Touch Driving Circuit Power Reduction via Mode Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Touch display devices that integrate touch input functions with image displaying functions face high power consumption due to the need for separate synchronization processes, especially when using active styluses, which is not efficiently managed in existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A touch driving circuit and method that divides operations into active and idle modes based on touch sensing types, reducing power consumption by shortening the touch driving period in the idle mode and limiting certain image displaying functions, including turning off memory and reducing signal lines in the idle mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the touch display device performs both image displaying function and touch sensing function simultaneously with separate synchronization process, then the touch sensing accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch sensing accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the touch driving period adjustable based on operational mode. In idle mode, the touch driving period is shortened to reduce power consumption, while in active mode, the full touch sensing process is maintained for accurate touch detection. This dynamic adjustment of the driving period allows the system to adapt between power efficiency and sensing accuracy based on current operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by executing touch sensing operations at specific intervals rather than continuously. The touch driving circuit performs sensing only during designated touch driving periods within display frame periods, allowing other components to remain in low-power states. This periodic execution of touch sensing functions reduces overall power consumption while maintaining sensing capability when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the touch driving period is shortened in idle mode, then the power consumption is reduced, but the touch sensing coverage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtouch sensing coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the touch sensing process into distinct segments: idle mode sensing and active mode sensing. In idle mode, a simplified sensing process covers basic touch presence detection, while active mode provides comprehensive touch sensing including position and pressure. This segmentation allows the system to provide adequate sensing coverage for basic interactions while consuming less power, and expand coverage when full functionality is required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by performing only essential touch sensing operations during idle mode rather than complete sensing sequences. The shortened touch driving period executes minimal necessary operations for basic touch detection, omitting more intensive sensing steps that would increase power consumption. This partial execution suffices for idle scenarios while preserving the option to perform complete sensing when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the touch driving period is shortened in idle mode, then the power consumption is reduced, but the touch response time may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtouch response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining readiness for full touch sensing operations even during idle mode. The touch driving circuit remains configured and ready to immediately execute complete sensing sequences when transitioning to active mode, ensuring that touch response time is not significantly impacted by the shortened idle mode period. The system prepares necessary circuits and signal paths in advance so that when touch sensing is needed, full functionality is immediately available

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamics by enabling rapid transition between idle and active modes. The touch driving period can be dynamically extended from the shortened idle mode duration to the full active mode duration when touch input is detected or anticipated. This dynamic expansion ensures that while power consumption is reduced during idle periods, the system can quickly respond to touch events by activating the complete sensing process without significant delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240036676A1Touch driving circuit, touch display device, and touch driving method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.02.01 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20240036676A1 patent drawing
  • US20240036676A1 patent drawing
  • US20240036676A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A touch display device includes a display panel including a plurality of touch electrodes, a touch driving circuit configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode according to a touch sensing type and detect a touch presence or a touch position based on a touch sensing signal received from the plurality of touch electrodes, and a timing controller. The timing controller can generate a first type of touch synchronization signal having a first level for displaying a first image during a first display period of a first display frame and a second level for detecting the touch position during a touch driving period of the first display frame, and supply the first type of touch synchronization signal to the touch driving circuit to operate the touch driving circuit in the first mode.