Touch chip, touch device and touch method

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a touch chip, a touch device and a touch method, relates to the chip technical field, and can realize high-resolution detection of different touch heights. The specific scheme is as follows: the electrode charging module is used for sending a charging signal to an electrode array in a first period and sending the charging signal to the electrode array in a second period after the first period. The analog front end is used for acquiring a first sampling signal of the charged electrode array in the first period and acquiring a second sampling signal of the charged electrode array in the second period. The amplifier is used for amplifying the first sampling signal with a first amplification coefficient in the first period and amplifying the second sampling signal with a second amplification coefficient in the second period, and the second amplification coefficient is greater than the first amplification coefficient. The processing module is used for obtaining a touch result of the electrode array based on the amplified first sampling signal and / or the amplified second sampling signal. The embodiment of the present application is used for the process of contact touch and hovering touch detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of chip technology, and in particular to a touch chip, a touch device, and a touch method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, electronic devices generally use capacitive touch technology, which detects the proximity and touch of an object by detecting capacitance.

[0003] Among them, hover touch technology is an emerging touch technology. Using hover touch technology, touch functions can be achieved even when the object being touched (such as the user's finger) is not in contact with the display screen of the electronic device.

[0004] However, the current detection of hover touch is poor due to low resolution, which may lead to unresponsiveness. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a touch chip, a touch device, and a touch method, which can achieve high-resolution detection of different touch heights and avoid problems such as no response and inability to effectively determine the center position of the touch object.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a touch chip for coupling with an electrode array. The touch chip includes: an electrode charging module, an analog front-end, an amplifier, and a processing module. The electrode charging module is used to send a charging signal to the electrode array during a first time period and during a second time period after the first time period. The analog front-end is used to acquire a first sampled signal of the charged electrode array during the first time period and a second sampled signal of the charged electrode array during the second time period. The amplifier is used to amplify the first sampled signal with a first amplification factor during the first time period and amplify the second sampled signal with a second amplification factor during the second time period, wherein the second amplification factor is greater than the first amplification factor. The processing module is used to obtain a touch result of the electrode array based on the amplified first sampled signal and / or the amplified second sampled signal.

[0008] Therefore, in the touch chip provided in this application embodiment, the sampled signal is processed in a time-division manner using different amplification coefficients, and the touch result of the electrode array is obtained based on two frames of sampled signals. Since the signal strength of the sampled signal is inversely proportional to the touch height, if the touch height is low and the signal strength of the sampled signal is strong, the sampled signal is amplified with a smaller first amplification coefficient to obtain the touch result of the electrode array. If the touch height is high and the signal strength of the sampled signal is weak, the sampled signal is amplified with a larger second amplification coefficient to obtain the touch result of the electrode array. Thus, the touch chip can obtain touch results for different touch heights, realizing hover touch. Since the touch chip does not need to enhance the signal strength when determining the touch result, it can avoid the problems of missed detection and no response, and it does not need to sacrifice resolution to improve the signal strength. The sampled signals corresponding to different touch heights can all be high-resolution signals, which can effectively determine the center position of the touched object, and can also realize simultaneous detection of contact touch and hover touch, that is, realize multi-point detection.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the processing module includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The ADC converts the amplified first sampled signal to a digital first sampled signal and converts the amplified second sampled signal to a digital second sampled signal. The processor determines the touch result of the electrode array based on the digital first sampled signal and / or the digital second sampled signal.

[0010] In this implementation, the analog-to-digital converter can convert the sampled signal from the analog domain to the digital domain so that the processor can perform subsequent processing on the first and second sampled signals in digital form.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first amplification factor is determined by the sampling signal corresponding to the first touch height range and the range of the analog-to-digital converter, and the second amplification factor is determined by the sampling signal corresponding to the second touch height range and the range of the analog-to-digital converter. The minimum value of the first touch height range is less than the minimum value of the second touch height range, and the maximum value of the first touch height range is greater than or equal to the minimum value of the second touch height range.

[0012] In this implementation, the touch chip can detect touch operations in a first touch height range based on a first amplification factor, and detect touch operations in a second touch height range based on a second amplification factor. The first touch height range and the second touch height range also have overlapping areas. That is, the touch chip can detect touch operations between the minimum value of the first touch height range and the maximum value of the second touch height range based on the first amplification factor and the second amplification factor. It can achieve hover touch without sacrificing resolution to increase the signal strength of the sampling signal. Moreover, the sampling signals corresponding to different touch heights are all high-resolution signals, which can effectively determine the center position of the touched object. It can also achieve simultaneous detection of contact touch and hover touch, that is, multi-point detection.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the analog front end is further used to acquire the third sampled signal of the electrode array in the third time period after the second time period, and the amplifier is further used to amplify the third sampled signal with a third amplification factor in the third time period, the third amplification factor being greater than the second amplification factor. The processing module is specifically used to obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on at least one of the amplified first sampled signal, the amplified second sampled signal, and the amplified third sampled signal.

[0014] In this implementation, the amplifier can amplify the sampled signal with a larger third amplification factor, thereby enabling the detection of sampled signals with weaker signal strength, i.e., the detection of touch operations at higher touch heights.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first and second sampled signals are self-capacitance signals.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a touch chip for coupling with an electrode array. The touch chip includes an electrode charging module, an analog front-end, and a processing module. The electrode charging module is used to send a charging signal of a first frequency to the electrode array during a first time period, and to send a charging signal of a second frequency to the electrode array during a second time period after the first time period, the second frequency being greater than the first frequency. The analog front-end is used to acquire a first sampled signal of the charged electrode array during the first time period, and to acquire a second sampled signal of the charged electrode array during the second time period. The processing module is used to obtain a touch result of the electrode array based on the first sampled signal and / or the second sampled signal.

[0017] Therefore, in the touch chip provided in this application embodiment, charging signals of different frequencies are sent to the electrode array in a time-division manner, and the touch result of the electrode array is obtained based on two frames of sampling signals. Since the charging time for the electrode array to reach the same amount of charge is different under charging signals of different frequencies, the capacitance signal of the electrode array can be deduced. Thus, the touch chip can obtain touch results at different touch heights, realizing hover touch. In addition, the touch chip provided in this application embodiment does not need to sacrifice resolution to improve signal strength. The sampling signals corresponding to different touch heights can all be high-resolution signals, which can effectively determine the center position of the touched object, and can also realize simultaneous detection of contact touch and hover touch, that is, realize multi-point detection.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the processing module includes a voltage comparator and a processor. The voltage comparator outputs a first comparison signal based on a first sampled signal and a second comparison signal based on a second sampled signal. The processor obtains a first capacitance signal based on timing or counting of the first comparison signal output by the voltage comparator, and obtains a second capacitance signal based on timing or counting of the second comparison signal output by the voltage comparator. The processor also obtains the touch result of the electrode array based on the first capacitance signal and / or the second capacitance signal. That is, the processor can deduce the values ​​of the first and second capacitance signals based on the timing or counting when the voltage comparator flips, thereby determining the touch result of the electrode array.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the electrode charging module is further configured to send a charging signal of a third frequency to the electrode array in a third time period after the second time period, the third frequency being greater than the second frequency. The analog front end is further configured to acquire a third sampling signal in the third time period. The processing module is further configured to obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on at least one of the first sampling signal, the second sampling signal, and the third sampling signal.

