PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8922521-B2
Application Number: US-54575409-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Switching circuitry for touch sensitive display

Abstract:
A circuit for switching an LCD between display and touch modes is disclosed. The circuit can include one or more switches configured to switch one or more drive, sense, and data lines in LCD pixels according to the mode. During touch mode, the circuit switches can be configured to switch one or more drive lines to receive stimulation signals, one or more sense lines to transmit touch signals, and one or more data lines to transmit residual data signals. During display mode, the circuit switches can be configured to switch one or more drive lines and sense lines to receive common voltage signals and one or more data lines to receive data signals. The circuit can be formed around the border of the LCD chip or partially or fully on a separate chip.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A circuit for switching an integrated touch screen between different modes, comprising: one or more switches configured to switch a data line, a sense line, and a drive line between a first configuration associated with a display mode and a second configuration associated with a touch mode, wherein during the touch mode, the data line is coupled to receive a common voltage and the drive line is configured to stimulate one or more drive regions during the touch mode, the data line, sense line, and drive line being distinct lines. 
     
     
       2. The circuit of  claim 1 , wherein the first configuration comprises at least one drive line being switched to receive a common voltage signal. 
     
     
       3. The circuit of  claim 1 , wherein the first configuration comprises the data line being switched to receive a data signal. 
     
     
       4. The circuit of  claim 1 , wherein the first configuration comprises the sense line being switched to receive a common voltage signal. 
     
     
       5. The circuit of  claim 1 , wherein the second configuration comprises drive lines being switched to receive a stimulation signal. 
     
     
       6. The circuit of  claim 5 , wherein the first configuration comprises the sense line coupled to receive a common voltage signal. 
     
     
       7. The circuit of  claim 1 , comprising:
 a controller configured to control the one or more switches. 
 
     
     
       8. The circuit of  claim 1  incorporated into an integrated touch screen. 
     
     
       9. The circuit of  claim 1  incorporated into at least one of a mobile telephone, a digital media player, or a personal computer. 
     
     
       10. A touch sensitive display switchable between different modes, the device comprising: a display pixel having a drive line, a sense line, and a data line, the drive line, sense line, and data line being distinct lines; and a circuit having one or more switches configured to switch the data line and drive line between a display mode and a touch mode, wherein in the touch mode, the data line is coupled to receive a common voltage and the drive line is configured to stimulate one or more drive regions during the touch mode. 
     
     
       11. The touch sensitive display of  claim 10 , comprising:
 a drive region comprising the display pixel, 
 wherein the drive line of the display pixel is coupled to receive a stimulation signal during the touch mode and to receive a common voltage signal during the display mode. 
 
     
     
       12. The touch sensitive display of  claim 11 , comprising:
 a drive region comprising the display pixel, 
 wherein the data line is coupled to receive a data signal during the display mode. 
 
     
     
       13. The touch sensitive display of  claim 10 , comprising:
 a ground region comprising the display pixel, 
 wherein in the display mode, the circuit is configured to couple the data line to receive a data signal. 
 
     
     
       14. The touch sensitive display of  claim 10 , comprising:
 a ground region comprising the display pixel, 
 wherein in the touch mode, the circuit is configured to couple the sense line to receive a common voltage. 
 
     
     
       15. The touch sensitive display of  claim 10 , comprising:
 a touch circuit configured to receive a touch signal from the sense line and to send a stimulation signal to the drive line during the touch mode. 
 
     
     
       16. The touch sensitive display of  claim 10 , comprising:
 a display circuit configured to send a data signal to the data line during the display mode. 
 
     
     
       17. A method for switching between different modes in a touch sensitive display, comprising: providing a plurality of pixels in a touch sensitive display having a display mode and a touch mode; and switching a data line, a sense line, and a drive line between the display mode and the touch mode, wherein in the touch mode, the data line is coupled to receive a common voltage and the drive line is configured to stimulate one or more drive regions during the touch mode, the data line, sense line, and drive line being distinct lines. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the switching comprises:
 for the touch mode, switching the sense line to connect to a touch circuit for sensing a touch or near touch and switching drive line to connect to the touch circuit for driving a stimulation signal. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the switching comprises:
 for the display mode, switching the sense line to receive a common voltage, switching drive line to receive the common voltage, and switching the data line to connect to a display circuit for displaying graphics or data. 
 
