Touch Sensor Panel Power Reduction via Dynamic Phase Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Touch sensor panels consume excessive power due to frequent touch sensing operations, which is not necessary for all applications, leading to increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mode-switching mechanism that allows touch screens to operate in active mode for high accuracy when needed and idle mode for reduced power consumption, adjusting the frequency of touch sensing phases based on application requirements and user interface complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If touch sensing is performed frequently to maintain high touch accuracy, then touch sensing accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the touch sensing frequency based on the current operational context. During display phases, touch sensing is performed at a lower frequency to conserve power, while during touch phases the sensing frequency increases to maintain accuracy. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the sensing frequency flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of touch sensing frequency based on operational mode. By switching between display phase and touch phase, the system modifies the sensing frequency parameter to optimize the balance between accuracy and power consumption. This parameter change allows the system to achieve high accuracy when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operation.
2Measurement precision
If touch sensing frequency is increased to improve touch detection accuracy, then touch detection accuracy is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic touch sensing operations alternating between display phases and touch phases. During display phases, sensing occurs at a reduced frequency, while touch phases provide higher frequency sensing. This periodic structure ensures adequate touch detection accuracy is maintained while significantly reducing overall power consumption and extending battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial touch sensing operations during display phases rather than continuous high-frequency sensing. By applying sensing at a lower frequency during periods when full accuracy is not critical, the system maintains sufficient touch detection capability while conserving battery power for when it is truly needed.
3Area of stationary object
If all touch sensors are utilized continuously, then touch sensing coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor array is segmented into different operational groups that are activated based on the current phase. During display phases, not all sensors are actively sensed, while during touch phases, full sensor coverage is restored. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive touch sensing coverage when needed while reducing power consumption during normal display operation.
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 reduces power consumption by minimizing unnecessary touch sensing operations, maintaining accurate touch detection only when required, thereby extending battery life in devices like smartphones and tablets.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive-type touch sensing systems, fringing fields used to detect touch can extend beyond the surface of the display
Data Source
AI summary
Reducing power consumption in a touch screen. In some examples, a first level of touch accuracy can be determined, and a first portion of the touch screen can be operated in a first mode corresponding to the first level of touch accuracy. In some examples, a second level of touch accuracy can be determined, and a second portion of the touch screen can be operated in a second mode corresponding to the second level of touch accuracy. The first and/or second levels of touch accuracy can be determined based on an application running on a device including the touch screen and/or a user interface displayed on the touch screen. In some examples, in the first and/or second modes, the respective portions of the touch screen can transition between a touch sensing phase and a display phase at different transition frequencies and/or can sense touch at different ratios of touch sensors.