Method for quantizing touch data and electronic device supporting the same

Abstract

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises a touch circuit including a touch panel and a touch controller, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor determines levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency of the touch controller and the time required for the at least one processor to determine the type of touch input to the touch panel, determines a number of bits for quantizing values ​​representing capacitance changes detected at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel based on the determined levels, and is configured to transmit information related to the levels and the number of bits to the touch controller.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for quantizing touch data and an electronic device supporting the same. Background Technology

[0003] Electronic devices including touch screens are being actively introduced. Electronic devices can display a screen containing objects on the touch screen. A user can touch a point on the touch screen using a finger or an electronic pen, and the electronic device can detect the location of the touch on the touch screen. The electronic device can perform functions associated with an object (e.g., an icon) located at the detected location, and accordingly, a user-friendly user interface can be provided that allows the user to operate the electronic device simply by touching.

[0004] In addition, electronic devices capable of measuring not only the location of the touch but also the magnitude of the touch pressure are being introduced recently. The electronic device can perform a designated function depending on the magnitude of the touch pressure. The problem to be solved

[0006] When an electronic device includes a touch panel and a touch IC (integrated circuit) capable of detecting a touch using a capacitance method, the touch IC can acquire data representing a change in capacitance through the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as "raw data"). There may be two methods for the touch IC to transmit touch-related information to a processor (e.g., an application processor). For example, the first method may be a method in which the touch IC calculates the coordinates of the touch based on the raw data and transmits the calculated coordinates of the touch to the processor (hereinafter referred to as the "first method"). The second method may be a method in which the touch IC performs only noise filtering on the raw data acquired from the touch panel and transmits the noise-filtered raw data to the processor (hereinafter referred to as the "second method").

[0007] The first method may have the advantage of having a small amount of data transmitted from the touch IC to the processor because the touch coordinates calculated by the touch IC are transmitted to the processor. However, in the first method, since the processor cannot acquire raw data, the processor may not be able to perform functions that can be performed based on information that can be acquired based on the raw data. In addition, in the first method, since the touch IC has fewer resources than the processor, it may be difficult for the touch IC to acquire information necessary for the electronic device to perform a specified function from the raw data.

[0008] The second method may have the advantage of allowing the electronic device to perform various functions based on raw data acquired from the touch IC by the processor. However, in the second method, the amount of data (e.g., raw data) transmitted by the touch IC to the processor may be substantial. As a result, the touch IC may not be able to transmit raw data to the processor at a high FPS (frames per second). For example, in the second method, the touch IC may not be able to transmit raw data to the processor at a high FPS due to limitations imposed by the clock frequency (e.g., about 400K Hz) of the interface between the touch IC and the processor (e.g., I2C (inter-integrated circuit) interface).

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for quantizing touch data and an electronic device supporting the same, wherein a touch IC can quantize data acquired through a touch panel into data having a small number of bits and transmit the data having a small number of bits to a processor.

[0010] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0012] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises a touch circuit including a touch panel and a touch controller, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor determines levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency of the touch controller and the time required for the at least one processor to determine the type of touch input to the touch panel, determines a number of bits for quantizing values ​​representing capacitance changes detected at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel based on the determined levels, and is configured to transmit information related to the levels and the number of bits to the touch controller.

[0013] A method for quantizing touch data in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may include: determining levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency of a touch controller of the electronic device and the time required for at least one processor of the electronic device to determine the type of touch input to a touch panel of the electronic device; determining a number of bits for quantizing values ​​representing capacitance changes detected at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel based on the determined levels; and transmitting information related to the levels and the number of bits to the touch controller. Effects of the invention

[0015] A method for quantizing touch data and an electronic device supporting the same according to various embodiments of the present invention can enable a processor to acquire touch-related data from a touch IC at a high FPS by quantizing data acquired through a touch panel into data having a small number of bits and transmitting the quantized data to a processor.

[0016] In addition, a method for quantizing touch data according to various embodiments of the present invention and an electronic device supporting the same can enable a processor to perform a function corresponding to a force touch by transmitting quantized data containing information necessary for a touch IC to distinguish between a force touch and a non-force touch to a processor. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a touch circuit according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for quantizing touch data according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing points corresponding to specified values ​​of raw data that change over time by touch according to various embodiments. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing points corresponding to specified values ​​of raw data that change over time due to touch according to the type of touch according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the change in an area formed by points corresponding to a specified value of raw data over time by touch, according to the type of touch according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a touch controller to quantize raw data according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the type of touch according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 is an illustrative diagram for explaining a method for determining the type of touch according to various embodiments. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing touch data according to various embodiments. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0021] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0022] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence is performed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0023] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0024] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0025] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0026] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0027] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0028] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0029] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0030] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0031] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0032] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0033] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0034] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0035] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0036] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0037] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0038] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0039] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0040] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0041] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0042] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0043] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0044] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0045] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM It can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0047] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) according to various embodiments.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a display (210), a touch circuit (220), a memory (230), and / or a processor (240).

[0051] In one embodiment, the display (210) may be included in the display module (160) of FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the display (210) may be integrated with the touch circuit (220) to be implemented as a touch screen. For example, the display (210) may be implemented integrally with the touch panel (221) of the touch circuit (220). In one embodiment, the touch screen in which the display (210) and the touch circuit (220) are integrated may be included in the display module (160) of FIG. 1.

[0052] In one embodiment, the touch circuit (220) (also referred to as a 'touch module') may include a touch panel (221) and a touch controller (223).

[0053] In one embodiment, a touch panel (221) (also referred to as a 'touch sensor') can detect a touch (or hovering) input by a user (user's finger) or an electronic pen using a capacitive method. For example, as the user's finger comes into contact with the display (210), the touch panel (221) can generate a signal indicating a change in capacitance occurring at a point on the display (210) that is contacted by the user's finger (or a point on the touch panel (221) corresponding to a location on the display (210)). In one embodiment, the touch panel (221) can transmit a signal indicating a change in capacitance to a touch controller (223).

[0054] In one embodiment, the touch panel (221) can detect a touch input by a user or an electronic pen using a magnetic capacitance method and / or a mutual capacitance method.

[0055] In one embodiment, a touch controller (223) (also referred to as a 'touch IC') can control the operation of a touch panel (221). For example, the touch controller (223) can apply a driving signal to the touch panel (221) to drive the touch panel (221) and receive a signal indicating a change in capacitance from the touch panel (221).

[0056] In one embodiment, the touch circuit (220) may further include memory in addition to the touch panel (221) and the touch controller (223).

