Touch Sensor Grid Proximity Sensing Switching Circuit

Solution Overview

Problem

Current touch sensing systems require separate proximity sensors to detect the proximity of objects, which limits their ability to provide a full-screen display and increases complexity.

Innovation Solution

A touch sensing system that integrates touch sensors in a grid layout with a switching circuit and routing wires, allowing for selective connection of sensors to either detect touch or proximity, enabling proximity sensing without a separate sensor by grouping touch sensors and connecting them to a proximity sensing receiver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate proximity sensors are used to detect proximity of objects, then proximity sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity sensing accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch sensors are designed to perform dual functions: touch sensing and proximity sensing. By configuring the same sensor array to operate in different modes (contact mode for touch, non-contact mode for proximity), the system eliminates the need for separate proximity sensors while maintaining sensing capabilities across the full screen area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the touch sensing function and proximity sensing function into a single integrated system. The touch sensor array and proximity sensing share the same hardware infrastructure (sensors, routing wires, switching circuit), combining multiple sensing functions into one unified device that reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate proximity sensors are used, then proximity detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The touch sensors are designed to perform dual functions: touch sensing and proximity sensing. By configuring the same sensor array to operate in different modes (contact mode for touch, non-contact mode for proximity), the system eliminates the need for separate proximity sensors while maintaining sensing capabilities across the full screen area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the touch sensing function and proximity sensing function into a single integrated system. The touch sensor array and proximity sensing share the same hardware infrastructure (sensors, routing wires, switching circuit), combining multiple sensing functions into one unified device that reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If touch sensors are used for both touch and proximity sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but sensing precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidsensing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array is segmented into different functional groups through the switching circuit. The switching circuit can selectively connect different portions of the sensor array to different processing circuits, allowing optimized signal processing for each sensing mode (touch vs. proximity) while using the same physical sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically reconfigures the sensor connections based on the sensing mode required. The switching circuit enables real-time switching between touch sensing configuration and proximity sensing configuration, allowing the same hardware to adapt its electrical connectivity to maintain precision for different measurement types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables full-screen display capabilities and simplifies the system by eliminating the need for a separate proximity sensor, while effectively sensing both touch and proximity events using the same touch sensors.

Implementation Method 1

A capacitive touch sensing device may recognize a touch input using a change in capacitance. The capacitive method may be a self-capacitive method or a mutual capacitive method.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11733798B2Touch sensing system and display system including the same

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A touch sensing system is provided. The touch sensing system includes a touch panel including touch sensors arranged in a grid along row and column directions; a touch controller including at least one transmission circuit to transmit a signal to the touch sensors and at least one reception circuit to detect a signal from the touch sensors; and a switching circuit to selectively connect each of the touch sensors to the at least one transmission circuit and the at least one reception circuit in accordance with an operation mode. The switching circuit connects each of the touch sensors to the at least one reception circuit in a touch mode and connects a first portion of the touch sensors to the at least one reception circuit and a second portion of the touch sensors to the at least one transmission circuit in a proximity mode.