Patent Description:
An electronic device including a touchscreen may identify the position (coordinates) of a touch input to the touchscreen. A touch sensor integrated circuit (IC) included in the touchscreen may identify the position of the touch based on a difference between raw data obtained from a touch sensor and a baseline used as a reference. The baseline may have per-channel (or per-node) values. The touch sensor IC may identify differences between a plurality of per-channel (or per-node) raw data and the baseline. The baseline may be set to be different depending on the state of the electronic device, in particular, the state of the display.

Accordingly, the electronic device may set (or change) the baseline if the state of the display is changed. For example, the electronic device may set (or change) the baseline if the display is switched from an on state to an off state. Alternatively, the electronic device may set (or change) the baseline if the display is switched from the off state to the on state.

<CIT> describes a controller of a touch-type input device updates baselines when capacitances of capacitors of a touch panel all remain within a predetermined capacitance range over a predetermined period.

<CIT> describes an input device by which detection data indicating the approach of an object is identified as target data, from among two-dimensional data (a detection data matrix), a row of the two-dimensional data to which the target data belongs is selected as a target row, and a column of the two-dimensional data to which the target data belongs is selected as a target column. A reference value is updated in a state where a conductor, such as a loop antenna, has been brought close to an electrostatic sensor.

Since the electronic device resets the baseline if the state of the display is changed, if noise is present when the state of the display is changed, the reset baseline may contain noise. For example, if the display is switched from the on state to the off state while the touch is maintained, the newly set baseline may contain noise caused by the touch.

The disclosure is intended to address the foregoing or other issues, and may provide a touch circuit capable of identifying whether a baseline is generated in the presence of noise, an electronic device including the touch circuit, and an operation method thereof.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device comprises a processor, and a touch circuit configured to output, to the processor, information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device, and the touch circuit may be configured to generate first raw data including a first value associated with a capacitance for each of a plurality of channels of the touch circuit, generate a first baseline based on the first raw data, identify whether the first raw data meets a designated condition, and identify whether to reset the first baseline based on whether the designated condition is met.

According to an embodiment, a method for operating an electronic device including a touch circuit and a processor may comprise generating first raw data including a first value associated with a capacitance for each of a plurality of channels of the touch circuit, by the touch circuit, generating a first baseline based on the first raw data, by the touch circuit, identifying whether the first raw data meets a designated condition, by the touch circuit, and identifying whether to reset the first baseline based on whether the designated condition is met, by the touch circuit.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device comprises a processor, and a touch circuit configured to output, to the processor, information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device, and the touch circuit may be configured to generate first raw data including a value associated with a capacitance for each of a plurality of channels of the touch circuit at a first time, generate a baseline based on the first raw data, generate second raw data including the value associated with the capacitance for each of the plurality of channels of the touch circuit at a second time, process, in a first scheme, data corresponding to each of a first channel and a second channel among the second raw data, based on a difference between data individually corresponding to the first channel and the second channel adjacent to each other among the first raw data being not more than a threshold, and process, in a second scheme, the data corresponding to each of the first channel and the second channel among the second raw data, based on the difference between data respectively corresponding to the first channel and the second channel adjacent to each other among the first raw data exceeding the threshold.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device comprises a processor, and a touch circuit configured to output, to the processor, information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device, and the touch circuit may include a plurality of transmission channels corresponding to a plurality of transmission electrodes arranged in a first direction and a plurality of reception channels corresponding to a plurality of reception electrodes arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the touch circuit may be configured to generate signal data based on values associated with capacitances of nodes where the plurality of transmission electrodes cross the plurality of reception electrodes, the signal data including data corresponding to each of the nodes, identify whether the signal data meets a designated condition, discard the signal data in response to the signal data meeting the designated condition, and output, to the processor, the information associated with the touch to the at least one surface of the electronic device based on the signal data in response to the signal data failing to meet the designated condition.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device comprises a processor and a touch circuit configured to output, to the processor, information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device, and the touch circuit may be configured to obtain first raw data including a first value associated with capacitance for each of a plurality of channels of the touch circuit, obtain signal data based on the first raw data and a current first baseline, and identify whether to reset the first baseline based on whether the signal data meets a designated condition.

According to certain embodiments, there may be provided a touch circuit capable of identifying whether a baseline is generated in the presence of noise, an electronic device including the touch circuit, and an operation method thereof. When the baseline is generated in the presence of noise, it is possible to reset the baseline, thereby increasing the accuracy of the touch input.

According to certain embodiments, there may be provided a touch circuit in which signal data may identify the user's unintentional touch, an electronic device including the touch circuit, and an operation method thereof. When the user's unintentional touch occurs, it is possible to disable the touch input, thus preventing an erroneous touch.

According to certain embodiments, there may be provided a touch circuit capable of changing a baseline reset time or changing the baseline using various characteristic data of a touch, an electronic device including the touch circuit, and an operation method thereof. It is possible to prevent malfunction due to touch by analyzing various characteristic data of the touch and stopping resetting the baseline or, after resetting, changing to a pre-stored baseline.

