Touch Panel Multi-Step Scanning With ML Image Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensor panels face challenges in efficiently scanning large electrode arrays due to the limited number of receive pins in the touch ASIC, constraining panel size and requiring simultaneous scanning of all electrodes, which is impractical in many devices.
Innovation Solution
A multi-step scanning process is employed, dividing the scanning of sense electrodes into multiple stages, combined with a machine learning model to integrate partial touch images and discriminate noise, allowing for a smaller ASIC footprint and larger panel size without increasing the ASIC size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all sense electrodes are scanned simultaneously, then complete touch image is obtained, but ASIC size and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sense electrode array into multiple groups that are scanned in sequential steps rather than simultaneously. Each step scans a subset of electrodes, and the results are combined to form the complete touch image. This segmentation allows the ASIC to process electrodes in smaller batches, reducing the required ASIC footprint while maintaining comprehensive touch detection coverage.
2Device complexity
If multi-step scanning is used, then ASIC size is reduced, but scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning where sense electrodes are scanned in repeated cycles across multiple steps. Each step scans a subset of electrodes, and the process repeats with different electrode groups. This periodic action allows the system to maintain a reduced ASIC size while completing the full electrode array scan through systematic repetition, balancing hardware constraints with complete measurement requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If electrode array size is increased, then panel size increases, but number of receive pins required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large electrode array into multiple smaller groups that can be scanned sequentially using a limited number of receive pins. Instead of requiring one receive pin per electrode, the system divides electrodes into groups and scans them in steps, reusing the same receive pins for different electrode groups across different time steps. This enables large panel sizes with a reduced number of receive pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the scanning process, transitioning from simultaneous spatial scanning to sequential time-based scanning. By scanning electrodes in multiple time steps rather than all at once, the system can address more electrodes with the same hardware resources, effectively using time as an additional dimension to expand the measurable electrode array without proportionally increasing the number of receive pins.
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
The multi-step scanning process enables efficient detection of touch events across larger touch sensor panels with reduced ASIC size, improving device compactness and accuracy by integrating partial images into a complete and high-fidelity touch image.
Implementation Method 1
In the case of some touch sensing systems, a physical touch on the display is not needed to detect a touch. For example, in some capacitive-type touch sensing systems, fringing electrical fields used to detect touch can extend beyond the surface of the display, and objects approaching near the surface may be detected near the surface without actually touching the surface.
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to a touch detection system that utilizes a multi-step scanning process to detect touch events occurring on a touch sensor panel. In one or more examples, a touch ASIC transmits a drive signal to a plurality of electrodes on the touch sensor panel. In a first step of the multi-step process, a first set of sense electrodes are scanned to generate a first partial touch image. In one or more examples, and in a second step of the multi-step process, a second set of sense electrodes are scanned to generate a second partial touch image. In one or more examples, the first partial touch image and the second partial touch image are inputted into a machine learning model to generate an integrated touch image.