Touch Sensor IC and Display Driver IC Synchronization for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interference between touch sensors and displays in touch screens, particularly in flexible, foldable, or rollable displays, causes noise that degrades both touch performance and display quality due to mutual capacitance between electrodes.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device comprising a touch sensor IC and a display driver IC that coordinate through specific driving signals to manage touch data scanning periodicity, adjusting based on pulse changes to minimize interference, and a noise level detection mechanism to control display driving frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a driving signal is applied to the touch panel electrodes to enable touch sensing, then touch detection function is improved, but noise interference to the display panel increases and display quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by dividing the touch sensing operation into periodic scanning intervals. The touch sensor IC scans touch data at specific periods, and the display driver IC controls the display panel at corresponding periods. By synchronizing these periodic operations, the patent reduces mutual interference while maintaining touch detection functionality. The driving signal is applied periodically rather than continuously, allowing the display panel to operate during intervals when touch scanning is active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the scanning periodicity of the touch sensor IC changeable based on display update requirements. When the display panel requires updating, the touch scanning periodicity is adjusted to coincide with display refresh cycles. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adaptively balance touch detection performance with display quality, reducing noise interference during critical display update periods.
2Measurement precision
If touch data scanning periodicity is increased to improve touch response, then touch sensitivity is improved, but interference with display updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent synchronizes the periodic scanning of touch data with the periodic update cycles of the display panel. The touch sensor IC is configured to scan touch data at periodic intervals that are coordinated with when the display driver IC updates the display panel. This alignment ensures that touch scanning operations do not interfere with critical display update moments, while still maintaining adequate touch sensitivity through regular scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the touch scanning periodicity dynamic and adjustable based on display update requirements. When the display panel needs updating, the system adjusts the touch scanning periodicity to avoid conflict. This allows the system to optimize touch sensitivity by increasing scanning frequency when display updates are not occurring, while reducing interference by coordinating scanning timing with display refresh cycles.
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
Minimizes noise interference between touch sensors and displays, maintaining touch performance and display quality by synchronizing touch data scanning with display updates and adjusting driving frequencies based on noise levels.
Implementation Method 1
A touch panel included in the touch screen may include a plurality of electrodes. Because these electrodes may be conductors, mutual capacitance may be formed between the electrodes.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a touch sensor integrated circuit (IC) and a display driver IC. The display driver IC is configured to: obtain information for a display update, and provide, to the touch sensor IC, a first driving signal including (i) a first pulse indicating an address scan period in which the information is recorded via application of a voltage and (ii) a second pulse indicating a self-scan period in which the recorded information is maintained without application of the voltage. Furthermore, while the first driving signal is provided from the display driver IC, the touch sensor IC is configured to: perform a first operation based on detection of the first pulse, and perform a second operation based on detection of the second pulse.