Synchronous method and its controller

Abstract

The present application discloses a synchronization method between an active pen and a first touch device, comprising determining whether the active pen is close to the first touch device; starting a time point configuration process after the first touch device receives a response signal from the active pen; and starting a time point correction process after the time point configuration process is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a synchronization method and a controller thereof, and more particularly to a synchronization method and a controller thereof for correcting a transmission timing of an active pen to a touch device so as to improve efficiency and user experience. Background Art

[0002] Various types of active pens can be used as input devices for display panels of electronic devices. When the tip of the active pen touches or hovers on the display panel, the position of the active pen (which provides input to the electronic device as a user command) can be detected. The position of the active pen on the display panel is related to the virtual information depicted by the display panel. However, there is still room for improvement in the timing configuration of the active pen for the electronic device. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application discloses a synchronization method, comprising determining whether an active pen is close to a first touch device; starting a time point configuration process after the first touch device receives a response signal from the active pen; and starting a time point correction process after the time point configuration process is completed.

[0004] The present application also discloses a control circuit for a touch device, comprising a processing circuit and a storage circuit coupled to the processing circuit. The processing circuit is used to determine whether an active pen is close to the touch device; after the touch device receives a response signal from the active pen, start a time point configuration process; and after the time point configuration process is completed, start a time point calibration process.

[0005] The present application also discloses a control circuit for use in a computing device coupled to a touch device, comprising a processing circuit and a storage circuit coupled to the processing circuit. The processing circuit is used to instruct the touch device to start a time point configuration process after the touch device receives a response signal from an active pen; and to instruct the touch device to start a time point calibration process after the time point configuration process is completed.

[0006] The present application also discloses a control circuit for use in an active pen, comprising a processing circuit and a storage circuit coupled to the processing circuit. The processing circuit is used to detect the presence of a touch device; send a response signal to the touch device to start a time point configuration process; and start a time point calibration process after the time point configuration process is completed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0008] Figure 2 2 is a timing diagram of the active pen and the touch device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of a synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a flow chart of a synchronization method for a touch device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0011] Figure 5 It is a timing diagram of a synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0012] Figure 6 is a timing diagram of the active pen and the touch device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 7 The figure shows a downlink modulation format of a data signal according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a cross-platform system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Fig. 9 It is a flowchart of a synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Fig.10 Schematic diagram of uplink and downlink transmission between the touch device and the active pen according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Fig.11 Schematic diagram of wireless communication between a touch device and an active pen according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Fig.12 Schematic diagram of wired communication between the touch device and the active pen according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] The reference numerals are described as follows:

[0021] 10,13 System

[0022] 110 Active pen

[0023] 110C,130MCU controller

[0024] 110I / O, 130I / O input / output interface

[0025] 110SR Sensor

[0026] 110SS,130SS wireless communication circuit

[0027] 110ST storage circuit

[0028] 110TCON Timing Controller

[0029] 110TX / RX Transceiver

[0030] 130,830 Touch Devices

[0031] 130H Main processor

[0032] 130P touch screen

[0033] 130SSC sensor sensing circuit

[0034] 130TDDI Touch Display Driver IC

[0035] 130TX / RX Touch Sensor

[0036] 160 External computing device

[0037] 1DLTS1~1DLTSn,iDLTS1~iDLTSn 2DLTS1~2DLTSn, correct downlink time slot

[0038] 30,40,50,90 Synchronization Methods

[0039] 70 Data signal

[0040] 80 Cross-platform system

[0041] B Basic Symbols

[0042] Data1[1:0],Data2[1:0],Data3[1:0] Symbol

[0043] DLS, S312d Downlink Signal

[0044] DLTS, DLTS1~DLTSn Downlink time slot

[0045] FF1,FF2 frames

[0046] Steps S300~S308,S400~S412,S901~S912

[0047] S302a Response signal

[0048] S302d Detection Signal

[0049] S304a1~S304am Confirmation message

[0050] S304c1~S304cm time point configuration signal

[0051] S306e Time point configuration end signal

[0052] S308c1~S308ci Timing calibration and signal adjustment

[0053] S308d1~S308di Correction of downlink signal

[0054] S310e Time point correction end signal

[0055] Ta Upward falling edge to downward rising edge

[0056] Falling edge duration

[0057] Tb Downlink period

[0058] Tc Downlink duration

[0059] Td Uplink period

[0060] Tdp Display period

[0061] Ttp,Ttp1,Ttp2 Touch period

[0062] Tu Uplink duration

[0063] ULS Uplink Signal

[0064] ULTS1,ULTS2 Uplink time slot

[0065] VBP Edge DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. The system 10 may include an active stylus 110 and a touch device 130. The active stylus 110 is used to detect an uplink signal ULS from the touch device 130 or transmit a downlink signal DLS to the touch device 130.

[0067] The (transmission) timing of the downlink signal DLS can be adjusted / configured to meet the timing requirement / configuration of the touch device 130, so that, for example, the touch device 130 can timely receive the downlink signal DLS from the active pen 110. In other words, if the downlink signal DLS is transmitted from the active pen 110 to the touch device 130 at an appropriate time, the touch operation of the touch device 130 will not interfere with the display operation of the touch device 130, and the touch device 130 can correctly / completely receive the downlink signal DLS.

[0068] For example, Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a timing diagram of the active pen 110 and the touch device 130 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] A frame FF1 of the touch device 130 can be divided into a porch VBP, a display period Tdp, and a touch period Ttp. The start point (or end point) of a frame can be defined according to a vertical synchronization signal; the display period Tdp and the touch period Ttp can be defined according to a horizontal synchronization signal. According to the timing requirements / configuration, the touch device 130 can perform a display operation to display an image during the display period Tdp, and can perform a touch operation to sense a touch input sensed by a finger during a touch period Ttp (e.g., a touch period Ttp2) and / or sense a touch input caused by the active pen 110 during a touch period Ttp (e.g., a touch period Ttp1).