[0020] In this implementation, the electrode charging module can also send a larger third-frequency charging signal to the electrode array, thereby detecting sampling signals with weaker signal strength, that is, it can detect touch operations with higher touch heights.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first and second sampled signals are self-capacitance signals.

[0022] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a touch device, which includes an electrode array and further includes a touch chip as described in the first aspect or a touch chip as described in the second aspect.

[0023] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a touch control method, which includes: sending a charging signal to an electrode array during a first time period, and sending the charging signal to the electrode array during a second time period after the first time period. A first sampled signal of the charged electrode array is acquired during the first time period, and a second sampled signal of the charged electrode array is acquired during the second time period. The first sampled signal is amplified with a first amplification factor during the first time period, and the second sampled signal is amplified with a second amplification factor during the second time period, wherein the second amplification factor is greater than the first amplification factor. A touch control result for the electrode array is obtained based on the amplified first sampled signal and / or the amplified second sampled signal.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the touch result of the electrode array is obtained based on the amplified first sampled signal and / or the amplified second sampled signal, including: converting the amplified first sampled signal to obtain a digital first sampled signal, and converting the amplified second sampled signal to obtain a digital second sampled signal. The touch result of the electrode array is then obtained based on the digital first sampled signal and / or the digital second sampled signal.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the first amplification factor is determined by the sampling signal corresponding to the first touch height range and the range of the analog-to-digital converter, the second amplification factor is determined by the sampling signal corresponding to the second touch height range and the range of the analog-to-digital converter, the minimum value of the first touch height range is less than the minimum value of the second touch height range, and the maximum value of the first touch height range is greater than or equal to the minimum value of the second touch height range.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the touch method further includes: acquiring a third sampled signal of the electrode array in a third time period following the second time period; amplifying the third sampled signal with a third amplification factor greater than the second amplification factor in the third time period; and obtaining a touch result of the electrode array based on the amplified first sampled signal and / or the amplified second sampled signal, including: obtaining the touch result of the electrode array based on at least one of the amplified first sampled signal, the amplified second sampled signal, and the amplified third sampled signal.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first and second sampled signals are self-capacitance signals.

[0028] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a touch control method, comprising: sending a charging signal of a first frequency to an electrode array during a first time period, and sending a charging signal of a second frequency to the electrode array during a second time period after the first time period, the second frequency being greater than the first frequency. A first sampling signal of the charged electrode array is acquired during the first time period, and a second sampling signal of the charged electrode array is acquired during the second time period. A touch control result of the electrode array is obtained based on the first sampling signal and / or the second sampling signal.

[0029] In one possible implementation, obtaining the touch result of the electrode array based on a first sampling signal and / or a second sampling signal includes: outputting a first comparison signal based on the first sampling signal, and outputting a second comparison signal based on the second sampling signal. A first capacitance signal is obtained based on timing or counting of the first comparison signal output by a voltage comparator, and a second capacitance signal is obtained based on timing or counting of the second comparison signal output by a voltage comparator. The touch result of the electrode array is then obtained based on the first capacitance signal and / or the second capacitance signal.

[0030] In one possible implementation,

[0031] In one possible implementation, the touch control method further includes: sending a charging signal of a third frequency, greater than the second frequency, to the electrode array during a third time period following the second time period; acquiring a third sampling signal during the third time period; and obtaining a touch control result of the electrode array based on the first sampling signal and / or the second sampling signal, including: obtaining the touch control result of the electrode array based on at least one of the first sampling signal, the second sampling signal, and the third sampling signal.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first and second sampled signals are self-capacitance signals.

[0033] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device including one or more processors and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories are used to store computer program code, including computer instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the electronic device performs the touch method in any of the possible implementations of the fourth or fifth aspects described above.

[0034] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the touch method in any of the possible implementations of the fourth or fifth aspect described above.

[0035] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product that, when run on a computer or processor, causes the computer or processor to execute the touch method in any of the possible implementations of the fourth or fifth aspect described above.

[0036] It is understood that any of the electronic devices, computer-readable storage media or computer program products provided above involve the corresponding touch chips provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding touch chips, which will not be repeated here.

[0037] These or other aspects of this application will become more readily apparent in the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an electrode at different touch heights provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating different detection areas provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a touch chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another touch chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a touch control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another touch method provided in this application embodiment;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another touch chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another touch chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 10 A flowchart of yet another touch method provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0049] Furthermore, the term "coupling" is used to refer to electrical connections, including direct connections via wires or terminals or indirect connections via other devices. Therefore, "coupling" should be considered a broad type of electronic communication connection.

[0050] In this embodiment, "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0051] It should be noted that, in this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being described as an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0052] This application provides an electronic device, which may be a consumer electronics product, a home electronics product, an in-vehicle electronics product, or a financial electronics product. Consumer electronics products include mobile phones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), desktop monitors, smart wearable products (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets), virtual reality (VR) electronic devices, augmented reality (AR) electronic devices, mixed reality (MR) electronic devices, artificial intelligence (AI) electronic devices, drones, etc. Home electronics products include smart door locks, televisions, refrigerators, and rechargeable small household appliances (e.g., soymilk makers, robot vacuum cleaners), etc. In-vehicle electronics products include in-vehicle navigation systems, in-vehicle digital video discs (DVDs), etc. Financial electronics products include automatic teller machines (ATMs), self-service electronic devices, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on the specific form of this electronic device.

[0053] For ease of explanation, the following example uses a mobile phone as an example. Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an electronic device, which may include one or more of the following components: a processor, a memory, and a display module.

[0054] The processor can include one or more processing cores. It connects to various parts of the electronic device via various interfaces and lines, executing instructions, programs, code sets, or instruction sets stored in memory, and accessing data stored in memory to perform various functions and process data. For example, the processor can be implemented using at least one hardware form of digital signal processing (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or programmable logic array (PLA). The processor can integrate one or more of the following: central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), neural network processing unit (NPU), application processor (AP), and modem. The CPU primarily handles the operating system, user interface, and applications. The GPU is responsible for rendering and drawing the content required by the display module. The NPU is used to implement artificial intelligence (AI) functions. The modem is used for wireless communication. It is understood that the modem can also be implemented as a separate chip without being integrated into the processor.

[0055] The memory may include random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM). For example, the memory may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which can be used to store instructions, programs, code, code sets, or instruction sets. The memory may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store instructions for implementing an operating system, instructions for at least one function (such as touch functionality, sound playback functionality, and image playback functionality), and instructions for implementing the various method embodiments of this application. The data storage area may store data created based on the use of the electronic device (such as audio data and a phone book).