     
     
       20. An integrated touch screen switchable between different modes, comprising: a plurality of pixels having different modes including a touch mode and a display mode; and a circuit comprising at least one switch configured to switch at least one of a drive line, a sense line, or a data line between the display mode and the touch mode, wherein the data line, drive line, and sense line are distinct lines and the at least one switch is configured to couple the data line to receive a common voltage in the touch mode and at least one switch configured to couple the drive line to stimulate one or more drive regions during the touch mode. 
     
     
       21. A touch sensitive display having a display mode and a touch mode comprising:
 at least a first and second drive region; each drive region having a plurality of pixels having data lines and common electrodes, the plurality of pixels in each of the first and second drive regions having the common electrodes thereof coupled together; 
 at least a first sense region disposed between the first and second drive regions; the first sense region having a plurality of pixels having data lines and common electrodes and sense lines distinct from the data lines, the plurality of pixels in the first sense region having the common electrodes thereof coupled together; 
 a plurality of drive lines coupling the common electrodes of the first and second drive regions together while bypassing the common electrodes of the first sense region; 
 the data lines of the first and second drive regions coupled to receive a common voltage during the touch mode. 
 
     
     
       22. The touch sensitive display of  claim 21 , further comprising at least one ground region disposed between the first and second drive regions, the ground region having a plurality of pixels having data lines and common electrodes; the data lines and common electrodes coupled to receive the common voltage during the touch mode. 
     
     
       23. The touch sensitive display of  claim 22 , wherein the at least one ground region comprises a first ground region disposed between the first drive region and the at least one sense region and a second ground region disposed between the at least one sense region and the second drive region. 
     
     
       24. The touch sensitive display of  claim 23  wherein each of the first and second ground regions have a plurality of pixels having data lines and common electrodes; the data lines and common electrodes coupled to receive the common voltage during the touch mode. 
     
     
       25. The touch sensitive display of  claim 22 , wherein the data lines of the ground region are coupled to display circuitry during the display mode. 
     