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, the timing parameters of the active stylus 110 may include an uplink duration Tu, an uplink period Td, a duration Ta from an uplink falling edge to a downlink rising and falling edge, a downlink period Tb, a downlink duration Tc, or a number of downlink slots n. The timing parameters of the active stylus 110 may be calibrated (thus adjusting the transmission timing of the downlink signal DLS) to meet the timing requirements / configuration of the touch device 130.

[0071] The downlink time length Tc may be the time length of the downlink time slot DLTS1, DLTS2, ... or DLTSn, where n is a positive integer. The active pen 110 may send a Figure 1 The touch device 130 may transmit the downlink signal DLS to the touch device 130. A touch period Ttp may be equal to or longer than a downlink period Tc. The downlink period Tc may be adjusted / configured (thereby adjusting the transmission timing of the downlink time slots DLTS1, DLTS2... or DLTSn) so that each of the downlink time slots DLTS1 to DLTSn may be aligned / coincident with a touch period Ttp1. Alternatively, the touch device 130 may adjust / configure the starting point of the touch operation within a touch period Ttp1. In this way, the touch device 130 may timely (or correctly) receive the downlink signal DLS from the active pen 110 and / or correctly decode the downlink signal DLS.

[0072] The uplink falling edge to downlink rising and falling edge duration Ta may start from the end of the uplink time slot ULTS1 and end at the beginning of the downlink time slot DLTS1 (after the uplink time slot ULTS1). The uplink falling edge to downlink rising and falling edge duration Ta may be adjusted / configured (thereby adjusting the transmission timing of the downlink time slot DLTS1) so that the downlink time slot DLTS1 may overlap / coincide with a touch period Ttp1.

[0073] The downlink period Tb may be the time length between two adjacent downlink time slots (e.g., from the start point of downlink time slot DLTS1 to the start point of downlink time slot DLTS2). The downlink period Tb may be adjusted / configured (thereby adjusting the transmission timing of downlink time slots DLTS2-DLTSn) so that each of the downlink time slots DLTS1-DLTSn may overlap / coincide with a touch period Ttp1.

[0074] The number of downlink time slots n may be the total number of downlink time slots DLTS1 to DLTSn. Figure 2 , the number of downlink time slots n can be equal to 8.

[0075] The uplink duration Tu may be the duration of the uplink time slot ULTS1 or ULTS2. The touch device 130 may transmit Figure 1 The uplink time slot ULTS1 may overlap / coincide with the edge VBP of the frame FF1 of the touch device 130.

[0076] The uplink period Td may be the time length between two adjacent uplink time slots ULTS1 and ULTS2. The uplink period Td may be equal to the time length of the frame FF1 of the touch device 130 or the inverse of the frame rate of the touch device 130. In one embodiment, the touch device 130 may indicate (to the active pen 110) that the frame rate is 60 Hz (hertz), while the actual frame rate of the touch device 130 may be (slightly) higher / lower than 60 Hz, so the uplink period Td should be (slightly) shorter / longer than 16.667 ms (milliseconds). Accordingly, after (automatically) configuring the timing parameters of the active pen 110 for the touch device 130 (detailed in step S304), it is necessary to (automatically) perform timing correction (detailed in step S306). In other words, the uplink period Td can be adjusted / configured (thereby adjusting the transmission timing of the downlink time slots of frame FF2) so that each downlink time slot (eg, each of the downlink time slots DLTS1-DLTSn) can overlap / coincide with a touch period Ttp1.

[0077] Figure 3 3 is a flow chart of a synchronization method 30 according to an embodiment of the present application. The synchronization method 30 between the active pen 110 and the touch device 130 may include the following steps:

[0078] Step S300: Start.

[0079] Step S302 : determining whether the active pen 110 is close to the touch device 130 .

[0080] Step S304 : responding to the response signal transmitted from the active pen 110 to the touch device 130 , and starting the timing configuration process.

[0081] Step S306: After the time point configuration process is completed, start the time point correction process.

[0082] Step S308: End.

[0083] Specifically, after the active pen 110 touches / hovers on the touch device 130, the timing configuration process (step S304) may be triggered. In step S304, the touch device 130 transmits the timing parameter (information) to the active pen 110. Next, the timing correction process (step S306) may be performed. For example, the active pen 110 may adjust / correct the (transmission) timing of the downlink signal DLS to meet the timing requirement / configuration of the touch device 130, so that the downlink signal DLS is transmitted from the active pen 110 to the touch device 130 at an appropriate time. In other words, an active pen (such as the active pen 110) and a touch device (such as the touch device 130) are paired on a case-by-case basis. The timing of an active pen may be optimized according to the timing of a touch device to be paired.

[0084] Figure 4 4 is a flow chart of a synchronization method 40 for a touch device 130 according to an embodiment of the present application. The synchronization method 40 for the touch device 130 may include the following steps:

[0085] Step S400: Start.

[0086] Step S402: The touch device 130 determines whether the active pen 110 is close to the touch device 130. If yes, proceed to step S404; otherwise, repeat step S402.

[0087] Step S404 : The touch device 130 transmits a timing configuration signal to the active stylus 110 , wherein the timing configuration signal indicates part or all of the timing parameters.

[0088] Step S405: The touch device 130 determines whether all the time point parameters (information) have been transmitted to the active pen 110. If so, proceed to step S406; otherwise, proceed to step S404.

[0089] Step S406 : the touch device 130 receives a calibration downlink signal from the active stylus 110 .