According to certain embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device for adjusting parameters for touch sensing and determining whether there is an erroneous touch using sensing information obtained from other sensors and an operation method thereof. It is possible to achieve more accurate touch recognition by adjusting parameters based on the sensitivity changed depending on a change in temperature and considering sensing information obtained from other sensors, together with data obtained from the touch circuit.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may include a touch circuit adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The antenna module <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include one antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). In this case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, e.g., the communication module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, other parts (e.g., radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) than the radiator may be further formed as part of the antenna module <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> illustrating the display device <NUM> according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) <NUM> to control the display <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may include an interface module <NUM>, memory <NUM> (e.g., buffer memory), an image processing module <NUM>, or a mapping module <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may receive image information that contains image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command to control the image data from another component of the electronic device <NUM> via the interface module <NUM>. For example, according to an embodiment, the image information may be received from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the main processor <NUM> (e.g., an application processor)) or the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphics processing unit) operated independently from the function of the main processor <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may communicate, for example, with a touch circuit <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> via the interface module <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may also store at least part of the received image information in the memory <NUM>, for example, on a frame by frame basis. The image processing module <NUM> may perform pre-processing or post-processing (e.g., adjustment of resolution, brightness, or size) with respect to at least part of the image data. According to an embodiment, the pre-processing or post-processing may be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more characteristics of the image data or one or more characteristics of the display <NUM>. The mapping module <NUM> may generate a voltage value or a current value corresponding to the image data pre-processed or post-processed by the image processing module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the generating of the voltage value or current value may be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more attributes of the pixels (e.g., an array, such as an RGB stripe or a pentile structure, of the pixels, or the size of each subpixel) of the display <NUM>. At least some pixels of the display <NUM> may be driven, for example, based at least in part on the voltage value or the current value such that visual information (e.g., a text, an image, or an icon) corresponding to the image data may be displayed via the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include the touch circuit <NUM>. The touch circuit <NUM> may include a touch sensor <NUM> and a touch sensor IC <NUM> to control the touch sensor <NUM>. The touch sensor IC <NUM> may control the touch sensor <NUM> to sense a touch input or a hovering input with respect to a certain position on the display <NUM>. To achieve this, for example, the touch sensor IC <NUM> may detect (e.g., measure) a change in a signal (e.g., a voltage, a quantity of light, a resistance, or a quantity of one or more electric charges) corresponding to the certain position on the display <NUM>. The touch sensor IC <NUM> may provide input information (e.g., a position, an area, a pressure, or a time) indicative of the touch input or the hovering input detected to the processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least part (e.g., the touch sensor IC <NUM>) of the touch circuit <NUM> may be formed as part of the display <NUM> or the DDI <NUM>, or as part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor <NUM>) disposed outside the display device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor) of the sensor module <NUM> or a control circuit for the at least one sensor. In such a case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit for the at least one sensor may be embedded in one portion of a component (e.g., the display <NUM>, the DDI <NUM>, or the touch circuit <NUM>)) of the display device <NUM>. For example, when the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display device <NUM> includes a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor may obtain biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image) corresponding to a touch input received via a portion of the display <NUM>. As another example, when the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display device <NUM> includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information corresponding to a touch input received via a partial or whole area of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed between pixels in a pixel layer of the display <NUM>, or over or under the pixel layer.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a structure of a display according to an embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, a display (e.g., the display <NUM>) may have a structure in which a thin film encapsulation (TFE) layer <NUM> and a touch electrode layer (TSP pattern) <NUM> are deposited on a panel <NUM>, and a polarizer (POL) <NUM> and a window <NUM> are deposited thereon. In this case, the distance between the panel <NUM> and the touch electrode layer <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The display may implement a touchscreen by implementing a sensor in the touch electrode layer <NUM> between the thin film encapsulation (TFE) layer <NUM> and the polarizer (POL) <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment related to <FIG> is described in greater detail with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> is a view illustrating raw data according to an embodiment. <FIG> shows graphs illustrating baselines under various conditions. The various operations of <FIG> are not limited in order and, in the flowchart of <FIG>, a subsequent operation may be performed earlier than its preceding operation. Further, at least some of the various operations of <FIG> may be at least simultaneously performed. Further, another operation not shown in <FIG> may intervene between two adjacent operations of <FIG>. Alternatively, at least one of the operations of <FIG> may not be performed. What has been described above may apply likewise to other flowcharts of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, when the electronic device <NUM> performs a specific operation, it may mean that a hardware device (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) in the electronic device <NUM> performs the specific operation. In this case, the hardware device (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) by itself may perform the specific operation by a control circuit (e.g., the touch sensor IC <NUM>) in the hardware device. Alternatively, when the electronic device <NUM> performs a specific operation, it may mean that the processor <NUM> performs the specific operation or a hardware device (e.g., the touch sensor IC <NUM>, the display driver IC <NUM>, or the display <NUM>) performs the specific operation based on the control of the processor <NUM>. Alternatively, when the electronic device <NUM> performs a specific operation, it may mean that an instruction to enable the processor <NUM> or a hardware device other than the processor <NUM> to perform the specific operation is executed. In this case, performing a specific operation may mean that an instruction to enable the specific operation to be performed is stored in the memory <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operations <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may generate first raw data including values associated with a plurality of per-channel capacitances. For example, the touch circuit <NUM> may include a plurality of transmission channels and a plurality of reception channels that cross each other. When the plurality of transmission channels and the plurality of reception channels cross, it may mean that transmission electrodes connected to the transmission channels are arranged in a first direction, and reception electrodes connected to the reception channels are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction so that the transmission electrodes and the reception electrodes cross each other. In this case, the touch circuit <NUM> may receive an electrical signal from each of the reception channels, and based thereupon, identify the capacitance formed between the transmission channel and the reception channel. For example, the electrical signal is an analog signal and may be converted into a digital signal. The raw data may be a digital signal itself or data (e.g., capacitance values) generated based on the digital signal. The raw data may include a plurality of per-channel (or per-node) values. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the touch circuit <NUM> may include first to seventeenth transmission channels Tx1 to Tx17 arranged in the first direction and first to nineteenth reception channels Rx1 to Rx19 arranged in the second direction. When the transmission channels are arranged in the first direction, it may mean that the transmission electrodes connected to the transmission channels are arranged in the first direction. When the reception channels are arranged in the second direction, it may mean that the reception electrodes connected to the reception channels are arranged in the second direction. The values in <FIG> may be values indicating the capacitances formed between the first to seventeenth transmission channels Tx1 to Tx17 and the first to nineteenth reception channels Rx1 to Rx19 by power sequentially provided to each of the first to seventeenth transmission channels Tx1 to Tx17. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may generate the values of <FIG> as raw data. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may generate only some of the values of <FIG> as raw data. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may generate, as raw data, data <NUM> based on the capacitance obtained from each of the first to nineteenth reception channels Rx1 to Rx19 for the power supplied to the first transmission channel Tx1.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may generate a first baseline based on the first raw data. When the baseline is generated, it may mean that raw data is set as the baseline. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may set raw data first generated after the mode of the display device <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM>) is switched, as the baseline. When the mode of the display device <NUM> is switched, it may mean that the display device <NUM> is switched from an on mode to an off mode or is switched from the off mode to the on mode. For example, (a) of <FIG> may be a baseline generated when the display device <NUM> is on and displaying a white screen. (b) of <FIG> may be a baseline generated when the display device <NUM> is on and displaying a black screen. (c) of <FIG> may be a baseline generated when the display device <NUM> displays a white screen and is turned off. As such, the electronic device <NUM> may generate different baselines according to modes of the display device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may reset the baseline based on previously obtained raw data if the mode is changed. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may set the raw data generated after an event is caused by an external factor, as the baseline. For example, the event caused by the external factor may be connection of a charger, earjack, or USB to the electronic device <NUM>, creation of RF noise, or the detection of the user's grip or a change in the user's grip. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may generate raw data at preset periods and use those data as the baseline.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether the first raw data meets a designated condition. Since the electronic device <NUM> has set the first raw data as a new baseline in operation <NUM>, operation <NUM> may be understood as identifying, by the electronic device <NUM>, whether the new baseline meets a designated condition. For example, the designated condition may be a condition for determining whether the first raw data is generated while the touch is maintained on the touch circuit <NUM>. In other words, the designated condition may be, e.g., a condition capable of determining whether the first raw data, i.e., the first baseline, may include a value that would cause an error. For example, if the difference between data corresponding to first and second channels adjacent to each other in the first raw data exceeds a threshold, the electronic device <NUM> may identify that the first raw data meets the designated condition. A detailed description of the designated conditions is given below.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether to reset the first baseline based on whether the designated condition is met. The electronic device <NUM> may identify to reset the first baseline if the designated condition is met, and may identify not to reset the first baseline if the designated condition is not met. Accordingly, if the designated condition is met, that is, if it is determined that an error has occurred in the first baseline, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may reset the first baseline to exclude the error.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment related to <FIG> is described in greater detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a graph illustrating raw data according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating raw data according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in operations <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may obtain values associated with a plurality of per-channel capacitances. For example, the values associated with the plurality of per-channel capacitances may be raw data selected as a baseline. In an embodiment, the values associated with the plurality of per-channel capacitances may represent digital values into which analog signals respectively output from the plurality of channels have been converted, or values associated with the magnitude of the plurality of per-channel capacitances identified based on the signals respectively output from the plurality of channels. In the present disclosure, the value associated with the capacitance for each channel may be implemented as a value used to detect whether there is a touch for each channel, e.g., the strength of the signal output from each channel, the capacitance for each channel, or a value that may be mapped to the capacitance for each channel, but is not limited thereto.

