Touch Sensor Panel Architecture With Multi-Mode Sensing And Guard Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch sensor panels face complexity and cost issues due to the need for dedicated circuitry for various sensing modes like hover, touch, force, and stylus sensing, which results in complex and expensive designs with numerous electrodes and routing traces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a touch sensing system that operates the same touch circuitry in different modes to perform hover, touch, force, and stylus sensing functions, reducing the number of electrodes and routing traces by using a combination of self-capacitance and mutual capacitance sensing with guard electrodes to shield noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated circuitry and electrodes are provided for each sensing mode (hover, touch, force, stylus sensing), then sensing capabilities are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal touch sensor panel design where a single set of electrodes and circuitry can operate in multiple sensing modes (hover, touch, force, stylus sensing) by dynamically switching between different sensing algorithms and processing techniques, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuitry for each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its sensing behavior by switching between different processing algorithms and modes based on the detected input characteristics, allowing the same hardware to perform multiple functions through software-controlled operational changes rather than hardware reconfiguration
2Measurement precision
If dedicated electrodes are provided for each sensing mode, then sensing accuracy is improved, but the number of electrodes and routing traces increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single set of electrodes is designed to serve multiple sensing functions simultaneously, with the system differentiating between sensing modes through signal processing algorithms rather than through separate physical electrodes, thereby reducing the total electrode count while maintaining accuracy
3Object-affected harmful factors
If guard electrodes are added to shield noise, then noise shielding is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the noise shielding function into the existing electrode structure by implementing guard electrodes that share the same physical space and routing infrastructure as the primary sensing electrodes, integrating the shielding function rather than adding it as a separate independent system
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 approach enhances sensing capabilities while reducing the complexity and cost of touch sensor panels by allowing them to operate in multiple modes with fewer electrodes and traces, improving noise shielding and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
touch sensing system configurations that can operate the same touch circuitry (e.g., electrodes) in different modes to perform hover, touch, force, and/or stylus sensing and/or guarding functions
Implementation Method 2
These different types of sensing capabilities can be performed using various touch electrode configurations for mutual capacitance and/or self-capacitance sensing
Implementation Method 3
touch sensing performance of touch sensor panels may benefit from having various guard/shield elements in the touch sensor panels that help shield certain touch sensing circuitry (e.g., touch electrodes) from noise sources
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor panel is disclosed. The touch sensor panel includes a first layer including a plurality of electrodes of a first type that are coupled to respective traces and are configured to operate as touch sensing electrodes during a first time period. The touch sensor panel also includes a second layer including a plurality of electrodes of a second type overlapping with the respective traces of the electrodes of the first type. The electrodes of the second type are configured to operate as guard electrodes for the respective traces of the electrodes of the first type during the first time period and operate as touch sensing electrodes during a second time period.