[0090] Step S407: The touch device 130 determines whether the calibration downlink timeslot of the calibration downlink signal is aligned / coincides with the touch period Ttp1 of the touch device 130. If so, proceed to step S410; otherwise, proceed to step S408.

[0091] Step S408 : The touch device 130 transmits a timing calibration and adjustment signal to the active stylus 110 , wherein the timing calibration and adjustment signal is used to instruct the active stylus 110 to shift / adjust the calibration downlink time slot of another calibration downlink signal to be transmitted.

[0092] Step S410 : the touch device 130 receives a downlink signal from the active pen 110 , wherein a downlink time slot of the downlink signal is aligned with / coincides with a touch period Ttp1 of the touch device 130 .

[0093] Step S412: End.

[0094] Figure 5 is a timing diagram of a synchronization method 50 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0095] The touch device 130 may notify the active pen (eg, the active pen 110) of the presence of the touch device 130. Specifically, the touch device 130 may transmit the detection signal S302d multiple times. The detection signal S302d may be used as Figure 1 The detection signal S302d may include an instruction indicating that the active pen (e.g., the active pen 110) enters the exploration process and / or identification information of the touch device 130. After the active pen 110 detects the (last) detection signal S302d, the active pen 110 may respond with a response signal S302a, and the response signal S302a may be an acknowledgment message (ACK).

[0096] After the touch device 130 receives the response signal S302a, the touch device 130 may determine that the active pen 110 touches / hovers on the touch device 130 (step S302 or S402), and correspondingly initiate the time point configuration process (step S304).

[0097] In one embodiment, the touch device 130 may send timing configuration signals S304c1-S304cm to indicate (preliminary / uncorrected) timing parameters for the touch device 130 in the timing configuration process (step S404), where m is a positive integer. The timing configuration signals S304c1-S304cm may be used as Figure 1The uplink signal ULS may include, but is not limited to, the uplink signal ULS. Specifically, the touch device 130 may divide the timing configuration data (for example, according to the bandwidth of the uplink transmission) into timing configuration signals S304c1~S304cm. Each of the timing configuration signals S304c1~S304cm may carry fewer bits of information, and the timing parameters may be represented by more bits. Therefore, each of the timing configuration signals S304c1~S304cm may indicate a portion of the timing parameters: for example, the timing configuration signal S304c1 may include information on the downlink duration Tc, and the timing configuration signal S304c2 may include information on the uplink period Td. The active pen 110 may receive the timing configuration signals S304c1~S304cm one by one to integrate all the timing configuration signals S304c1~S304cm back into the timing configuration data corresponding to all the timing parameters. In another embodiment (if the bandwidth is large enough or the timing configuration data is small), the touch device 130 may only send one timing configuration signal (corresponding to the timing configuration data) to indicate all timing parameters for the touch device 130 in the timing configuration process (step S404). Therefore, the active pen 110 may receive the timing configuration data once.

[0098] After the active pen 110 receives any one of the timing configuration signals S304c1-S304cm, the active pen 110 may respond with a confirmation message (i.e., one of the confirmation messages S304a1-S304am). The active pen 110 may send one of the confirmation messages S304a1-S304am (or the response signal S302a) at the time point specified by the corresponding timing configuration signal (or the detection signal S302d). The time point may be specified using the instruction of the corresponding timing configuration signal (or the detection signal S302d). Alternatively, the active pen 110 may send one of the confirmation messages S304a1-S304am (or the response signal S302a) at a time period. Once the touch device 130 detects a signal, the touch device 130 regards the signal as a confirmation message (or the response signal S302a).

[0099] After the active pen 110 receives all the timing parameters (or more specifically, after the touch device 130 receives the (final) confirmation message S304am), the touch device 130 may determine that all the timing parameters have been transmitted to the active pen 110 (step S405), and send a timing configuration end signal S306e to the touch device 130 to complete the timing configuration process (or timing pairing mode / state). The timing configuration end signal S306e can be used as Figure 1 The uplink signal ULS is, but not limited to, an uplink signal ULS.

[0100] The system 10 starts the timing calibration process (step S306) to calibrate the (calibrated) downlink signal to the touch period of the touch device 130, so that a (calibrated) downlink time slot (such as the later-described calibration downlink time slots iDLTS1-iDLTSn or Figure 2 Any of the downlink time slots DLTS1 to DLTSn) is finally connected to a touch period (for example Figure 2 The corresponding touch periods Ttp1) overlap / coincide.

[0101] Specifically, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 is a timing diagram of the active pen 110 and the touch device 130 of the embodiment of the present application. The active pen 110 can transmit the correction downlink signals S308d1-S308di (or only one correction downlink signal when sufficient) to the touch device 130, where i is a positive integer. The correction downlink signals S308d1-S308di can be used as Figure 1 The downlink signal DLS is, but not limited to, a downlink signal DLS.

[0102] like Figure 6 As shown, the correction downlink time slots iDLTS1-iDLTSn of the correction downlink signal S308di are aligned / coincided with the touch period Ttp1 of the touch device 130. However, at least one correction downlink time slot of the correction downlink signal S308d1-S308d(i-1) (e.g., correction downlink time slots 1DLTS1-1DLTSn of the correction downlink signal S308d1 and correction downlink time slots 2DLTS1-2DLTSn of the correction downlink signal S308d2) deviates from the corresponding touch period Ttp1 of the touch device 130 in the time domain. Figure 6 As shown, the downlink duration of the corrected downlink time slots 1DLTS1-1DLTSn of the corrected downlink signal S308d1 may not be equal to the downlink duration of the corrected downlink time slots iDLTS1-iDLTSn of the corrected downlink signal S308di. Figure 6 As shown, the downlink duration of the corrected downlink time slots 2DLTS1-2DLTSn of the corrected downlink signal S308d2 may be equal to the downlink duration of the corrected downlink time slots iDLTS1-iDLTSn of the corrected downlink signal S308di. The waveform in the corrected downlink time slot of one of the corrected downlink signals S308d1-S308di may be the same as the waveform in the corresponding corrected downlink time slot of another of the corrected downlink signals S308d1-S308di.

