs.

[0033] Sensor circuit 112 acquires the resulting signal during the capacitive frame. Furthermore, during the capacitive frame, sensor circuit 112 operates sensor electrodes 120 for one or more of capacitive sensing, absolute capacitive sensing, and active pen sensing to acquire the resulting signal.

[0034] like Figure 1As illustrated, the processing system 110 includes a determination module 114. The determination module 114 is electrically connected to and receives a result signal from the sensor circuit 112. The determination module 114 processes the result signal to determine parameters corresponding to changes in capacitance of one or more of the sensor electrodes 120 and / or active pen signals. For example, the determination module 114 processes the result signal to determine a capacitance change between one or more of the sensor electrodes 120 and an input object 140. This capacitance change may be referred to as an absolute capacitance change. The determination module 114 determines position information of the input object 140 relative to the sensing area of ​​the input device 100 based on the capacitance change between one or more sensor electrodes 120 and the input object 140. For example, the determination module 114 determines the presence and / or absence of the input object 140 based on the capacitance change between one or more sensor electrodes 120 and the input object 140. Furthermore, the determination module 114 determines the position (e.g., location) of the input object 140 within the sensing area of ​​the input device 100 based on the capacitance change between one or more sensor electrodes 120 and the input object 140.

[0035] The determination module 114 processes the result signal to determine the capacitance change between two or more sensor electrodes 120. This capacitance change may be referred to as a transcapacitance or mutual capacitance change. The determination module 114 determines the position information of the input object 140 relative to the sensing area of ​​the input device 100 based on the capacitance change between the two or more sensor electrodes 120. Furthermore, the determination module 114 performs one or more correction algorithms on the transcapacitance change based on the absolute capacitance change. For example, the determination module 114 removes interference coupled from the input object 140 to the input device 100 based on the absolute capacitance change. Alternatively or additionally, when the input device 100 operates in a low ground quality state, the determination module 114 adjusts the transcapacitance change based on the absolute capacitance change. When the input device 100 does not have sufficient ground (e.g., the input device 100 is on an insulating surface and not connected to ground), it can be determined that the input device 100 is operating in a low ground quality state. Adjusting the transcapacitance change includes increasing and / or decreasing a value based on the absolute capacitance change according to the transcapacitance change.

[0036] Alternatively or concurrently, the determining module 114 determines parameters of the active pen signal. For example, the determining module 114 determines the position information of the input object 140 relative to the sensing area of ​​the input device 100 based on the received active pen signal. Furthermore, the determining module 114 may determine the state information of the active pen based on the received active pen signal.

[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 / non-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. Other 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 one embodiment, the determining module 114 processes the result signal by removing a baseline measurement result from the result signal. The baseline measurement result compensates for the capacitive coupling between the sensor electrode 120 and one or more nearby electrodes. Nearby electrodes may be display electrodes of a display device, unused sensor electrodes, and / or other nearby conductive objects. For example, the baseline measurement result may take into account display update signals of the display device (e.g., display update signals, gate select and deselect signals, or transmit control signals) that are capacitively coupled to the sensor electrode 120 via the display electrodes of the display device. Removing the baseline measurement result from the result signal may include subtracting the baseline measurement result from the result signal or otherwise compensating for the baseline measurement result.

[0039] The determination module 114 determines the capacitive image. For example, the determination module 114 determines a set of measurements of capacitance change based on the processed result signal and forms a capacitive image based on this set of measurements. Additionally or alternatively, the distribution along each axis of the sensor electrode 120 can be formed by this set of measurements. Continuous capacitive images and / or distributions acquired over consecutive time periods are used to track the movement(s) of one or more input objects 140 entering and leaving the sensing area of ​​the input device 100 and / or moving within the sensing area of ​​the input device 100. Furthermore, during each capacitive frame, one or more capacitive images and / or distributions can be determined based on the result signal. Additionally or alternatively, the distribution and / or capacitive image can be determined based on a set of measurements determined from the received active pen signal. As described above, in such an embodiment, continuous distributions and / or capacitive images acquired over consecutive time periods are used to track the movement of an active pen entering and leaving the sensing area of ​​the input device 100 and / or moving within the sensing area of ​​the input device 100.

[0040] Sensor electrode 120 includes sensor electrodes 120a and 120b. Sensor electrodes 120a and 120b are formed of a conductive material. Furthermore, sensor electrodes 120a and 120b may be formed of a conductive material that is at least substantially transparent. For example, among other things, sensor electrodes 120a and 120b may be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), carbon nanotubes, or a metal mesh.

[0041] The sensor electrode 120 forms a region of localized capacitance. This region of localized capacitance may correspond to a capacitive pixel in a capacitive image. When the sensor electrode 120 is operated for absolute capacitive sensing, capacitive pixels may be formed between the individual sensor electrode 120 and ground. Furthermore, when the sensor electrode 120 is operated for cross-capacitive sensing, capacitive sensing pixels may be formed between the sensor electrodes 120.