Specifically, a plurality of transmission channels and a plurality of reception channels included in the touch circuit <NUM> may be disposed to be orthogonal to each other. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may generate raw data (e.g., raw data including capacitances formed between the channels) based on signals output from the plurality of transmission channels and the plurality of reception channels.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify a difference between values associated with two adjacent channels among the plurality of channels. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the values associated with the plurality of per-channel capacitances may be shown according to the order in which the plurality of channels are arranged. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may identify the difference <NUM> between the value <NUM> associated with the first channel and the value <NUM> associated with the second channel and/or the difference <NUM> between the value <NUM> associated with the second channel and the value <NUM> associated with the third channel. These differences may be determined as the difference between the values associated with two channels. In operation <NUM>, only the first to third channels have been described as an example, but the electronic device <NUM> may identify all the difference values between any two adjacent channels among the plurality of channels.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may identify the difference between the values of adjacent channels based on values associated with the capacitances obtained from a plurality of reception channels for one transmission channel. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the touch circuit <NUM> may include first transmission channel (Tx1) <NUM> to seventeenth transmission channel (Tx17) <NUM>, and first reception channel (Rx1) <NUM> to nineteenth reception channel (Rx19) <NUM>. In this case, the touch circuit <NUM> may supply power to the first transmission channel <NUM>, and obtain capacitance-associated values from the first reception channel <NUM> to the nineteenth reception channel <NUM>. Further, the touch circuit <NUM> may then supply power to the second transmission channel <NUM>, and obtain capacitance-associated values from the first reception channel <NUM> to the nineteenth reception channel <NUM>. It is possible to obtain values associated with the plurality of per-channel capacitances, as illustrated in <FIG>, by sequentially supplying power to each transmission channel (third transmission channel to seventeenth transmission channel <NUM>) and repeating the process of obtaining the capacitance-associated values through the first reception channel <NUM> to the nineteenth reception channel <NUM>. If driving is performed per transmission channel as such, it is possible to simultaneously obtain capacitance-associated values for the plurality of reception channels while providing power to the transmission channels sequentially (i.e., at different times). In this case, similar levels of noise may exist the capacitance-associated values of the plurality of reception channels after suppling power to one transmission channel. By using this technique, it is possible to identify the difference between the values associated with two adjacent channels among the values obtained from the plurality of reception channels for each transmission channel. For example, the capacitance-associated values <NUM> obtained through the first reception channel <NUM> to the nineteenth reception channel <NUM> after supplying power to the seventeenth transmission channel <NUM> may be (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). The electronic device <NUM> may identify the difference between the values associated with two adjacent channels by identifying the difference between two adjacent values among the obtained values <NUM>. Meanwhile, when driving each transmission channel sequentially, since there is a time difference in supply of power to each of the transmission channels, the value (e.g., <NUM>) associated with two adjacent transmission channels may not be considered.

Referring back to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether the identified difference between the values exceeds a threshold. Referring to <FIG>, as an example, the electronic device <NUM> may identify that the difference between the values associated with the eighth reception channel <NUM> and the ninth reception channel <NUM> adjacent to each other in the values associated with the capacitances between the seventeenth transmission channel <NUM> and the plurality of reception channels exceeds the threshold. The values associated with the plurality of per-channel capacitances may be rendered to be different by noise (e.g., display, charger, or RF noise), and such a difference due to noise may be smaller than noise caused to touches. Accordingly, the threshold may be set to a value greater than the difference caused by the display, charger, or RF noise.

Referring back to <FIG>, if the identified difference between the values does not exceed the threshold, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may generate signal data based on the generated baseline in operation <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may generate raw data and may generate signal data according to a difference between the generated raw data and the baseline. When the identified difference between the values does not exceed the threshold, it may mean that the previous raw data was generated using values obtained in a non-touch state. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> may generate signal data based on the baseline generated based on the previous raw data. Meanwhile, if the values identified as exceeding the threshold correspond to a specific area, such as an edge or a hole, of the display, operation <NUM> may be followed even when the threshold is exceeded.

When the identified difference between the values exceeds the threshold, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may reset the generated baseline in operation <NUM>. When the identified difference between the values exceeds the threshold, it may mean that the previous raw data was generated using values obtained while the touch is maintained. For example, when the screen of the display (e.g., the display <NUM>) is touched by the user' hand when it is in the on mode, and is switched into the off mode while the touch is maintained, raw data first generated after the display screen is switched into the off mode may be values obtained while the touch is maintained. Or, when the identified difference between the values exceeds the threshold, it may mean that the previous raw data is generated using values obtained in a state in which a charger is connected, a state in which RF noise is present, a state in which an external object is in proximity, or a state in which grip by the user is maintained. Since the baseline generated based on the raw data includes noise, the electronic device <NUM> may reset the generated baseline. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may generate new raw data and reset the baseline based on the new raw data.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may generate signal data based on the reset baseline. The electronic device <NUM> may generate raw data and may generate signal data according to a difference between the generated raw data and the reset baseline.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment related to <FIG> is described in greater detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is graphs illustrating signal data according to an embodiment. <FIG> is graphs illustrating signal data according to another embodiment.