[0056] In addition, a display module is a display component used for image display. A display module can be designed as a full-screen, curved screen, irregularly shaped screen, dual-sided screen, or foldable screen. A display module can also be designed as a combination of a full-screen and a curved screen, or a combination of an irregularly shaped screen and a curved screen; however, this application does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0057] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 1 The display module may include a display driver integrated circuit (DDIC), a display screen and a touch panel integrated circuit (TPIC), which can also be simply referred to as a touch chip.

[0058] The DDIC is used to drive the display screen for image display. In addition, the DDIC is connected to the processor via the Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) to receive image data and instructions from the processor.

[0059] The TPIC is used to drive the display screen to receive touch operations, which are triggered by the user using a finger or stylus or any suitable object. In this embodiment, the TPIC is also electrically connected to the DDIC to receive synchronization signals (such as frame synchronization signals or line synchronization signals) sent by the DDIC. Furthermore, the TPIC is connected to the processor via a mobile industry processor interface to report touch signals to the processor.

[0060] For example, the display screen can be a low-temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) display screen, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a micro light-emitting diode (micro LED) display screen. Of course, this application does not limit the type of display screen; any display screen with touch display functionality is applicable to this application embodiment. The above examples are merely illustrative.

[0061] Based on the principles of touch control, displays can include self-capacitive screens and mutual-capacitive screens. A self-capacitive screen uses a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) to create an array of horizontal and vertical electrodes on the glass surface—an electrode array. These horizontal and vertical electrodes are independent electrodes, each forming a capacitor with ground; this capacitor is called the self-capacitance. When a finger touches the self-capacitive screen, the finger's capacitance is added to the self-capacitance, increasing its value. Upon detecting a user's touch, the self-capacitive screen detects both the horizontal and vertical electrode arrays and determines the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the touch position based on the capacitance changes before and after the touch. This scanning method is called "self-capacitive scanning," where the touch point is projected onto the X-axis and Y-axis of the self-capacitive screen, and the coordinates of the touch point in either the X-axis or Y-axis are calculated to determine the touch point's position on the screen. Assuming a self-capacitive screen has M horizontal electrodes and N vertical electrodes, the number of scans required for the self-capacitive screen to use the self-capacitance scanning method is M+N.

[0062] Furthermore, mutual capacitance screens also utilize a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) to create an array of horizontal and vertical electrodes on the glass surface. The difference between mutual capacitance screens and self-capacitance screens lies in the fact that a capacitor is formed at the intersection of the horizontal and vertical electrodes; that is, the horizontal and vertical electrodes constitute the two poles of this capacitor. When a user touch is detected, it affects the coupling between the two electrodes (horizontal and vertical electrodes) near the touch point, thereby changing the capacitance between these two electrodes. When detecting the mutual capacitance, each horizontal electrode sequentially emits a drive signal, and all vertical electrodes simultaneously receive the signal, thus obtaining the capacitance values ​​at all intersections of the horizontal and vertical electrodes—that is, the capacitance values ​​on the two-dimensional plane of the mutual capacitance screen. This scanning method is called "mutual capacitance scanning," meaning that the coordinates of each touch point can be calculated based on the change in capacitance value on the two-dimensional plane of the mutual capacitance screen.

[0063] In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that the structure of the electronic device shown in the above figures does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device. The electronic device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements. For example, the electronic device may also include components such as microphones, speakers, radio frequency circuits, input units, sensors, audio circuits, wireless fidelity (WiFi) modules, power supplies, and Bluetooth modules, which will not be described in detail here.

[0064] Currently, an increasing number of electronic devices support both touch and hover touch. Touch touch refers to the method of achieving touch functionality through direct contact between the finger and the display screen, while hover touch refers to the method of achieving touch functionality without the finger touching the display screen. When detecting fingers within a certain height, a combined electrode approach is typically used to achieve fusion detection of hover touch and touch touch.

[0065] Specifically, taking a self-capacitive touchscreen as an example, the touch chip typically combines electrodes across different frames to provide a larger detection area for detecting touch operations in a hover state. For example... Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The diagram shows the electrodes at different touch heights.

[0066] See Figure 2 Figure (a) shows a schematic diagram of electrodes for close-range detection, where the electrode pitch can be 5 millimeters (mm). See also Figure 2 Figure (b) shows a schematic diagram of an electrode for intermediate distance detection, in which the touch chip can combine two adjacent electrodes. The spacing between the intermediate distance electrodes can be 10 mm, and the detection area corresponding to intermediate distance detection is four times the detection area corresponding to near-distance detection. See also... Figure 2 (c) shows a schematic diagram of electrodes for long-distance detection, in which the touch chip can combine four adjacent electrodes. The spacing between the long-distance electrodes can be 20mm, and the detection area for long-distance detection can be 16 times that for short-distance detection.

[0067] When scanning at close range, if the touch chip does not detect a touch signal with a large signal strength, the circuit switches to a medium setting to scan with a larger electrode area. Alternatively, the touch chip can initially use the largest electrode area to scan to confirm if a finger is nearby. If the scan signal strength is high, the touch chip can switch the number of parallel detection paths to reduce the detection area and increase the electrode resolution.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing different detection areas is provided. See also... Figure 3 In (a), the touch chip uses a single electrode for detection, and the detection capacitance C is... touch =C t1 C t1This refers to the capacitance value of a single electrode. In other words, the smaller the electrode spacing, the weaker the detectable signal strength, meaning a lower finger height can be detected, but the detection resolution is higher. For example, if the electrode spacing is 5mm, the touch chip can effectively detect the center position of the finger. In electronic products such as mobile phones and tablets, the electrode spacing is typically 5mm or smaller.

[0069] Accordingly, see Figure 3 In (b), the touch chip uses multiple electrodes for detection, and the detection capacitor C... touch =C t1 +C t2 +C t3 +……+C t9 C t1 To C t9 These represent the capacitance values ​​of each electrode. In other words, the larger the electrode spacing, the stronger the detectable signal, meaning a higher finger can be detected; however, the detection resolution is lower. For example, if the electrode spacing is 20mm, the touch chip can only determine that a finger exists above the electrodes, but cannot determine the finger's outline and center position.

[0070] However, this method of combining electrodes relies on signal strength. If a finger is lifted quickly to tap, there may be issues with missed detections and no response. Furthermore, the higher the detection height, the lower the detection resolution, potentially leading to an inability to effectively determine the center position of the finger, resulting in gaps in detection. Additionally, when two or more fingers are in different touch states simultaneously (e.g., simultaneous touch and hover touch), the electrode combination cannot be switched, causing asynchronous detection frames for different fingers and resulting in missed detections.