     
       26. The touch sensitive display of  claim 21 , wherein the data lines of the first and second drive regions are coupled to display circuitry during the display mode.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/149,294, filed Feb. 2, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This relates to touch sensitive displays having display and touch modes and, more particularly, to circuitry in touch sensitive displays for switching between display and touch modes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many types of input devices are available for performing operations in a computing system, such as buttons or keys, mice, trackballs, touch sensor panels, joysticks, touch pads, touch screens, and the like. Touch screens, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular because of their ease and versatility of operation as well as their declining price. Touch screens can include a touch sensor panel, which can be a clear panel with a touch sensitive surface, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) that can be positioned behind the panel so that the touch sensitive surface can substantially cover the viewable area of the display device. Touch screens can generally allow a user to perform various functions by touching or near touching the touch sensor panel using one or more fingers, a stylus or other object at a location dictated by a user interface (UI) having virtual buttons, keys, bars, displays, and other elements, being displayed by the display device. In general, touch screens can recognize a touch event and the position of the touch event on the touch sensor panel, and the computing system can then interpret the touch event in accordance with the display appearing at the time of the touch event, and thereafter can perform one or more actions based on the touch event. 
     Because typical touch screens have the touch sensor panel overlaying the display device, the touch screens can be heavier, thicker, and dimmer. A lighter, thinner, and brighter touch screen has been developed in which the touch sensor panel is integrated with the display device to provide both display and touch capabilities. Such a touch screen is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/760,080, entitled “Touch Screen Liquid Crystal Display,” and Ser. No. 12/240,964, entitled “Display with Dual-Function Capacitive Elements,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
     However, because both the display and touch circuitry for controlling the integrated touch sensor panel and display device must be implemented on such an integrated touch screen, the advantages of an integrated touch screen (lighter and thinner) can be negated. The additional circuitry can also increase the power requirements of the touch screen. Furthermore, because it is desirable to have a smaller LCD chip, the border area of the chip can be limited, such that it can be difficult to effectively include both the display and touch circuitry thereon. 
     SUMMARY 
     This relates to circuitry for switching an LCD between display and touch modes, in which one or more drive, sense, and data lines in pixels of the display can be switched based on the mode. In some embodiments, the circuitry can include one or more switches configured to switch drive lines to receive stimulation signals, sense lines to transmit touch signals, and data lines to transmit residual data signals during the touch mode. In some embodiments, the circuitry can include one or more switches configured to switch drive lines and sense lines to receive common voltage signals and data lines to receive data signals during the display mode. The circuitry can advantageously be compactly disposed around the border of an LCD chip, thereby providing a thinner, smaller LCD chip. Power savings can also be realized by sharing portions of the circuitry in both touch and display modes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a partial circuit diagram of exemplary pixels in an LCD having display and touch modes which can include circuitry for switching between the display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary LCD having display and touch modes in which touch regions, such as drive, ground, and sense regions, formed by LCD pixels can have circuitry to switch between the display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  illustrate an exemplary circuit that can switch drive lines in a drive region of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrate another exemplary circuit that can switch drive lines in a drive region of an LCD between the display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  illustrate an exemplary circuit that can switch data lines in a drive region of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrate an exemplary circuit that can switch data lines in a ground region of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary circuit that can switch data lines and sense lines in a sense region of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates another exemplary circuit that can switch data lines and sense lines in a sense region of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an overview of an exemplary circuit that can switch touch regions, such as drive, ground, and sense regions, of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary computing system having an LCD with circuitry to switch between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 11   a  illustrates an exemplary mobile telephone having an LCD with circuitry to switch between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 11   b  illustrates an exemplary digital media player having an LCD with circuitry to switch between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 11   c  illustrates an exemplary personal computer having an LCD with circuitry to switch between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description of various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which it is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments which can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be used and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. 
     This relates to circuitry for switching an LCD between display and touch modes, in which drive, sense, and data lines in pixels of the display can be switched based on the mode. In some embodiments, the circuitry can include one or more switches configured to switch drive lines to receive stimulation signals, sense lines to transmit touch signals, and data lines to transmit residual data signals during the touch mode. In some embodiments, the circuitry can include one or more switches configured to switch drive lines and sense lines to receive common voltage signals and data lines to receive data signals during the display mode. The circuitry can advantageously be compactly disposed around the border of an LCD chip (or alternatively in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) separate from the LCD chip), thereby providing a thinner, smaller LCD chip. Power savings can also be realized by sharing portions of the circuitry in both touch and display modes. 
     The terms “drive line,” “horizontal common voltage line,” and “xVcom” can refer to the horizontal conductive lines of the LCD. In most cases, though not always, the term “drive line” can be used when referring to these conductive lines in the drive regions of the LCD because they can be used to transmit a stimulation signal to drive the drive regions. 
     The terms “sense line,” “vertical common voltage line,” and “yVcom” can refer to the vertical conductive lines of the LCD. In most cases, though not always, the term “sense line” can be used when referring to these conductive lines in the sense regions of the LCD because they can be used to transmit a touch signal to sense a touch or near touch on the display. 