[0103] After the touch device 130 receives the corrected downlink signal S308d1 (step S406), the touch device 130 may determine whether the corrected downlink time slots 1DLTS1-1DLTSn of the corrected downlink signal S308d1 are aligned / coincided with the touch period Ttp1 of the touch device 130 (step S407). In one embodiment, the touch device 130 may decode the corrected downlink signal S308d1 to generate a decoding result. The touch device 130 may check whether the (transmission) timing of the corrected downlink signal S308d1 is corrected based on the correctness of the decoding result of the corrected downlink signal S308d1 and / or the signal strength of the carrier of the corrected downlink signal S308d1. For example, the touch device 130 may measure the waveform of the downlink signal S308d1 and determine whether each of the downlink time slots 1DLTS1-1DLTSn of the corrected downlink signal S308d1 overlaps / coincides with a touch period Ttp1.

[0104] If the (transmission) timing of the correction downlink signal S308d1 has not been corrected (for example, at least one of the correction downlink time slots 1DLTS1 to 1DLTSn of the correction downlink signal S308d1 deviates from the corresponding touch period Ttp1 of the touch device 130), the touch device 130 may transmit a timing calibration and adjustment signal S308c1 (step S408) to instruct the active pen 110 to shift / adjust at least one of the correction downlink time slots 2DLTS1 to 2DLTSn of the correction downlink signal S308d2 to be transmitted. The timing calibration and adjustment signal S308c1 may be used as Figure 1 's uplink signal ULS, but is not limited thereto. For example, the active pen 110 may shift the downlink time slots 1DLTS1, 1DLTS2... or 1DLTSn of the corrected downlink signal S308d1 so that all the downlink time slots iDLTS1~iDLTSn of the corrected downlink signal S308di eventually overlap / coincide with the corresponding touch period Ttp1. Alternatively, the active pen 110 may adjust the (current) timing parameters of the active pen 110 (e.g., reduce / increase the downlink duration of the corrected downlink signal S308d1, the duration from the uplink falling edge to the downlink rising falling edge, the downlink cycle or the uplink cycle) so that all the downlink time slots iDLTS1~iDLTSn of the corrected downlink signal S308di eventually overlap / coincide with the corresponding touch period Ttp1.

[0105] In response to the timing calibration and adjustment signal S308c1, the active pen 110 may transmit a calibration downlink signal S308d2 to the touch device 130. After the touch device 130 receives the calibration downlink signal S308d2 (step S406), the touch device 130 may perform steps S407 and S408 again. In fact, the (transmission) timing of the active pen 110 may be repeatedly / iteratively adjusted until all calibration downlink time slots 1DLTS1-1DLTSn of the calibration downlink signal S308di are aligned / coincident with the touch period Ttp1.

[0106] After the touch device 130 determines that the correction downlink time slots iDLTS1-iDLTSn of the (final) correction downlink signal S308di (sent according to the (corrected / optimized) timing parameters) are aligned / coincident with the touch period Ttp1 of the touch device 130, the touch device 130 may transmit a timing correction end signal S310e to the active pen 110 to complete the timing correction process. The timing correction end signal S310e may be used as Figure 1 The uplink signal ULS is, but not limited to, an uplink signal ULS.

[0107] After completing the timing calibration process, the active stylus 110 may enter / return to the operation process of step S410. Specifically, the active stylus 110 may transmit an (operation) downlink signal S312d according to the (calibrated / optimized) timing parameters of the active stylus 110 for the touch device 130 in step S410. The (operation) downlink signal S312d may be used as Figure 1 The downlink signal DLS of the downlink signal S312d is not limited thereto. Figure 2 The downlink time slots DLTS1-DLTSn) and the touch period of the touch device 130 (eg Figure 2 During the touch period Ttp1), the active pen 110 is aligned / overlapped. In the operation process, the user can use the active pen 110 to write, mark and draw. Each (operation) downlink signal S312d corresponds to the operation state of the active pen 110, which may include, for example, the on / off operation of the button of the active pen 110, the remaining power of the active pen 110, the active pen pressure, the active pen stroke, the active pen tilt, the brush type, the active pen identification (ID) and other information, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the active pen 110 can manipulate the screen presented on the touch device 130.

[0108] It is worth noting that due to the timing correction process of step S306 or steps S406 to S408 , the touch device 130 can timely (or correctly) receive the downlink signal S312 d from the active pen 110 and / or correctly decode the downlink signal S312 d in step S410 .

[0109] Table 1 is a time point configuration signal (eg Figure 5The timing configuration signal S304c1) may include a preamble field, a data field and / or a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) field. The preamble field or the data field may be represented by X bits, where X is a positive integer.

[0110] (Table 1)

[0111] Leading field Data Fields Cyclic Redundancy Check Field

[0112] Figure 7 The downlink modulation format of a data signal 70 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 5 One of the corrected downlink signals S308d1 to S308di or Figure 1 The downlink signal DLS may include a data signal 70. The data signal 70 is scheduled in a downlink time slot DLTS (eg Figure 2 Downlink time slot DLTS1~DLTSn or Figure 6 The correction downlink time slot 1 is transmitted in any one of DLTS1 to iDLTSn. Figure 7 As shown, the data signal 70 may be modulated by differential phase shift keying (DQPSK), but is not limited thereto. The data signal 70 may be demodulated by differential phase shift keying and include a basic symbol B and three symbols Data1[1:0], Data2[1:0] and / or Data3[1:0], each representing 2 bits of data. Each 2-bit data may be represented by a differential phase shift of the basic symbol B. The symbols Data1[1:0], Data2[1:0] and / or Data3[1:0] may be binary "10", "00" and "01", and result in phase shifts of 90, 180 and 270 degrees, respectively.

