Touchscreen Controller Dynamic Mode Switching for Fast Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touchscreen controllers face challenges in reducing response time, particularly in detecting the presence and location of conductive objects, due to the need for full scans of sensor arrays, which can result in delayed first-touch response times and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-mode operation for touchscreen controllers, using self-capacitance measurements in search mode to quickly detect object presence and switching to mutual capacitance measurements in tracking mode for precise location detection, thereby reducing the time required for first-touch response and optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full scans of sensor arrays are performed to detect conductive objects, then measurement precision is improved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between search mode (using self-capacitance measurements for fast detection) and tracking mode (using mutual capacitance measurements for precise location). The system transitions from a static full-scan approach to a dynamic two-mode approach that adapts to different operational phases, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the touch detection process into two distinct phases: search phase (detecting presence using self-capacitance) and tracking phase (locating position using mutual capacitance). This segmentation allows each phase to use optimized measurement techniques, with the search phase prioritizing speed and the tracking phase prioritizing precision.
2Measurement precision
If full scans of sensor arrays are performed to detect conductive objects, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only necessary measurements in each phase. In search mode, self-capacitance measurements are performed only on relevant sensor elements to detect presence, avoiding full array scanning. In tracking mode, mutual capacitance measurements are performed only after a touch is detected. This partial action reduces overall power consumption while maintaining required measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement intensity based on operational needs. During search mode, lighter self-capacitance measurements are used to minimize power consumption. When a touch is detected, the system transitions to tracking mode with more intensive mutual capacitance measurements only when necessary, optimizing the balance between power consumption and measurement precision.
3Loss of time
If self-capacitance measurements are used for quick detection, then response time is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two specialized modes: search mode uses self-capacitance measurements optimized for fast response time, while tracking mode uses mutual capacitance measurements optimized for precise location. Each mode is specialized for its specific objective, resolving the contradiction by not requiring a single measurement method to satisfy both requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The search mode performs preliminary detection of touch presence using self-capacitance measurements before initiating the more precise but time-consuming mutual capacitance measurements in tracking mode. This preliminary action quickly establishes whether a touch occurred, enabling fast response time, while the subsequent tracking mode provides precise location data when needed.
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 significantly reduces the first-touch response time to the duration of a full scan plus additional processing time, while also conserving power by minimizing the number of measurements needed, especially in hand-held devices.
Implementation Method 1
performing a search scan of a first set of sensor elements of a touch-sensing surface by taking self-capacitance measurements
Implementation Method 2
performing a tracking scan of a second set of sensor elements by taking mutual capacitance measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a touch-sensing surface may include determining a presence of at least one conductive object at the touch-sensing surface by performing a search measurement of a first set of sensor elements of the touch-sensing surface, and in response to determining the presence of the at least one conductive object, determining a location of the at least one conductive object by performing a tracking measurement of a second set of sensor elements of the touch-sensing surface.