Touch Controller Read-Out Line Segmentation for Low Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing read-out lines in user interfaces, such as touch pads and touch screens, face challenges in achieving low-cost manufacturing while maintaining high performance and minimizing power consumption, particularly in mobile devices where quick signal read-out and efficient power usage are crucial.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a read-out line comprising cascaded electrical circuit segments with longitudinal and lateral arms, where the lateral arm includes a switch that closes in the presence of an object, and an analyzer measures and compares the impedance to a preset value, allowing for efficient detection of object presence and position without requiring direct mechanical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional read-out lines are used in user interfaces, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but read-out speed and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The read-out line is divided into multiple electrical circuit segments, each with its own switch and electrical component. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each segment, enabling faster read-out speed by selectively activating only the necessary segments rather than scanning the entire line, thus improving performance without proportionally increasing manufacturing cost.
2Measurement precision
If more read-out lines are added to user interfaces, then detection precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic scanning of read-out lines using switches that are activated in sequence rather than simultaneously. Each switch controls a specific segment and is activated only when needed for detection, creating a periodic action pattern that maintains high detection precision across multiple lines while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous monitoring of all lines.
3Reliability
If direct mechanical contact is required for detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces direct mechanical contact detection with capacitive sensing technology. The switches in the read-out lines detect objects through changes in capacitance caused by the proximity of conductive objects (such as fingers), eliminating the need for mechanical contact. This substitution maintains detection reliability while reducing device complexity and power consumption, as capacitive sensors have no moving parts and require minimal actuation energy.
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 solution enables rapid and accurate detection of object presence and position with reduced power consumption and manufacturing costs, enhancing user interface performance and user experience in mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a lateral arm comprising a switch configured to close in the presence of an object in the vicinity of the switch
Implementation Method 2
an analyzer configured to measure the impedance of the read-out line
Data Source
AI summary
It is disclosed to measure the impedance of a read-out line. The read-out line includes at least two cascaded electrical circuit segments, each electrical circuit segment including two longitudinal arms, wherein one of the longitudinal arms includes an electrical component, and a lateral arm including a switch configured to close in the presence of an object in the vicinity of the switch. The measured impedance of the read-out line can be compared to a preset value corresponding to an allowable value of the impedance of the read-out line.