     The term “subpixel” can refer to a red, green, or blue display component of the LCD, while the term “pixel” can refer to a combination of a red, a green, and a blue subpixel. 
     Although some embodiments may be described herein in terms of LCDs, it should be understood that embodiments are not so limited, but are generally applicable to any devices utilizing display and touch capabilities with circuitry to switch therebetween according to various embodiments. It is also to be understood that the switching circuitry can be incorporated into an LCD with an overlaying touch sensor panel, i.e., a touch screen, or into an LCD with a touch sensor panel integrated therein, i.e., an integrated touch screen. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a partial circuit diagram of exemplary pixels of an LCD having display and touch modes which can include circuitry for switching between the modes according to various embodiments. In the example of  FIG. 1 , LCD  100  can include one or more LCD subpixels according to various embodiments. The subpixels of the LCD  100  can be configured such that they are capable of dual-functionality as both LCD subpixels and touch sensor elements. That is, the subpixels can include circuit elements, such as capacitive elements, electrodes, etc., that can operate as part of the LCD circuitry of the pixels and that can also operate as elements of touch sensing circuitry. In this way, LCD  100  can operate as an LCD with integrated touch sensing capability.  FIG. 1  shows details of subpixels  101 ,  102 ,  103 , and  104  of display  100 . Note that each of the subpixels can represent either red (R), green (G) or blue (B), with the combination of all three R, G and B subpixels forming a single color pixel. 
     Subpixel  102  can include thin film transistor (TFT)  155  with gate  155   a , source  155   b , and drain  155   c . Subpixel  102  can also include storage capacitor, Cst  157 , with upper electrode  157   a  and lower electrode  157   b , liquid crystal capacitor, Clc  159 , with subpixel electrode  159   a  and common electrode  159   b , and color filter voltage source, Vcf  161 . If a subpixel is an in-plane-switching (IPS) device, Vcf can be, for example, a fringe field electrode connected to a common voltage line in parallel with Cst  157 . If a subpixel does not utilize IPS, Vcf  151  can be, for example, an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) layer on the color filter glass. Subpixel  102  can also include a portion  117   a  of a data line for green (G) color data, Gdata line  117 , and a portion  113   b  of gate line  113 . Gate  155   a  can be connected to gate line portion  113   b , and source  155   b  can be connected to Gdata line portion  117   a . Upper electrode  157   a  of Cst  157  can be connected to drain  155   c  of TFT  155 , and lower electrode  157   b  of Cst  157  can be connected to a portion  121   b  of a common voltage line that runs in the x-direction, xVcom  121 . Subpixel electrode  159   a  of Clc  159  can be connected to drain  155   c  of TFT  155 , and common electrode  159   b  of Clc  159  can connected to Vcf  151 . 
     The circuit diagram of subpixel  103  can be identical to that of subpixel  102 . However, as shown in  FIG. 1 , color data line  119  running through subpixel  103  can carry blue (B) color data. Subpixels  102  and  103  can be, for example, known LCD subpixels. 
     Similar to subpixels  102  and  103 , subpixel  101  can include thin film transistor (TFT)  105  with gate  105   a , source  105   b , and drain  105   c . Subpixel  101  can also include storage capacitor, Cst  107 , with upper electrode  107   a  and lower electrode  107   b , liquid crystal capacitor, Clc  109 , with subpixel electrode  109   a  and common electrode  109   b , and color filter voltage source, Vcf  111 . Subpixel  101  can also include a portion  115   a  of a data line for red (R) color data, Rdata line  115 , and a portion  113   a  of gate line  113 . Gate  105   a  can be connected to gate line portion  113   a , and source  105   b  can be connected to Rdata line portion  115   a . Upper electrode  107   a  of Cst  107  can be connected to drain  105   c  of TFT  105 , and lower electrode  107   b  of Cst  107  can be connected to a portion  121   a  of xVcom  121 . Subpixel electrode  109   a  of Clc  109  can be connected to drain  105   c  of TFT  105 , and common electrode  109   b  of Clc  109  can be connected to Vcf  111 . 
     Unlike subpixels  102  and  103 , subpixel  101  can also include a portion  123   a  of a common voltage line running in the y-direction, yVcom  123 . In addition, subpixel  101  can include a connection  127  that connects portion  121   a  to portion  123   a . Thus, connection  127  can connect xVcom  121  and yVcom  123 . 
     Subpixel  104  (only partially shown in  FIG. 1 ) can be similar to subpixel  101 , except that a portion  125   a  of a yVcom  125  can have a break (open)  131 , and a portion  121   b  of xVcom  121  can have a break  133 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the lower electrodes of storage capacitors of subpixels  101 ,  102 , and  103  can be connected together by xVcom  121 . This can be, for example, a type of connection in known LCD panels and, when used in conjunction with known gate lines, data lines, and transistors, can allow subpixels to be addressed. The addition of vertical common voltage lines along with connections to the horizontal common voltage lines can allow grouping of subpixels in both the x-direction and y-direction, as described in further detail below. For example, yVcom  123  and connection  127  to xVcom  121  can allow the storage capacitors of subpixels  101 ,  102 , and  103  to be connected to storage capacitors of subpixels that are above and below subpixels  101 ,  102 ,  103  (the subpixels above and below are not shown). For example, the subpixels immediately above subpixels  101 ,  102 , and  103  can have the same configurations as subpixels  101 ,  102 , and  103 , respectively. In this case, the storage capacitors of the subpixels immediately above subpixels  101 ,  102 , and  103  would be connected to the storage capacitors of subpixels  101 ,  102 , and  103 . 
     In general, an LCD panel can be configured such that the storage capacitors of all subpixels in the panel can be connected together, for example, through at least one vertical common voltage line with connections to horizontal common voltage lines. Another LCD panel can be configured such that different groups of subpixels can be connected together to form separate regions of connected-together storage capacitors. 
     One way to create separate regions can be by forming breaks (opens) in the horizontal and/or vertical common lines. For example, yVcom  125  of LCD  100  can have break  131 , which can allow subpixels above the break to be isolated from subpixels below the break. Likewise, xVcom  121  can have break  133 , which can allow subpixels to the right of the break to be isolated from subpixels to the left of the break. 
