Touch Sensor Read Configuration for Low-Power Robust Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensor interfacing technologies face challenges in balancing performance, power consumption, and circuit complexity, particularly in multi-application environments, with a need to enhance user experience while reducing power costs and circuit complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for transform-based reading of touch sensors that intelligently select sensing lines and excitation frequencies based on touch targets, using frequency-domain transformations to optimize power efficiency and detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If transform-based reading with intelligent selection of sensing lines and excitation frequencies is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation by adjusting the read configuration based on touch target information. The system dynamically selects which sensing lines to excite and which excitation frequencies to use, changing the operational parameters in real-time based on application requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to reduce power consumption by only activating necessary sensing resources while maintaining the capability to handle different touch detection scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (sensing line selection, excitation frequency selection) based on touch target information. By modifying these parameters dynamically according to the active application's needs, the system optimizes power consumption while maintaining touch detection performance. The read configuration is adjusted as a set of parameters that can be adapted to different operational conditions.
2Reliability
If transform-based reading with intelligent selection is implemented, then touch detection robustness is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where touch target information from the application is used to adjust the read configuration. The system receives information about which areas of the touch surface are relevant for the current application, and uses this feedback to optimize the sensing line and excitation frequency selection. This feedback loop enhances touch detection robustness by tailoring the sensing approach to the specific application needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary selection of sensing lines and excitation frequencies based on touch target information before actual touch detection occurs. By pre-configuring the read operation according to the application's touch targets, the system prepares the optimal sensing configuration in advance, enhancing detection robustness while avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments during the actual touch event.
3Area of stationary object
If full touch surface reading is performed, then touch detection coverage is maximized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the relevant portions of the touch surface based on touch target information. Instead of reading the entire touch surface uniformly, the system identifies and focuses on the specific areas where touch targets are located for the current application. This extraction approach maintains adequate touch detection coverage while significantly reducing power consumption by avoiding unnecessary reading of inactive regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial reading of the touch surface by selecting only the necessary sensing lines that cover the touch target areas. Rather than performing excessive action by reading the entire touch surface, the system performs the minimum necessary action to achieve adequate coverage for the active application, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining functional coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method provide power-efficient reading of a touch sensor by performing transform-based reading of the touch sensor according to a read configuration that accounts for touch-surface areas that are indicated as touch targets for receiving touch input. Advantages such as power savings and more robust touch detection flow from the intelligent selection of which sensing lines of the touch sensor to excite and which excitation frequencies to use for exciting them.