Sensor Driver Dual Sensing Mode for Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently detecting external inputs, particularly proximity sensing, due to noise interference from the display layer, which affects the accuracy and sensitivity of touch and hover detection.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a sensor layer with a dual sensing mode operation, synchronized with the display driver, where the sensor driver operates in different timing modes to minimize noise interference, using a grayscale voltage to improve sensing sensitivity and enable proximity sensing without a separate proximity sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate proximity sensor is added to enable proximity sensing, then proximity detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the touch sensing layer and the proximity sensing layer. By utilizing the same sensor layer and sensor driver for both touch input detection and proximity detection, the patent eliminates the need for a separate proximity sensor, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining proximity sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the proximity sensing function with the existing touch sensing system. The sensor driver is configured to operate in different sensing modes (first sensing mode for touch, second sensing mode for proximity) using the same hardware components, effectively combining two sensing functions into one integrated system
2Speed
If the sensor layer operates continuously to detect external inputs, then detection responsiveness is improved, but noise interference from the display layer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor driver operates in periodic sensing modes synchronized with the display driver's frame sections. During the first frame section, the sensor driver operates in the first sensing mode for touch detection; during the second frame section, it operates in the second sensing mode for proximity detection. This periodic operation allows the system to detect external inputs responsive to user actions while minimizing noise interference by alternating between different sensing modes
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing mode of the sensor driver is dynamically changed based on the timing relative to the display driver operation. The sensor driver adapts its operation between first sensing mode and second sensing mode according to different frame sections, optimizing detection performance while reducing noise interference from the display layer
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensing timing is synchronized with the display driver, then noise interference is reduced, but the flexibility in sensing timing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor driver is configured to operate in different sensing modes at different periodic intervals synchronized with the display driver's frame sections. This periodic operation pattern reduces noise interference while maintaining adaptability through the alternating sensing modes
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing timing is dynamically adjusted between two different modes: first sensing mode during the first frame section and second sensing mode during the second frame section. This dynamic timing adjustment reduces noise interference while preserving sensing flexibility for different input types
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes display driver and a sensor driver. The display driver drives a display layer and provide a grayscale voltage to a data lines. The sensor driver is synchronized with the display driver to drive a sensor layer, and operates in a first sensing mode and a second sensing mode. In the first sensing mode, the sensor driver senses an input through the sensor layer based on a first timing. In the second sensing mode, the sensor driver senses an input through the sensor layer based on a second timing different from the first timing.