Capacitive Touch Panel Proximity Detection via Software Abstraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drivers for capacitive touch panels (CTPs) and proximity sensors (Psensors) cannot communicate directly, preventing the reporting of distance events.
Innovation Solution
A ranging method and apparatus that enables communication between the CTP and Psensor drivers by using a capacitive touch panel driving module and a proximity sensor driving module, with the capacitive touch panel sending an interrupt signal and a pulse signal to the Psensor driving module, allowing for the acquisition and reporting of distance information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a separate DSP is used for proximity sensor driver to enable low power mode operation, then power consumption is reduced, but direct communication between CTP driver and Psensor driver is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication mechanism through shared memory regions and interrupt controllers that bridge the CTP driver in the kernel system and the Psensor driver in the DSP. This mediator enables information transfer between the two separated drivers without requiring direct communication, thus maintaining the low-power architecture while restoring data exchange capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the CTP driver in the kernel system, the Psensor driver in the separate DSP, and intermediate communication components. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently in its optimal state while the intermediate components coordinate their interactions, preserving both power efficiency and communication functionality.
2Measurement precision
If physical proximity sensors are used, then distance detection accuracy is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual proximity sensor by copying the functionality of a physical Psensor through software. The CTP driver simulates proximity detection by analyzing capacitive touch data, generating virtual distance events that mimic actual sensor readings. This copying approach achieves sufficient measurement precision for most applications while eliminating the need for additional physical hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive touch panel is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a touch input device and as a proximity sensor. The same CTP hardware and driver are used to detect both touch events and proximity events, eliminating the need for dedicated proximity sensor hardware and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adequate detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A ranging method and an apparatus thereof, a storage medium, and a terminal device. By adding a processing unit into a hardware abstraction layer of the terminal device, a software method is thus used to replace a physical proximity sensor (Psensor); in addition, costs are effectively reduced.