Touchscreen Grip Rejection Using Application Processor Context

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch-based input devices suffer from unintentional or false touches due to user grips, leading to erroneous inputs and degraded user experience, with current software-based algorithms prone to false positives or negatives.

Innovation Solution

Implement grip rejection algorithms in the application processor, combining touch controller data with additional application processor information such as device orientation and active applications to accurately determine whether to pass or reject touch events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If software-based algorithms with complex signal processing techniques are used to differentiate intentional touches from accidental touches, then the ability to reject false touches is improved, but the measurement precision and reliability of touch detection deteriorate due to false positives and false negatives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefalse touchesVSAvoidtouch detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimension of information processing by moving grip rejection algorithms from the touch controller to the application processor. This dimensional shift allows incorporation of application-level context (orientation status, dynamic valid areas) that was previously unavailable to the touch controller, thereby improving touch detection accuracy without compromising false touch rejection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces touch coordinates and grip rejection information as intermediary data structures that bridge the touch controller and application processor. These intermediaries carry essential touch information to the application processor, enabling sophisticated grip rejection algorithms that consider both hardware-level touch data and software-level application context

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If grip rejection algorithms are implemented only in the touch controller, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and measurement precision of grip rejection deteriorate due to lack of access to application processor information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgorithm implementation complexityVSAvoidgrip rejection adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the grip rejection functionality into two parts: basic touch detection and coordinate determination remain in the touch controller, while sophisticated grip rejection algorithms that require application context are moved to the application processor. This segmentation allows each component to focus on its strengths while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The application processor is given a dual function: it continues to handle application execution while also performing grip rejection algorithms. This multi-functionality leverages the application processor's existing capabilities to improve grip rejection adaptability without adding dedicated hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If touch controller processes all grip rejection logic independently, then the processing speed is maintained, but the reliability of grip rejection deteriorates due to insufficient information for accurate classification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch processing speedVSAvoidgrip rejection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The touch controller performs preliminary actions by determining touch coordinates and calculating grip rejection information before transmitting to the application processor. This preliminary processing maintains processing speed by doing initial work at the touch controller level, while the application processor completes the grip rejection decision with more reliable classification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by having the application processor use application-level information (orientation status, dynamic valid areas) to refine grip rejection decisions. This feedback loop improves reliability by continuously adjusting grip rejection behavior based on current application context and device state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12619333B2Grip rejection host processing

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 STMICROELECTRONICS INT NV

AI summary

An example grip rejection method includes detecting a touch on a touch screen, where the touch covers an area of the touch screen. The grip rejection method includes in response to detecting a touch, determining touch coordinates representing the touch area with a touch controller. The grip rejection method includes in response to determining the touch coordinates with the touch controller, determining grip rejection information with the touch controller, where the grip rejection information includes signal strength information of the touch. The grip rejection method includes transmitting the touch coordinates and the grip rejection information of the touch.