[0057] Hereinafter, the touch circuit (220) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a touch circuit (220) according to various embodiments.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the touch circuit (220) may include a sensor layer (310) and a control circuit (320).

[0060] In one embodiment, the sensor layer (310) may be included in the touch panel (221).

[0061] In one embodiment, the sensor layer (310) may include first electrodes (e.g., electrode 1 (311) to electrode 4 (314)) and second electrodes (e.g., electrode 5 (315) to electrode 8 (318)) for detecting a touch using a mutual capacitance method. In one embodiment, the first electrodes may be extended in the X-axis direction and the second electrodes may be extended in the Y-axis direction. In one embodiment, the first electrodes may be TX electrodes that receive a driving signal from a driving circuit (321), and the second electrodes may be RX electrodes that provide an electrical signal to a touch sensing circuit (323). FIG. 3 illustrates four first electrodes and four second electrodes, but is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor layer (310) may include five or more (e.g., 33) first electrodes and five or more (e.g., 41) second electrodes. In FIG. 3, the first electrodes and the second electrodes are illustrated as being implemented in the form of rods, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first electrodes and the second electrodes may be implemented in the form of a mesh.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first electrodes may correspond to channel 1 (CH#1), channel 2 (CH#2), channel 3 (CH#3), and channel 4 (CH#4), respectively. The second electrodes may correspond to channel 5 (CH#5), channel 6 (CH#6), channel 7 (CH#7), and channel 8 (CH#8), respectively.

[0063] In one embodiment, mutual capacitance may be formed between at least some of the first electrodes and at least some of the second electrodes.

[0064] In one embodiment, the sensor layer (310) may be implemented as a single layer or as a plurality of layers. When the sensor layer (310) is implemented as a single layer, first electrodes and second electrodes may be disposed on a substrate. In the portion where at least one of the first electrodes and at least one of the second electrodes overlap, an insulating material may be placed between the electrodes, and the first electrodes or the second electrodes may each be connected through a bridge. When the sensor layer (310) is implemented as a plurality of layers, first electrodes may be disposed on a first substrate and second electrodes may be disposed on a second substrate, and the first substrate and the second substrate may be stacked.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control circuit (320) may be included in the touch controller (223). In one embodiment, the control circuit (320) may include a driving circuit (321) and a touch sensing circuit (323).

[0066] In one embodiment, the driving circuit (321) may apply a driving signal to the first electrodes sequentially or simultaneously. For example, a plurality of first switches (331 to 334) may be turned on or off according to a control signal of the control circuit (320), and depending on whether the plurality of first switches (331 to 334) are turned on or off, the driving circuit (321) may apply a driving signal to the first electrodes sequentially or simultaneously. In one embodiment, depending on the implementation method, at least one of the plurality of first switches (331 to 334) may be omitted.

[0067] In one embodiment, the touch sensing circuit (323) may receive an electrical signal indicating a change in capacitance from the second electrodes. For example, a plurality of second switches (335 to 338) may be turned on or off according to a control signal of the control circuit (320), and depending on the on or off of the plurality of second switches (335 to 338), the touch sensing circuit (323) may receive an electrical signal indicating a change in capacitance from the second electrodes. In one embodiment, depending on the implementation method, at least one of the plurality of second switches (335 to 338) may be omitted.

[0068] In one embodiment, the touch sensing circuit (323) may receive electrical signals indicating changes in capacitance detected at multiple points (also referred to as 'multiple nodes') of the sensor layer (310) from the second electrodes while at least one of the first electrodes is driven. For example, the touch sensing circuit (323) may receive electrical signals indicating changes in capacitance detected at multiple points where the first electrodes and the second electrodes intersect (e.g., a point (341) where electrode 1 (311) and electrode 5 (315) intersect, and a point (342) where electrode 1 (311) and electrode 6 (316) intersect).

[0069] In one embodiment, the control circuit (320) can convert an analog electrical signal representing a change in capacitance into a digital electrical signal. Hereinafter, data representing a digital electrical signal representing a change in capacitance will be referred to as 'raw data'.

[0070] In one embodiment, the control circuit (320) can quantize raw data into bit values ​​of a specified number of bits necessary to distinguish the type of touch and calculate touch coordinates based on information received from the processor (240). A method for the control circuit (320) to quantize raw data into bit values ​​of a specified number of bits will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 4 through 11.

[0071] In one embodiment, the control circuit (320) can transmit raw data to the processor (240) without quantizing the raw data into bit values ​​of a specified number of bits. In one embodiment, the control circuit (320) can calculate a touch location touched by a user on the display (210) based on the raw data and transmit information about the calculated touch location to the processor (240).

[0072] In one embodiment, the control circuit (320) may include an interface for transmitting touch-related information (e.g., bit values ​​of a specified number of bits, raw data, and / or touch location) to the processor (240). For example, the control circuit (320) may include an I2C interface for transmitting touch-related information to the processor (240) (e.g., an interface of the processor (240)). However, the I2C interface for transmitting touch-related information to the processor (240) by the control circuit (320) is not limited to an IC2 interface.

[0073] In FIG. 3, the touch circuit (220) is illustrated as being implemented by a mutual capacitance method, but is not limited thereto. For example, the touch circuit (220) may be implemented by a magnetic capacitance method.

[0074] In FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the memory (230) may be included in the memory (130) of FIG. 1.

[0075] In one embodiment, the memory (230) may store various information for performing an operation to quantize touch data. The information stored by the memory (230) will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11.

[0076] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may be included in the processor (120) of FIG. 1.

[0077] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may generally control the operation for quantizing touch data. In one embodiment, the processor (240) may include one or more processors for quantizing touch data.

[0078] Regarding the operation of the processor (240) quantizing data, it will be explained in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11.

[0079] In FIG. 2, the electronic device (101) is illustrated as including a display (210), a touch circuit (220), a memory (230), and / or a processor (240), but is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (101) may further include at least one of the configurations shown in FIG. 1.

[0081] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises a touch circuit including a touch panel and a touch controller, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor determines levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency of the touch controller and the time required for the at least one processor to determine the type of touch input to the touch panel, determines a number of bits for quantizing values ​​representing capacitance changes detected at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel based on the determined levels, and is configured to transmit information related to the levels and the number of bits to the touch controller.

[0082] In various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to determine a minimum number of levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency and the required time.

[0083] In various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to set a plurality of ranges associated with values ​​corresponding to the levels and representing the capacitance changes, based on a minimum number of the levels.

[0084] In various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to determine the number of bits based on a minimum number of levels for determining the type of touch.