[0071] Therefore, this application provides a touch chip that processes the sampled signal in a time-division manner using different amplification coefficients, or sends charging signals of different frequencies to the electrode array in a time-division manner. Based on two frames of sampled signals, the touch result of the electrode array is obtained, and touch results at different touch heights can be obtained to achieve hover touch. It can also effectively determine the center position of the touched object and realize simultaneous detection of contact touch and hover touch, that is, multi-point detection.

[0072] The touch chip provided in the embodiments of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] This application provides a touch chip, such as... Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic of a touch chip. The touch chip is used for coupling with an electrode array. Figure 4The image shows multiple electrodes in an electrode array, such as C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn, where n is a positive integer. The touch chip includes an electrode charging module, an analog front-end, an amplifier, and a processing module. Understandably... Figure 4 The touch chip shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a limitation on touch chips. Touch chips may include more than... Figure 4 The number of components shown may be more or less, or some components may be combined, or different component arrangements may be made.

[0074] The electrode charging module is used to send a charging signal to the electrode array during a first time period and to send a charging signal to the electrode array during a second time period after the first time period.

[0075] For example, the charging signal can be voltage, current or other signals, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0076] For example, the electrode charging module can sequentially charge electrodes C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn of the electrode array according to the touch refresh rate. The touch refresh rate can be 60Hz, 120Hz, 180Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz, or other values. Taking a touch refresh rate of 60Hz as an example, the electrode charging module sends a charging signal to the electrode array 60 times per second. The first time interval can be 1 / 60 of a second, and the second time interval can be 1 / 60 of a second after the first time interval.

[0077] For example, after receiving a charging signal, each electrode in the electrode array accumulates a certain amount of charge. If the charging signal is a voltage signal, the voltage value of the electrodes is the same as the voltage value of the charging signal when the finger is not touching the electrode array. When the finger touches or hovers over the touch electrode array, the capacitance of the finger is superimposed on the capacitance of the electrode array, increasing the capacitance value of the electrode array. In other words, the capacitance value at the finger-touched location is different from the capacitance value at the non-touched location, and the touch chip can determine the touch position based on the capacitance change before and after the finger touches the area.

[0078] The analog front end (AFE) is used to acquire the first sampled signal of the charged electrode array in the first time period and the second sampled signal of the charged electrode array in the second time period.

[0079] For example, the analog front end, i.e. the input end of the touch chip, can convert the capacitance signal of the electrode array into a stable analog signal, which can be voltage, current, frequency or other signals.

[0080] For example, the analog front end can also sequentially acquire the sampling signals of electrodes C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn of the electrode array according to the touch refresh frequency, such as acquiring the first sampling signal in the first time period and acquiring the second sampling signal in the second time period.

[0081] Optionally, the first and second sampled signals can be self-capacitance signals.

[0082] For example, during hover touch, the change in mutual capacitance signal is less than the change in self-capacitance signal. Therefore, in this embodiment, simulating the front end to acquire the self-capacitance signal of the electrode array can better achieve touch detection for hover touch.

[0083] For example, the method for simulating the front end to acquire sampling signals can be the capacitance volume method, that is, to collect feature capacitance data of multiple corresponding overlapping intervals and combine capacitance data with spatial capacitance detection capability.

[0084] The amplifier amplifies the first sampled signal with a first amplification factor in a first time period and the second sampled signal with a second amplification factor in a second time period, wherein the second amplification factor is greater than the first amplification factor. The processing module obtains the touch result of the electrode array based on the amplified first sampled signal and / or the amplified second sampled signal.

[0085] For example, if the interval between the first time period and the second time period is small enough, the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal can be considered as the same sampled signal.

[0086] In one possible example, a touch image frame may include a sampled signal from a single electrode, where a first sampled signal output by that electrode can serve as a first touch image frame, and a second sampled signal output by that electrode can serve as a second touch image frame. In another possible example, a touch image frame may also include sampled signals output by all electrodes; for example, a first sampled signal output by all electrodes can serve as a first touch image frame, and a second sampled signal output by all electrodes can serve as a second touch image frame. The touch image frame corresponding to the first sampled signal can be understood as a low-gain, large-range touch image frame A, and the touch image frame corresponding to the second sampled signal can be understood as a high-gain, small-range touch image frame B, with touch image frames A and B sampling back and forth.

[0087] In this embodiment, the touch chip extracts the finger capacitance signal state through touch image frame A and touch image frame B, and determines the finger center touch coordinates based on the two finger capacitance signal states. In other words, the touch chip determines the touch result of the electrode array based on the two touch image frames. One low-gain, large-range touch image frame can determine the touch result when the touch height is low, and the other high-gain, small-range touch image frame can determine the touch result when the touch height is high. Assuming the touch refresh rate is 120Hz, the resulting touch image frame may be a combination of 60 frames. Alternatively, if the desired touch image frame count remains 120 frames, the touch refresh rate can be increased to 240Hz.

[0088] For example, the principle of a parallel-plate capacitor applies between the finger and the electrode; that is, the closer the finger and the electrode are, the larger the equivalent capacitance between them; the farther the finger and the electrode are, the smaller the equivalent capacitance. In the embodiments of this application, the signal strength of the sampling signal is inversely proportional to the touch height; that is, the higher the touch height, the weaker the signal strength of the sampling signal, and the lower the touch height, the weaker the signal strength of the sampling signal.

[0089] For example, the touch chip amplifies the sampled signal in a time-division multiplexing manner using different amplification factors. A smaller first amplification factor is used to amplify the first sampled signal, and a larger second amplification factor is used to amplify the second sampled signal. The first sampled signal can be understood as the sampled signal corresponding to a lower touch height, and the second sampled signal can be understood as the sampled signal corresponding to a higher touch height.

[0090] If the touch height is low, the signal strength of the sampled signal is high. In this case, the sampled signal is amplified with a small first amplification factor to obtain the touch result of the electrode array. If the touch height is high, the signal strength of the sampled signal is low. In this case, the sampled signal is amplified with a large second amplification factor to obtain the touch result of the electrode array. That is to say, the touch chip provided in this application embodiment can obtain touch results in both low and high touch heights.

[0091] In this application, the touch chip provides an embodiment where, when the touch height is high (i.e., in a hovering state), the amplifier amplifies the signal with a larger second amplification factor. That is, the touch chip provided in this application does not require merging electrodes to improve signal strength (this method sacrifices resolution). When detecting touch objects at different heights, high-resolution electrodes can be used, such as an electrode array with a spacing of 5mm or less. This improves the resolution of touch detection, effectively determines the center position of the touch object, and enables simultaneous detection of both contact and hovering touches, i.e., multi-point detection. Furthermore, since the detection of hovering touches is independent of signal strength, issues such as missed detections and no response can be avoided.

[0092] Optional, such as Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the structure of another touch chip. The processing module also includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The ADC and processor can be integrated into the same chip or are two separate chips; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0093] For example, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can convert continuously varying analog signals into discrete digital signals. Each ADC corresponds to a range and resolution (i.e., minimum precision). Taking a 12-bit ADC as an example, assuming the ADC's range is Vcc, the minimum precision that the ADC can detect is...