[0113] The timing correction process of the data signal 70 (in step S306 or S407) is important. If the (transmission) timing of the active pen 110 is corrected for the touch device 130 (such that, for example, each of the correction downlink time slots iDLTS1 to iDLTSn of the correction downlink signal S308di overlaps / coincides with a touch period Ttp1), the data signal 70 can be correctly demodulated / decoded by the touch device 130. Whether the (transmission) timing of the active pen 110 is corrected to meet the timing requirement / configuration of the touch device 130 can be determined by checking / determining whether the demodulated data signal 70 is correct.

[0114] In order to implement the timing correction (of step S306 or S407), the touch device 130 may analyze the data signal 70 to extract raw data related to the signal strength of the carrier of the data signal 70 (or the corresponding corrected downlink signal). If the (transmission) timing of the active pen 110 with respect to the touch device 130 is corrected (such that, for example, each of the corrected downlink time slots iDLTS1 to iDLTSn of the corrected downlink signal S308di overlaps / coincides with a touch period Ttp1), the raw data may be correctly demodulated by the touch device 130. Whether the (transmission) timing of the active pen 110 is corrected to meet the timing requirement / configuration of the touch device 130 may be determined by checking / determining whether the demodulated raw data is qualified.

[0115] In summary, as described in step S306 or S407, the touch device 130 can check whether the (transmission) timing of the active pen 110 is corrected based on the correctness of the decoding result of the data signal 70 (or the corresponding corrected downlink signal) and / or the signal strength of the carrier of the data signal 70 (or the corresponding corrected downlink signal).

[0116] Figure 8 80 is a schematic diagram of a cross-platform system 80 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the active pen 110 can move from one touch device (e.g., touch device 130) to another touch device (e.g., touch device 830). The (calibrated / optimized) transmission timing of the touch device 130 can be different from the (calibrated / optimized) transmission timing of the touch device 830. The active pen 110 can transmit (operate) a downlink signal to the touch device 130 in the operation process according to the (calibrated / optimized) timing parameters for the touch device 130, and transmit (operate) a downlink signal to the touch device 830 in the operation process according to the (calibrated / optimized) timing parameters for the touch device 830. In other words, the active pen 110 can communicate with different touch devices and can communicate with different touch devices alternately.

[0117] The (transmission) timing of the touch device 130 (e.g., the calibrated / optimized timing parameters of the active pen 110 for the touch device 130) may be stored in the timing table 130T (after a timing calibration process, e.g., step S306 or S407); the (transmission) timing of the touch device 830 (e.g., the calibrated / optimized timing parameters of the active pen 110 for the touch device 830) may be stored in the timing table 830T (after another timing calibration process, e.g., step S306 or S407). In one embodiment, the timing tables (e.g., timing tables 130T and 830T) may be stored in the active pen 110. In this case, after the active pen 110 touches / hovered on the touch device and operates in the operation process, the active pen 110 may instruct / trigger the touch device (e.g., the controller of the touch device 130 or 830) to send an uplink signal (for indicating which timing table the active pen 110 should select) to the active pen 110. In another embodiment, the timing table (e.g., the timing table 130T and 830T) may be stored in the touch device 130 or 830 (e.g., a microcontroller (MCU) of the touch device 130 or a controller of a touch display driver integrated circuit (TDDI)). In this case, after the active pen 110 touches / hovered on the touch device and operates in the operation flow, the touch device 130 (or 830) may send an uplink signal (used to indicate the (transmission) timing of the active pen 110 to the touch device 130 (or 830)) to the active pen 110.

[0118] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a synchronization method 90 according to an embodiment of the present application. The synchronization method 90 between the active pen 110 and the touch device (eg, the touch device 130 or 830) may include the following steps:

[0119] Step S901: The touch device 130 (or 830) determines whether the active pen 110 is close to the touch device 130 (or 830). If yes, proceed to step S902; otherwise, repeat step S901.

[0120] Step S902 : the active pen 110 receives an uplink signal from the touch device 130 (or 830 ).

[0121] Step S903: The active pen 110 determines whether the active pen 110 is paired with the touch device 130 (or 830). If so, proceed to step S912; otherwise, proceed to step S904.

[0122] Step S904 : The touch device 130 (or 830 ) transmits a timing configuration signal to the active pen 110 , wherein the timing configuration signal indicates part or all of the timing parameters.

[0123] Step S905: The touch device 130 (or 830) determines whether all the time point parameters (information) have been transmitted to the active pen 110. If so, proceed to step 906; otherwise, proceed to step S904.

[0124] Step S906 : the touch device 130 (or 830 ) receives a calibration downlink signal from the active stylus 110 .

[0125] Step S907: The touch device 130 (or 830) determines whether the calibration downlink time slot of the calibration downlink signal is aligned / coincides with the touch period Ttp1 of the touch device 130 (or 830). If so, proceed to step S909; otherwise, proceed to step S908.

[0126] Step S908: The touch device 130 (or 830) transmits a timing calibration and adjustment signal to the active stylus 110, wherein the timing calibration and adjustment signal is used to instruct the active stylus 110 to shift / adjust the calibration downlink time slot of another calibration downlink signal to be transmitted.

[0127] Step S909 : The active pen 110 stores the (transmission) time point for the touch device 130 (or 830 ) in the time point table.

[0128] Step S910 : The touch device 130 (or 830 ) receives a downlink signal from the active pen 110 , wherein a downlink time slot of the downlink signal is aligned with / coincides with a touch period Ttp1 of the touch device 130 (or 830 ).