The operations of <FIG> may be operations performed by the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>). At least some of the various operations of <FIG> may be at least simultaneously performed. Further, another operation not-shown in <FIG> may intervene between two adjacent operations of <FIG>. Alternatively, at least one of the operations of <FIG> may not be performed.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may convert (<NUM>) an analog signal sensed by the touch sensor <NUM> into a digital signal. For example, the touch sensor <NUM> may sense the capacitances formed by the plurality of channels of the touch circuit <NUM>, and at least some of the capacitances formed by the plurality of channels may be changed by a touch.

The electronic device <NUM> may generate (<NUM>) raw data using various techniques such as calibration or offset removal, on the digital signal data.

The electronic device <NUM> may generate (<NUM>) a baseline based on the raw data. Generating the baseline based on the raw data may mean setting specific raw data among the generated raw data as the baseline. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may set raw data first generated after the mode of the display (e.g., the display <NUM>) is switched, as the baseline.

The electronic device <NUM> may calculate (<NUM>) data obtained by removing the baseline from the raw data. In this case, the raw data may be new raw data generated after the first set of raw data was used as the baseline. The calculated data may reflect how the raw data has changed.

The electronic device <NUM> may generate (<NUM>) signal data by filtering (<NUM>) the calculated data. For example, as illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, a baseline <NUM> may be set, and raw data <NUM> may be generated. The signal data <NUM> of (b) of <FIG> may represent signal data generated by filtering data obtained by removing the baseline <NUM> from the raw data <NUM>. As another example, as illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, a baseline <NUM> may be set, and raw data <NUM> may be generated. The raw data <NUM> may indicate a state in which the user's touch is input. The signal data <NUM> of (b) of <FIG> may represent signal data generated by filtering data obtained by removing the baseline <NUM> from the raw data <NUM>. In this case, although the user's touch is input, the electronic device <NUM> cannot identify the user's touch by processing the signal data <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may perform image processing (<NUM>) on the signal data and report (<NUM>) information regarding the position where the touch is input to the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>).

<FIG> is graphs illustrating signal data according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the raw data <NUM> of (a) of <FIG> is first raw data generated at time t1. It may be identified that a difference between the data <NUM> and <NUM> respectively corresponding to the adjacent channels among the first raw data is less than or equal to a threshold. Although only data corresponding to two adjacent channels is shown, differences between data respectively corresponding to adjacent channels among the first raw data may all be less than or equal to the threshold. The electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may generate a first baseline using the first raw data <NUM>.

The raw data <NUM> of (b) of <FIG> is the second raw data <NUM> generated at time t2. Based on the difference between the data <NUM> and <NUM> respectively corresponding to the adjacent channels among the first raw data <NUM> being less than or equal to the threshold, the electronic device <NUM> may generate signal data by removing the first baseline <NUM> from the second raw data <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may provide information regarding the position where the touch is input based on the generated signal data to the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, the raw data <NUM> of (a) of <FIG> is first raw data generated at time t1. It may be identified that a difference <NUM> between the data <NUM> and <NUM> respectively corresponding to the adjacent channels among the first raw data exceeds a threshold. The electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may generate a first baseline using the first raw data <NUM>.

The raw data <NUM> of (b) of <FIG> is the second raw data <NUM> generated at time t2. Based on the difference between the data <NUM> and <NUM> respectively corresponding to the adjacent channels among the first raw data <NUM> exceeding the threshold, the electronic device <NUM> may discard the signal data by removing the first baseline <NUM> from the second raw data <NUM>. Disregarding the signal data may mean that the touch circuit <NUM> does not perform the operation of providing the processor with information regarding the position where the touch is input based on the signal data.

