Dual-Sensing-Mode Touch Sensor with Interlaced Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-sensing-mode touch screens and touch pads require multiple layers and controllers to detect multi-touch inputs, leading to increased complexity and cost, while single-layer designs suffer from signal attenuation and limited capability to detect multiple touches simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A single-layer dual-sensing-mode touch screen or touch pad is designed with an array of capacitive sensors that function as both projected capacitance sliders and independent surface capacitance sensors, allowing for efficient multi-touch detection using a single controller by scanning the sensors in interlaced patterns, such as continuous wavy or concentric circular strips, to determine touch positions in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers and controllers are used to detect multi-touch inputs, then multi-touch detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single controller perform multiple functions by implementing both projected capacitance slider detection and surface capacitance sensor detection within the same controller architecture. The controller scans sensor elements in different patterns (interlaced for sliders, sequential for surface sensors) to achieve dual sensing modes, eliminating the need for separate controllers for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single layer structure. Instead of using separate layers for projected capacitance sliders and surface capacitance sensors, the invention integrates both sensing capabilities into one layer with a single array of sensor elements that can operate in different modes depending on the scanning pattern used.
2Device complexity
If a single-layer design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but signal attenuation occurs and multi-touch detection capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scanning patterns that adapt to the sensing mode required. The controller can switch between interlaced scanning for slider detection and sequential scanning for surface sensor detection, optimizing signal acquisition for each mode while maintaining single-layer simplicity. This dynamic approach compensates for the potential signal attenuation by intelligently selecting the most effective scanning pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic scanning of sensor elements in specific sequences to enhance signal detection. By systematically cycling through sensor elements in interlaced patterns for slider detection or sequential patterns for surface detection, the system maintains reliable signal quality through repeated measurement cycles, allowing robust multi-touch detection despite the single-layer configuration.
3Measurement precision
If multiple controllers are used, then multi-touch detection accuracy is improved, but the number of circuit connections and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single controller is designed to perform both projected capacitance slider detection and surface capacitance sensor detection functions. It implements multiple scanning patterns (interlaced and sequential) within the same controller architecture, allowing it to accurately detect multiple touches without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each sensing mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically selects and switches between different scanning patterns based on the desired detection mode. This dynamic capability allows the single controller to maintain high measurement precision for multi-touch detection by adapting its scanning strategy, eliminating the need for multiple static controllers and reducing circuit connection complexity.
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 configuration reduces the number of required controllers and circuit connections, maintaining signal quality while enabling effective multi-touch detection in one direction, thereby simplifying the design and reducing costs while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
One type of touchpad operates by way of capacitance sensing utilizing capacitive sensors. The capacitance detected by a capacitive sensor changes as a function of the proximity of a conductive object to the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch-sensor device is described. The touch sensor-device includes a panel having an array of capacitive sensors arranged to function, in a first direction, as a projected capacitance slider. The array of capacitive sensors is further arranged to function, in a second direction, as a set of independent surface capacitance sensors. A controller is coupled with the panel by an electrical component.