     Touch regions of an LCD can be formed by groups of pixels (each pixel including a red, green, and blue subpixel as in  FIG. 1 ) electrically connected together to form drive regions for driving stimulation signals, to form ground regions for alleviating dielectric effects of the liquid crystals in the display, and to form sense regions for sensing a touch or near touch of an object, such as a finger, on the display, during touch mode. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary LCD having display and touch modes in which touch regions, such as drive, ground, and sense regions, formed by LCD pixels can have circuitry to switch between the modes according to various embodiments. In the example of  FIG. 2 , LCD  200  can have touch regions, which can include drive regions  210 , sense regions  220 , and ground regions  230 . The drive regions  210 , the sense regions  220 , and the ground regions  230  can include groups of pixels  203 , which can be used to display graphics and data in the display mode and can be used to sense a touch or near touch in the touch mode. For simplicity, each pixel  203  is shown as a single block with a vertical common voltage line yVcom  202  and a horizontal common voltage line xVcom  201 , where each single pixel block can represent a set of red, green, and blue subpixels each having a data line, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     A drive region  210  can be formed by connecting at least one vertical common voltage line yVcom  202  of a pixel  203  with at least one horizontal common voltage line xVcom  201  of the pixel, thereby forming a drive region having a row of pixels. A drive plate (e.g., an ITO plate) can be used to cover the drive region and connect to the vertical and horizontal common voltage lines so as to group the pixels together to form the drive region for touch mode. Generally, a drive region can be larger than a single row of pixels, comparable to the size of a finger tip, for example, in order to effectively receive a touch or near touch on the LCD. For example, a drive region can be formed by connecting vertical common voltage lines yVcom with horizontal common voltage lines xVcom, thereby forming a drive region containing a matrix of pixels. In some embodiments, drive regions proximate to each other can share horizontal common voltage lines xVcom as drive lines, which can be used to stimulate the drive regions with stimulation signals. In some embodiments, drive regions proximate to each other can share vertical common voltage lines yVcom with breaks  212  in the lines between the drive regions in order to minimize the lines causing parasitic capacitance that could interfere with the received touch or near touch. Optionally and alternatively, the vertical common voltage line breaks can be omitted and the lines shared in their entirety among the drive regions. 
     In some embodiments, some of the xVcom lines  201  in the drive regions  210  can be connected to the drive plate at connections  213 , while others of the xVcom lines  201  in the drive regions  210  can be unconnected from the drive plate at positions  214 . The connected xVcom lines  201  can transmit a positive-phase stimulation signal, while the unconnected xVcom lines  201  can transmit a negative-phase stimulation signal or vice versa. This can be done to reduce the parasitic capacitance that the xVcom lines  201  can create as they cross under the sense regions  220 . 
     A sense region  220  can be formed by at least one vertical common voltage line yVcom  202  of a pixel, thereby forming a sense region having a column of pixels. A sense plate (e.g., an ITO plate) can be used to cover the sense region and connect to the vertical common voltage line so as to group the pixels together to form the sense region for touch mode. Generally, a sense region can be larger than a single column of pixels in order to effectively sense a received touch or near touch on the touch sensitive device. For example, a sense region can be formed by vertical common voltage lines yVcom, thereby forming a sense region containing a matrix of pixels. In some embodiments, a sense region can include vertical common voltage lines yVcom as sense lines, which can transmit a touch signal based on a touch or near touch. In the sense region, the vertical common voltage lines yVcom can be unconnected from and can cross over the horizontal common voltage lines xVcom at positions  211  to form a mutual capacitance structure for touch sensing. This cross over of yVcom and xVcom can also form additional parasitic capacitance between the sense and drive ITO regions that can be minimized. 
     A ground region  230  can be formed by connecting at least one vertical common voltage line yVcom  202  of a pixel with at least one horizontal common voltage line xVcom  201  of the pixel, thereby forming a ground region of a matrix of pixels. An actual or virtual ground can be used to ground the pixels in the ground region  230 . This can alleviate the dielectric effects of the liquid crystals on the drive and sense regions of the LCD. 
     In operation during touch mode, the horizontal common voltage lines xVcom  201  can transmit stimulation signals to stimulate the drive regions  210  to form electric field lines between the stimulated drive regions and adjacent sense regions  220 . When an object, such as a finger, touches or near touches a stimulated drive region  210 , the object can affect some of the electric field lines extending to the adjacent sense regions  220 , thereby reducing the amount of charge coupled to these adjacent sense regions. This reduction in charge can be sensed by the sense regions  220  as an “image” of touch. This touch image can be transmitted along the vertical common voltage lines yVcom  202  of the sense regions  220  to touch circuitry for further processing. 
     The drive regions of  FIG. 2  are shown as rectangles connected in rows across the LCD and the sense regions and ground regions of  FIG. 2  are shown as rectangles extending the vertical length of the LCD. However, the drive, sense, and ground regions are not limited to the shapes, orientations, and positions shown, but can include any suitable configurations according to various embodiments. It is to be understood that the pixels used to form the touch regions are not limited to those described above, but can be any suitable pixels having display and touch capabilities according to various embodiments. 
     Because the LCD pixels can be used for both display and touch, circuitry to switch between the two can be implemented around the borders of the LCD chip.  FIGS. 3 through 9  illustrate exemplary circuits for switching the LCD between display and touch modes. For simplicity, some standard LCD circuitry for displaying graphics and data in display mode has been omitted from  FIGS. 3 through 9 . It is to be understood, however, that this circuitry can be included in the LCD according to various embodiments. 
       FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  illustrate an exemplary circuit that can switch drive lines in a drive region of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. In the example of  FIG. 3   a , circuit  300  can have drive regions  310  having drive lines  301 - 1  that are driven with a negative-phase voltage and drive lines  301 - 2  that are driven with a positive-phase voltage, as described previously. The drive regions  310  can also have vertical common voltage lines yVcom  302 . The drive lines  301 - 1  can be connected to touch circuit  360  via conductive traces  331  to receive the negative-phase stimulation signals for stimulating the corresponding drive regions  310 . Similarly, the drive lines  301 - 2  can be connected to the touch circuit  360  via conductive traces  333  to receive the positive-phase stimulation signals for stimulating the corresponding drive regions  310 . LCD circuit  370  can be connected to the drive regions  310  via its connection to the touch circuit  360 . The conductive traces  331  and  333  can be used in both display and touch modes. 
     Table 1 below shows exemplary stimulation signals that can be transmitted during a drive period involving steps  1 - 4  along the conductive traces  331 ,  333  to the drive lines  301  of the drive regions  310  to stimulate the regions during touch mode. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Step 1 
                 Step 2 
                 Step 3 
                 Step 4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Region 1 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                   
                 Region 2 
                 + 
                 + 
                 − 
                 − 
               