As described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the method of processing the signal data generated based on the baseline may differ depending on whether the difference between data respectively corresponding to the adjacent channels among the raw data set as the baseline exceeds the threshold.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment. When the electronic device <NUM> performs a specific operation, it may mean that a hardware device (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) in the electronic device <NUM> performs the specific operation. In this case, the hardware device (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) by itself may perform the specific operation by a control circuit (e.g., the touch sensor IC <NUM>) in the hardware device. Alternatively, when the electronic device <NUM> performs a specific operation, it may mean that the processor <NUM> performs the specific operation or a hardware device (e.g., the touch sensor IC <NUM>, the display driver IC <NUM>, or the display <NUM>) performs the specific operation based on the control of the processor <NUM>. Alternatively, when the electronic device <NUM> performs a specific operation, it may mean that an instruction to enable the processor <NUM> or a hardware device other than the processor <NUM> to perform the specific operation is executed. In this case, performing a specific operation may mean that an instruction to enable the specific operation to be performed is stored in the memory <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may generate signal data based on values associated with the capacitances of nodes where a plurality of transmission electrodes and a plurality of reception electrodes cross each other. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of transmission channels and a plurality of reception channels that cross each other. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may receive an electrical signal from each of the reception channels, and based thereupon, identify the capacitance formed between the transmission channel and the reception channel. The capacitance formed between the transmission channel and the reception channel may be represented as a capacitance for a node, and the value associated with the capacitance may be raw data. The electronic device <NUM> may generate signal data according to a difference between raw data and a baseline. For example, the signal data may be raw data minus the baseline.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether the signal data meets a designated condition. The designated condition may include a condition in which an input detected based on the signal data is identified as not being the user's touch input. For example, if at least part of the signal data is a value smaller than a negative first threshold, the electronic device <NUM> may identify that the designated condition is met. In another example, a number of nodes whose capacitance values may exceed a second threshold. If the number of nodes exceeds a third threshold, the electronic device <NUM> may identify that the designated condition is met. In yet another example, if the electronic device <NUM> continuously fails to identify an operation corresponding to an input detected based on signal data, and the number of continuous failures is equal to or greater than a set number, the electronic device <NUM> may identify that the designated condition is met.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may discard the signal data in response to the signal data meeting the designated condition. Disregarding the signal data may mean refraining from transmitting touch-associated information identified based on the signal data to the processor. Or, discarding the signal data may mean refraining from performing the operation corresponding to touch-associated information identified based on the signal data.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may output, to the processor, information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device based on the signal data, in response to the signal data failing to meet the designated condition. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may image-process the signal data and notify the processor of information regarding the position where the touch is input.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment of <FIG> is described in more detail with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG> are views or graphs illustrating signal data according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may generate signal data based on values associated with the capacitances of nodes where a plurality of transmission electrodes and a plurality of reception electrodes cross each other. The electronic device <NUM> may generate the difference between the values associated with the per-node capacitances and the baseline, as signal data. For example, in a state (e.g., gripped state) in which at least one surface of the electronic device is touched by the user's hand, the portion touched by the user's hand may be increased in capacitance by the user's hand. If a normal baseline is set, the electronic device <NUM> may generate signal data in which the data of the area <NUM> touched by the user's hand has a value larger than the data of the area <NUM> not touched by the user's hand, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Meanwhile, if an event occurrence (e.g., on/off of the display screen, connection of a charger, connection of an earjack, or arrival of a set period) is detected while the gripped state is maintained, the electronic device <NUM> may reset raw data reflecting the gripped state as a baseline. Operation <NUM> may be assumed to be performed in a situation in which raw data generated while the user's hand touches is set as the baseline.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether at least a portion of the signal data is smaller than a first negative value. If the user's hand moves while maintaining the touch in the state in which the raw data generated while the user's hand touches is set as the baseline, the signal data value of the area where the hand touch is maintained may be maintained. However, the signal data of the area where there used to be no contact with the user's hand but the user's hand comes in contact may increase, and the signal data of the area where there used to be in contact with the user's hand but the user's hand comes out of contact may reduce. For example, referring to <FIG>, the baseline generated while the user's touch is maintained may be denoted with reference numeral <NUM>. If the user's hand in contact with one surface of the electronic device <NUM> moves a little, the electronic device <NUM> may generate raw data as denoted with reference numeral <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may generate signal data <NUM> using the difference between the baseline <NUM> and the raw data <NUM>. Signal data for a plurality of channels may be as illustrated in <FIG>. When the user's hand moves when the raw data generated while being touched by the user's hand set as the baseline, the electronic device <NUM> may generate signal data as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the signal data value of the area <NUM> in which the user's hand touch is maintained may be maintained. As shown, the signal data value may be determined as maintained when there are changes in signal within an error range. The signal data of the area <NUM> where there used to be no contact with the user's hand but the user's hand comes in contact may increase, and the signal data of the area <NUM> where there used to be in contact with the user's hand but the user's hand comes out of contact may reduce. The area <NUM> where there used to be no contact with the user's hand but the user's hand comes in contact may correspond to the area <NUM> in <FIG> where the signal data has a negative value. In other words, if the baseline is generated in a state of being touched by the user's hand (gripped state), the electronic device <NUM> may generate data having a negative value due to the shaking of the user's hand. Since data having a negative value within an error range may be generated even when the baseline is normally set, the electronic device <NUM> may determine whether at least a portion of the signal data is smaller than the first negative value. If at least a portion of the data is smaller than the first negative value, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify an area including a node having a value larger than a threshold in operation <NUM>. The area including the node having a value larger than a threshold may be any one of an area <NUM> where it is determined that a touch is input, an area <NUM> adjacent to the area where it is determined that a touch is input, and an entire area <NUM> where a touch may be input as illustrated in <FIG>. The area including the node having a value larger than a threshold is not limited thereto, but may vary.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may output information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device to the processor as reflected by the signal data and the area. The electronic device <NUM> may discard information associated with a touch to the area including a node having a value smaller than the first negative value. The electronic device <NUM> may output, to the processor, information associated with a touch to an area which is not the area including the node having a smaller value than the first negative value. It is thus possible to prevent a malfunction due to an erroneous touch that is not intended by the user, such as the user's hand shake.

When there is no data smaller than the first negative value among the signal data, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may output, to the processor, information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device as reflected by the signal data in operation <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment of <FIG> is described in more detail with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are views or graphs illustrating signal data according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may generate signal data based on values associated with the capacitances of nodes where a plurality of transmission electrodes and a plurality of reception electrodes cross each other. The touch circuit <NUM> may generate the difference between the values associated with the per-node capacitances and the baseline, as signal data. For example, the signal data may include data corresponding to each node.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether the magnitude of at least a portion of the signal data exceeds a first threshold. The first threshold may be set to a value for identifying a noise level (noise floor) that is to be not recognized as touch.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the signal data <NUM> by a finger may have a high value. The electronic device <NUM> may determine that a hand touch occurs if the signal data exceeds the noise level <NUM> and the third threshold <NUM>. However, when the electronic device <NUM> is in contact with the user's body or a magnetic card in the user's pocket, the signal data <NUM> by an object in contact with a large area may have a strength that exceeds the noise level but does not exceed the third threshold <NUM>. Meanwhile, as illustrated in <FIG>, the signal data <NUM> by a finger may have a high value. However, the signal data <NUM> by an object in contact with the electronic device <NUM> may have a value smaller than the negative noise level, but greater than the negative threshold <NUM> identified as a touch. In other words, the electronic device <NUM> may identify whether at least a portion of the magnitude of the signal data exceeds a first threshold (e.g., a noise level). Since a data signal by an object in contact with an area of the touchscreen may have a positive value or a negative value, the electronic device <NUM> may determine whether the size (absolute value) of the signal data exceeds the first threshold (e.g., noise level).

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether the number of nodes exceeding the first threshold exceeds a second threshold. The second threshold may be set as the number of nodes occupying more than a specific area of the area in which touch recognition of the electronic device <NUM> is possible.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the signal strength of the area <NUM> in contact with the object exceeds the first threshold (e.g., noise level), and the signal strength of the area <NUM> not in contact with the object may be less than or equal to the first threshold. Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, the magnitude of the signal in the area <NUM> in contact with the object may exceed the first threshold (e.g., noise level), and the signal in the area <NUM> not in contact with the object may be less than or equal to the first threshold. If the number of nodes corresponding to the areas <NUM> and <NUM> in contact with the object exceeds the second threshold, it may be a data signal by the object in contact with a large area, and thus the touch may not be one intended by the user. In other words, if there is included data whose signal data strength exceeds the first threshold, and the number of nodes in which the strength of signal data exceeds the first threshold is more than the second threshold, the touch may be not one intended by the user, such as when the electronic device <NUM> contacts the user's body or a magnetic card.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify the area including nodes having values exceeding the first threshold. The area including nodes having values exceeding the first threshold may be any one of an area which is determined to be touched by an object, an area adjacent to the area which is determined to be touched by the object, and an entire area in which a touch may be input, but is not limited thereto.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may output, to the processor, information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device as reflected by the signal data and the area including the node having a value exceeding the first threshold. The electronic device <NUM> may discard information associated with a touch to the area including a node having a signal strength exceeding the first threshold. The electronic device <NUM> may output, to the processor, information associated with a touch to an area which is not the area including the node having a signal strength exceeding the first threshold. It is thus possible to prevent a malfunction due to an erroneous touch to the user's body in the pocket.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may output information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device to the processor as reflected by the signal data.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether there is an action corresponding to a signal data-based input. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may identify a distance between user touches, a time between the touches, or a touch to an effective area based on the signal data. The electronic device <NUM> may identify whether the action corresponding to the user's input is a double tap, a swipe, or the like.

