Pen Controller Timing for Dual-Protocol Touch Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices struggle to simultaneously support both new and old protocol electronic pens due to differences in communication protocols, preventing seamless operation of multiple pens on a large-sized touch surface.
Innovation Solution
The electronic pen and sensor controller are designed with reception and transmission circuitry to handle both old and new protocols, allowing for alternating frame settings and mode transitions to accommodate different communication protocols, enabling simultaneous use of both new and old pens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor controller uses a single communication protocol, then the system is simple and easy to implement, but it cannot simultaneously support both new and old protocol electronic pens
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor controller dynamically switches between first and second operation modes based on the protocol type detected. When an old protocol pen is detected, it operates in the first mode; when a new protocol pen is detected, it switches to the second mode. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to support multiple protocols without requiring complex simultaneous handling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into distinct first and second operation modes, each handling a specific protocol type. The frame structure is also segmented into first frames for old protocol communication and second frames for new protocol communication, allowing independent optimization and management of each protocol pathway.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor controller alternates between first and second frames for different protocols, then both new and old pens can be supported, but the communication timing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor controller employs periodic alternation between first frames (for old protocol) and second frames (for new protocol) in a defined ratio. This periodic structure provides predictable timing patterns that facilitate synchronization between the controller and different protocol types, reducing the complexity of timing management compared to arbitrary switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pen transmits downlink signals according to different protocols, then compatibility with both old and new sensors is achieved, but the transmission control logic becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pen includes reception circuitry that receives uplink signals from the sensor controller and determines the protocol type based on these signals. This feedback mechanism allows the pen to automatically identify whether it is communicating with an old or new protocol controller and adjust its transmission mode accordingly, simplifying the control logic compared to requiring manual configuration or complex detection algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit for a pen includes reception circuitry configured to receive an uplink signal and transmission circuitry configured to transmit a downlink signal based on a reception timing of the uplink signal and a command included in the uplink signal. In a case where the reception circuitry receives a first uplink signal that is in a first state (e.g., normal state) in a first period, the transmission circuitry transmits the downlink signal including data according to the command included in the first uplink signal. In a case where the reception circuitry fails to receive the first uplink signal that is in the first state in a second period later than the first period, the transmission circuitry transmits the downlink signal including data according to the command included in the first uplink signal received in the first period.