[0042] As illustrated, multiple sensor electrodes 120 are configured as multiple non-overlapping rectangles. In other embodiments, one or more of sensor electrodes 120a overlap with one or more of sensor electrodes 120b. Sensor electrodes 120a and 120b have rectangular shapes. However, in other embodiments, sensor electrodes 120a and / or sensor electrodes 120b have other shapes. As illustrated, sensor electrode 120a differs from sensor electrode 120b in size (e.g., width and / or length). In other embodiments, sensor electrodes 120a and 120b may be similar in size (e.g., share a common width and / or length). Furthermore, the shape of sensor electrode 120a may be the same as or different from the shape of sensor electrode 120b.

[0043] Sensor electrode 120 can be different Figure 1 The sensor electrodes 120 can be configured as shown in the diagram. For example, they can be arranged in a circular array, repeating pattern, non-repeating pattern, non-uniform array, single row or column, or other suitable arrangement. Furthermore, the sensor electrodes 120 can be of any shape, such as circular, rectangular, rhomboid, star-shaped, square, non-convex, convex, non-concave, concave, etc. Additionally, the number of sensor electrodes 120 can be... Figure 1 The quantities shown in the diagram differ. For example, the number of sensor electrodes 120a can be greater than or less than [the number shown in the diagram]. Figure 1 The number shown in the figure, and the number of sensor electrodes 120b can be greater than or less than the number of other electrodes. Figure 1 The number shown in the figure. Furthermore, the number of sensor electrodes 120a can be greater than, less than, or equal to the number of sensor electrodes 120b.

[0044] Sensor electrode 120 is electrically coupled to processing system 110 via trace 150. For example... Figure 1As illustrated, trace 150 is electrically connected to sensor electrode 120b in an alternating pattern. However, in other embodiments, trace 150 may be electrically connected to sensor electrode 120b using other patterns.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, sensor electrodes 120a and 120b may be disposed in a common layer (e.g., a common side of a substrate). For example, sensor electrodes 120a and 120b may be disposed in a non-overlapping manner. In one embodiment, one of sensor electrodes 120a and 120b includes a jumper wire bridging the other of sensor electrodes 120a and 120b.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, sensor electrode 120a is disposed on a first layer, and sensor electrode 120b is disposed on a second layer different from the first layer. For example, in one embodiment, sensor electrode 120a is disposed on a first side of a substrate, and sensor electrode 120b is disposed on a second side of the substrate. Alternatively, sensor electrode 120a is disposed on a first substrate, and sensor electrode 120b is disposed on a second substrate.

[0047] Figure 2 The illustration shows a sensor electrode 220 arranged in a pattern different from that of sensor electrode 120. For example, the sensor electrodes 220 are arranged such that one or more sensor electrodes 220 overlap with another one or more sensor electrodes 220. As illustrated, each sensor electrode 220a overlaps with each sensor electrode 220b. Sensor electrodes 220a and 220b may be disposed on different layers such that sensor electrode 220a overlaps with sensor electrode 220b. For example, sensor electrode 220a may be disposed on a first side of a substrate, and sensor electrode 220b may be disposed on a second side of a substrate. Alternatively, sensor electrodes 220a and 220b may be disposed on different substrates. The sensor electrode 220 illustrates different embodiments of sensor electrode 120, and throughout this disclosure, sensor electrode 220 can be used interchangeably with sensor electrode 120. For example, sensor electrode 220 may be coupled to processing system 110 via trace 150 such that sensor electrode 220 is operated for absolute capacitive sensing, transcapacitive sensing, and / or active pen sensing.

[0048] Figure 3A An input device 300 according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. The input device 300 is configured to be similar to Figure 1 The input device 100 is an input device. For example, input device 300 is configured to use sensor electrodes 120 to detect an input object (e.g., input object 140). In other embodiments, the input device is configured to use... Figure 2The sensor electrode 220, rather than the sensor electrode 120, is used to detect the input object in the diagram. However, compared to input device 100, input device 300 includes display device 302. Among other things, display device 302 is either a liquid crystal display (LCD) device or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device.

[0049] Display device 302 includes a display panel 320 having sub-pixels 321. In an embodiment where display device 302 is an OLED display device, each sub-pixel 321 is coupled to a gate line 322, a data line 324, and an emission control line 326. In an embodiment where display device 302 is an LCD device, the emission control line 326 may be omitted, and each sub-pixel is coupled to the gate line 322 and the data line 324. Each sub-pixel 321 includes a pixel electrode and sub-pixel circuitry. The sub-pixel circuitry may include one or more capacitors and / or one or more transistors. The sub-pixel circuitry is configured to connect and disconnect the pixel electrode from the corresponding data line 324 in the data line 324 to update the sub-pixel 321.

[0050] Gate line 322 is coupled to gate selection circuit 328 of display panel 320, and selects sub-pixel 321 (asserts sub-pixel 321) and deselects sub-pixel 321 (deactivates sub-pixel 321) for display updates. For example, gate selection circuit 328 can be configured to drive gate select signal and gate deselect signal to gate line 322 to select and deselect sub-pixel 321 for display updates. The gate select signal can be referred to as gate high signal (V). gh ), and the gate deselect signal can be referred to as the gate low signal (V). gl In such an embodiment, V gh It can have values ​​in the range of approximately 10V to approximately 15V. Furthermore, V gl It can have values ​​from approximately -5V to 5V. However, in other embodiments, it can utilize values ​​for V. gh and / or V gl Other voltage values.

