A method of operating a touch screen panel includes initiating a communication between the panel and an active pen and determining a touch zone of the panel. The touch zone includes communication channels that are operating by touch while bi-directional communication is occurring between the panel and active pen. Communications channels within the touch zone are disabled and communication between the panel and the active pen can occur while the communications channels within the touch zone are disabled. When it is determined that the communication between the panel and the active pen has stopped, communications channels continue to be disabled within the touch zone for a set time delay while no communication occurs between the panel and the active pen. After the set delay time, the communication channels within the touch zone are enabled.