[0094] The processor can be a CPU, but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), off-the-shelf programmable gate arrays or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The processor can also be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0095] The analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the amplified first sampled signal to obtain a digital first sampled signal, and to convert the amplified second sampled signal to obtain a digital second sampled signal.

[0096] For example, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can perform sampling, quantization, and encoding operations on the amplified first sampled signal to obtain a digital first sampled signal. Similarly, an ADC can perform sampling, quantization, and encoding operations on the amplified second sampled signal to obtain a digital second sampled signal.

[0097] For example, the amplified first and second sampled signals should be within the range of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). While a larger amplification factor allows for a wider range of detectable signal strengths, it can also lead to overexposure at close range, meaning that the sampled signal amplified based on that factor may exceed the ADC's maximum range and thus become undetectable.

[0098] Optionally, the first amplification factor is determined by the sampling signal corresponding to the first touch height range and the range of the analog-to-digital converter, and the second amplification factor is determined by the sampling signal corresponding to the second touch height range and the range of the analog-to-digital converter. The minimum value of the first touch height range is less than the minimum value of the second touch height range, and the maximum value of the first touch height range is greater than or equal to the minimum value of the second touch height range.

[0099] Assuming the first touch height range is 0 to H2 and the second touch height range is H1 to H4, where a touch height of 0 represents a direct contact touch, then H2 ≥ H1 and H2 < H4. In other words, the first and second touch height ranges include an overlapping area, namely the region from H1 to H2. In a possible example, if H1 = H2, then the first and second touch height ranges overlap at either H1 or H2. In this embodiment, the touch chip can detect touch heights ranging from 0 to H4.

[0100] For example, the values ​​of H1, H2, and H4 can be determined by those skilled in the art based on the principle of a parallel plate capacitor.

[0101] Specifically, since touch height and signal strength are inversely proportional, the signal strength between the finger and the electrode is strongest when the finger touches the touchpad (i.e., when the touch height is 0). This signal strength is represented by the capacitance value Cmax. Assuming the first amplification factor is S1, the amplified value of Cmax based on the first amplification factor S1 should be less than or equal to the maximum range of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Since the maximum range of the ADC and Cmax are known conditions, the value of the first amplification factor S1 can be determined.

[0102] After determining the value of the first amplification factor S1, the amplified value of the sampled signal corresponding to the touch height H2 based on the first amplification factor S1 should be greater than or equal to the minimum detection accuracy of the analog-to-digital converter. Since the first amplification factor S1 and the minimum detection accuracy of the analog-to-digital converter are known conditions, the value of the touch height H2 can be determined.

[0103] After determining the value of the touch height H2, assuming the second amplification factor is S2, the amplified value of the sampled signal below the touch height H2 based on the second amplification factor S2 should be greater than or equal to the maximum range of the analog-to-digital converter. Since the sampled signal corresponding to the touch height H2 and the maximum range of the analog-to-digital converter are known conditions, the value of the second amplification factor S2 can be determined.

[0104] Similarly, the sampled signal below the touch height H1, amplified by the second amplification factor S2, is greater than or equal to the maximum range of the analog-to-digital converter, thus determining the value of the touch height H1. Furthermore, the sampled signal below the touch height H4, amplified by the second amplification factor S2, should be greater than or equal to the minimum detection accuracy of the analog-to-digital converter, thus determining the value of the touch height H4.

[0105] The processor is used to obtain the touch results of the electrode array based on the first sampling signal in digital form and / or the second sampling signal in digital form.

[0106] For example, if the finger's touch height is between 0 and H1, the first sampled signal is valid data and the second sampled signal is invalid data. The processor can then obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on the digital form of the first sampled signal. If the finger's touch height is between H2 and H4, the first sampled signal is invalid data and the second sampled signal is valid data. The processor can then obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on the digital form of the second sampled signal. If the finger's touch height is between H1 and H2, both the first and second sampled signals are valid data. The processor can then obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on both the digital forms of the first and second sampled signals.

[0107] For example, the processor can perform coefficient weighting on the resolvable data within each touch height range that does not exceed the maximum range of the analog-to-digital converter to obtain electrode detection within a certain touch height range, thereby achieving hover touch.

[0108] Continue reading Figure 5 The touch chip may also include multiple switches, such as receive switches A1, A2, ..., An and transmit switches B1, B2, ..., Bn. The electrode array may also include multiple resistors, such as R1, R2, ..., Rn, each resistor connected in series with one electrode. The electrode array may also include switching switches, such as S1, S2, ..., Sn, which are single-pole double-throw switches capable of switching between the receive and transmit paths. The receive path is the path between the switching switch and the transmit switch, and the transmit path is the path between the switching switch and the receive switch.

[0109] The touch chip can include a charging phase and a sampling phase. During the charging phase, the processor controls the electrode charging module to charge the electrode array. At this time, the transmit switches are turned on alternately, and the toggle switch switches to the receive path, transmitting the charging signal from the electrode charging module to multiple electrodes. During the sampling phase, the toggle switch switches to the transmit path, and the receive switches are turned on alternately, allowing the analog front end to acquire sampling signals from multiple electrodes.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned receiving switch, transmitting switch, and switching switch can all be implemented by transistors or other devices, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0111] Additionally, please continue to refer to Figure 5 The first and second amplification factors can be preset in the processor, and the processor can control the amplifier to amplify the sampled signal with different amplification factors.

[0112] Optionally, the analog front end is further used to acquire a third sampled signal of the electrode array in a third time period following the second time period, and the amplifier is further used to amplify the third sampled signal with a third amplification factor in the third time period, the third amplification factor being greater than the second amplification factor. The processing module is specifically used to obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on at least one of the amplified first sampled signal, the amplified second sampled signal, and the amplified third sampled signal.

[0113] For example, the amplifier can amplify the sampled signal with a larger third amplification factor, thereby enabling the detection of sampled signals with weaker signal strength, i.e., the detection of touch operations at higher touch heights.

[0114] For example, if the intervals between the first, second, and third time periods are sufficiently small, the first, second, and third sampled signals can be considered as the same sampled signal. Similarly, the third sampled signal can also be a self-capacitance signal.

[0115] For example, a touch chip can determine the touch result of the electrode array based on three touch image frames. Assuming the touch refresh rate is 120Hz, the resulting touch image frames may be a combination of 40 frames. Alternatively, if the desired touch image frames are still 120 frames, the touch refresh rate can be increased to 360Hz.

[0116] For example, the third amplification factor can be determined by the sampling signal corresponding to the third touch height range and the range of the analog-to-digital converter. The minimum value of the third touch height range is less than or equal to the maximum value of the second touch height range, and the minimum value of the third touch height range is greater than the maximum value of the first touch height range, while the maximum value of the third touch height range is greater than the maximum value of the second touch height range.