[0051] Gate selection circuit 328 uses a gate selection signal to drive a first gate line 322 to select each sub-pixel 321 coupled to the first gate line 322. Furthermore, gate selection circuit 328 uses a gate deselect signal to drive a second gate line 322 to select each sub-pixel coupled to the second gate line 322. Gate selection circuit 328 can also use a gate deselect signal to drive each gate line 322 other than those driven by the gate selection signal. Gate selection circuit 328 may include one or more shift registers configured to drive the gate lines 322 using the gate selection signal and the gate deselect signal.

[0052] The processing system 310 includes a sensor driver 311 and a display driver 312. The sensor driver 311 includes a sensor circuit 112 and a determination module 114, which is relative to... Figure 1 To provide a more detailed description.

[0053] Display driver 312 includes display driver circuitry 314 configured to drive data lines 324 to update sub-pixels 321 using a display update signal. Among other circuit elements, display driver circuitry 314 includes one or more source drivers, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and an amplifier. In such an embodiment, each source driver may be coupled to one or more of the data lines 324 and configured to drive the data lines 324 to update selected sub-pixels 321 using a display update signal.

[0054] During a display frame, subpixels 321 are driven for display updates. During a display frame, each subpixel 321 is driven using a corresponding display update signal to update the display panel 320. Display frames can occur at a display frame rate. Example display frame rates can be 30 Hz, 60 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz, 240 Hz, or 360 Hz. However, other display frame rates can be used. During each display frame, subpixels 321 are updated line-by-line, such that one display line is updated at a time. A display line corresponds to a row (or another group) of subpixels 321 coupled to one or more common gate lines 322. Furthermore, the time period used to update the display lines can be referred to as the display line update period. The display line update period can have a length of approximately 6 μs to approximately 9 μs. However, the display line update period can have a length of less than 6 μs or greater than 9 μs.

[0055] Figure 3B An example driving block for display frame 360 ​​is illustrated. As illustrated, display frame 360 ​​includes vertical blanking periods 372, 374 and display update periods 382, ​​384, and 386. During display update periods 382, ​​384, and 386, subpixels 321 are driven to update display device 302. Furthermore, although three display update periods are illustrated in display frame 360, other numbers of display update periods may be utilized in other embodiments. Additionally, vertical blanking period 372 occurs at the beginning of display frame 360 ​​(e.g., before each of display update periods 382-386), and vertical blanking period 374 occurs at the end of display frame 360 ​​(e.g., after each of display update periods 382-386).

[0056] Display update periods 382-386 include one or more display line update periods. For example, in one embodiment, the display line update period may include one hundred or more display line update periods. In other embodiments, the display update period may include fewer or more than one hundred display line update periods. Each display line update period includes an active subpixel driving period and a horizontal blanking period. During the active subpixel driving period, the selected subpixel 321 is driven by the display driver 312 using a display update signal. During the horizontal blanking period, the subpixel 321 is not actively driven. Furthermore, during the horizontal blanking period, the current gate line 322 is deselected, the next gate line 322 is selected, and / or the display driver circuitry 314 is reconfigured to drive the display update signal for the next display line. The active subpixel driving period is longer than the horizontal blanking time and constitutes the majority of the display line update period.

[0057] The lengths of the display update periods 382-386 can be different from each other. For example, one or more of the display update periods 382-386 can be longer than another of the display update periods 382-386. Alternatively, each of the display update periods 382-386 can be the same length.

[0058] Display update periods 382, ​​384, and 386 are separated from each other by long horizontal blanking periods (e.g., long horizontal blanking periods 392 and 394). For example, long horizontal blanking period 392 occurs between display update periods 382 and 384, and long horizontal blanking period 394 occurs between display update periods 384 and 386. Although two long horizontal blanking periods are illustrated, in other embodiments, the display frame may include more or fewer than two long horizontal blanking periods.

[0059] The longer horizontal blanking periods 392 and 394 are longer than the display line update periods (e.g., Figure 3C The display line update period is 362. Furthermore, during the long horizontal blanking periods 392 and 394, the display of the display panel 320 is not updated. For example, during the long horizontal blanking periods 392 and 394, the sub-pixels 321 are not driven for display updates using display update signals. Therefore, since the display of the display panel 320 is not updated during the long horizontal blanking periods 392 and 394, but is updated during the display update periods 382-386, the amount of interference emitted by the display device 302 during the long horizontal blanking periods 392 and 394 is less than the amount of interference emitted by the display device 302 during the display update periods 382-386. In one or more embodiments, the length, start point, and / or end point of one or more of the long horizontal blanking periods 392 and 394 can be adjusted.

[0060] The vertical blanking periods 372 and 374, as well as the long horizontal blanking periods 392 and 394, can be referred to as non-display update periods because during these periods, subpixels 321 are inactively driven to update the display device 302.

[0061] During vertical blanking periods 372 and 374, subpixels 321 are not driven to update display device 302. In one embodiment, the length of the vertical blanking period can be adjusted to control the display frame rate. Furthermore, during the vertical blanking period, the display driver circuitry 314 of display driver 312 can be configured to update the display of display panel 320 during the next display frame.