[0129] Step S912: The active pen 110 configures a time point table.

[0130] In one embodiment, step S901 may correspond to step S302 or S402.

[0131] In one embodiment, in step S902, the touch device 130 (or 830) may send an uplink signal, which is related to which (corrected / optimized) timing parameters the active pen 110 should be configured or which touch device the active pen 110 will be paired with. For example, the uplink signal may be used to indicate which timing table the active pen 110 should select. Alternatively, the uplink signal may be used to indicate the (transmission) timing of the active pen 110 to the touch device 130 (or 830). Alternatively, the uplink signal may be used to ensure the downlink time slot of the downlink signal (e.g. Figure 2 The downlink time slots DLTS1 to DLTSn) and the touch period of the touch device 130 (or 830) (eg Figure 2 In another embodiment, the uplink signal may be Figure 5 In another embodiment, the active pen 110 may transmit a detection signal S302d. Figure 5In another embodiment, the active pen 110 may transmit an indication signal in step S902 to instruct the touch device 130 (or 830) to send the uplink signal.

[0132] In step S903, the active pen 110 may determine whether the active pen 110 is paired (or calibrated) with the touch device 130 (or 830). For example, the active pen 110 may search for a timing table. The timing table includes (calibrated / optimized) transmission timings configured for the active pen 110, so that the active pen 110 can properly transmit an operation downlink signal to the touch device 130 (or 830) after the active pen 110 receives the uplink signal. If the active pen 110 can find / configure the timing table for the touch device 130 (or 830), the active pen 110 is calibrated for the touch device 130 (or 830). Otherwise, the active pen 110 and the touch device 130 (or 830) cannot be paired. Alternatively, if the (transmission) timing of the downlink signal from the active pen 110 meets the timing requirement / configuration of the touch device 130 (or 830), the active pen 110 is calibrated for the touch device 130 (or 830).

[0133] If the active pen 110 fails to pair with the touch device 130 or 830 (for example, the active pen 110 cannot find the time table indicated by the touch device 130 or 830), the active pen 110 and the touch device 130 (or 830) can perform time configuration / calibration via steps S904 to S908. Steps S904 to S908 may correspond to steps S404 to S408. Figure 2 Each of the downlink time slots DLTS1-DLTSn can overlap / coincide with a touch period Ttp1.

[0134] Next, in step S909, the active pen 110 can store the transmission timing (e.g., the calibrated / optimized timing parameters of the active pen 110) used in the touch device 130 (or 830) in another timing table according to the result of the timing calibration process (steps S906-S908). The active pen 110 can be operated in the operation process (step S910 or S410) according to the information in the timing table.

[0135] If the active stylus 110 has been calibrated for the touch device 130 (or 830), the active stylus 110 may load / select / configure a corresponding timing table in step S912, wherein the timing table may include transmission timings (e.g., calibrated / optimized timing parameters for the touch device 130 (or 830)). Figure 2Each of the downlink time slots DLTS1 to DLTSn can overlap / coincide with a touch period Ttp1. The active pen 110 can be operated in the operation process (step S910 or S410) according to the information of the timing table. In other words, if the active pen 110 moves out and then moves back to the detection range of the touch device 130 (or 830), the active pen 110 can return to the operation process without performing the timing configuration process (steps S904 to S905) and without performing the timing correction process (steps S906 to S908) again.

[0136] Since the active pen 110 can be moved from the touch device 130 to the touch device 830, the touch device 830 can execute the synchronization method 90 after the touch device 130 executes the synchronization method 90 for a period of time. Specifically, the touch device 130 can execute steps S901 to S910 (or steps S901 to S903, S912 and S910). Subsequently, the touch device 830 can execute steps S901 to S910 (or steps S901 to S903, S912 and S910). In other words, the active pen 110 can operate with the touch device 130 and / or 830 in the operation process. The active pen 110 can transmit (operate) a downlink signal to the touch device 130 according to the (calibrated / optimized) timing parameters for the touch device 130 in the operation process, and transmit (operate) a downlink signal to the touch device 830 according to the (calibrated / optimized) timing parameters for the touch device 830.

[0137] The communication between the touch device 130 (or 830) and the active pen 110 can be implemented in various ways. For example, Fig.10 1 is a schematic diagram of uplink and downlink transmission between the touch device 130 and the active pen 110 according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of wireless communication between the touch device 130 and the active pen 110 according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of wired communication between the touch device 130 and the active pen 110 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0138] In FIGS. 10 to 12 , the active pen 110 may include a transceiver 110TX / RX, an input / output (I / O) interface 110I / O, a wireless communication circuit 110SS (which may support wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth (BT), Wi-Fi, or Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.), a controller 110C, a timing controller (TCON) 110TCON, a storage circuit 110ST (for storing data), and / or a sensor 110SR. The active pen 110 may be an active capacitive active pen, but is not limited thereto.

[0139] In FIGS. 10 to 12 , the touch device 130 may include a touch screen 130P having a touch sensor 130TX / RX, an input / output interface 130I / O, a wireless communication circuit 130SS (which may support wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or near field communication), and / or a touch display driver integrated circuit 130TDDI. The touch device 130 may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a laptop, but is not limited thereto.

[0140] exist Fig.10 To perform the synchronization method 30, 40, or 90, the active pen 110 may touch / hover over the touch device 130 to transmit a signal between the transceiver 110TX / RX of the active pen 110 and the touch screen 130P of the touch device 130. For example, the touch device 130 may repeatedly or periodically transmit the detection signal S302d via the touch sensor 130TX / RX.

