Concurrent Display Updating and Capacitive Sensing via Common Electrode Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensor devices face a limitation in simultaneously performing display updating and input sensing due to hardware conflicts and signal interference, which reduces the available time for both functions.
Innovation Solution
A processing system that integrates a driver module to update sub-pixels and modulate common electrodes for capacitive sensing, allowing simultaneous display updating and input sensing without interfering with each other's operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are operated in dedicated separate modes for display updating and input sensing, then hardware conflicts and signal interference are avoided, but the time available for input sensing is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by modulating the common electrode voltage at a specific frequency during the display updating period. The voltage is switched between first and second voltage levels in a periodic manner, allowing input sensing signals to be transmitted during the display update process without causing display artifacts, thus resolving the time conflict between the two functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing the modulation frequency and voltage levels before the concurrent operation begins. The driver circuit is configured in advance to modulate the common electrode voltage at the input sensing signal frequency, enabling smooth concurrent operation without interference between display updating and input sensing functions
2Productivity
If electrodes are operated simultaneously for display updating and input sensing, then time available for both functions is increased, but display artifacts are produced due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the voltage modulation characteristics for different electrode regions. The common electrode is modulated at a frequency matching the input sensing signals, while the source line voltage is simultaneously controlled for display updating. This localized differentiation of voltage control strategies allows both functions to operate concurrently without mutual interference, eliminating display artifacts while maintaining operational efficiency
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
This approach significantly increases the time available for both display updating and input sensing, enabling concurrent performance without affecting image quality or accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
drive the first common electrode for capacitive sensing by modulating the first common electrode between a second voltage and a third voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a processing system for a display device integrated with a capacitive sensing device. The processing system includes a driver module having driver circuitry and coupled to a sub-pixel with a first source line and a first common electrode. The driver module is configured to simultaneously update the sub-pixel by driving the first source line with a first voltage, and drive the first common electrode for capacitive sensing by modulating the first common electrode between a second voltage and a third voltage. The processing system further includes a receiver module coupled to a plurality of receiver electrodes. The receiver module is configured to receive resulting signals from the receiver electrodes while the first common electrode is modulated between the second voltage and the third voltage. The processing system further includes a determination module configured to determine positional information based on the resulting signals.