[0062] In various embodiments, the number, order, and length of vertical blanking periods, display update periods, and / or long horizontal blanking periods can vary between display frames.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, display frame 360 ​​is associated with one or more capacitive frames. For example, in one embodiment, display frame 360 ​​is associated with a single capacitive frame. In other embodiments, display frame 360 ​​is associated with two or more capacitive frames.

[0064] Figure 3C An example display line update period 362 is illustrated. Display line update period 362 includes an active subpixel driving period 363 and a horizontal blanking period 364. In one embodiment, display line update period 362 has a length of approximately 9 μs, active subpixel driving period 363 has a length of approximately 6 μs, and horizontal blanking period has a length of approximately 3 μs. Alternatively, the length of display line update period 362 may be less than or greater than 9 μs. For example, the length of display line update period 362 may decrease as resolution and / or display update frequency (e.g., frame rate) increases. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the length of the active pixel driving period may be greater than or less than 6 μs and / or the length of the horizontal blanking period 364 may be less than or greater than 3 μs.

[0065] Further reference Figure 3A The display driver 312 receives image data from an external processor (e.g., a host processor or timing controller) and generates a display update signal from the image data. Additionally, the display driver 312 generates one or more display control signals from the image data. In other embodiments, the display driver 312 receives the display update signal and / or control signals from an external processor.

[0066] The display control signal may include one or more pulses. In one embodiment, the display control signal includes one or more of a horizontal sync signal (HSYNC), a vertical sync signal (VSYNC), a data enable signal, a pixel clock signal, and / or a brightness control signal. HSYNC corresponds to the start and / or end of a display line update period. Additionally, HSYNC may alternatively identify one or more blanking periods corresponding to the display line update period. VSYNC corresponds to the start and / or end of a display frame. Additionally, the VSYNC signal may alternatively identify one or more vertical blanking periods within a display frame. The display enable signal may be a composite signal of both HSYNC and VSYNC signals, and identifies the start time of the display frame, the end time of the display frame, the horizontal blanking period corresponding to the display line update period, and / or the vertical blanking period within the display frame.

[0067] The display driver 312 is electrically connected to the sensor driver 311 via a communication path 316. In one embodiment, the display driver 312 sends one or more display control signals to the sensor driver 311 via the communication path 316.

[0068] The processing system 310 includes one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips. In one embodiment, a display driver 312 and a sensor driver 311 are included within a common IC chip. In such an embodiment, a communication path 316 is internal to the IC chip. In another embodiment, the display driver 312 is part of a first IC chip, and the sensor driver 311 is part of a second IC chip. In such an embodiment, the communication path 316 is electrically connected to the IC chip.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an input device 300 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 4 As illustrated, the input device 300 includes a substrate 410, a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer 420, a gate line 322, a data line 324, an emission control line 326, a sub-pixel electrode layer 430, a display material layer 440, a reference electrode layer 450, a display layer 460, an encapsulation layer 470, and a sensor electrode 120. In one or more embodiments, the emission control line 326 may be omitted.

[0070] The substrate 410 is a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. In one embodiment, the substrate 410 is a plastic substrate. In other embodiments, the substrate 410 is a glass substrate. The TFT layer 420 includes sub-pixel circuit elements (e.g., transistors and capacitors) configured to control the selection, deselection, and driving of the sub-pixels 321. Gate lines 322, data lines 324, and emission control lines 326 are disposed in one or more metal layers on the substrate 410. For example, the gate line 322 may be disposed in a first metal layer, the data line 324 may be disposed in a second metal layer, and the emission control line 326 may be disposed in a third metal layer. In other embodiments, the gate line 322 and the emission control line 326 are disposed in a common metal layer. The gate line 322 may be disposed in a metal layer above or below the metal layer including the data line 324 and / or the metal layer including the emission control line 326. Alternatively, the data line 324 may be disposed in a metal layer above or below the metal layer including the gate line 322 and / or the metal layer including the emission control line 326.

[0071] The subpixel electrode layer 430 includes a subpixel electrode for each subpixel 321. In an embodiment where the display device 302 is an OLED display device, the subpixel electrode is an anode electrode. In an embodiment where the display device 302 is an LCD device, the subpixel electrode includes an LCD subpixel electrode. The subpixel electrode may be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO) or other suitable materials.

[0072] like Figure 4 As illustrated, the display material layer 440 is disposed between the sub-pixel electrode layer 430 and the reference electrode layer 450. However, in other embodiments, the display material layer 440 may be disposed above the sub-pixel electrode layer 430 and the reference electrode layer 450. In an embodiment where the display device 302 is an OLED display device, the display material layer 440 is an organic material layer. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the display material layer 440 is disposed between the sub-pixel electrode layer 430 and the reference electrode layer 450. In an embodiment where the display device 302 is an LCD device, the display material layer 440 is a liquid crystal material. In such an embodiment, the display material layer 440 is disposed between the sub-pixel electrode layer 430 and the reference electrode layer 450 or above the sub-pixel electrode layer 430 and the reference electrode layer 450.

