Touch Controller Dual Detection Unit Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current touch controllers face challenges in enhancing touch sensitivity and power efficiency, particularly in distinguishing between single and multi-touch modes while accurately processing touch position data and removing ghost data.

Innovation Solution

A touch controller with a dual detection unit system that operates in both single and multi-touch modes, utilizing a first detection unit to generate candidate position data and a second detection unit to refine and select touch position data by processing electrical changes in a touch screen panel, thereby improving sensitivity and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a touch controller processes electrical changes in all sensing circuits simultaneously, then touch sensitivity is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch sensitivityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing circuits are divided into two groups: a first plurality of sensing circuits and a second plurality of sensing circuits. The touch controller sequentially applies test voltages to different groups rather than all circuits simultaneously, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining touch sensitivity through staged detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The touch controller implements periodic switching between different detection modes (first mode and second mode). In the first mode, test voltages are applied to the first plurality of sensing circuits; in the second mode, test voltages are applied to the second plurality of sensing circuits. This periodic action allows the system to maintain sensitivity while reducing average power consumption by not keeping all circuits active continuously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Device complexity

If a touch controller uses a single detection mode, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different touch scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection mode complexityVSAvoidadaptability to single and multi-touch modes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The touch controller dynamically switches between a first detection mode and a second detection mode based on the detected touch scenario. The controller determines whether a touch or hover event has occurred and selects the appropriate detection mode accordingly, enabling adaptability to different touch scenarios without requiring permanently active complex detection circuits for all situations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same sensing circuits are used for multiple functions: they can operate in a first mode for detecting touch events and in a second mode for detecting hover events. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both single-touch and multi-touch scenarios using the same hardware infrastructure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If a touch controller processes candidate position data from all sensing circuits, then touch position accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch position accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing circuits are segmented into two separate groups that are processed at different times. The controller applies test voltages to the first group in the first mode and to the second group in the second mode, obtaining candidate position data from both groups sequentially. This segmentation maintains comprehensive position detection accuracy while reducing power consumption by avoiding simultaneous activation of all sensing circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller periodically alternates between processing the first plurality of sensing circuits and the second plurality of sensing circuits. This periodic processing ensures that candidate position data from all sensing circuits is collected for accurate touch position determination, while the intermittent nature of the processing reduces overall power consumption compared to continuous full-array processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

The solution effectively enhances touch sensitivity and reduces power consumption by accurately processing touch position data and eliminating ghost data, enabling better performance in both single and multi-touch scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

a touch sensor configured to generate a first electrical change corresponding to a touch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9569046B2Touch controller including a plurality of detectors to detect electrical change, electronic device and display device including touch controller, and touch sensing method

Publication Date: 2017.02.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A touch sensing device includes a touch screen panel including a touch sensor configured to generate a first electrical change corresponding to a touch and a touch controller configured to detect touch position data with respect to an area on the touch screen panel associated with the touch, based on the first electrical change or the touch sensor.