If there is an action corresponding to a signal data-based input, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may output information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device to the processor as reflected by the signal data in operation <NUM>.

If there is no action corresponding to the signal data-based input, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether the number of failures to identify an action corresponding to a signal data-based input is n or more during a set first time period in operation <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may determine whether inputs without a corresponding action are <NUM> or more for <NUM> seconds.

If the number of failures to identify an action corresponding to a signal data-based input during the set first time is less than n, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may return to operation <NUM>, generating differences between the values associated with per-node capacitances and the baseline as signal data.

If the number of failures to identify an action corresponding to the signal data-based input during the set time is greater than n, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may discard signal data-based inputs during a set second time period in operation <NUM>. For example, when input without a corresponding action is repeated n times during the first time period, that may be a situation in which the user does not intend the touch, thus, it is possible to prevent input of a false touch by discarding input during the set second time.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether signal data exceeding a threshold is generated during a set third time period. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may identify whether signal data having a magnitude exceeding a threshold (e.g., noise level) is generated for <NUM>. For example, if the magnitude of all signal data generated for <NUM> is less than or equal to the threshold, the electronic device <NUM> may return to operation <NUM>. When the size of all signal data generated for <NUM> is less than or equal to the threshold, that may be a situation in which repeated input of a touch not intended by the user.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may obtain first raw data including values associated with a plurality of per-channel capacitances of the touch circuit. For example, the touch circuit <NUM> may include a plurality of transmission channels and a plurality of reception channels that cross each other. When the plurality of transmission channels and the plurality of reception channels cross, it may mean that transmission electrodes connected to the transmission channels are arranged in a first direction, and reception electrodes connected to the reception channels are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction so that the transmission electrodes and the reception electrodes cross each other. In this case, the touch circuit <NUM> may receive an electrical signal from each of the reception channels, and based thereupon, identify the capacitance formed between the transmission channel and the reception channel. For example, the electrical signal is an analog signal and may be converted into a digital signal. The raw data may be a digital signal itself or data (e.g., capacitance) generated based on the digital signal. The raw data may include a plurality of per-channel (or per-node) values.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may obtain signal data based on the first raw data and a current first baseline. For example, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may generate signal data according to a difference between the obtained first raw data and a first baseline that is the current baseline.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether to reset the first baseline based on whether the signal data meets a designated condition. For example, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may delay the reset of the baseline based on whether the signal data meets the designated condition before resetting the baseline. In an embodiment, since a different baseline is obtained depending on the on mode or the off mode of the display (e.g., the display <NUM>), the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether the signal data before the display switches between on and off meets the designated condition and, upon performing on/off of the display, identify whether to reset the current baseline.

For example, the designated condition may be at least one of when the signal data is determined to be an erroneous touch or when the value of the signal data meets a preset threshold range. For example, when the signal data is determined to be an erroneous touch may be when a touch is sensed before the display switches from on to off when the electronic device <NUM> is determined to be in the pocket or a bag. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may delay the reset of the first baseline if the designated condition is met.

According to an embodiment, in the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether the morphological characteristics of the signal data corresponding to a touch sensed before the display switches from on and to are maintained even after the display switches between on and off and, if the morphological characteristics of the signal data are not identified, identify that the erroneous touch state has been released.

According to an embodiment, if the erroneous touch state is released or the value of the signal data falls out of a preset threshold range, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may reset the current baseline.

As described above, according to certain embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to prevent an inaccurate baseline from being obtained, thereby enhancing the accuracy of touch recognition after the display switches between on and off.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may obtain signal data based on the first raw data and a current first baseline. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may determine whether to reset the baseline. Operations <NUM> and <NUM> are the same as operations <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, and thus, no duplicate description thereof is given.

Upon identifying to reset the baseline (Y in operation <NUM>), the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may reset the existing first baseline in operation <NUM>. For example, the reset baseline may be referred to as a second baseline.

However, even when the baseline reset operation is performed, there may arise a case in which a touch is input at the moment that the baseline is reset, so that the baseline is reset with the input touch taken into account. In this case, the reset baseline (the second baseline) is inaccurate, so that the touch performance may be degraded.

Accordingly, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether the reset baseline has an abnormal shape or whether there are one or more channels in which the difference from a reference baseline exceeds a threshold.

For example, due to the baseline reset, signal data which is a difference between the raw data and the baseline may be initialized, and the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether the baseline is one usable for touch recognition based on the shape of the reset baseline.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, if the difference between the values respectively corresponding to a first channel and a second channel adjacent to each other, of the reset baseline, exceeds a threshold, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify that the reset baseline is not available for accurate touch recognition.

As another embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, if there are one or more channels in which the difference between the reset baseline and the reference baseline exceeds the threshold, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify that the reset baseline is not available for accurate touch recognition. Here, the reference baseline is obtained while the state in which there is no touch input is maintained and may be a baseline corresponding to a case in which a calibration offset is applied, or may be previously stored in a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM>).

If there is an abnormality in the shape of the reset baseline itself, or it is identified that one or more channels in which the difference from the reference baseline exceeds the threshold (Y in operation <NUM>), the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may change the reset baseline to the reference baseline in operation <NUM>. As another embodiment, if the reset baseline is an incorrect baseline, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may perform baseline reset again.

If there is no abnormality in the reset baseline (N in operation <NUM>), the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may maintain the reset baseline in operation <NUM>.

Upon identifying not to reset the baseline (N in operation <NUM>), the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may obtain second raw data in operation <NUM>. In this case, as the baseline is not reset, the first baseline may be used.

According to an embodiment, upon determining whether there is an erroneous touch without resetting the baseline even when the display switches between on and off, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may reinforce the strength of noise filtering or apply a separate filter considering the noise characteristics of the display.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may obtain second signal data based on the second raw data and the first baseline. For example, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may generate signal data according to a difference between the obtained second raw data and the first baseline maintained without resetting the baseline.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify whether the second signal data has an error. For example, although the second signal data is obtained using the obtained second raw data while maintaining the first baseline without resetting the baseline, if the second signal data has an error (Y in operation <NUM>), the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may perform a baseline reset in operation <NUM>. For example, if the shape of the second signal data has an abnormal shape, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may determine that there is an error in the second signal data. For example, if the second signal data has a shape in which positive and negative portions are repeated, or the negative section is larger than a designated size, or there is a negative value not less than a designated value, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may determine that the shape of the second signal data is an abnormal shape and reset the baseline.