[0073] The reference electrode layer 450 overlaps with and serves as a reference to the sub-pixel electrodes of the sub-pixel electrode layer 430, relative to which the sub-pixels of the sub-pixel electrode layer 430 are driven to update sub-pixels 321. For example, the reference electrode layer 450 may be a cathode electrode layer or a common voltage (Vcom) electrode layer. In embodiments where the display device 302 is an OLED display device, the reference electrode layer 450 is a cathode electrode. The cathode electrode is a sheet of resistive material. In one or more embodiments, the cathode electrode is a sheet of resistive material having a resistance of approximately 1 to approximately 20 ohms per square. In one embodiment, the cathode electrode may consist of a single electrode or multiple electrodes. The cathode electrode is electrically connected to and driven by the display driver 312 to supply a low-impedance reference voltage relative to which the sub-pixel electrodes of the sub-pixel electrode layer 430 are driven.

[0074] In an embodiment where display device 302 is an LCD display device, reference electrode layer 450 is a Vcom electrode layer. The Vcom electrode layer may include one or more Vcom electrodes. The Vcom electrode layer is electrically connected to and driven by display driver 312 to supply a reference voltage relative to the reference voltage to drive the sub-pixel electrodes of sub-pixel electrode layer 430.

[0075] Among other things, display layer 460 may include one or more polarizers, one or more substrates and / or color filters.

[0076] An encapsulation layer 470 is disposed above other layers of the display device 302. The encapsulation layer 470 may be rigid or flexible. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the encapsulation layer 470 may be omitted, and a lens may be included instead. For example, in an embodiment where the display panel 320 is an LCD display panel, the encapsulation layer 470 may be replaced by a lens disposed above a layer of the display device 302. In one or more embodiments, a lens may be included in addition to and above the encapsulation layer 470.

[0077] One or more of the sensor electrodes 120 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 470. For example, one or more of the sensor electrodes 120 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 470. In embodiments including a lens, one or more of the sensor electrodes 120 may be disposed on the lens. Furthermore, one or more of the sensor electrodes 120 may be disposed on one or more substrates and adhered to the display panel 320 (e.g., adhered to the encapsulation layer 470 or the lens). In one embodiment, one or more sensor electrodes 120 are disposed on the encapsulation layer 470 or the lens, and a second or more sensor electrodes 120 are disposed on a substrate adhered to the display panel 320.

[0078] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating a method 500 for performing input sensing according to one or more embodiments. At operation 510, sensor driver 311 acquires a first result signal from sensor electrode 120. For example, sensor driver 311 may operate sensor electrode 120 for absolute capacitive sensing, transcapacitive sensing, and / or active pen sensing to receive the first result signal.

[0079] Operation 510 includes operation 512, which receives a first display control signal. For example, at operation 512, sensor driver 311 receives a first display control signal indicating the start of a display frame. In one embodiment, the first display control signal indicates a non-display update period of the display frame (e.g., a vertical blanking period or a long horizontal blanking period).

[0080] refer to Figure 3A At the beginning of display frame 360, a display control signal is transmitted from display driver 312 to sensor driver 311 via communication path 316. The first display control signal may include one or more pulses. In one or more embodiments, the first display signal may be a VSYNC signal or a VSYNC-based signal. Alternatively, the first display control signal may be an HSYNC signal or an HSYNC-based signal.

[0081] The sensor driver 311 initiates the acquisition of a first result signal based on the receipt of a first display control signal. For example, the sensor driver 311 may initiate the acquisition of the first result signal based on a pulse of the first display control signal. In one embodiment, initiating the acquisition of the first result signal based on a pulse of the first display control signal includes: detecting the rising edge of the pulse of the first display control signal; and initiating the acquisition of the first result signal based on the detection of the rising edge of the pulse of the first display control signal. Initiating the acquisition of the first result signal includes operating the sensor electrode 120 for cross-capacitive sensing, absolute capacitive sensing, or active pen sensing.

[0082] In one embodiment, during operation 510, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for absolute capacitive sensing during a time period overlapping with a non-display update period of display frame 360. For example, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for absolute capacitive sensing during a time period overlapping with a vertical blanking period 372 or a long horizontal blanking period 392. Operating one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for absolute capacitive sensing includes: operating each of sensor electrodes 120 for absolute capacitive sensing, operating each of sensor electrodes 120a or 120b for absolute capacitive sensing, or operating fewer than all of sensor electrodes 120a or 120b for absolute capacitive sensing. Furthermore, operating one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for absolute capacitive sensing includes: driving one or more of sensor electrodes 120 with an absolute capacitive sensing signal while simultaneously receiving a result signal using the driven one or more sensor electrodes 120.

[0083] In one embodiment, during operation 510, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for cross-capacitive sensing during a time period overlapping with a non-display update period of display frame 360. For example, sensor driver 311 operates two or more of sensor electrodes 120 for cross-capacitive sensing during a time period overlapping with a vertical blanking period 372 or a long horizontal blanking period 392. Operating one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for cross-capacitive sensing includes: operating each of sensor electrodes 120 for cross-capacitive sensing, operating each of sensor electrodes 120a or 120b for cross-capacitive sensing, or operating fewer than all of sensor electrodes 120a or 120b for cross-capacitive sensing. Furthermore, operating one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for cross-capacitive sensing includes: driving a first one or more of sensor electrodes 120 with a cross-capacitive sensing signal while simultaneously receiving a result signal with a second one or more of additional sensor electrodes 120.

