Touch Screen Digitizer Dynamic Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Touch screens face challenges in dynamically adjusting their operation to meet the varying requirements of different software applications, such as refresh rate, latency, and input detection modes, which can impact performance and battery life.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamically customizing the operation of a touch screen by receiving instructions from software applications to adjust operating parameters, such as refresh rate, detection modes, and processing routines, allowing the touch screen to adapt to specific application needs and user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the touch screen operates in high-performance mode with high refresh rate and continuous detection, then the response speed and user experience are improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefresh rateVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The touch screen system dynamically adjusts its operating mode based on application requirements and user interaction states. The controller switches between high-performance mode (high refresh rate, continuous detection) and power-saving mode (lower refresh rate, reduced detection frequency), allowing the system to optimize the balance between response speed and power consumption in real-time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as refresh rate, detection threshold, and sampling frequency based on the active application's needs. When a high-precision application is detected, the system increases detection sensitivity and refresh rate; otherwise, it reduces these parameters to conserve battery power

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the touch screen uses high detection sensitivity and continuous monitoring, then the input detection accuracy is improved, but the processing load and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies high-detection sensitivity and continuous monitoring only when necessary, based on the active application's requirements. For applications that demand high precision (e.g., drawing, signature capture), the system enables full detection capabilities; for other applications, it uses reduced detection frequency and lower sensitivity thresholds, thereby reducing processing load while maintaining adequate performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If the touch screen operates in stylus detection mode with high resolution, then the drawing and signature applications are improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch detection resolutionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The touch screen system is designed to support multiple detection modes (finger touch, stylus detection, hover detection) and dynamically switches between them based on the active application. When a drawing or signature application is detected, the system enables high-resolution stylus detection mode; otherwise, it uses standard touch detection mode, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining high precision when needed

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

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

Improves touch screen performance and prolongs battery life by optimizing operation based on current application requirements and user interactions, enhancing power management and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a detector for detecting both a stylus and touches by fingers or like body parts on a digitizer sensor. The detector typically includes a digitizer sensor with a grid of sensing conductive lines, a source of oscillating electrical energy at a predetermined frequency, and detection circuitry for detecting a capacitive influence on the sensing conductive line when the oscillating electrical energy is applied, the capacitive influence being interpreted as a touch.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2783270B1Customizing operation of a touch screen
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP2783270B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2783270B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2783270B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for customizing operation of a digitizer system operated with an electronic device is described, the electronic device including software applications. The method includes operating the digitizer system in a first mode of operation, the first mode of operation defined by a plurality of operating parameters, receiving instructions for adjusting one or more operating parameters of the digitizer system, wherein the instructions are defined by a software application, the software application operative to receive input from the digitizer system, and updating operation of the digitizer system responsive to the instructions defined by the software applications.