Capacitive Touch Panel Asymmetric Electrode Signal Wire Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive touch panels require a large number of signal wires to detect inputs from conductive and non-conductive objects, leading to increased complexity, power usage, and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive touch panel design with a reduced number of signal wires is achieved by arranging electrode elements in a non-symmetric configuration, where each row has a single group of drive elements connected differently and each column has two groups of sensor elements with alternating connections, allowing for simplified signal processing and reduced signal wire count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional symmetric electrode arrangements are used to detect both conductive and non-conductive objects, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring 2M+2N signal wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring drive electrode rows and sense electrode columns with different connection patterns. Specifically, odd-numbered drive rows are connected to one set of signal wires while even-numbered drive rows are connected to another set, and similarly for sense columns. This asymmetric arrangement enables the system to detect both conductive and non-conductive objects while reducing the total signal wire count from 2M+2N to M+2N, as the asymmetric configuration allows certain signal wires to serve dual purposes that would require separate wires in a symmetric arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual-function electrodes are used to detect both conductive and non-conductive objects, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrode array into distinct groups with specific connection patterns. Drive electrode rows are segmented into odd and even groups connected to different signal wire sets, and sense electrode columns are similarly segmented. This segmentation allows each group to be optimized for specific detection functions while maintaining overall system versatility. The segmented configuration reduces manufacturing precision requirements compared to a fully integrated dual-function design, as each segment can be independently configured and tested.
3Ease of manufacture
If reduced signal wire count is implemented, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability may worsen due to fewer redundant measurement paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing signal wires that serve multiple functions simultaneously. The reduced set of M+2N signal wires is configured to handle both drive and sense operations for detecting different object types. Each signal wire is universally utilized across multiple electrode groups, allowing the system to maintain full detection capability with fewer wires. This multi-functional design ensures reliability is preserved because the universal signal wires are strategically routed to maintain redundant measurement paths through different electrode combinations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design reduces the number of signal wires from 2M+2N to M+2N, lowering power consumption, connector requirements, and circuitry complexity while maintaining accurate touch input detection for both conductive and non-conductive objects.
Implementation Method 1
A typical implementation of a conventional capacitance type touch panel includes a drive electrode 102 and a sense electrode 104, across which a capacitance 106 occurs between the two electrodes
Implementation Method 2
A first mutual capacitance, CA, forms over a first coupling distance, w1, and a second mutual capacitance, CB, forms over a second coupling distance, w2
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive touch panel that improves detection of non-conductive objects includes a substrate; a first drive line; a first and second sense line disposed on the substrate; a first plurality of electrode elements, each electrode element of the first plurality of electrode elements is coupled to the first drive line, and the first plurality of electrode elements includes a first drive element; a second plurality of electrode elements, each electrode element of the second plurality of electrode elements is coupled to the first sense line, and the second plurality of electrode elements includes a first sense element disposed adjacent to the drive element; and a third plurality of electrode, each electrode element of the third plurality of electrode elements is coupled to the second sense line, and the third plurality of sensor elements includes a second sense element disposed in a nearest neighbor position relative to the first drive element.