[0085] In various embodiments, information related to the levels may include a minimum number of the levels.

[0086] In various embodiments, the touch controller may be configured to receive information related to the levels and the number of bits from the at least one processor, obtain values ​​of raw data representing capacitance changes detected at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel through the touch panel, identify the levels corresponding to the values ​​of the raw data based on the information related to the levels, quantize the values ​​of the raw data into bit values ​​representing the identified levels based on the number of bits, and transmit the bit values ​​to the at least one processor.

[0087] In various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to receive bit values ​​from the touch controller, identify points on the touch panel where a bit value identical to a bit value corresponding to a designated value among the bit values ​​is obtained, identify an area formed by the points on the touch panel, and determine the type of touch based on the identified area.

[0088] In various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to determine the type of touch based on the change in the identified area according to the time at which the touch is input.

[0089] In various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to determine the touch as a force touch when the change in the area is less than a specified change, and to determine the touch as a non-force touch when the change in the area is greater than or equal to a specified change.

[0090] In various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to acquire an input including the remaining battery level of the electronic device, the mode of the electronic device, information about an application currently running, and / or user input, and based on the input, select one method among a method in which the touch controller transmits touch coordinates to the at least one processor, a method in which the touch controller transmits raw data acquired through the touch panel to the at least one processor, and a method in which the touch controller transmits quantized bit values ​​of the raw data to the at least one processor, and determine a method for providing touch data of the one method.

[0092] FIG. 4 is a flowchart (400) for explaining a method for quantizing touch data according to various embodiments.

[0093] Before explaining Fig. 4, the principle by which the electronic device (101) determines the type of touch will be explained with reference to Figs. 5 to 7 below.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a drawing (500) showing points corresponding to specified values ​​of raw data that change over time by touch according to various embodiments.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a drawing (600) showing points corresponding to specified values ​​of raw data that change over time by touch according to the type of touch according to various embodiments.

[0096] FIG. 7 is a drawing (700) showing a change in an area formed by points corresponding to a specified value of raw data over time by touch, according to the type of touch according to various embodiments.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, in one embodiment, reference numeral 510 of FIG. 5 may represent raw data (511) detected at multiple points among all points of the touch panel (221) at a specific time. For example, if the touch panel (221) includes 33 first electrodes (TX electrodes) on the X-axis and 41 second electrodes (RX electrodes) on the Y-axis, reference numeral 510 may represent raw data (511) (e.g., data on the Z-axis in reference numeral 510) for electrical signals corresponding to capacitance changes detected at the intersection points (e.g., 81 (9*9) points) of the 9 first electrodes on the X-axis and the 9 second electrodes on the Y-axis.

[0098] In one embodiment, as illustrated by reference numeral 510, raw data may be divided into a first range (512), a second range (513), and a third range (514) according to the value (magnitude of the value) of the raw data. For example, the second range (513) (hereinafter referred to as the 'second range') may be a range greater than the value corresponding to a first specified ratio (e.g., about 95%) of the maximum value of the raw data (e.g., the value of raw data (511-1)) and less than or equal to the maximum value of the raw data. The third range (514) (hereinafter referred to as the 'third range') may be a range greater than or equal to the minimum value of the raw data (e.g., about 0) and less than or equal to the value corresponding to a second specified ratio (e.g., about 5%) of the maximum value of the raw data. The first range (512) (hereinafter referred to as the "first range") may be a range greater than the value corresponding to the second specified ratio (e.g., about 5%) of the maximum value of the raw data and less than or equal to the value corresponding to the first specified ratio (e.g., about 95%) of the maximum value of the raw data. However, the first specified ratio, the second specified ratio, and the minimum value of the raw data for distinguishing the first range (512), the second range (513), and the third range (514) are not limited to the aforementioned 95%, 5%, and 0, respectively.

[0099] Hereinafter, the area formed by points where the data value is in the first range (512) (e.g., points on the X-axis and Y-axis where the data value in the first range (512) is obtained) is referred to as the 'first area', the area formed by points where the data value is in the second range (513) (e.g., points on the X-axis and Y-axis where the data value in the second range (513) is obtained) is referred to as the 'second area', and the area formed by points where the data value is in the third range (514) (e.g., points on the X-axis and Y-axis where the data value in the third range (514) is obtained) is referred to as the 'third area'.

[0100] In one embodiment, the data values ​​of the second range (513) obtained in the second region (hereinafter used interchangeably with 'data values ​​of the second region') may have low-frequency characteristic changes. For example, the data values ​​of the second region may change slightly to a low frequency over time (e.g., may fluctuate). In one embodiment, the data values ​​of the third region may have high-frequency characteristic changes. For example, the data values ​​of the third region may change slightly to a high frequency over time (e.g., may fluctuate). In one embodiment, since the data values ​​of the second region and the data values ​​of the third region each have low-frequency characteristic changes and high-frequency characteristic changes, such as in the form of noise, the data values ​​of the second region and the data values ​​of the third region may not be used as data to determine the type of touch (e.g., force touch and non-force touch). In one embodiment, since the data values ​​of the first region do not have low-frequency characteristic changes and high-frequency characteristic changes, unlike the data values ​​of the second region and the data values ​​of the third region (or because the low-frequency characteristic changes and high-frequency characteristic changes are less than those of the data values ​​of the second region and the data values ​​of the third region), the data values ​​of the first region may be used as data to determine the type of touch.

[0101] In one embodiment, reference numeral 520 may represent images (521, 522, 523, 524, 525) representing raw data values ​​that change over time (e.g., according to a specified time interval) by touch. For example, the images (521, 522, 523, 524, 525) may be images in which raw data values ​​are displayed in colors corresponding to the raw data values ​​(e.g., the magnitudes of the raw data values) at a plurality of points where raw data values ​​that change over time are acquired after a touch is input.

[0102] In one embodiment, when any value belonging to a first range (e.g., a fixed value belonging to a first range) (hereinafter referred to as 'specified value') is specified as shown in reference numeral 510, the lines (532, 533, 534, 535) connecting the points where the specified value is obtained within the images (521, 522, 523, 524, 525) of reference numeral 520 may substantially form a ring shape.

[0103] In one embodiment, the area formed by the lines connecting the points where a specified value is obtained (hereinafter referred to as the 'area corresponding to the specified value') can be increased according to time (t) after a touch is input (e.g., according to a specified time interval), such as the lines of reference numeral 520 (532, 533, 534, 535).

