Matrix Scanning Drive System Reducing Border Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional matrix scanning devices face challenges in miniaturization due to increased border space requirements for additional wires and the need for dedicated controllers for each type of touch panel, making standardization difficult and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A drive system comprising first and second drive circuits, a master controller, and an electrical bus, where the drive circuits are strategically positioned on the substrate peripheries to reduce border space and be adaptable to various matrix scanning devices, utilizing matrix multiplexers and analog/digital multiplexers to efficiently manage and control column and row wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If more wires are added to increase touch panel resolution, then detection precision is improved, but border space area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch detection resolutionVSAvoidborder space area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple wire control functions into shared drive circuits. The row drive circuit and column drive circuit are merged into a unified control system that can sequentially activate different wire groups, reducing the total number of independent wire connections needed while maintaining high resolution touch detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic wire activation where wires are activated sequentially rather than simultaneously. The controller dynamically switches between different row and column wire groups over time, allowing high-resolution detection with fewer physical wires by utilizing time-multiplexed access to the matrix elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If dedicated controllers are designed for each touch panel type, then device reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontroller reliabilityVSAvoidcontroller variety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal controller architecture that can adapt to different touch panel configurations through programmable drive circuits. The row drive circuit and column drive circuit are configured to work with various matrix sizes and wire arrangements, allowing a single controller design to reliably control multiple types of touch panels with different resolutions and geometries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the controller to adapt to different touch panel types by changing operational parameters such as scanning sequence, wire activation patterns, and timing characteristics. This parameter-based adaptability allows the same hardware controller to reliably control diverse touch panel configurations without requiring dedicated hardware designs for each type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If more wires are used for higher resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch detection resolutionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple wire functions into shared conductors that are activated sequentially. By combining row wires and column wires into a time-multiplexed scanning system, the patent reduces the total wire count needed for high-resolution panels, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing material costs while maintaining detection precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2525276B1Drive system adaptable to a matrix scanning device
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 TRENDON TOUCH TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
  • EP2525276B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2525276B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2525276B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a drive system adaptable to a matrix scanning device. A number of first drive circuits are disposed on a first periphery along a first direction of a substrate with each said first drive circuit being coupled to at least one column wire of the matrix scanning device. A number of second drive circuits are disposed on a second periphery along a second direction of the substrate with each said second drive circuit being coupled to at least one row wire of the matrix scanning device. A master controller controls the first drive circuits and the second drive circuits. A bus is electrically coupled to the master controller, the first drive circuits and the second drive circuits.