[0117] Assuming the second touch height range is H1 to H4 and the third touch height range is H3 to H5, then H3 ≤ H4 and H3 > H2, H5 > H4. That is, the second and third touch height ranges include an overlapping area, namely the region from H3 to H4. In one possible example, if H3 = H4, then the second and third touch height ranges overlap at H3 or H4. In this embodiment, the touch chip can detect touch operations within a touch height range of 0 to H5.

[0118] For example, the values ​​of H3 and H5 can also be determined by those skilled in the art based on the principle of parallel plate capacitors.

[0119] Specifically, assuming the third amplification factor is S3, the amplified value of the sampled signal corresponding to the touch height H4 based on the third amplification factor S3 should be greater than or equal to the maximum range of the analog-to-digital converter. Since the sampled signal corresponding to the touch height H4 and the maximum range of the analog-to-digital converter are known conditions, the value of the third amplification factor S3 can be determined.

[0120] Furthermore, the sampled signal below the touch height H3, amplified by the third amplification factor S3, should be greater than or equal to the maximum range of the analog-to-digital converter, thus determining the value of the touch height H3. Similarly, the sampled signal below the touch height H5, amplified by the third amplification factor S3, should be greater than or equal to the minimum detection accuracy of the analog-to-digital converter, thus determining the value of the touch height H5.

[0121] It is understood that touch chips can also provide more combinations of amplification factors (such as a fourth amplification factor) to achieve touch operation detection at different heights, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0122] Applied to the aforementioned touch chip, this application also provides a touch method, such as... Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 The diagram shows a flowchart of a touch method. This touch method includes the following steps.

[0123] S601, sending a charging signal to the electrode array during a first time period, and sending a charging signal to the electrode array during a second time period after the first time period.

[0124] S602, Acquire the first sampling signal of the charged electrode array in the first time period, and acquire the second sampling signal of the charged electrode array in the second time period.

[0125] S603, amplify the first sampled signal with a first amplification factor in the first time period, and amplify the second sampled signal with a second amplification factor in the second time period, wherein the second amplification factor is greater than the first amplification factor.

[0126] S604. Based on the amplified first sampling signal and / or the amplified second sampling signal, the touch result of the electrode array is obtained.

[0127] Therefore, in the touch control method provided in this application embodiment, the sampled signal is processed by different amplification factors in a time-division manner, and the touch result of the electrode array is obtained based on two frames of sampled signals (i.e., the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal). Since the signal strength of the sampled signal is inversely proportional to the touch height, if the touch height is low and the signal strength of the sampled signal is strong, the sampled signal can be amplified with a smaller first amplification factor to obtain the touch result of the electrode array. If the touch height is high and the signal strength of the sampled signal is weak, the sampled signal can be amplified with a larger second amplification factor to obtain the touch result of the electrode array. Thus, this touch control method can obtain touch results at different touch heights, realizing hover touch. In addition, since this touch control method uses a larger amplification factor to amplify the sampled signal with weak signal strength, it can avoid the problems of missed detection and no response, and does not need to sacrifice resolution to improve signal strength. The sampled signals corresponding to different touch heights can all be high-resolution signals, which can effectively determine the center position of the touched object, and can also realize simultaneous detection of contact touch and hover touch, that is, realize multi-point detection.

[0128] Optionally, S604 may include: converting the amplified first sampled signal to obtain a digital first sampled signal, and converting the amplified second sampled signal to obtain a digital second sampled signal. Based on the digital first sampled signal and / or the digital second sampled signal, the touch result of the electrode array is obtained.

[0129] Optionally, the touch method further includes: acquiring a third sampling signal of the electrode array in a third time period after the second time period; amplifying the third sampling signal with a third amplification factor in the third time period, wherein the third amplification factor is greater than the second amplification factor; and obtaining the touch result of the electrode array based on at least one of the amplified first sampling signal, the amplified second sampling signal, and the amplified third sampling signal.

[0130] For example, the touch method can also amplify the sampled signal with a larger third amplification factor, thereby enabling the detection of sampled signals with weaker signal strength, i.e., the detection of touch operations at higher touch heights.

[0131] For example, the actions in the first, second, and third time periods are illustrated as follows: Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 The diagram shows a flowchart of another touch method. This touch method may include the following steps.

[0132] S701, Sends a charging signal to the electrode array.

[0133] S702, Obtain the first sampling signal of the charged electrode array.

[0134] S703, amplify the first sampled signal with the first amplification factor.

[0135] S704 outputs the amplified first sampled signal.

[0136] S705 sends a charging signal to the electrode array.

[0137] S706. Acquire the second sampling signal of the charged electrode array.

[0138] S707, amplify the second sampled signal with the second amplification factor.

[0139] S708 outputs the amplified second sampled signal.

[0140] S709, Sends a charging signal to the electrode array.

[0141] S7010: Obtain the third sampling signal of the charged electrode array.

[0142] S7011, amplify the third sampled signal with the third amplification factor.

[0143] S7012 outputs the amplified third sampled signal.

[0144] S7013. Determine the touch result of the electrode array based on at least one of the amplified first sample signal, the amplified second sample signal, and the amplified third sample signal.

[0145] Therefore, the touch chip executes steps S701 to S7013 to complete the detection of a touch operation, enabling simultaneous detection of both contact touch and hover touch.

[0146] This application also provides a touch chip, such as... Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of yet another type of touch chip. The touch chip is used for coupling with an electrode array. Figure 8 The image shows electrodes C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn in the electrode array, where n is a positive integer. The touch chip includes an electrode charging module, an analog front-end, and a processing module. This is understandable. Figure 8 The touch chip shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a limitation on touch chips. Touch chips may include more than... Figure 8 The number of components shown may be more or less, or some components may be combined, or different component arrangements may be made.

[0147] The electrode charging module is used to send a charging signal of a first frequency to the electrode array during a first time period, and to send a charging signal of a second frequency to the electrode array during a second time period after the first time period, wherein the second frequency is greater than the first frequency.

[0148] For example, the charging signal can be a pulse of different frequencies. When the pulse is high, the electrode array is charged, and when the pulse is low, the electrode array maintains the current level.

[0149] For example, when a finger is not touching the electrode array, the electrode array needs a certain amount of time to charge to the preset voltage. When a finger touches or hovers over the touch electrode array, the capacitance of the finger is superimposed on the electrodes of the electrode array, and the electrode array needs even longer to charge to the preset voltage. In other words, the charging time required for the finger-touched location is different from the charging time required for the non-touched location, and the touch chip can determine the touch location based on the change in charging time.

[0150] For example, the touch chip sends charging signals of different frequencies to the electrode array in a time-division manner. In the first time period, it sends a smaller first-frequency charging signal to the electrode array, and in the second time period, it sends a larger second-frequency charging signal. The first-frequency charging signal can be understood as the charging signal corresponding to a lower touch height, and the second-frequency charging signal can be understood as the charging signal corresponding to a higher touch height. Combined with... Figure 4 In the touch chip, the first frequency is equivalent to the first amplification factor, and the second frequency is equivalent to the second amplification factor.

