Time-Divided Electrode for Stylus Control Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices, such as active stylus pens, require multiple electrode structures for different functions, leading to complex assembly, higher costs, and signal interference.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit that manages a single electrode structure to perform multiple functions using a time-division mechanism, allowing it to transmit signals, detect touch events, and work as a button, reducing the number of electrode structures and simplifying assembly while minimizing signal interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrode structures are used for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single electrode structure that can perform multiple functions including transmitting signals to the touch panel, detecting touch events, and functioning as a button. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate electrode structures for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functional versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple electrode structures into a single integrated electrode structure. By combining signal transmission, touch detection, and button functionality into one structure, the patent reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the device assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrode structures are used for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single electrode structure is designed to perform multiple functions, which reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to perform signal transmission, touch detection, and button functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrode structures are used for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple electrode structures into a single structure, the patent eliminates the signal interference that would occur between adjacent or overlapping electrode structures. The single structure ensures clean signal transmission without the interference problems inherent in multi-structure designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11656726B1Control circuit, electronic device, and control method for stylus pen interacting with touch panel

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A control circuit is configured to control a first electrode structure on an electronic device to transmit a first transmitting signal to a touch panel. The control circuit is further configured to control a second electrode structure on the electronic device to transmit a second transmitting signal to the touch panel during a first time interval, and configured to control the second electrode structure to work as a button during a second time interval.