公开(公告)号：US20200210673A1

公开(公告)日：2020-07-02

申请号：US16711323

申请日：2019-12-11

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Christoph H. KRAH ,  Mohammad YEKE YAZDANDOOST

IPC: G06K9/00 ,  H04N5/357

Abstract: A method of temperature compensation in an optical-fingerprint detection system includes acquiring a first reading associated with one or more pixels of an array. The first reading is a baseline reading. The method further includes acquiring a second reading associated with the one or more pixels of the array. The second reading includes the baseline plus a signal. Producing a temperature compensated signal reading by subtracting the first reading from the second reading. The array is an optical-fingerprint array, and each pixel of the array is coupled to a readout circuit via a pixel switch. The method includes row-based and frame-based schemes and a blind pixel scheme. Readout circuit improvements including multiplexed analog front-end (AFE), charge magnifier with column charge offset compensation and a low-noise gate driver circuit are provided.

公开(公告)号：US20190102037A1

公开(公告)日：2019-04-04

申请号：US16134604

申请日：2018-09-18

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Christoph H. KRAH

IPC: G06F3/041

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a touch and/or proximity detection system having some components operating in the guard domain and other components operating in the earth or chassis ground domain. A guard chip in the earth or chassis ground domain can include a voltage driver configured to produce a guard signal, for example. In some examples, the guard signal can be coupled to one or more shielding electrodes of a touch screen and to the ground pin of one or more touch sensing chips of the touch and/or proximity detection system. In this way, for example, the touch sensing chips, which can include sense amplifiers coupled to one or more sensing electrodes of the touch screen, can operate in the guard domain. In some examples, the guard chip can further include differential amplifiers and/or ADCs, allowing these components to operate in the earth or chassis ground domain.

公开(公告)号：US20160224177A1

公开(公告)日：2016-08-04

申请号：US15009774

申请日：2016-01-28

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Christoph H. KRAH

IPC: G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/0354 ,  G06F3/047 ,  G06F3/044

Abstract: A switching circuit is disclosed. The switching circuit can comprise a plurality of pixel mux blocks, each of the pixel mux blocks configured to be coupled to a respective touch node electrode on a touch sensor panel, and each of the pixel mux blocks including logic circuitry. The switching circuit can also comprise a plurality of signal lines configured to be coupled to sense circuitry, at least one of the signal lines configured to transmit a touch signal from one of the respective touch node electrodes to the sense circuitry. The logic circuitry in each pixel mux block of the plurality of pixel mux blocks can be configured to control the respective pixel mux block so as to selectively couple the respective pixel mux block to any one of the plurality of signal lines.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种开关电路。 开关电路可以包括多个像素复用块，每个像素多路复用块被配置为耦合到触摸传感器面板上的相应触摸节点电极，并且每个像素多路复用块包括逻辑电路。 开关电路还可以包括被配置为耦合到感测电路的多个信号线，所述信号线中的至少一个被配置为将触摸信号从相应的触摸节点电极之一传输到感测电路。 多个像素多路复用块的每个像素多路复用块中的逻辑电路可以被配置为控制相应的像素多路复用块，以便将各个像素多路复用块选择性地耦合到多个信号线中的任何一个。

公开(公告)号：US20160162101A1

公开(公告)日：2016-06-09

申请号：US14869980

申请日：2015-09-29

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Vivek PANT ,  Shahrooz SHAHPARNIA ,  Marduke YOUSEFPOR ,  Christoph H. KRAH

IPC: G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/044

CPC classification number: G06F3/044 ,  G06F1/3215 ,  G06F1/3262 ,  G06F3/0416 ,  G06F2203/04101

Abstract: Power consumption of touch sensing operations for touch sensitive devices can be reduced by implementing a coarse scan (e.g., banked common mode scan) to coarsely detect the presence or absence of an object touching or proximate to a touch sensor panel and the results of the coarse scan can be used to dynamically adjust the operation of the touch sensitive device to perform or not perform a fine scan (e.g., targeted active mode scan). In some examples, the results of the coarse scan can be used to program a touch controller for the next touch sensing frame to idle when no touch event is detected or to perform a fine scan when one or more touch events are detected. In some examples, the results of the coarse scan can be used to abort a scheduled fine scan during the current touch sensing frame when no touch event is detected.

