Touch Panel Electrode Switching for Noise-Resistant Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The responsiveness of touch panel devices is compromised due to the existing method of detecting fingertip location using X-axis and Y-axis electrodes, which may deteriorate the device's operational performance.
Innovation Solution
A touch panel device configuration that includes switching between states where X-axis and Y-axis electrodes operate as drive and sense electrodes, with a signal strength obtaining unit, noise determination unit, and switching control unit to improve responsiveness and noise immunity by determining the operation position based on signal strength thresholds in both states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the touch panel uses X-axis and Y-axis electrodes to detect fingertip location, then the location detection is achieved, but the responsiveness to operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic switching between two detection modes: first mode uses X-axis electrodes as drive electrodes and Y-axis electrodes as sense electrodes, while second mode uses Y-axis electrodes as drive electrodes and X-axis electrodes as sense electrodes. The switching unit dynamically transitions between these modes based on detection requirements, allowing the system to optimize responsiveness when needed while maintaining location detection accuracy through the coordinated operation of both electrode configurations.
2Measurement precision
If the touch panel detects operation position using sense voltage from electrode patterns, then location information is obtained, but noise in sense signals deteriorates detection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the noise determination unit continuously monitors the sense signals from both X-axis and Y-axis electrode configurations. When noise is detected in the sense signals, the system switches to the alternative electrode configuration mode, using the feedback information to select the cleaner signal path and maintain reliable operation position detection despite noisy conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by switching which electrode configuration serves as drive and which serves as sense. This parameter change allows the system to alternate between two detection pathways, effectively using one configuration to compensate for noise in the other, thereby improving overall noise immunity and detection reliability.
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
This configuration enhances the responsiveness of the touch panel device when signals do not contain noise and improves noise immunity when noise is present, allowing for accurate operation position detection.
Implementation Method 1
a driving unit configured to send drive pulse signals to either one of the first electrodes and the second electrodes that operate as drive electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a receiving unit configured to receive a sense signal from each of the lines that are sensed by the other of the first electrodes and the second electrodes that operate as sense electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel device includes: a switching unit configured to switch between a first state where first electrodes operate as drive electrodes and second electrodes operate as sense electrodes and a second state where the second electrodes operate as drive electrodes and the first electrodes operate as sense electrodes; and an operation position obtaining unit configured to, if the sense signals are not determined to contain noise, obtain as an operation position touched by an operating member, a section whose signal strength in the first state is a first threshold or more, and if the sense signals are determined to contain noise, obtain as the operation position by the operating member, one section whose signal strength in the first state is the first threshold or more and the signal strength in the second state is the first threshold or more.