Differential Touch Sensor Electrode Layout for Noise-Robust Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensor devices struggle to accurately differentiate between different types of touch events, particularly in the presence of noise, and fail to reliably detect large objects and changes in proximity to various surfaces or materials, especially when the device is moved or covered.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor system utilizing a plurality of sensor electrodes with differential pairs of receiver electrodes and a sensor circuit that drives transmitter electrodes with positive and negative sensing signals, processes resulting signals to mitigate noise, and detects objects of varying sizes and proximity to surfaces or materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If noise mitigation techniques are applied to detect touch events, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates for large objects and different surface proximities
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is divided into multiple electrode sets (first electrode set, second electrode set, third electrode set) with different configurations. Each set is optimized for specific detection purposes: first set for general touch detection, second set for large object detection, and third set for surface proximity detection. This segmentation allows each electrode set to specialize in specific tasks, resolving the contradiction between noise mitigation and detection reliability for various object types.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the touch sensor have different electrode configurations and sensing characteristics. The first electrode set has a first configuration optimized for general touch, the second electrode set has a second configuration for large objects, and the third electrode set has a third configuration for surface proximity. This local quality variation allows each region to be optimized for its specific detection needs while maintaining overall system performance.
2Device complexity
If existing touch sensor configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for differentiating touch event types
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is segmented into multiple electrode sets with different configurations, allowing precise differentiation of touch event types (finger touch, palm touch, large objects, surface proximity) while maintaining manageable complexity through modular organization. Each electrode set can be independently controlled and processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system dynamically switches between different electrode sets based on the detection requirements. The controller can selectively activate the first, second, or third electrode sets depending on what needs to be detected, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level based on the task at hand.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the touch sensor is moved relative to surfaces or materials, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for detecting contact portion
Solution Approach 1:
The third electrode set is specifically configured for detecting surface proximity and contact portion, separate from the first and second electrode sets that handle general touch and large object detection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precision for contact detection even when the device is moved or positioned at different angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller processes signals from multiple electrode sets and uses feedback to determine the contact portion and device orientation. By comparing signals from different electrode configurations, the system can compensate for movement and maintain accurate detection of contact portions regardless of device position.
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 system effectively distinguishes between different touch events and accurately detects large objects and changes in proximity, while minimizing noise interference, enhancing reliability and precision in touch sensing.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive sensor devices... capacitive coupling between the sensor electrodes and the input object... changes in capacitive coupling
Implementation Method 2
receive resulting signals from the differential pair of receiver electrodes... changes in capacitive coupling between the sensor electrodes and the input object
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for differential parallel touch sensing are provided. An input device includes a display with an integrated touch sensor. The touch sensor includes a plurality of sets of sensor electrodes. Each set of sensor electrodes has a positive transmitter electrode, a negative transmitter electrode, and a differential pair of receiver electrodes. The differential pair of receiver electrodes includes a positive receiver electrode coupled to the positive transmitter electrode and a negative receiver electrode coupled to the negative transmitter electrode. The differential pair of receiver electrodes is disposed between the positive transmitter electrode and the negative transmitter electrode. The touch sensor as includes a sensor circuit that is configured to: drive the positive transmitter electrode with a positive sensing signal, drive the negative transmitter electrode with a negative sensing signal, receive resulting signals from the differential pair of receiver electrodes, and process the resulting signals.