[0151] For example, if the touch height is low, the signal strength of the electrode array is high. In this case, the electrode charging module charges the electrode array with a lower first frequency charging signal, and the touch result of the electrode array can be obtained subsequently. If the touch height is high, the signal strength of the electrode array is low. In this case, the electrode charging module charges the electrode array with a higher second frequency charging signal, and the touch result of the electrode array can be obtained subsequently. That is to say, the touch chip provided in this application embodiment can obtain touch results in both low and high touch heights.

[0152] The analog front end is used to acquire a first sample signal of the charged electrode array during a first time period, and a second sample signal of the charged electrode array during a second time period. The processing module is used to obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on the first sample signal and / or the second sample signal.

[0153] For example, the first sampling signal can be a voltage signal with an amplitude that gradually increases in the first time period, and the second sampling signal can be a voltage signal with an amplitude that gradually increases in the second time period. Both the first and second sampling signals can be self-capacitance signals, simulating the self-capacitance signal of the electrode array acquired by the front end, which can better realize the detection of touch results in hover touch.

[0154] In one possible example, the touch image frame may include a sampled signal from a single electrode, where a first sampled signal output by the electrode can serve as a first touch image frame, and a second sampled signal output by the same electrode can serve as a second touch image frame. In another possible example, the touch image frame may also include sampled signals output by all electrodes; for example, a first sampled signal output by all electrodes can serve as a first touch image frame, and a second sampled signal output by all electrodes can serve as a second touch image frame.

[0155] In this embodiment, the touch chip determines the touch result of the electrode array based on two touch image frames. One touch image frame determines the touch result when the touch height is low, and the other touch image frame determines the touch result when the touch height is high. That is, the touch chip provided in this embodiment does not need to use a method of merging electrodes to improve signal strength (this method sacrifices resolution). When detecting touch objects of different heights, high-resolution electrodes can be used, such as an electrode array with a spacing of 5mm or less. This effectively determines the center position of the touch object and enables simultaneous detection of contact touch and hover touch, i.e., multi-point detection. Furthermore, since the detection of hover touch is independent of signal strength, problems such as missed detections and no response can be avoided.

[0156] Optional, such as Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 The diagram shows the structure of yet another type of touch chip. Figure 9 The electrode array in the image can be found in [reference]. Figure 5 The description of the electrode array is omitted here. The processing module also includes a voltage comparator and a processor, which can be integrated into the same chip or are two separate chips; this application does not limit this.

[0157] For example, a voltage comparator can compare two input voltages and output corresponding high and low level signals. A voltage comparator may include a positive input and a negative input. It outputs a high level when the voltage at the positive input is higher than the voltage at the negative input, and outputs a low level when the voltage at the positive input is lower than the voltage at the negative input.

[0158] The voltage comparator is used to output a first comparison signal based on a first sampling signal and a second comparison signal based on a second sampling signal. The processor is used to obtain a first capacitance signal by timing or counting based on the first comparison signal output by the voltage comparator, and to obtain a second capacitance signal by timing or counting based on the second comparison signal output by the voltage comparator. The processor is also used to obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on the first capacitance signal and / or the second capacitance signal.

[0159] For example, the positive input of the voltage comparator can be used to input a sampled signal, and the negative input can be used to input a reference signal. When the voltage value of the first sampled signal is greater than the voltage value of the reference signal, the voltage comparator outputs a first comparison signal. When the voltage value of the second sampled signal is greater than the voltage value of the reference signal, the voltage comparator outputs a second comparison signal.

[0160] For example, the voltage comparator outputting a first comparison signal or a second comparison signal can be understood as the voltage comparator flipping. The time required for the voltage comparator to flip varies depending on the voltage value of the input sampled signal. Therefore, the processor can time or count the voltage comparator flips to obtain the first capacitor signal and the second capacitor signal. Specifically, the processor can obtain the corresponding charging time based on the time or count of the voltage comparator output comparison signal to deduce the first capacitor signal and the second capacitor signal.

[0161] For example, the higher the frequency of the charging signal, the narrower the statistical time interval, the smaller the resolvable capacitance value, and the longer it takes to charge to the same amount of charge.

[0162] For example, if the finger's touch height is low, the first capacitance signal is valid data and the second capacitance signal is invalid data. The processor can then determine the touch result of the electrode array based on the first capacitance signal. If the finger's touch height is high, the first capacitance signal is invalid data and the second capacitance signal is valid data. The processor can then determine the touch result of the electrode array based on the second capacitance signal. If the finger's touch height is in the middle position, both the first and second capacitance signals are valid data. The processor can then determine the touch result of the electrode array based on both the first and second capacitance signals.

[0163] Additionally, please continue to refer to Figure 9 The first and second frequencies can be preset in the processor, and the processor can control the electrode charging module to send charging signals of different frequencies.

[0164] Optionally, the electrode charging module is further configured to send a charging signal at a third frequency to the electrode array during a third time period following the second time period, the third frequency being greater than the second frequency. The analog front end is further configured to acquire a third sampling signal during the third time period, and the processing module is further configured to obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on at least one of the first sampling signal, the second sampling signal, and the third sampling signal.

[0165] For example, the electrode charging module can send a third frequency charging signal at a higher frequency to the electrode array, thereby detecting sampling signals with weaker signal strength, i.e., detecting touch operations at higher touch heights.

[0166] For example, the third sampling signal can also be a touch image frame, or the third sampling signal of all electrodes can be a touch image frame, and the touch chip can determine the touch result of the electrode array based on the three touch image frames.

[0167] It is understood that touch chips can also provide more frequency combinations (such as a fourth frequency) to achieve touch operation detection at different heights, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0168] Applied to the aforementioned touch chip, this application also provides a touch method, such as... Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 The diagram shows a flowchart of yet another touch control method. This touch control method includes the following steps.

[0169] S1001, a charging signal of a first frequency is sent to the first electrode in the electrode array during a first time period, and a charging signal of a second frequency is sent to the electrode array during a second time period after the first time period, wherein the second frequency is greater than the first frequency.

[0170] S1002. Acquire the first sampling signal of the charged electrode array in the first time period, and acquire the second sampling signal of the charged electrode array in the second time period.

[0171] S1003. Based on the first sampling signal and / or the second sampling signal, obtain the touch result of the electrode array.