[0084] In one embodiment, during operation 510, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for active pen sensing during a time period overlapping with a non-display update period of display frame 360. For example, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for active pen sensing during a time period overlapping with a vertical blanking period 372 or a long horizontal blanking period 392. Operating one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for active pen sensing includes: operating each of sensor electrodes 120 for active pen sensing, operating each of sensor electrodes 120a or 120b for active pen sensing, or operating fewer than all of sensor electrodes 120a or 120b for active pen sensing. For example, operating one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for active pen sensing includes driving one or more of sensor electrodes 120 with a substantially constant voltage to receive an active pen signal.

[0085] Operation 520 includes operation 522, which includes receiving a second display control signal. For example, at operation 522, the sensor driver 311 receives the second display control signal, which indicates the start of a display update period for a display frame.

[0086] refer to Figure 3A At the beginning of the display update period 382, ​​a second display control signal is transmitted from the display driver 312 to the sensor driver 311 via communication path 316. The second display control signal may include one or more pulses. In one or more embodiments, the second display signal is a VSYNC signal or a VSYNC-based signal. Alternatively, the second display control signal is an HSYNC signal or an HSYNC-based signal.

[0087] The sensor driver 311 initiates the acquisition of a second result signal based on the receipt of a second display control signal. For example, the sensor driver 311 initiates the acquisition of the second result signal based on a pulse of the second display control signal. In one embodiment, initiating the acquisition of the second result signal based on a pulse of the second display control signal includes: detecting the rising edge of the pulse of the second display control signal; and initiating the acquisition of the second result signal based on the detection of the rising edge of the pulse of the second display control signal. Furthermore, initiating the acquisition of the second result signal includes operating the sensor electrode 120 for transcapacitive sensing, absolute capacitive sensing, or active pen sensing.

[0088] In one embodiment, during operation 520, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for absolute capacitive sensing during a time period that overlaps with the display update period of display frame 360.

[0089] In one embodiment, during operation 520, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for transcapacitive sensing during a time period overlapping with the display update period of display frame 360.

[0090] In another embodiment, during operation 520, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for active pen sensing during a time period that overlaps with the display update period of display frame 360.

[0091] In one or more embodiments, during operations 510 and 520, sensor driver 311 operates sensor electrode 120 for first-type and second-type input sensing. For example, during operation 510, sensor driver 311 operates sensor electrode 120 for absolute capacitive sensing or active pen sensing, and during operation 520, sensor driver 311 operates sensor electrode 120 for transcapacitive sensing.

[0092] Operation 530 includes operation 532, which includes receiving a third display control signal. For example, at operation 532, the sensor driver 311 receives a third display control signal indicating the start of a non-display update period of a display frame. In one embodiment, the third display control signal indicates the start of a long horizontal blanking period of a display frame. Optionally, operation 530 can be omitted from method 500.

[0093] refer to Figure 3A At the beginning or end of the display update period 382 or at the beginning of the long horizontal blanking period 392, a third display control signal is transmitted from the display driver 312 to the sensor driver 311. The third display control signal may include one or more pulses. In one or more embodiments, the third display signal may be an HSYNC signal or an HSYNC-based signal.

[0094] The sensor driver 311 initiates the acquisition of a third result signal based on the receipt of a third display control signal. For example, the sensor driver 311 initiates the acquisition of the third result signal based on a pulse of the third display control signal. In one embodiment, initiating the acquisition of the third result signal based on a pulse of the third display control signal includes: detecting the rising edge of the pulse of the third display control signal; and initiating the acquisition of the third result signal based on the detection of the rising edge of the pulse of the third display control signal. Furthermore, initiating the acquisition of the third result signal includes operating the sensor electrode 120 for transcapacitive sensing, absolute capacitive sensing, or active pen sensing.

[0095] In one embodiment, during operation 530, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for absolute capacitive sensing during a time period that at least partially overlaps with a long horizontal blanking period 392 of display frame 360.

[0096] In other embodiments, during operation 530, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for transcapacitive sensing during a time period that at least partially overlaps with a long horizontal blanking period 392 of display frame 360.

[0097] In one or more embodiments, during operation 530, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for active pen sensing during a time period that at least partially overlaps with a long horizontal blanking period 392 of display frame 360.

[0098] In various embodiments, during operation 520, sensor driver 311 operates sensor electrode 120 for a first type of input sensing, and during operation 530, sensor driver 311 operates sensor electrode 120 for a second type of input sensing. For example, during operation 520, sensor driver 311 operates sensor electrode 120 for transcapacitive sensing, and during operation 530, sensor driver 311 operates sensor electrode 120 for absolute capacitive sensing or active pen sensing.

[0099] Operation 540 includes operation 542, which includes receiving a fourth display control signal. For example, at operation 542, the sensor driver 311 receives a fourth display control signal indicating the start of a display update period for a display frame. In one embodiment, the fourth display control signal indicates the end of a non-display update period for a display frame. Optionally, operation 540 can be omitted from method 500.

[0100] refer to Figure 3A At the beginning of the display update period 384, a fourth display control signal is transmitted from the display driver 312 to the sensor driver 311. The fourth display control signal may include one or more pulses. In one or more embodiments, the fourth display signal is a VSYNC signal or a VSYNC-based signal. Alternatively, the fourth display control signal is an HSYNC signal or an HSYNC-based signal.

