Touch Panel Area Division Reduces Signal Channel Count

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of touch electrodes in touch panels leads to a proportional increase in the number of signal processing channels required in the touch controller, resulting in higher manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The touch panel is divided into areas, with the number of signal processing channels determined by the product of the number of first signal routes in each area and the number of divided areas, and the ratio of second signal routes to divided areas, allowing for a reduction in the number of signal processing channels needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of touch electrodes is increased, then the touch panel functionality is improved, but the number of signal processing channels in the controller increases, leading to higher manufacturing costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch panel functionalityVSAvoidnumber of signal processing channels

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch panel is divided into multiple areas, with each area containing multiple touch electrodes. The controller uses area division to process touch signals, where each signal processing channel can handle multiple electrodes within a specific area. This segmentation allows the system to manage a large number of electrodes with fewer channels by processing signals in distributed area units rather than requiring dedicated channels for each electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each signal processing channel is designed to handle multiple touch electrodes across different areas. The channels perform universal functions of driving and sensing for multiple electrodes, rather than being dedicated to single electrodes. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of channels needed while maintaining comprehensive touch panel coverage and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If the number of signal processing channels is increased, then more touch electrodes can be controlled, but the manufacturing cost of the controller increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of touch electrodesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of controller

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The touch panel is divided into multiple areas, with each area containing multiple touch electrodes. The controller uses area division to process touch signals, where each signal processing channel can handle multiple electrodes within a specific area. This segmentation allows the system to manage a large number of electrodes with fewer channels by processing signals in distributed area units rather than requiring dedicated channels for each electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of signal routing by implementing area-based signal routes. Instead of direct one-to-one channel-to-electrode connections, the patent uses area division where channels are assigned to handle electrodes in specific areas. This parameter change in the signaling architecture enables cost-effective control of high-density touch electrode arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9841853B2Touch panel module and touch controller thereof

Publication Date: 2017.12.12 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A touch panel module and a touch controller thereof are provided. The touch controller includes a plurality of signal processing channels configured to control the touch panel. The touch panel is electrically connected to the touch controller. The touch panel includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes. The first electrodes are electrically connected to the corresponding signal processing channels of the touch controller by using a plurality of first signal routes. The second electrodes are electrically connected to the corresponding signal processing channels of the touch controller by using a plurality of second signal routes. The touch panel is divided into a plurality of areas. A number of the signal processing channels of the touch controller is determined according to a number of the first signal routes, a number of the second signal routes and a number of the divided areas.