Differential Parallel Touch Sensing for Large-Object Noise Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch sensors face challenges in accurately detecting large input objects and mitigating noise, especially when detecting objects of varying sizes and orientations, and in handling environmental interference.
Innovation Solution
The system employs differential parallel touch sensing methods that utilize sensor pixels with capacitive coupling areas configured for capacitive coupling with adjacent pixels in rows and columns, and a sensor circuit that drives and processes signals from subsets of these pixels to enhance detection accuracy and noise mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional touch sensing methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for large input objects and noise mitigation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple sensor pixels arranged in rows and columns, with each pixel containing first and second electrodes. The sensor circuit processes signals from different subsets of pixels separately, segmenting the sensing task to improve detection precision for objects of varying sizes while managing circuit complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensor pixels and electrodes are configured with specific capacitive coupling relationships tailored to their positions in the array. The first electrodes of certain pixels are capacitively coupled to adjacent pixels in the same row, while second electrodes are coupled to adjacent pixels in the same column, creating locally optimized sensing characteristics for different regions.
2Measurement precision
If sensor pixels are driven sequentially in different patterns, then measurement precision improves for objects of varying sizes, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor circuit drives different subsets of sensor pixels in sequential periods using different patterns. In a first period, a first subset of pixels is driven with first patterns, and in a second period, a second subset is driven with second patterns. This periodic sequential driving enables comprehensive detection of objects of varying sizes while completing sensing cycles efficiently.
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 enables reliable detection of input objects of varying sizes and orientations while effectively reducing noise, allowing for accurate positional information and condition detection in touch sensors.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensor pixel includes a first electrode having first capacitive coupling areas and a second electrode having second capacitive coupling areas. The first capacitive coupling areas are configured to capacitively couple with one or more adjacent sensor pixels disposed in a same row
Implementation Method 2
The second capacitive coupling areas are configured to capacitively couple with one or more adjacent sensor pixels in a same column
Implementation Method 3
The sensor circuit is configured to drive the first electrode of a first subset of the plurality of sensor pixels with one or more sensing signals and receive first resulting signals from the first electrode of a second subset of the plurality of sensor pixels
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for touch sensing are provided. An input device includes a display and a touch sensor. The touch sensor has a sensing area with a plurality of sensor pixels forming rows and columns. Each sensor pixel includes a first electrode having first capacitive coupling areas and a second electrode having second capacitive coupling areas. The first capacitive coupling areas are configured to capacitively couple with one or more adjacent sensor pixels disposed in a same row and the second capacitive coupling areas are configured to capacitively couple with one or more adjacent sensor pixels in a same column. The first electrode is configured to electrically connect to one or more sensor pixels in the same column and the second electrode is configured to electrically connect to one or more sensor pixels in the same row. The sensor pixels are configured to facilitate parallel touch sensing in multiple orientations.