[0172] Therefore, in the touch control method provided in this application embodiment, charging signals of different frequencies are sent to the electrode array in a time-division manner, and the touch control result of the electrode array is obtained based on two frames of sampling signals. Since the charging time for the electrode array to reach the same amount of charge is different under charging signals of different frequencies, the capacitance signal of the electrode array can be deduced. Thus, touch control results at different touch heights can be obtained, realizing hover touch. In addition, since a larger amplification factor is used to amplify the weaker sampling signal, the problems of missed detection and no response can be avoided, and there is no need to sacrifice resolution to improve signal strength. The sampling signals corresponding to different touch heights can all be high-resolution signals, which can effectively determine the center position of the touched object, and can also realize simultaneous detection of contact touch and hover touch, that is, realize multi-point detection.

[0173] Optionally, S1003 may include: outputting a first comparison signal based on a first sampling signal, and outputting a second comparison signal based on a second sampling signal. A first capacitance signal is obtained based on timing or counting of the first comparison signal output by the voltage comparator, and a second capacitance signal is obtained based on timing or counting of the second comparison signal output by the voltage comparator. The touch result of the electrode array is obtained based on the first capacitance signal and / or the second capacitance signal.

[0174] Optionally, the touch method further includes: sending a charging signal of a third frequency to the electrode array during a third time period after the second time period, wherein the third frequency is greater than the second frequency, and acquiring a third sampling signal during the third time period. S1003 may include: obtaining the touch result of the electrode array based on at least one of the first sampling signal, the second sampling signal, and the third sampling signal.

[0175] This application also provides a touch device, which includes an electrode array and a touch chip. The electrode array and touch chip are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0176] This application also provides an electronic device, including one or more processors and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories are used to store computer program code, including computer instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the electronic device performs the aforementioned method steps to implement the touch method in the above embodiments.

[0177] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the aforementioned method steps to implement the touch method in the above embodiments.

[0178] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the aforementioned related steps to implement the touch control method performed by the electronic device in the above embodiments.

[0179] In addition, embodiments of this application also provide an apparatus, which may specifically be a chip, component or module. The apparatus may include a connected processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store computer execution instructions, and when the apparatus is running, the processor may execute the computer execution instructions stored in the memory to cause the chip to execute the touch method executed by the electronic device in the above method embodiments.

[0180] In this embodiment, the electronic device, computer-readable storage medium, computer program product or chip all involve the corresponding touch chip provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects of the corresponding touch chip provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0181] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0182] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0183] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0184] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0185] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, essentially or in other words, the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0186] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A touch chip, characterized in that, The touch chip is used to couple with the electrode array, and the touch chip includes: an electrode charging module, an analog front end, an amplifier, and a processing module; The electrode charging module is configured to send a charging signal to the electrode array during a first time period, and to send the charging signal to the electrode array during a second time period after the first time period. The analog front end is used to acquire a first sampling signal of the electrode array after charging during the first time period, and to acquire a second sampling signal of the electrode array after charging during the second time period; The amplifier is configured to amplify the first sampled signal with a first amplification factor during the first time period, and to amplify the second sampled signal with a second amplification factor during the second time period, wherein the second amplification factor is greater than the first amplification factor. The processing module is used to obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on the amplified first sampling signal and / or the amplified second sampling signal.

2. The touch chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing module also includes an analog-to-digital converter and a processor; The analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the amplified first sampled signal to obtain the first sampled signal in digital form, and to convert the amplified second sampled signal to obtain the second sampled signal in digital form; The processor is configured to obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on the first sampling signal in digital form and / or the second sampling signal in digital form.

3. The touch chip according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first amplification factor is determined by the sampling signal corresponding to the first touch height range and the range of the analog-to-digital converter, and the second amplification factor is determined by the sampling signal corresponding to the second touch height range and the range of the analog-to-digital converter. The minimum value of the first touch height range is less than the minimum value of the second touch height range, and the maximum value of the first touch height range is greater than or equal to the minimum value of the second touch height range.

4. The touch chip according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The analog front end is also used to acquire a third sampling signal of the electrode array in a third time period after the second time period; The amplifier is further configured to amplify the third sampled signal at a third amplification factor during the third time period, the third amplification factor being greater than the second amplification factor; The processing module is specifically used to obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on at least one of the amplified first sampling signal, the amplified second sampling signal, and the amplified third sampling signal.

5. The touch chip according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first sampling signal and the second sampling signal are self-capacitance signals.

6. A touch chip, characterized in that, The touch chip is used to couple with the electrode array, and the touch chip includes: an electrode charging module, an analog front end, and a processing module; The electrode charging module is configured to send a charging signal of a first frequency to the electrode array during a first time period, and to send a charging signal of a second frequency to the electrode array during a second time period after the first time period, wherein the second frequency is greater than the first frequency. The analog front end is used to acquire a first sampling signal of the electrode array after charging during the first time period, and to acquire a second sampling signal of the electrode array after charging during the second time period; The processing module is used to obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on the first sampling signal and / or the second sampling signal.

7. The touch chip according to claim 6, characterized in that, The processing module includes a voltage comparator and a processor; The voltage comparator is configured to output a first comparison signal based on the first sampled signal, and to output a second comparison signal based on the second sampled signal; The processor is configured to obtain a first capacitor signal based on timing or counting of the first comparison signal output by the voltage comparator, and to obtain a second capacitor signal based on timing or counting of the second comparison signal output by the voltage comparator. The processor is further configured to obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on the first capacitance signal and / or the second capacitance signal.

8. The touch chip according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The electrode charging module is further configured to send a charging signal of a third frequency to the electrode array during a third time period after the second time period, wherein the third frequency is greater than the second frequency. The analog front end is also used to acquire a third sampling signal during the third time period; The processing module is further configured to obtain the touch result of the electrode array based on at least one of the first sampling signal, the second sampling signal, and the third sampling signal.

9. The touch chip according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The first sampling signal and the second sampling signal are self-capacitance signals.

10. A touch device, characterized in that, The touch device includes an electrode array; The touch device further includes: a touch chip as described in any one of claims 1-5 or a touch chip as described in any one of claims 6-9.

11. A touch control method, characterized in that, The method includes: A charging signal is sent to the electrode array during a first time period, and the charging signal is sent to the electrode array during a second time period after the first time period; A first sampling signal of the electrode array after charging is acquired in the first time period, and a second sampling signal of the electrode array after charging is acquired in the second time period; The first sampled signal is amplified with a first amplification factor during the first time period, and the second sampled signal is amplified with a second amplification factor during the second time period, wherein the second amplification factor is greater than the first amplification factor; The touch result of the electrode array is obtained based on the amplified first sampling signal and / or the amplified second sampling signal.

12. A touch control method, characterized in that, The method includes: A charging signal of a first frequency is sent to a first electrode in the electrode array during a first time period, and a charging signal of a second frequency, greater than the first frequency, is sent to the electrode array during a second time period after the first time period. A first sampling signal of the electrode array after charging is acquired in the first time period, and a second sampling signal of the electrode array after charging is acquired in the second time period; The touch result of the electrode array is obtained based on the first sampling signal and / or the second sampling signal.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, This includes computer instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the method described in claim 11 or 12.

Images