[0101] The sensor driver 311 initiates the acquisition of a fourth result signal based on the receipt of a fourth display control signal. For example, the sensor driver 311 initiates the acquisition of the fourth result signal based on a pulse of the fourth display control signal. In one embodiment, initiating the acquisition of the fourth result signal based on a pulse of the fourth display control signal includes: detecting the rising edge of the pulse of the fourth display control signal; and initiating the acquisition of the fourth result signal based on the detection of the rising edge of the pulse of the fourth display control signal. Furthermore, initiating the acquisition of the fourth result signal includes operating one or more of the sensor electrodes 120 for cross-capacitive sensing, absolute capacitive sensing, or active pen sensing.

[0102] In one embodiment, during operation 540, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for absolute capacitive sensing during a time period overlapping with display update period 384 of display frame 360.

[0103] In one or more embodiments, during operation 540, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for transcapacitive sensing during a time period overlapping with the display update period of display frame 360.

[0104] In various embodiments, during operation 540, sensor driver 311 operates one or more of sensor electrodes 120 for active pen sensing during a time period that overlaps with the display update period 384 of display frame 360.

[0105] During operations 520 and 540, sensor driver 311 operates sensor electrode 120 for the same type of input sensing. For example, sensor driver 311 operates sensor electrode 120 for cross-capacitive sensing during operations 520 and 540. Furthermore, sensor driver 311 operates sensor electrode 120 for absolute capacitive sensing and / or active pen sensing during operations 520 and 540.

[0106] At operation 550, the determining module 114 determines position information of one or more input objects (e.g., input object 140) based on one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth result signals. For example, the determining module 114 determines parameters of capacitance changes and / or active pen signals between sensor electrodes 120 and / or between sensor electrodes 120 and input object 140 from the first, second, third, and fourth result signals.

[0107] In one or more embodiments, the determining module 114 compares two or more of the first, second, third, and fourth result signals to determine the location information of one or more input objects 140. For example, in an embodiment where absolute capacitive sensing is performed during operation 510 and transcapacitive sensing is performed during operation 520, the determining module 114 compares the first result signal with the second result signal to determine the location information of the input object 140. In such an embodiment, the first result signal can be received during a period of time without interference caused by updating the display device. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the second result signal is received during a period of time where interference caused by updating the display exists. Therefore, the first result signal is used to mitigate interference within the second result signal. For example, the first result signal is used to confirm the detection of one or more input objects detected using the second result signal. In other examples, other interference mitigation techniques can be performed based on the first and second result signals.

[0108] Furthermore, the determining module 114 determines first position information based on a first result signal and second position information based on a second result signal. The determining module 114 compares the first position information and the second position information to mitigate interference within the second position information. For example, the first position information is compared relative to the second position information to determine whether a detected input object in the second position information is valid. An invalid input object can be referred to as a ghosted input object.

[0109] Ghosting of input objects refers to the incorrect identification of an input object within the sensing area of ​​an input device (e.g., input device 100). The presence of ghosting input objects may be caused by the influence of display interference on the second result signal. However, since the first result signal has no display interference, the first result signal (or the position information determined based on the first result signal) can be used to detect the presence of ghosting input objects in the second result signal (or the position information determined based on the second result signal) based on a comparison of the first result signal and the second result signal (or the position information determined based on the second result signal). If the number and location of input objects identified by the result signal (or the position information determined based on the first result signal) correspond to the number and location of input objects identified by the second result signal (or the position information generated based on the second result signal), then the second result signal (or the position information determined based on the second result signal) is determined to be valid and / or associated with a high confidence value. The confidence value corresponds to the probability that each identified input object is a valid input object (e.g., valid detection of the input object). However, if the number and location of the input objects identified by the first result signal (or the location information determined based on the first result signal) do not correspond to the number and location of the input objects identified by the second result signal (or the location information determined based on the second result signal), then the second result signal (or the location information determined based on the second result signal) is determined to be invalid and / or associated with a low confidence value. Therefore, the second result signal may undergo additional filtering by the determination module 114 or may be ignored.

[0110] In various embodiments, the first and second result signals may refer to a first capacitive frame, while the third and fourth result signals refer to a second capacitive frame. In such embodiments, similar to how the first result signal can be used to confirm the location information of the input object in the second result signal, the third result signal can be used to confirm the location information of the input object in the fourth result signal.

[0111] In embodiments where active pen sensing is performed during operations 510 and / or 530, the determining module 114 determines the position information of the active pen based on a first and / or a third result signal. In one embodiment, the determining module 114 determines the duty cycle of the active pen signal based on the first and / or third result signal and adjusts the corresponding non-display update time based on the duty cycle. For example, the determining module 114 may change the start point of a subsequent long horizontal blanking period (e.g., a long horizontal blanking period 394 within display frame 360 ​​or a long horizontal blanking period of a subsequent display frame) based on the third result signal. In one embodiment, changing the start point of the long horizontal blanking period 394 includes instructing the display driver 312 to start the long horizontal blanking period 394 earlier or later within display frame 360. Alternatively, the length of the subsequent long horizontal blanking period (e.g., a long horizontal blanking period 394 within display frame 360 ​​or a long horizontal blanking period of a subsequent display frame) may be increased or decreased based on the duty cycle of the active pen signal determined according to the third result signal.