Abstract translation: 可以通过实施粗略扫描（例如，共享共模扫描）来粗略地检测触摸或接近触摸传感器面板的物体的存在或不存在，并且粗略地检测触摸感测装置的触摸感测操作的结果 扫描可用于动态调整触敏设备的操作以执行或不执行精细扫描（例如，目标主动模式扫描）。 在一些示例中，当没有检测到触摸事件时，可以使用粗略扫描的结果来编程用于下一触摸感测帧的触摸控制器空闲，或者当检测到一个或多个触摸事件时执行精细扫描。 在一些示例中，当没有检测到触摸事件时，粗略扫描的结果可以用于在当前触摸感测帧期间中止预定的精细扫描。

公开(公告)号：US20150293583A1

公开(公告)日：2015-10-15

申请号：US14749524

申请日：2015-06-24

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Christoph H. KRAH ,  Thomas James WILSON

IPC: G06F1/32

CPC classification number: G06F1/3287 ,  G06F1/3215 ,  G06F1/3262 ,  G06F1/3296 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/0416 ,  Y02D50/20

Abstract: Power management for a touch controller is disclosed. The touch controller can include a transmit section for transmitting stimulation signals to an associated touch sensor panel to drive the panel, where the touch controller can selectively adjust the transmit section to reduce power during the transmission. The touch controller can also include a receive section for receiving touch signals resulting from the driving of the panel, where the touch controller can selectively adjust the receive section to reduce power during the receipt of the touch signals. The touch controller can also include a demodulation section for demodulating the received touch signals to obtain touch event results, where the touch controller can selectively adjust the demodulation section to reduce power during the demodulation of the touch signals. The touch controller can also selectively reduce power below present low levels during idle periods. The touch controller can be incorporated into a touch sensitive device.

Abstract translation: 公开了触摸控制器的电源管理。 触摸控制器可以包括用于将刺激信号发送到相关联的触摸传感器面板以驱动面板的发送部分，其中触摸控制器可以选择性地调整发送部分以减少传输期间的功率。 触摸控制器还可以包括用于接收由面板驱动产生的触摸信号的接收部分，其中触摸控制器可以选择性地调整接收部分以在接收触摸信号期间降低功率。 触摸控制器还可以包括用于解调接收到的触摸信号以获得触摸事件结果的解调部分，其中触摸控制器可以选择性地调整解调部分以在解调触摸信号期间降低功率。 触摸控制器还可以在空闲时段期间选择性地降低低于当前低电平的功率。 触摸控制器可以结合到触敏设备中。

公开(公告)号：US20150234535A1

公开(公告)日：2015-08-20

申请号：US14704885

申请日：2015-05-05

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Steven P. HOTELLING ,  Christoph H. KRAH ,  Marduke YOUSEFPOR ,  Thomas James WILSON

IPC: G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/044 ,  G09G5/18

CPC classification number: G06F3/0416 ,  G06F3/044 ,  G06F2203/04104 ,  G09G5/18

Abstract: A multi-stimulus controller for a multi-touch sensor is formed on a single integrated circuit (single-chip). The multi-stimulus controller includes a transmit oscillator, a transmit signal section that generates a plurality of drive signals based on a frequency of the transmit oscillator, a plurality of transmit channels that transmit the drive signals simultaneously to drive the multi-touch sensor, a receive channel that receives a sense signal resulting from the driving of the multi-touch sensor, a receive oscillator, and a demodulation section that demodulates the received sense signal based on a frequency of the receive oscillator to obtain sensing results, the demodulation section including a demodulator and a vector operator.

Abstract translation: 用于多触摸传感器的多激励控制器形成在单个集成电路（单芯片）上。 多激励控制器包括发射振荡器，基于发射振荡器的频率产生多个驱动信号的发射信号部分，同时传输驱动信号以驱动多点触摸传感器的多个发射信道， 接收信号，其接收由所述多点触摸传感器的驱动产生的感测信号，接收振荡器和解调部分，所述解调部分基于所述接收振荡器的频率来解调所接收的感测信号以获得感测结果，所述解调部分包括： 解调器和向量运算符。

公开(公告)号：US20150193039A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-09

申请号：US14666146

申请日：2015-03-23

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Steven P. HOTELLING ,  Christoph H. KRAH

IPC: G06F3/041

CPC classification number: G06F3/044 ,  G06F1/3231 ,  G06F1/3262 ,  G06F3/017 ,  G06F3/0227 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/0416 ,  G06F3/042 ,  G06F3/0421 ,  G06F3/0488 ,  G06F2203/04101 ,  G06F2203/04104 ,  G06F2203/04106 ,  G06F2203/04808 ,  Y02B70/30 ,  Y02B70/32 ,  Y02D10/173

Abstract: The use of one or more proximity sensors in combination with one or more touch sensors in a multi-touch panel to detect the presence of a finger, body part or other object and control or trigger one or more functions in accordance with an “image” of touch provided by the sensor outputs is disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more infrared (IR) proximity sensors can be driven with a specific stimulation frequency and emit IR light from one or more areas, which can in some embodiments correspond to one or more multi-touch sensor “pixel” locations. The reflected IR signal, if any, can be demodulated using synchronous demodulation. In some embodiments, both physical interfaces (touch and proximity sensors) can be connected to analog channels in the same electrical core.

