Touch Driver Stabilization Capacitor Dropout Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for detecting a dropout of a stabilization capacitor in a touch driver of a display apparatus are inefficient, as they rely on visual inspection and are prone to errors due to external noise interference, and do not effectively distinguish the capacitor dropout from other noise sources.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus and method that utilize a mixing signal generated by combining a periodic signal with the touch power voltage to electrically detect the dropout of the stabilization capacitor, allowing for improved detectability without the need for additional noise-generating equipment, thereby enhancing the detection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If visual inspection is used to detect capacitor dropout, then the detection method is simple, but the detection accuracy is low and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection method simplicityVSAvoidcapacitor dropout detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual inspection (mechanical/manual method) with an electrical detection method. A test signal is applied to the touch driver, and the electrical response is measured to determine capacitor dropout. This substitution enables automatic, precise detection without relying on human visual judgment, thereby improving detection accuracy while maintaining ease of implementation through electrical testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a test signal as an intermediary to detect capacitor dropout. The test signal is applied to the touch driver, and its response (or lack thereof) serves as an indicator of capacitor functionality. This intermediary approach allows indirect detection of the capacitor's state without directly measuring the capacitor itself, enabling accurate detection through electrical response analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If external noise is applied to electrically detect capacitor dropout, then electrical detection is achieved, but external noise interference prevents effective detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical detection capabilityVSAvoidexternal noise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection function from the main power supply path by using a separate test signal path. Instead of applying noise through the normal power voltage (which contains stabilizing capacitors that mask the signal), the test signal is applied separately to the touch driver. This extraction allows the detection signal to be isolated from interfering noise sources, enabling clear electrical detection of capacitor dropout without contamination from external noise or other power supply capacitors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If additional noise-generating equipment is used to detect capacitor dropout, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacitor dropout detectabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service detection by utilizing existing components and signals within the display apparatus. The test signal is generated and applied through existing circuitry, and the detection is performed using the apparatus's own test mode functionality. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional external noise-generating equipment or specialized detection instruments, thereby improving detection capability without increasing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the display apparatus's test mode serve multiple functions: it not only performs normal display testing but also detects capacitor dropout in the touch driver. By designing the test signal application and response measurement to serve dual purposes, the apparatus achieves enhanced detection capability without requiring separate dedicated equipment, thus avoiding additional manufacturing costs while improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11625125B2Display apparatus and method of detecting dropout of stabilization capacitor of touch driver using the same

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display apparatus includes: a display panel configured to display an image; a data driver configured to output a data voltage to a data line of the display panel; a touch driver configured to identify a touch input to the display panel; a power voltage generator configured to generate a touch power voltage; and a mixer configured to mix a periodical signal to the touch power voltage to generate a mixing signal and configured to provide the mixing signal to the touch driver in a test mode.