[0104] In one embodiment, the area corresponding to the specified value may be the sum of the area occupied by the line and the area of ​​the line's internal region within the image. For example, if the image (523) is divided into the internal region (533-1) and the external region (533-2) of the line (533) by the line (533) within the image (523), the area formed by the line connecting the points where the specified value is obtained within the image (523) may be the sum of the area occupied by the line (533) and the area of ​​the line's internal region (533-1).

[0105] In one embodiment, in reference numeral 520, the images (521, 522, 523, 524, 525) may be images obtained based on raw data values ​​obtained while pressure by the user (e.g., user's finger) or electronic pen is increased as the user approaches and contacts the touch panel (221). In one embodiment, as illustrated in reference numeral 520, while the user (e.g., user's finger) or electronic pen approaches and pressure by the user or electronic pen is increased, the area corresponding to a specified value may be increased.

[0106] In one embodiment, reference numeral 610 may represent images (611, 612, 613, 614, 615) representing raw data values ​​that change over time (e.g., according to a specified time interval) by a force touch. In one embodiment, reference numeral 620 may represent images (631, 632, 633, 634, 635) representing raw data values ​​that change over time by a non-force touch (e.g., a long touch (e.g., a long touch input for longer than a specified time)).

[0107] In one embodiment, a force touch may be a touch with pressure greater than a threshold size applied to the display (210) (or touch panel (221)) by a user or an electronic pen. A non-force touch may be a touch with pressure less than a threshold size applied to the display (210) (or touch panel (221)) by a user or an electronic pen (e.g., at least one of a tap, a long touch, a drag, or a swipe).

[0108] In one embodiment, when comparing the lines of reference numeral 610 (622, 623, 624, 625) and the lines of reference numeral 630 (643, 644, 645), in the case of non-force touch, compared to the case of force touch, the area corresponding to a specified value can increase rapidly over time.

[0109] In one embodiment, in the case of a non-force touch, compared to the case of a force touch, the time it takes to reach the area corresponding to the specified value may be shorter. For example, when the area formed by the line (625) and the area formed by the line (644) are the same, the time it takes for the area corresponding to the specified value to reach the area formed by the line (644) after the non-force touch is input may be shorter than the time it takes for the area corresponding to the specified value to reach the area formed by the line (625) after the force touch is input.

[0110] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the line (710) indicating a force touch and the line (720) indicating a long touch, the area corresponding to a specified value may increase rapidly in the case of a non-force touch compared to the case of a force touch, depending on the flow of time (t) after the start of the touch input. Although the line (710) indicating a force touch and the line (720) indicating a long touch in FIG. 7 are illustrated as linear, they are not limited thereto.

[0111] In one embodiment, as described through FIGS. 5 to 7, the type of touch can be distinguished by determining the change in area corresponding to a specified value based on raw data.

[0112] In one embodiment, when the processor (240) distinguishes the type of touch by acquiring raw data from the touch controller (223) and determining a change in area corresponding to a specified value based on the acquired raw data, the amount of data transmitted from the touch controller (223) to the processor (240) may be significantly large. Additionally, due to limitations imposed by the clock frequency (e.g., about 400K Hz) of the interface (e.g., I2C interface) between the touch controller (223) and the processor (240), the processor (240) may not be able to receive raw data from the touch controller (223) at a high FPS.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 4, in operation 401, in one embodiment, the processor (240) can determine levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency of the touch controller (223) and the time required for the processor (240) to determine the type of touch input to the touch panel (221).

[0114] In one embodiment, the driving frequency of the touch controller (223) may be the frequency at which the touch controller (223) acquires raw data from the touch panel (221). In one embodiment, when the driving frequency of the touch controller (223) is 120 Hz (e.g., 120 FPS), the touch controller (223) can acquire raw data corresponding to 120 frames per second. For example, when the driving frequency of the touch controller (223) is 120 FPS and the touch panel (221) includes 33 first electrodes (TX electrodes) and 41 second electrodes (RX electrodes), the touch controller (223) can acquire raw data values ​​of 1,353 (33*41) points 120 times per second.

[0115] In one embodiment, the driving frequency of the touch controller (223) may be the frequency at which the touch controller (223) transmits frames to the processor (240) through an interface. For example, the driving frequency of the touch controller (223) may be the number of frames that the touch controller (223) can transmit to the processor (240) through an interface in one second.

[0116] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may set a first range, a second range, and a third range for a specified range related to raw data. In one embodiment, the maximum and minimum values ​​of the raw data may be obtained through a test (or experiment). For example, through a test, the maximum and minimum values ​​of the raw data may be determined within the frame in which the area corresponding to the specified value is maximum among a plurality of frames continuously obtained from the touch panel (221). In one embodiment, the processor (240) may set a second range (hereinafter referred to as the 'second range') within the specified range obtained through the test (e.g., a range between the minimum value of the raw data and the maximum value of the raw data) that is greater than the value corresponding to a first specified ratio (e.g., about 95%) of the maximum value of the raw data and less than or equal to the maximum value of the raw data. The processor (240) may set a third range (hereinafter referred to as the 'third range') within a specified range that is greater than or equal to the minimum value of the raw data (e.g., about 0) and less than or equal to the value corresponding to a second specified ratio (e.g., about 5%) of the maximum value of the raw data. The processor (240) may set a first range (hereinafter referred to as the 'first range') within a specified range that is greater than the value corresponding to a second specified ratio (e.g., about 5%) of the maximum value of the raw data and less than or equal to the value corresponding to a first specified ratio (e.g., about 95%) of the maximum value of the raw data. However, the first specified ratio, the second specified ratio, and the minimum value of the raw data for distinguishing the first range, the second range, and the third range are not limited to the aforementioned 95%, 5%, and 0, respectively.

[0117] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may classify the first range into a plurality of sub-ranges (hereinafter referred to as 'sub-ranges of the first range') to determine the type of touch. In one embodiment, the processor (240) may assign levels to the sub-ranges of the first range. For example, the processor (240) may assign levels to each of the sub-ranges of the first range.

[0118] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may determine the number of levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency of the touch controller (223) and the time required for the processor (240) to determine the type of touch input to the touch panel (221). For example, the processor (240) may determine the number of levels for determining the type of touch based on [Equation 1] below.

[0120] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0121] M = t * f

[0123] In [Mathematical Formula 1], M represents the number of levels for determining the type of touch, t represents the time required for the processor (240) to determine the type of touch, and f represents the driving frequency of the touch controller (223).