Abstract translation: 使用一个或多个接近传感器与多触摸面板中的一个或多个触摸传感器组合以检测手指，身体部位或其他对象的存在，并根据“图像”来控制或触发一个或多个功能， 公开了由传感器输出提供的触摸。 在一些实施例中，可以以特定刺激频率驱动一个或多个红外（IR）接近传感器，并从一个或多个区域发射IR光，这在某些实施例中可以对应于一个或多个多点触摸传感器“像素”位置。 反射的IR信号（如果有的话）可以使用同步解调进行解调。 在一些实施例中，物理接口（触摸和接近传感器）可以连接到相同电芯中的模拟通道。

公开(公告)号：US20150134994A1

公开(公告)日：2015-05-14

申请号：US14600973

申请日：2015-01-20

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Christoph H. KRAH ,  Thomas James WILSON

IPC: G06F1/32

CPC classification number: G06F1/3287 ,  G06F1/3215 ,  G06F1/3262 ,  G06F1/3296 ,  G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/0416 ,  Y02D50/20

Abstract: Power management system or a touch controller can include a transmit section for transmitting stimulation signals to an associated touch sensor panel to drive the panel, where the touch controller can selectively adjust the transmit section to reduce power during the transmission. The touch controller can also include a receive section for receiving touch signals resulting from the driving of the panel, where the touch controller can selectively adjust the receive section to reduce power during the receipt of the touch signals. The touch controller can also include a demodulation section for demodulating the received touch signals to obtain touch event results, where the touch controller can selectively adjust the demodulation section to reduce power during the demodulation of the touch signals. The touch controller can also selectively reduce power below present low levels during idle periods. The touch controller can be incorporated into a touch sensitive device.

Abstract translation: 电源管理系统或触摸控制器可以包括用于将刺激信号发送到相关联的触摸传感器面板以驱动面板的发送部分，其中触摸控制器可以选择性地调整发送部分以减少传输期间的功率。 触摸控制器还可以包括用于接收由面板驱动产生的触摸信号的接收部分，其中触摸控制器可以选择性地调整接收部分以在接收触摸信号期间降低功率。 触摸控制器还可以包括用于解调接收到的触摸信号以获得触摸事件结果的解调部分，其中触摸控制器可以选择性地调整解调部分以在解调触摸信号期间降低功率。 触摸控制器还可以在空闲时段期间选择性地降低低于当前低电平的功率。 触摸控制器可以结合到触敏设备中。

公开(公告)号：US20240004491A1

公开(公告)日：2024-01-04

申请号：US18468654

申请日：2023-09-15

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Christian M. SAUER ,  Christoph H. KRAH ,  Derek K. SHAEFFER ,  Hasan AKYOL ,  Henry C. JEN ,  John T. WETHERELL

IPC: G06F3/041 ,  G06F3/044 ,  G09G3/32 ,  H01L27/15

CPC classification number: G06F3/0412 ,  G06F3/0418 ,  H01L27/156 ,  G09G3/32 ,  G06F3/044

Abstract: An integrated touchscreen can include light emitting diodes or organic light emitting diodes (LED s/OLEDs), display chiplets and touch chiplets disposed in a visible area of the integrated touch screen. For example, the LEDs/OLEDs, display chiplets and touch chiplets can be placed on a substrate by a micro-transfer tool. The integrated touchscreen can also include electrodes disposed in the visible area of the integrated touch screen. The electrodes can be capable of providing display functionality via the one or more display chiplets during display operation (e.g., operating as cathode terminals of the LEDs during the display operation) and capable of providing touch functionality via the touch chiplets during touch operation (e.g., touch node electrodes can be formed from groups of the electrodes and sensed). In some examples, the touch node electrodes can be formed and coupled to touch chiplets via the display chiplets.

公开(公告)号：US20230102507A1

公开(公告)日：2023-03-30

申请号：US17448873

申请日：2021-09-24

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Erdrin AZEMI ,  Ali MOIN ,  Christoph H. KRAH ,  Joseph Yitan CHENG ,  Kaan Emre DOGRUSOZ ,  Mohammad YEKE YAZDANDOOST

IPC: G06F3/01

Abstract: A head-mounted device having a plurality of electrodes configured to detect optical events such as the movement of one or more eyes or coarse eye gestures is disclosed. In some examples, the one or more electrodes can be coupled to dielectric elastomer materials whose shape can be changed to vary contact between a user of the head-mounted device and the one or more electrodes to ensure sufficient contact and electrode signal quality. In some examples, the one or more electrodes can be coupled to pressure sensors and control circuitry to monitor and adjust the applied pressure. In some examples, the optical events can be used as triggers for operating the device, including transitioning between operational power modes. In some examples, the triggers can invoke higher resolution sensing capabilities of the head-mounted device. In some examples, the electrodes can be used as an on-head detector to wake-up and/or unlock the device.