Master/Slave Sensor Processing for Touch Panel Signal Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch surface devices face challenges in efficiently processing output signals from large touch surface panels due to the need for large and costly integrated circuit (IC) chip real estate, which results in significant cost and size requirements, and underutilization of processing capacity for smaller devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing two or more processing devices in a Master/Slave configuration to receive and process output signals from touch surface devices, allowing for modular adjustment based on panel size, reducing power consumption and processing requirements, and enabling efficient handling of both large and small touch surface devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single large-capacity ASIC is used to process output signals from large touch surface panels, then the processing capacity is sufficient, but the IC chip size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the touch surface panel into multiple portions, each processed by a separate processing device. Multiple ASICs are used in parallel to handle different sections of the panel, allowing the system to achieve the processing capacity of a single large ASIC while using smaller, more manageable chip sizes that reduce cost and manufacturing complexity.
2Productivity
If a single large-capacity ASIC is used to accommodate large touch surface devices, then processing capacity is adequate, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple processing devices working in parallel to process signals from different portions of the touch panel. This segmentation allows the use of smaller, less expensive ASICs rather than a single costly large-capacity ASIC, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate processing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing devices are designed with configurable capabilities that allow them to adapt to different panel sizes and configurations. This multi-functionality enables the same processing device design to be used across various product sizes, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs through standardized production.
3Productivity
If a single large-capacity ASIC is used for large touch panels, then processing capacity is sufficient, but the ASIC real estate requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple processing devices to handle different portions of the touch panel simultaneously. By distributing the processing load across multiple smaller ASICs, the system achieves the necessary processing capacity without requiring a single large-volume ASIC, thus reducing the real estate requirements for each individual chip.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different ASICs are manufactured for different touch panel sizes, then each ASIC is optimized for its specific application, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processing devices are designed with configurable capabilities that allow them to adapt to different panel sizes and configurations. This multi-functionality enables a single ASIC design to serve multiple applications, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple different ASIC variants for different panel sizes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs through standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system having two or more controllers operating in a Master/Slave configuration is disclosed. In one embodiment, the computer system includes: a sensor panel having a first portion for generating a first set of sense signals indicative of a touch or no-touch condition on the first portion, and a second portion for generating a second set of sense signals indicative of a touch or no-touch condition on the second portion; a first device for receiving and processing the first set of output signals from the first portion of the panel; and a second device for receiving and processing the second set of output signals from the second portion of the panel, wherein the first and second devices operate cooperatively in a Master/Slave configuration.