[0124] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may determine the number of levels (M) for determining the type of touch to be equal to the number of frames obtained from the touch controller (223) during the time (t) required for the processor (240) to determine the type of touch (or the number of frames obtained from the touch panel (221) during the time (t) required for the touch controller (223) to determine the type of touch). In one embodiment, if the processor (240) determines the number of levels for determining the type of touch to be greater than the number calculated from [Equation 1], the amount of data to be transmitted from the touch controller (223) to the processor (240) may increase. In one embodiment, if the processor (240) determines the number of levels for determining the type of touch to be smaller than the number calculated from [Equation 1], the type of touch may not be accurately distinguished by the processor (240).

[0125] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may determine the number of levels for determining the type of touch to be M or more when the number of levels for determining the type of touch is calculated as M through [Equation 1]. For example, when M is calculated through [Equation 1], the processor may determine the number of levels for determining the type of touch to be at least M or more.

[0126] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can determine the number of levels (M) for determining the type of touch to be 60 when the driving frequency of the touch controller (223) is 120Hz and the time required for the processor (240) to determine the type of touch input to the touch panel (221) is 0.5 (seconds).

[0127] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can classify the second range into M equal sub-ranges when the number of levels for determining the type of touch is determined to be M.

[0128] In one embodiment, [Table 1] below may show levels and detailed ranges of levels (e.g., ranges of raw data values ​​of the first range) and a second range and a third range, which are set by the processor (240) when the number of levels for determining the type of touch is 60 (e.g., when M=60).

[0130] Level Ranges of values ​​of the raw data of the first range (detailed ranges of the first range) Level 60 A60 or higher, less than A61 range Level 59 A59 or higher, less than A60 range · · · · · · Level 2 A2 or higher, less than A3 range Level 1 A1 or higher, less than A2 range 2nd range A61 or higher, less than A62 range 3rd range A0 or higher, less than A1 range

[0131] In one embodiment, in [Table 1], A0 represents the minimum value of raw data (e.g., the minimum value of raw data of the frame in which the area corresponding to a specified value is maximum among a plurality of frames continuously obtained from the touch panel (221) obtained through a test) (hereinafter used interchangeably with 'minimum value of raw data obtained through a test'), and A62 represents the maximum value of raw data (e.g., the maximum value of raw data of the frame in which the area corresponding to a specified value is maximum among a plurality of frames continuously obtained from the touch panel (221) obtained through a test) (hereinafter used interchangeably with 'maximum value of raw data obtained through a test').

[0132] In one embodiment, in [Table 1], when the first range is classified into 60 detailed ranges, among levels 1 to 60, level 1 may be the lowest level and level 60 may be the highest level.

[0133] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may determine sub-ranges of a first range based on the number of levels for determining the type of touch. In one embodiment, the processor (240) may determine a number of sub-ranges of the first range equal to the number of levels. For example, the processor (240) may assign levels to each of the sub-ranges of the first range.

[0134] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may set any value (hereinafter referred to as 'specified value') within a first range. For example, the processor (240) may set a second range based on the maximum and minimum values ​​of raw data obtained through testing as described above. The processor (240) may set a specified value to be used to distinguish the type of touch within the set second range.

[0135] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may set a specified range by replacing a specified value. For example, the processor (240) may set one of the sub-ranges of the first range (or a range included in one of the sub-ranges of the first range) as the specified range by replacing a specified value.

[0136] In operation 403, in one embodiment, the processor (240) may determine the number of bits for quantizing values ​​representing capacitance changes detected at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel (221) based on determined levels. For example, the processor (240) may determine the number of bits for quantizing raw data values ​​obtained at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel (221) based on the number of levels determined through operation 401.

[0137] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can determine the number of bits for quantizing raw data values ​​obtained at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel (221) using the following [Equation 2].

[0139] [Mathematical Formula 2]

[0140] N = roundup{log2(2+ M)}

[0142] In one embodiment, in [Equation 2], roundup{} represents a function that rounds up at the first decimal place, and log2() represents a logarithmic function with base 2. In one embodiment, in [Equation 2], M may represent the number of levels calculated in [Equation 1]. In one embodiment, in [Equation 2], '2' may be a value to indicate a case where a raw data value obtained from one point of the touch panel (221) falls within a second range (e.g., a range greater than approximately 95% of the maximum value of the data values ​​and less than or equal to the maximum value of the data values) or a third range (e.g., a range greater than or equal to the minimum value of the data values ​​and less than or equal to approximately 5% of the maximum value of the data values) among raw data values ​​obtained from multiple points within one frame.

[0143] In one embodiment, in [Equation 2], 'N' may represent the number of bits required to quantize the value of raw data obtained at each of a plurality of points (e.g., one point) of the touch panel (221) into bit values. For example, 'N' may represent the number of bits required to quantize the value of raw data obtained from one point within one frame into bit values.

[0144] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may decide to quantize the values ​​of raw data obtained at each of the multiple points of the touch panel (221) into bit values ​​of 6 (=roundup(log2(60+2)}) bits when the number of levels (M) for determining the type of touch is 60.

[0145] In operation 405, in one embodiment, the processor (240) can transmit information related to levels and a determined number of bits to the touch controller (223).

[0146] In one embodiment, information related to the levels may include the number of levels, a maximum value of a first range, a minimum value of a first range, and a determined number of bits (e.g., the number of bits (N) determined through [Equation 2] in operation 403) (and bit values ​​corresponding to each level).

[0147] In one embodiment, information related to the levels may include detailed ranges of a first range and a determined number of bits (and bit values ​​corresponding to each level).

[0148] In one embodiment, information related to the levels may include the number of levels, a maximum value of a first range, a minimum value of a first range, detailed ranges of a first range, and a determined number of bits (and bit values ​​corresponding to each level).

[0150] FIG. 8 is a flowchart (800) for explaining how a touch controller (223) quantizes raw data according to various embodiments.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation 801, in one embodiment, the touch controller (223) can receive information and bit counts related to the levels.

[0152] In one embodiment, information related to the levels may include the number of levels, the maximum value of a first range, the minimum value of a first range, and a determined number of bits (e.g., the number of bits (N) determined through [Equation 2] in operation 403) (and bit values ​​corresponding to each of the levels). In one embodiment, information related to the levels may include sub-ranges of the first range and a determined number of bits (and bit values ​​corresponding to each of the levels). In one embodiment, information related to the levels may include the number of levels, the maximum value of a first range, the minimum value of a first range, sub-ranges of the first range, and a determined number of bits (and bit values ​​corresponding to each of the levels).

[0153] In operation 803, in one embodiment, the touch controller (223) can obtain values ​​representing capacitance changes from the touch panel (221). For example, the touch controller (223) can obtain raw data values ​​based on electrical signals obtained through a plurality of points of the touch panel (221).