If it is identified that there is no error in the second signal data (N in operation <NUM>), the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may maintain the first baseline in operation <NUM>.

As described above, according to certain embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to increase the touch recognition rate in the pocket or a bag by avoiding display noise through delaying the reset of the baseline while reducing a malfunction due to noise of other nature, such as from a magnet, coil, or moisture.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment of <FIG> is described with reference to <FIG> and 2B. <FIG> and FIG. 2B are views for describing signal data obtained based on two types of schemes.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may obtain first signal data based on a first scheme. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may obtain second signal data based on a second scheme. For example, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may obtain at least one first signal data based on a mutual capacitance scheme and, based on a self-capacitance scheme, obtain at least one second signal data. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify that there is an error in one of the first signal data and the second signal data. For example, a touch may be sensed based on the mutual capacitance scheme, but no may be sensed based on the self-capacitance scheme. This may be an important factor in controlling malfunctions and when the electronic device <NUM> continuously determines whether the in-pocket (e.g., in the pocket or bag) state is maintained. This is because various types of capacitance data may appear in the pocket due to a hall IC of a phone cover or coins or car key in the pocket. This is also because there is a possibility that the detected capacitance may be distorted by a change in temperature of the electronic device <NUM> due to use of processors that can generate heat moisture (sweat or makeup), or gripping.

According to an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, if there is an error, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify touch-associated information based on signal data that has no error. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may generate the parameters of the scheme that has caused an error. For example, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may determine whether the electronic device is in-pocket depending on the profile type and duration of the signal data, and may dynamically adjust, e.g., determination conditions or thresholds. For example, if the temperature of the electronic device <NUM> increases, the threshold related to touch sensitivity may be increased.

According to an embodiment, referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may obtain the first signal data <NUM> based on the mutual capacitance scheme and, based on the self-capacitance scheme, obtain the second signal data <NUM>. In a normal case, the positions of nodes of data exceeding a threshold in the first signal data <NUM> may correspond to the positions of channels of data exceeding a threshold in the second signal data <NUM>.

For example, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may identify that the profile of the first signal data <NUM> corresponds to the shape of the second signal data <NUM> and identify that the electronic device <NUM> is in-pocket and in the state of touching a thigh.

As another embodiment, referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may obtain the first signal data <NUM> based on the mutual capacitance scheme and, based on the self-capacitance scheme, obtain the second signal data <NUM>. Although the signal data illustrated in <FIG> has an energy form (e.g., sum of energy) that matches the in-pocket condition, the curvature between adjacent nodes is large and the shape is not circular, so that the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., touch circuit <NUM>) may identify that it is not in-pocket and the touch is one caused by a magnet or moisture.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of identifying information associated with an ear touch, by further using sensing data from another sensor.

According to an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may obtain (e.g., receive) information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device <NUM> based on signal data from the touch circuit <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may obtain (e.g., receive) sensing information from at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>). For example, the at least one sensor may be, e.g., a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, an illuminance sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. There is no limitation on the type of sensor additionally used by the processor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may determine whether to discard information associated with a touch obtained from the touch circuit <NUM> based on sensing information obtained from at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>) and information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device <NUM> based on signal data obtained from the touch circuit <NUM>. For example, even when the electronic device <NUM> meets the condition of the in-pocket state based on the signal data obtained from the touch circuit <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may identify that it is not in the in-pocket further in consideration of the sensing information from the illuminance sensor, gyro sensor, and/or acceleration sensor.

For example, if the electronic device <NUM> is in-pocket based on the sensing information obtained from the illuminance sensor and the signal data obtained from the touch circuit <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may identify that the input touch is false, switch the display into the on mode in response to the input touch, display an antimalfunction user interface or, despite the touch input, refrain from switching the display into the on mode. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may perform a baseline reset operation according to the disclosure.

As another embodiment, although the electronic device <NUM> is in-pocket state based on the signal data obtained from the touch circuit, if the illuminance value obtained by the illuminance sensor is a designated value or more, or the sensing information obtained from the gyro sensor and/or the acceleration sensor includes the signal form of when the electronic device <NUM> is pulled out of the pocket, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may determine that the electronic device <NUM> is not in in-pocket. According to an embodiment, if it is determined that the electronic device <NUM> is not in the in-pocket state, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may perform an operation corresponding to the touch. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may perform a baseline reset operation according to the disclosure.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) comprises a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>) and a touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) configured to output, to the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>), information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device, and the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to generate first raw data including a first value associated with capacitance for each of a plurality of channels of the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>), generate a first baseline based on the first raw data, identify whether the first raw data meets a designated condition, and identify whether to reset the first baseline based on whether the designated condition is met.

According to an embodiment, the designated condition may include a case in which a difference between data corresponding to a first channel and a second channel adjacent to each other among the first raw data exceeds a threshold.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may include a plurality of transmission channels arranged in a first direction and a plurality of reception channels arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to, as at least part of generating the first raw data, obtain a second value associated with capacitance of a first transmission channel among the plurality of transmission channels, from each of the plurality of reception channels, and generate the first raw data based on the second value associated with the capacitance obtained from each of the plurality of reception channels.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to generate second raw data including a third value associated with the capacitance for each of the plurality of channels after generating the first baseline and generate signal data based on the first baseline and the second raw data.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to output, to the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>), the information associated with the touch to the at least one surface of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) based on the signal data if it is identified not to reset the first baseline.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to discard the signal data if it is identified not to reset the first baseline.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to, as at least part of discarding the signal data, generate third raw data including a fourth value associated with the capacitance for each of the plurality of channels and generate a second baseline based on the third raw data and reset the first baseline to the second baseline.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to generate new signal data based on the second baseline and the second raw data and output, to the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>), the information associated with the touch to the at least one surface of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) based on the new signal data.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to correct data corresponding to each of the first channel and the second channel using at least part of the first raw data other than the data corresponding to each of the first channel and the second channel a case in which the difference between the data corresponding to the first channel and the data corresponding to the second channel exceeds a threshold.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to, as at least part of identifying whether the first raw data meets the designated condition, identify whether a designated event occurs and identify whether the first raw data meets the designated condition based on whether the designated event has occurred.

According to an embodiment, the designated event includes at least part of a display mode switch, detection of connection of an external device, detection of a user's gripping, or detection of RF noise.