[0141] In FIG. 11 or 12 , in order to perform the synchronization method 30 , 40 or 90 , the active pen 110 may touch / hover over the touch device 130 . In one embodiment, Figure 5 The corrected downlink signals S308d1-S308di (or downlink signal S312d) can be transmitted to the touch screen 130P of the touch device 130 via the transceiver 110TX / RX of the active pen 110. In one embodiment, Figure 5 The detection signal S302d, the response signal S302a, the timing configuration signals S304c1-S304cm, the confirmation messages S304a1-S304am, the timing configuration end signal S306e, the timing calibration and adjustment signals S308c1-S308ci and / or the timing calibration end signal S310e can be transmitted via wireless communication technology or the cable CBL connected between the input / output interface 110I / O of the active pen 110 and the input / output interface 130I / O of the touch device 130, and thus can be faster than the transmission via the transceiver 110TX / RX of the active pen 110. After the touch device 130 finds the active pen 110 using the wireless communication technology or the cable CBL, the touch device 130 can (immediately) transmit the detection signal S302d via the touch sensor 130TX / RX, the input / output interface 110I / O or the wireless communication circuit 130SS.

[0142] In summary, the detection signal S302d, the response signal S302a, the timing configuration signal S304c1~S304cm, the confirmation message S304a1~S304am, the timing configuration end signal S306e, the correction downlink signal S308d1~S308di, the timing calibration and adjustment signal S308c1~S308ci or the timing correction end signal S310e can be transmitted using wireless communication technology, the cable CBL or the touch screen 130P of the touch device 130.

[0143] The synchronization method 30, 40 or 90 may be performed in various ways. For example, Fig.13 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 13 according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig.13 As shown, the system 13 may include an active pen 110, a touch device 130, and an external computing device 160. The touch device 130 may include a main processor 130H and a touch display driver integrated circuit 130TDDI. The touch display driver integrated circuit 130TDDI of the touch device 130 may include a controller 130MCU (e.g., a microcontroller) and a sensor sensing circuit 130SSC. The synchronization method 30, 40, or 90 may be controlled by the controller 130MCU, the main processor 130H, or the external computing device 160.

[0144] In other words, the timing correction process may be triggered / started by the touch display driver integrated circuit 130 TDDI, the application processor of the touch device 130, or the external computing device 160. The timing correction process may be triggered / started according to a start signal sent to the input / output interface 110 I / O of the active pen 110 via the cable CBL.

[0145] The touch device 130 (or 830) may correspond to a platform, which may be defined by what kind of application processor the touch device 130 includes and / or what kind of touch screen 130P the touch device 130 includes. For example, when the application processor (or the resolution of the touch screen 130P) of the touch device 130 is different from that of the touch device 830, the platform corresponding to the touch device 130 is different from the platform corresponding to the touch device 830.

[0146] In summary, the timing configuration process can be started after the active pen approaches the touch device. The timing correction process is started after the timing configuration process is completed. Accordingly, the transmission timing of the downlink signal can be corrected to meet the timing requirements of the touch device, so that the touch device can accurately / completely receive the downlink signal. When the active pen moves from one touch device to another, the transmission timing of the active pen can be changed to meet the timing requirements of the two touch devices.

[0147] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A synchronization method, characterized in that: include: Determining whether an active pen is close to a first touch device; After the first touch device receives a response signal from the active pen, starting a time point configuration process; as well as After the time point configuration process is completed, a time point correction process is started. The timing correction process includes the active pen sending a first correction downlink signal according to a first timing parameter and the active pen sending a second correction downlink signal, wherein the first timing parameter is classified into one of an uplink duration, an uplink cycle, an uplink falling edge to a downlink rising falling edge duration, a downlink cycle, a downlink duration and a downlink time slot quantity, wherein the first time point parameter has been calibrated or is to be calibrated, At least one first waveform in at least one first corrected downlink time slot of the first corrected downlink signal is respectively the same as at least one second waveform in at least one second corrected downlink time slot of the second corrected downlink signal.

2. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one first correction downlink time slot of the first correction downlink signal is respectively offset from at least one touch period of the first touch device in a time domain, The at least one second correction downlink time slot of the second correction downlink signal is respectively aligned with the at least one touch period.

3. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one first correction downlink time slot of the first correction downlink signal is respectively offset from at least one touch period of the first touch device in a time domain; The timing correction process includes the first touch device transmitting a timing correction and adjustment signal, wherein the timing correction and adjustment signal is used to instruct the active pen to shift the at least one second correction downlink time slot of the second correction downlink signal to be transmitted.

4. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The timing correction process includes: the active pen sends a correction downlink signal, wherein the correction downlink signal is the first correction downlink signal or the second correction downlink signal; The first touch device decodes the corrected downlink signal to generate a decoding result; and The first touch device determines whether one of at least one corrected downlink time slot of the corrected downlink signal is aligned with one of at least one touch period of the first touch device according to the correctness of the decoding result or the signal strength of the corrected downlink signal.

5. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The timing correction process includes: the active pen sends a plurality of correction downlink signals, wherein the plurality of correction downlink signals include the first correction downlink signal or the second correction downlink signal, Each of the plurality of correction downlink signals is transmitted according to at least one time point parameter, wherein the at least one first correction downlink time slot of the first correction downlink signal among the plurality of correction downlink signals is respectively offset from at least one touch period of the first touch device in a time domain, The at least one time point parameter includes an uplink duration, an uplink cycle, a time from an uplink falling edge to a downlink rising or falling edge, a downlink cycle, a downlink duration or a number of downlink time slots. Among them, the uplink duration is the time length of at least one uplink time slot, the uplink cycle is the time length between two adjacent ones of the at least one uplink time slot, the downlink cycle is the time length between two adjacent ones of at least one corrected downlink time slot, the downlink duration is the time length of one of the at least one corrected downlink time slot, the number of downlink time slots is the total number of the at least one corrected downlink time slots, and the uplink falling edge to downlink rising falling edge time length starts from a falling edge of one of the at least one uplink time slot and ends at a rising edge of one of the at least one corrected downlink time slot.

6. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The timing correction process further includes: the active pen sends the second correction downlink signal according to a second timing parameter, wherein the first timing parameter and the second timing parameter are classified into one of an uplink duration, an uplink cycle, a duration from an uplink falling edge to a downlink rising and falling edge, a downlink cycle, a downlink duration, and a downlink time slot number, The size of the first time point parameter is not equal to the size of the second time point parameter.

7. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The active pen sends the first correction downlink signal in the time point correction process, wherein the at least one first correction downlink time slot of the first correction downlink signal is respectively aligned with at least one touch period of the first touch device in the time point correction process, The first touch device transmits a timing correction end signal, wherein the timing correction end signal is used to end the timing correction process, and The active pen sends at least one operation downlink signal after the time point correction process.

8. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one touch sensor of the first touch device senses at least one corrected downlink signal transmitted by the active pen, wherein the at least one corrected downlink signal includes the first corrected downlink signal or the second corrected downlink signal.

9. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The timing configuration process includes: the first touch device splits a timing configuration data into at least one timing configuration signal, wherein the timing configuration data is used to indicate at least one timing parameter, and the at least one timing parameter used for downlink signal transmission includes an uplink duration, an uplink cycle, a duration from an uplink falling edge to a downlink rising and falling edge, a downlink cycle, a downlink duration or a number of downlink time slots; and The first touch device transmits one of the at least one timing configuration signal, wherein the active pen receives the at least one timing configuration signal one by one to integrate all of the at least one timing configuration signal back into the timing configuration data.

10. The synchronization method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The timing configuration data is divided into the at least one timing configuration signal according to an uplink transmission bandwidth.

11. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The first touch device transmits at least one detection signal to notify the existence of the first touch device; as well as After the active stylus detects one of the at least one detection signal, the active stylus transmits the response signal.

12. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first touch device transmits at least one detection signal periodically or after the first touch device finds the active pen using wireless communication technology.

13. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one detection signal, the response signal, at least one time point configuration signal, at least one confirmation message, a time point configuration end signal, at least one time point calibration and adjustment signal or a time point correction end signal are transmitted using wireless communication technology or a cable between the active pen and the first touch device.

14. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one timing parameter used in the first touch device is stored in a first timing table of the active stylus, and the at least one second correction downlink time slot of the second correction downlink signal sent according to the at least one timing parameter is respectively aligned with at least one touch period used in the first touch device. At least one third time point parameter used in a second touch device is stored in a second time point table of the active pen, and at least one third correction downlink time slot of a third correction downlink signal sent according to the at least one third time point parameter is respectively aligned with at least one second touch period used in the second touch device.

15. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A second touch device transmits an uplink signal to the active stylus to instruct the active stylus to select which time table; and The active pen searches for a second timing table including at least one third timing parameter, so that the active pen can correctly transmit at least one second operation downlink signal.

16. The synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The timing configuration process starts after the active pen cannot find a timing table indicated by the first touch device.

17. A control circuit for a touch device, characterized in that: include: A processing circuit for performing: Determining whether an active pen is close to the touch device; After the touch device receives a response signal from the active pen, starting a time point configuration process; as well as After the time point configuration process is completed, a time point correction process is started. The timing correction process includes the active pen sending a first correction downlink signal according to a first timing parameter and the active pen sending a second correction downlink signal, wherein the first timing parameter is classified into one of an uplink duration, an uplink cycle, an uplink falling edge to a downlink rising falling edge duration, a downlink cycle, a downlink duration and a downlink time slot quantity, wherein the first time point parameter has been calibrated or is to be calibrated, wherein at least one first waveform in at least one first corrected downlink time slot of the first corrected downlink signal is respectively identical to at least one second waveform in at least one second corrected downlink time slot of the second corrected downlink signal; and A storage circuit is coupled to the processing circuit.

18. A control circuit for use in a computing device coupled to a touch device, characterized in that: include: A processing circuit for performing: After the touch device receives a response signal from an active pen, instructing the touch device to start a time point configuration process; as well as After the timing configuration process is completed, instructing the touch device to start a timing calibration process, The timing correction process includes the active pen sending a first correction downlink signal according to a first timing parameter and the active pen sending a second correction downlink signal, wherein the first timing parameter is classified into one of an uplink duration, an uplink cycle, an uplink falling edge to a downlink rising falling edge duration, a downlink cycle, a downlink duration and a downlink time slot quantity, wherein the first time point parameter has been calibrated or is to be calibrated, wherein at least one first waveform in at least one first corrected downlink time slot of the first corrected downlink signal is respectively identical to at least one second waveform in at least one second corrected downlink time slot of the second corrected downlink signal; and A storage circuit is coupled to the processing circuit.

19. A control circuit for use in an active pen, characterized in that: include: A processing circuit for performing: detecting the presence of a touch device; Sending a response signal to the touch device to start a time point configuration process; as well as After the time point configuration process is completed, a time point correction process is started. The timing correction process includes the active pen sending a first correction downlink signal according to a first timing parameter and the active pen sending a second correction downlink signal, wherein the first timing parameter is classified into one of an uplink duration, an uplink cycle, an uplink falling edge to a downlink rising falling edge duration, a downlink cycle, a downlink duration and a downlink time slot quantity, wherein the first time point parameter has been calibrated or is to be calibrated, wherein at least one first waveform in at least one first corrected downlink time slot of the first corrected downlink signal is respectively identical to at least one second waveform in at least one second corrected downlink time slot of the second corrected downlink signal; and A storage circuit is coupled to the processing circuit.

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