[0154] In operation 805, in one embodiment, the touch controller (223) can quantize values ​​representing capacitance changes into bit values ​​representing levels corresponding to the values ​​representing capacitance changes.

[0155] In one embodiment, the touch controller (223) can calculate a second range (e.g., a range greater than and less than or equal to a value corresponding to about 95% of the maximum value of the data values) and a third range (e.g., a range greater than and less than or equal to a value corresponding to about 5% of the maximum value of the data values) among the raw data values ​​obtained from each of the plurality of points of the touch panel (221) in each of the plurality of frames obtained continuously. The touch controller (223) can quantize the raw data values ​​belonging to the second range and the third range among the raw data values ​​obtained from each of the plurality of points of the touch panel (221) in each of the plurality of frames obtained continuously into a bit value representing the second range and a bit value representing the third range.

[0156] In one embodiment, the touch controller (223) can correspond the values ​​of raw data obtained from each of a plurality of points of the touch panel (221) to a plurality of levels in each of a plurality of frames obtained consecutively. For example, the touch controller (223) can receive detailed ranges of a first range from the processor (240). In another example, when the number of levels, the maximum value of the first range, and the minimum value of the first range are received from the touch processor (240), the touch controller (223) can determine the detailed ranges of the first range based on the received number of levels, the maximum value of the first range, and the minimum value of the first range. The touch controller (223) can identify the values ​​of raw data obtained from each of a plurality of points of the touch panel (221) in each of a plurality of frames obtained consecutively, and the detailed ranges of the first range to which the values ​​of the raw data belong. The touch controller (223) can map the values ​​of raw data to multiple levels according to the detailed ranges of the first range to which the values ​​of the raw data each belong. The touch controller (223) can quantize the values ​​of raw data into bit values ​​corresponding to multiple levels.

[0157] In one embodiment, [Table 2] below may be a table showing the correspondence between raw data and bit values ​​when the number of levels (M) for determining the type of touch is 60.

[0159] Level Ranges of values ​​for the raw data of the first range (detailed ranges of the first range) bit value Level 60 A60 or higher, less than A61 range 111100 Level 59 A59 or higher, less than A60 range 111011 · · · · · · · · · Level 2 A2 or higher, less than A3 range 000010 Level 1 A1 or higher, less than A2 range 000001 2nd range A range greater than or equal to approximately 95% of the maximum value among the raw data values ​​of each frame, and less than or equal to the maximum value. 111101 3rd range A range of values ​​among the data values ​​of each frame from the minimum value up to a value corresponding to approximately 5% of the maximum value. 000000

[0160] In one embodiment, as shown in [Table 2], the number of bits of the bit value may be the number of bits (N) (e.g., 6 bits) calculated through [Equation 2].

[0161] In one embodiment, in [Table 2], when the first range is classified into 60 detailed ranges, among levels 1 to 60, level 1 may be the lowest level and level 60 may be the highest level.

[0162] In one embodiment, in [Table 2], the second range may represent a range greater than and less than the maximum value of the raw data values ​​obtained from each of the multiple points of the touch panel (221) in each of the multiple frames obtained continuously.

[0163] In one embodiment, in [Table 2], the third range may represent a range of values ​​less than or equal to about 5% of the maximum value of data values ​​greater than or equal to the minimum value of raw data values ​​obtained from each of the multiple points of the touch panel (221) in each of the multiple frames obtained continuously.

[0164] In one embodiment, the touch controller (223) can quantize the value of the raw data obtained at one point of the touch panel (221) into a bit value of '000010' when the value of the raw data obtained corresponds to level 2 (e.g., when the value of the raw data falls within the range of A2 or higher and less than A3).

[0165] In operation 807, in one embodiment, the touch controller (223) can transmit quantized bit values ​​to the processor (240) through an interface. For example, the touch controller (223) can transmit quantized bit values ​​of raw data values ​​of a plurality of frames to the processor (240) through an interface (e.g., an I2C interface).

[0166] In one embodiment, the operation of the touch controller (223) transmitting quantized bit values ​​to the processor (240) may include the operation of the touch controller (223) transmitting the quantized bit values ​​and the points where each of the quantized bit values ​​is acquired (e.g., points where the electrical signals that form the basis of each of the raw data values ​​are acquired when the raw data values ​​are each quantized into bit values) to the processor (240).

[0167] In one embodiment, by the touch controller (223) transmitting quantized bit values ​​to the processor (240), the amount of data transmitted from the touch controller (223) to the processor (240) can be reduced compared to the method in which the touch controller (223) directly transmits raw data obtained from the touch panel (221) to the processor (240) (hereinafter referred to as the 'second method'). For example, in the second method, the touch controller (223) can convert the value of the raw data at one point of the touch panel (221) into a 16-bit (e.g., 16 bits) bit value, and then transmit the converted 16-bit bit value to the processor (240). In the second method, the value of the raw data at one point is -2 15 to 2 15 It can be represented by bit values ​​in the range. In the second method, the raw data value of the second range and the data value of the third range are, respectively, 1638 (=0.05*2 15 It can be represented as one bit value among ) bit values, and the value of the raw data in the first range is 29492(=2 15-2*1638) bit values ​​can be represented as one bit value. On the other hand, in a method in which the touch controller (223) transmits quantized bit values ​​to the processor (240), the touch controller (223) can convert the raw data value of one point of the touch panel (221) into a 6-bit (e.g., 6 bits) bit value and then transmit the converted 6-bit bit value to the processor (240), and since the number of levels is 60, the raw data value of the first range can be represented as one bit value among 60 bit values. In one embodiment, in a method in which the touch controller (223) transmits quantized bit values ​​to the processor (240), the number of bit values ​​representing the raw data value of the first range may correspond to about 0.2% (=60 / 29492*100)% of the number of bit values ​​representing the raw data value of the first range in the second method. Accordingly, in a method in which the touch controller (223) transmits quantized bit values ​​to the processor (240), the amount of data transmitted from the touch controller (223) to the processor (240) can be significantly reduced compared to the second method.

[0169] FIG. 9 is a flowchart (900) for explaining a method for determining the type of touch according to various embodiments.

[0170] FIG. 10 is an example diagram (1000) for explaining a method of determining the type of touch according to various embodiments.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10, in operation 901, in one embodiment, the processor (240) can receive quantized bit values ​​from the touch controller (223). For example, the processor (240) can receive quantized bit values ​​(and points where each of the quantized bit values ​​is obtained) from the touch controller (223) through an interface.

