Sensor Controller Ghost Touch Elimination via Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in accurately sensing user inputs due to ghost touch phenomena, where unintended touches are registered, leading to reduced sensing reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor controller that operates in multiple modes, including a first mode for sensing user touches and a second mode for sensing inputs from devices, with specific operation periods to differentiate and ignore unnecessary inputs, using a sensor layer with integrated and capacitively coupled electrodes to calculate sensing values and determine the presence of unintended touches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor layer continuously senses all inputs without mode differentiation, then the sensing coverage is comprehensive, but ghost touch phenomena occur reducing sensing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor controller dynamically switches between first and second operation modes based on the detected input type. In the first mode, the controller senses touch inputs using integrated electrodes, while in the second mode, it senses stylus inputs using capacitively coupled electrodes. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize sensing behavior for different input types, eliminating ghost touch phenomena while maintaining comprehensive sensing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor controller periodically alternates between first and second operation modes during sensing operation. By implementing periodic mode switching with specific operation periods, the system can systematically detect and differentiate between various input types, ensuring reliable touch sensing while preventing false ghost touch registrations through structured sensing cycles.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor layer uses integrated electrodes for sensing, then the sensing response is fast, but unintended touches are registered reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing operation is segmented into distinct first and second operation modes, each utilizing different electrode configurations for specific sensing tasks. The first mode uses integrated electrodes for rapid touch detection, while the second mode uses capacitively coupled electrodes for accurate stylus sensing. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both fast response and high accuracy by selecting the appropriate sensing mode for each input type.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor layer are activated with different electrode configurations based on the local sensing requirements. The integrated electrodes provide fast response for general touch areas, while capacitively coupled electrodes provide precise measurement for stylus interaction zones. This local quality differentiation ensures optimal sensing performance in different spatial contexts without compromising overall response time.
3Productivity
If the sensor controller senses all inputs in all operation periods, then no input is missed, but unnecessary inputs increase processing burden
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor controller performs preliminary detection in the first operation mode using integrated electrodes to identify the presence and type of input before proceeding to detailed sensing in the second mode. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly filter out unnecessary inputs and focus processing resources on genuine touch or stylus events, maintaining input detection completeness while improving processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor controller implements feedback mechanisms where sensing results from the first operation mode inform the configuration and activation of the second operation mode. Based on feedback regarding input type and location, the controller selectively activates appropriate sensing procedures, ensuring that no valid input is missed while minimizing processing of unnecessary inputs through intelligent feedback-driven decision making.
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 enhances the sensing reliability of electronic devices by accurately distinguishing intended user inputs from unintended touches, thereby reducing the occurrence of ghost touch phenomena.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor layer senses the first input using the first electrodes and the second electrodes integrated into one electrode with the first electrodes in the first sensing period, and the sensor layer senses the first input using the first electrodes and the second electrodes capacitively coupled to the first electrodes in the second sensing period
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a display layer; a sensor layer on the display layer and comprising an active area and a peripheral area, the sensor layer being configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode; and a sensor controller configured to control the sensor layer, wherein the first mode comprises a first operation period, the second mode comprises a plurality of second operation periods and a third operation period, and the sensor controller is configured to sense a first input generated by a touch in the first operation period, to sense a second input generated by an input device in one of the second operation periods, to sense a third input generated by a touch different from the touch generating the first input in a portion of the active area in the third operation period, and to calculate a first sensing value.