[0112] In one or more embodiments, the determining module 114 detects one or more input objects within the sensing area of ​​the input device that are not in contact with the input surface of the input device 100, based on a first and / or third result signal. For example, in an embodiment where the first and / or third result signal is acquired using absolute capacitive sensing, the determining module 114 determines corresponding first and / or third position information based on the first and / or third result signal. In such an embodiment, the first and / or third position information can be used to detect input objects within the sensing area of ​​the input device that are not in contact with the input device. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the first and / or third result signal can be used to detect input objects entering or leaving the sensing area of ​​the input device.

[0113] Therefore, the embodiments and examples set forth herein are presented to explain the present technology and applications and to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing descriptions and examples are presented for illustrative and exemplary purposes only. The descriptions set forth are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed.

[0114] In view of the foregoing, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A processing system, comprising: The sensor driver is configured to: Receive a first display control signal corresponding to a non-display update period of the display frame and a second display control signal corresponding to a display update period of the display frame; Based on the first display control signal, a first result signal is acquired using sensor electrodes electrically connected to the sensor driver, by operating the sensor electrodes for a first type of input sensing during a first time period, wherein at least a portion of the first time period overlaps with the non-display update time period; and Based on the second display control signal, a second result signal is acquired using the sensor electrodes by operating the sensor electrodes for a second type of input sensing during a second time period, wherein the second time period overlaps with at least a portion of the display update time period, and the second type of input sensing differs from the first type of input sensing. Operating the sensor electrodes for the first type of input sensing includes: driving one or more of the sensor electrodes using an absolute capacitive sensing signal, and using the driven one or more sensor electrodes to receive the first result signal. Operating the sensor electrodes for the second type of input sensing includes: driving one or more of the sensor electrodes using a transcapacitive sensing signal, and receiving the second result signal using one or more of the sensor electrodes. It also includes a determining circuit configured to mitigate interference based on a comparison of first position information determined according to the first result signal and second position information determined according to the second result signal.

2. The processing system of claim 1, wherein operating the sensor electrodes for the first type of input sensing comprises: Operate one or more of the sensor electrodes for active pen sensing.

3. The processing system of claim 1, wherein mitigating the interference includes determining effective detection of the input object.

4. The processing system of claim 1, wherein the sensor driver is further configured to receive a third display control signal corresponding to a second non-display update period of the display frame, wherein the timing of the third display control signal is adjusted at least in part based on the first result signal.

5. A method for input sensing, comprising: The sensor driver receives a first display control signal corresponding to a non-display update period of the display frame and a second display control signal corresponding to a display update period of the display frame. Based on the first display control signal, a first result signal is acquired using sensor electrodes by operating the sensor electrodes for a first type of input sensing during a first time period, wherein at least a portion of the first time period overlaps with the non-display update time period; Based on the second display control signal, a second result signal is acquired using the sensor electrodes by operating the sensor electrodes for a second type of input sensing during a second time period, wherein the second time period overlaps with at least a portion of the display update time period, and the second type of input sensing differs from the first type of input sensing; and Interference is mitigated by comparing first location information determined based on the first result signal with second location information determined based on the second result signal. Operating the sensor electrodes for the first type of input sensing includes: driving one or more of the sensor electrodes using an absolute capacitive sensing signal, and using the driven one or more sensor electrodes to receive the first result signal. Operating the sensor electrodes for the second type of input sensing includes: driving one or more of the sensor electrodes using a transcapacitive sensing signal, and receiving the second result signal using one or more of the sensor electrodes.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein operating the sensor electrodes for the first type of input sensing comprises: Operate one or more of the sensor electrodes for active pen sensing.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein mitigating the interference includes determining effective detection of the input object.

8. An input device, comprising: Sensor electrodes; as well as A processing system, electrically connected to the sensor electrodes and configured to: Receive a first display control signal corresponding to a non-display update period of the display frame and a second display control signal corresponding to a display update period of the display frame; Based on the first display control signal pole, a first result signal is acquired using the sensor electrode by operating the sensor electrode for a first type of input sensing during a first time period, wherein at least a portion of the first time period overlaps with the non-display update time period; and Based on the second display control signal, a second result signal is acquired using the sensor electrodes by operating the sensor electrodes for a second type of input sensing during a second time period, wherein the second time period overlaps with at least a portion of the display update time period, and the second type of input sensing differs from the first type of input sensing. Operating the sensor electrodes for the first type of input sensing includes: driving one or more of the sensor electrodes using an absolute capacitive sensing signal, and using the driven one or more sensor electrodes to receive the first result signal. Operating the sensor electrodes for the second type of input sensing includes: driving one or more of the sensor electrodes using a transcapacitive sensing signal, and receiving the second result signal using one or more of the sensor electrodes. The processing system is further configured to mitigate interference based on a comparison between first position information determined according to the first result signal and second position information determined according to the second result signal.

9. The input device of claim 8, wherein operating the sensor electrodes for the first type of input sensing comprises: Operate one or more of the sensor electrodes for active pen sensing.

10. The input device of claim 8, wherein mitigating the interference includes determining effective detection of the input object.

11. The input device of claim 8, further comprising a display device having display electrodes, wherein the processing system is configured to drive the display electrodes to update the display electrodes during the display update period.

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