[0172] In operation 903, in one embodiment, the processor (240) can check the area corresponding to a specified value in each of the frames.

[0173] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may set any value within a first range obtained through testing to a designated value. In one embodiment, the processor (240) may receive any value belonging to the first range from an external device through a communication module (190) and set the received arbitrary value to a designated value. In one embodiment, the processor (240) may set a designated range by replacing the designated value. For example, the processor (240) may set one of the sub-ranges of the first range (or a range included in one of the sub-ranges of the first range) as the designated range by replacing the designated value.

[0174] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can identify an area corresponding to a specified value based on the points where each of the bit values ​​received from the touch controller (223) and the quantized bit values ​​is acquired. In one embodiment, the processor (240) can identify points where a bit value corresponding to a specified value is acquired among the bit values ​​of each frame based on the points where each of the bit values ​​received from the touch controller (223) and the quantized bit values ​​is acquired. For example, the processor (240) can identify points where a bit value identical to a bit value corresponding to a sub-range of a first range to which the specified value belongs (or a level corresponding to a sub-range of the first range to which the specified value belongs) is acquired among the bit values ​​of each frame.

[0175] In one embodiment, FIG. 10 may be an image (1010) representing levels corresponding to each bit value within a single frame obtained through a plurality of points (e.g., a plurality of points of a touch panel (221) having 10 TX electrodes and 8 RX electrodes). In the image (1010), L14 to L20 may each represent levels 14 to 20, P may represent a second range, and N may represent a third range. In one embodiment, in FIG. 10, L15 may represent a level to which a specified value belongs.

[0176] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can determine the area of ​​an image portion corresponding to a level to which a specified value belongs within an image corresponding to a frame (e.g., image (1010)) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘first area’) and the area of ​​an image portion surrounded by the image portion corresponding to the level to which the specified value belongs (hereinafter referred to as the ‘second area’). The processor (240) can determine the area formed by adding the first area and the second area (e.g., the area formed by the line (1020)) as the area corresponding to the specified value.

[0177] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can identify areas corresponding to a specified value in each of the frames continuously acquired from the touch controller (223).

[0178] In operation 905, in one embodiment, the processor (240) can determine the type of touch based on the identified area.

[0179] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can identify areas corresponding to a specified value in frames continuously acquired from the controller. The processor (240) can determine the type of touch based on the identified areas. For example, the processor (240) can determine the type of touch based on the change in the area corresponding to the specified value according to the touch time.

[0180] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may determine that the touch input to the touch panel (221) is a force touch if the change in the area corresponding to the specified value is less than the specified change. The processor (240) may determine that the touch input to the touch panel (221) is a non-force touch (e.g., a long touch) if the change in the area corresponding to the specified value is greater than or equal to the specified change.

[0181] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can determine touch coordinates based on bit values ​​received from the touch controller (223). For example, the processor (240) can identify points where bit values ​​corresponding to a second range are obtained (e.g., points where the second range (P) in FIG. 10 is obtained) based on the bit values ​​of each of the frames continuously received from the touch controller (223). The processor (240) can determine touch coordinates based on the obtained points (e.g., changes in the area formed by the obtained points).

[0182] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can determine the type of non-force touch when it is determined that a touch input to the touch panel (221) is a non-force touch. For example, the processor (240) can determine whether a touch input to the touch panel (221) corresponds to one or more taps, long touches, drags, or swipes based on changes in touch coordinates.

[0183] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can execute a function corresponding to a force touch when the touch input to the touch panel (221) is a force touch. In one embodiment, the processor (240) can execute a function corresponding to a non-force touch when the touch input to the touch panel (221) is a non-force touch.

[0185] FIG. 11 is a flowchart (1100) for explaining a method of providing touch data according to various embodiments.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 11, in operation 1101, in one embodiment, the processor (240) can determine a method for providing touch data based on the acquired input.

[0187] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can receive touch data from the touch controller (223) according to one selected method among a plurality of methods for providing touch data (hereinafter used interchangeably with 'a plurality of methods').

[0188] In one embodiment, a plurality of methods for providing touch data may include a method in which a touch controller (223) calculates the coordinates of a touch based on raw data and transmits the calculated coordinates of a touch to a processor (240) (hereinafter referred to as the 'first method'), a method in which a touch controller (223) performs only noise filtering on the raw data obtained from the touch panel (221) and transmits the raw data with noise filtering performed to a processor (240) (hereinafter referred to as the 'second method'), and a method in which a touch controller (223) transmits quantized bit values ​​to a processor (240) (hereinafter referred to as the 'third method').

[0189] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may obtain input for selecting one method among a plurality of methods. For example, the processor (240) may obtain the remaining amount of the battery of the electronic device (101) (current capacity of the battery), the mode of the electronic device (101), information about the application currently running, and / or user input.

[0190] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may select one method from a plurality of methods based on the remaining battery level of the electronic device (101). For example, the processor (240) may select a second method when the remaining battery level of the electronic device (101) is in a first range (e.g., when the remaining battery level is between 70% and 100%), select a third method when the remaining battery level of the electronic device (101) is in a second range (e.g., when the remaining battery level is between 30% and 70%), and select a first method when the remaining battery level of the electronic device (101) is in a third range (e.g., when the remaining battery level is between 0% and 30%). However, the method by which the processor (240) selects one method from a plurality of methods based on the remaining battery level of the electronic device (101) is not limited to the examples described above.

[0191] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may select one of a plurality of methods based on the mode of the electronic device (101). For example, the processor (240) may select a first method or a third method when the mode of the electronic device (101) is in a power saving mode (or low power mode). The processor (240) may select a second method when the mode of the electronic device (101) is in a normal mode (e.g., a mode where the power saving mode is disabled). However, the method by which the processor (240) selects one of a plurality of methods based on the mode of the electronic device (101) is not limited to the examples described above.

[0192] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may select one method from a plurality of methods based on information about the application being executed. In one embodiment, the processor (240) may select one method from a plurality of methods based on the number of applications being executed, the power consumed while operating the application being executed, and / or the amount of resources required to operate the application being executed. For example, the processor (240) may select a first method if the number of applications being executed is greater than or equal to a specified first number, select a third method if the number of applications being executed is less than the specified first number and greater than or equal to a specified second number, and select a second method if the number of applications being executed is less than the specified second number. In another example, the processor (240) may select a first method if the power consumed while operating the running application is greater than or equal to a specified first power, select a third method if the power consumed while operating the running application is less than the specified first power and greater than or equal to a specified second power, and select a second method if the power consumed while operating the running application is less than the specified second power. In yet another example, the processor (240) may select a first method if the amount of resources required to operate the running application is greater than or equal to a specified first size, select a third method if the amount of resources required to operate the running application is less than the specified first size and greater than or equal to a specified second size, and select a second method if the amount of resources required to operate the running application is less than the specified second size. However, the method by which the processor (240) selects one method among a plurality of methods based on information about the running application is not limited to the examples described above.