According to an embodiment, a method for operating an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) including a touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) and a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may comprise generating first raw data including a first value associated with capacitance for each of a plurality of channels of the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>), by the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>), generating a first baseline based on the first raw data, by the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>), identifying whether the first raw data meets a designated condition, by the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>), and identifying whether to reset the first baseline based on whether the designated condition is met, by the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>).

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit may include a plurality of transmission channels arranged in a first direction and a plurality of reception channels arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, And generating the first raw data may include obtaining a second value associated with capacitance of a first transmission channel among the plurality of transmission channels, from each of the plurality of reception channels, and generating the first raw data based on the second value associated with the capacitance obtained from each of the plurality of reception channels.

According to an embodiment, the method may further comprise generating second raw data including a third value associated with the capacitance for each of the plurality of channels after generating the first baseline, by the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>), and outputting, to the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>), signal data based on the first baseline and the second raw data, by the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>).

According to an embodiment, the method may further comprise outputting information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) based on the signal data if it is identified not to reset the first baseline, by the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>), and discarding the signal data if it is identified to reset the first baseline, by the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>).

According to an embodiment, discarding the signal data may include generating third raw data including a fourth value associated with the capacitance for each of the plurality of channels, generating a second baseline based on the third raw data and resetting the first baseline to the second baseline, generating new signal data based on the second baseline and the second raw data, and outputting the information associated with the touch to the at least one surface of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) based on the new signal data.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) comprises a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>), and a touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) configured to output, to the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>), information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>), and the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to generate first raw data including a value associated with a capacitance for each of a plurality of channels of the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) at a first time, generate a baseline based on the first raw data, generate second raw data including the value associated with the capacitance for each of the plurality of channels of the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) at a second time, process, in a first scheme, data corresponding to each of a first channel and a second channel among the second raw data, based on a difference between data respectively corresponding to the first channel and the second channel adjacent to each other among the first raw data being not more than a threshold, and process, in a second scheme, the data corresponding to each of the first channel and the second channel among the second raw data, based on the difference between data respectively corresponding to the first channel and the second channel adjacent to each other among the first raw data exceeding the threshold.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to, as at least part of processing in the first scheme, generate signal data corresponding to each of the first channel and the second channel based on the data corresponding to each of the first channel and the second channel and the baseline.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to, as at least part of processing in the second scheme, correcting the baseline and generate signal data corresponding to each of the first channel and the second channel based on the data corresponding to each of the first channel and the second channel and the corrected baseline.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) comprises a processor and a touch circuit configured to output, to the processor, information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device, and the touch circuit may include a plurality of transmission channels corresponding to a plurality of transmission electrodes arranged in a first direction and a plurality of reception channels corresponding to a plurality of reception electrodes arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and generate signal data based on values associated with capacitances of nodes where the plurality of transmission electrodes cross the plurality of reception electrodes, the signal data including data corresponding to each of the nodes, identify whether the signal data meets a designated condition, discard the signal data in response to the signal data meeting the designated condition, and output, to the processor, the information associated with the touch to the at least one surface of the electronic device based on the signal data in response to the signal data failing to meet the designated condition.

According to an embodiment, the designated condition may include a case in which at least part of the signal data is smaller than a negative first threshold.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM> may be configured to, as part of discarding the signal data, discard the signal data of an area including a node having a value smaller than the negative first threshold.

According to an embodiment, the designated condition may include a case in which a number of nodes in which a magnitude of the signal data exceeds a second threshold exceeds a third threshold.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to, as at least part of discarding the signal data, discard the signal data of an area including a node in which the magnitude of the signal data exceeds the second threshold.

According to an embodiment, the designated condition may include a case in which a number of continuous failures to identify an action corresponding to an input based on the signal data is equal to or greater than a preset number, and the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to, as at least part of discarding the signal data, discard the signal data during a set time period from when the designated condition is met.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may include a processor and
a touch circuit configured to output, to the processor, information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device, the touch circuit may be configured to obtain first raw data including a first value associated with capacitance for each of a plurality of channels of the touch circuit, obtain signal data based on the first raw data and a current first baseline, and identify whether to reset the first baseline based on whether the signal data meets a designated condition.

According to an embodiment, the designated condition may include at least one of when the signal data is determined to include an erroneous touch or when a second value of the signal data meets a preset threshold range, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to delay the reset of the first baseline if the designated condition is met.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to obtain second raw data including a third value associated with the capacitance for each of the plurality of channels, while the reset of the first baseline is delayed, obtain new signal data based on the first baseline and the second raw data, and reset the first baseline if the new signal data is determined to have an error.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may further comprise a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM>), wherein the memory may store information for a reference baseline obtained when there is no touch input, and the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to, after resetting the first baseline to a second baseline, change the second baseline to the reference baseline if a difference between values corresponding to a first channel and a second channel adjacent to each other in the second baseline exceeds a threshold or if there are one or more channels in which a difference between the second baseline and the reference baseline exceeds a threshold.

According to an embodiment, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) may be configured to obtain first signal data based on a first scheme, obtain second signal data based on a second scheme, identify information associated with a touch based on an errorless signal data among the first signal data and the second signal data when one of the first signal data and the second signal data has an error, and adjust a parameter of a scheme in which the error has occurred.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may further comprise at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>), and the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>) may be configured to obtain the information associated with the touch to the at least one surface of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) based on the signal data from the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>), obtain sensing information from the at least one sensor, and determine whether to discard the information associated with the touch received from the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) based on the information associated with the touch received from the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit <NUM>) and the sensing information obtained from the at least one sensor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the master device or task performing device may be various types of devices. The master device or task performing device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the master device or task performing device is not limited to the above-described devices.

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) that is readable by a machine (e.g., a master device or a device performing tasks). For example, a processor of the machine (e.g., a master device or a device performing tasks) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor.

The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a processor; and
a touch circuit (<NUM>) configured to output, to the processor, information associated with a touch to at least one surface of the electronic device,
wherein the touch circuit is configured to:
generate (<NUM>) first raw data including a first value associated with capacitance for each of a plurality of channels of the touch circuit,
generate (<NUM>) a first baseline based on the first raw data,
identify (<NUM>) whether the first raw data meets a designated condition, and
identify (<NUM>) to reset the first baseline if the designated condition is met;
reset the first baseline if the designated condition is met,
characterized in that:
the designated condition includes a case (<NUM>) in which a difference (<NUM>) between data among the first raw data exceeds a threshold, wherein the data includes a value (<NUM>) associated with a first channel and a value (<NUM>) associated with a second channel, wherein the first and second channel are adjacent to each other .