Touch Apparatus Interference Detection via Automated Frequency Scanning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting interference signal sources in touch apparatuses are inefficient, requiring manual frequency scanning and wasting time due to the large range of frequency bands, leading to incomplete detection of working frequencies and high labor costs.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a master apparatus, signal generator, automatic line drawing apparatus, and power supply that outputs testing signals and collects line drawing trajectories to determine if the touch IC has an automatic frequency-hopping mechanism, allowing simultaneous control and automated scanning of multiple frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual frequency scanning is used to detect interference signal sources, then the detection process can be performed with simple equipment, but the testing time is excessively long and detection completeness is poor due to the large frequency band range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical frequency scanning process with an automated computer-controlled system. The master apparatus automatically controls the signal generator to output testing signals at different frequencies and coordinates the automatic line drawing apparatus to perform detection, eliminating the need for manual operation and significantly reducing testing time while maintaining simple overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the master apparatus pre-establish the frequency scanning plan and automatically sequence the testing signals before actual detection begins. The system pre-coordinates the operation timing between signal generation and line drawing detection, ensuring comprehensive frequency coverage is achieved systematically without manual intervention during the actual testing phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual frequency scanning with large frequency intervals is used, then the testing process is simpler to operate, but not all working frequencies can be scanned carefully leading to incomplete detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidfrequency detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual frequency interval selection with automated computer control that precisely manages the frequency scanning process. The master apparatus controls the signal generator to output testing signals at specifically calculated frequency intervals, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all working frequencies while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the master apparatus monitors the detection results from the automatic line drawing apparatus and adjusts the frequency scanning process accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that all working frequencies are detected with appropriate precision, allowing the system to refine frequency intervals based on actual detection needs rather than using fixed large intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated simultaneous control of signal generator and line drawing apparatus is implemented, then detection efficiency is improved and testing time is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions for the signal generator and the automatic line drawing apparatus into a single master apparatus. This consolidation coordinates both devices to operate simultaneously under unified control, improving detection efficiency by eliminating manual switching while managing complexity through centralized control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The master apparatus serves multiple functions: it controls the signal generator to output testing signals, coordinates the automatic line drawing apparatus for detection, manages the power supply apparatus, and processes detection results. This multi-functionality improves productivity by having one device handle all control tasks rather than requiring separate control systems for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10552993B2Detecting method and system for touch apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.02.04 ACER INC
  • US10552993B2 patent drawing
  • US10552993B2 patent drawing
  • US10552993B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Detecting method and system for a touch apparatus are provided. A testing signal is outputted to a power supply apparatus by a signal generator, and a line drawing trajectory, which is generated by an automatic line drawing apparatus drawing lines on the touch apparatus, is collected when power with the testing signal is supplied to the touch apparatus by the power supply apparatus. Next, whether the testing signal passes a frequency interference test is determined based on the line drawing trajectory.