[0193] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can select one method from a plurality of methods based on user input.

[0194] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may determine one selected method among a plurality of methods as a method for providing touch data.

[0195] In operation 1103, in one embodiment, the processor (240) can control the touch controller (223) to provide touch data by a determined method.

[0196] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can control the touch controller (223) so that, when the determined method is the first method, the touch controller (223) calculates the coordinates of the touch based on raw data and transmits the calculated coordinates of the touch to the processor (240).

[0197] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can control the touch controller (223) so that, when the determined method is the second method, the touch controller (223) performs only noise filtering on the raw data obtained from the touch panel (221) and transmits the noise-filtered raw data to the processor (240).

[0198] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can control the touch controller (223) so that, when the determined method is a third method, the touch controller (223) quantizes the raw data obtained from the touch panel (221) into bit values ​​and then transmits the quantized bit values ​​to the processor (240).

[0199] In operation 1105, in one embodiment, the processor (240) may perform the operation based on a determined method.

[0200] In one embodiment, the processor (240) may receive touch data from the controller according to a determined method through operation 1103.

[0201] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can determine touch coordinates according to a determined method.

[0202] In one embodiment, the processor (240) can determine the type of touch according to a determined method.

[0204] A method for quantizing touch data in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may include: determining levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency of a touch controller of the electronic device and the time required for at least one processor of the electronic device to determine the type of touch input to a touch panel of the electronic device; determining a number of bits for quantizing values ​​representing capacitance changes detected at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel based on the determined levels; and transmitting information related to the levels and the number of bits to the touch controller.

[0205] In various embodiments, the operation of determining levels for determining the type of touch may include the operation of determining a minimum number of levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency and the required time.

[0206] In various embodiments, the operation of determining levels for determining the type of touch may further include the operation of setting a plurality of ranges related to values ​​corresponding to the levels and representing the capacitance changes, based on a minimum number of the levels.

[0207] In various embodiments, the operation of determining the number of bits may include the operation of determining the number of bits based on a minimum number of levels for determining the type of touch.

[0208] In various embodiments, information related to the levels may include a minimum number of the levels.

[0209] In various embodiments, the method may further include: the touch controller receiving information related to the levels and the number of bits from the at least one processor; the touch controller acquiring raw data values ​​representing capacitance changes detected at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel through the touch panel; the touch controller identifying the levels corresponding to the raw data values ​​based on the information related to the levels; the touch controller quantizing the raw data values ​​into bit values ​​representing the identified levels based on the number of bits; and the touch controller transmitting the bit values ​​to the at least one processor.

[0210] In various embodiments, the method may further include the operation of receiving bit values ​​from the touch controller, the operation of identifying points on the touch panel where a bit value identical to a bit value corresponding to a designated value among the bit values ​​is obtained, the operation of identifying an area formed by the points on the touch panel, and the operation of determining the type of touch based on the identified area.

[0211] In various embodiments, the operation of determining the type of touch may include the operation of determining the type of touch based on the change in the identified area according to the time at which the touch is input.

[0212] In various embodiments, the operation of determining the type of touch may include determining the touch as a force touch when the change in the area is less than a specified change, and determining the touch as a non-force touch when the change in the area is greater than or equal to a specified change.

[0213] In various embodiments, the method may further include: an operation of acquiring an input including the remaining battery level of the electronic device, the mode of the electronic device, information about a running application, and / or user input; a method in which the touch controller transmits touch coordinates to the at least one processor based on the input; a method in which the touch controller transmits raw data acquired through the touch panel to the at least one processor; and a method in which the touch controller transmits quantized bit values ​​of the raw data to the at least one processor; and an operation of determining a method for providing touch data of the one method.

[0215] In addition, the structure of the data used in the above-described embodiment of the present invention may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium through various means. The computer-readable recording medium includes storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

[0216] The present invention has been described above with reference to its preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0218] 101 : Electronic device 108 : Server

Claims

Claim 1 An electronic device comprising: a touch circuit including a touch panel and a touch controller; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor determines levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency of the touch controller and the time required for the at least one processor to determine the type of touch input to the touch panel, and determines a number of bits for quantizing values ​​representing capacitance changes detected at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel based on the determined levels, and is configured to transmit information related to the levels and the number of bits to the touch controller, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine a minimum number of levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency and the time required. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to set a plurality of ranges associated with values ​​corresponding to the levels and representing the capacitance changes, based on a minimum number of the levels. Claim 4 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine the number of bits based on a minimum number of levels for determining the type of touch. Claim 5 In claim 1, the information related to the levels is an electronic device comprising a minimum number of the levels. Claim 6 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the touch controller receives information related to the levels and the number of bits from the at least one processor, obtains values ​​of raw data representing capacitance changes detected at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel through the touch panel, identifies the levels corresponding to the values ​​of the raw data based on the information related to the levels, quantizes the values ​​of the raw data into bit values ​​representing the identified levels based on the number of bits, and transmits the bit values ​​to the at least one processor. Claim 7 An electronic device configured such that, in claim 6, at least one processor receives bit values ​​from the touch controller, identifies points of the touch panel where a bit value identical to a bit value corresponding to a specified value among the bit values ​​is obtained, identifies an area formed by the points of the touch panel, and determines the type of touch based on the identified area. Claim 8 In claim 7, the electronic device configured such that at least one processor determines the type of touch based on the change in the identified area according to the time at which the touch is input. Claim 9 An electronic device according to claim 8, wherein at least one processor is configured to determine the touch as a force touch when the change in area is less than a specified change, and to determine the touch as a non-force touch when the change in area is greater than or equal to a specified change. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A method for quantizing touch data in an electronic device comprises: an operation of determining levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency of a touch controller of the electronic device and the time required for at least one processor of the electronic device to determine the type of touch input to a touch panel of the electronic device; an operation of determining a number of bits for quantizing values ​​representing capacitance changes detected at each of a plurality of points of the touch panel based on the determined levels; and an operation of transmitting information related to the levels and the number of bits to the touch controller, wherein the operation of determining levels for determining the type of touch includes an operation of determining a minimum number of the levels for determining the type of touch based on the driving frequency and the required time. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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