               
                   
                   
                 − 
                 − 
                 + 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                 Region 3 
                 + 
                 − 
                 − 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   
                 − 
                 + 
                 + 
                 − 
               
               
                   
                 Region 4 
                 + 
                 − 
                 + 
                 − 
               
               
                   
                   
                 − 
                 + 
                 − 
                 + 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     According to the table, during step  1  of the drive period, conductive trace  333 - a  can transmit a positive-phase (+) stimulation signal to drive lines  301 - 2  of drive region  310 - a , while conductive trace  331 - a  can transmit a negative-phase (−) stimulation signal to drive lines  301 - 1  of the drive region. Similarly, conductive traces  333 - b ,  333 - c ,  333 - d  can transmit a positive-phase (+) stimulation signal to drive lines  301 - 2  of their respective drive regions  310 - b ,  310 - c ,  310 - d , while conductive traces  331 - b ,  331 - c ,  331 - d  can transmit a negative-phase (−) stimulation signal to drive lines  301 - 1  of the respective drive regions. 
     During step  2  of the drive period, conductive traces  333 - a ,  333 - b  can transmit a positive-phase (+) stimulation signal to drive lines  301 - 2  of their respective drive regions  310 - a ,  310 - b , while conductive traces  331 - a ,  331 - b  can transmit a negative-phase (−) stimulation signal to drive lines  301 - 1  of the respective drive regions. Conductive traces  333 - c ,  333 - d  can transmit a negative-phase (−) stimulation signal to drive lines  301 - 2  of their respective drive regions  310 - c ,  310 - d , while conductive traces  331 - c ,  331 - d  can transmit a positive-phase (+) stimulation signal to drive lines  301 - 1  of the respective drive regions. 
     Steps  3  and  4  of the drive period can be executed similarly. 
       FIG. 3   b  shows the switching circuit in more detail for one of the drive regions of the LCD. In the example of  FIG. 3   b , drive region  310 - a  can have drive lines  301 - 1  which can be tied together to conductive trace  331 - a . The drive region  310 - a  can also have drive lines  301 - 2  which can be tied together to conductive trace  333 - a . As described previously, the drive lines  301 - 1  can be unconnected  314  to the drive plate of the drive region  310 - a , while the drive lines  301 - 2  can be connected  313  to the drive region in order to reduce parasitic capacitance of the drive lines with respect to the signal capacitance. The vertical common voltage lines  302  can have breaks  312  between proximate drive regions  310  in order to reduce parasitic capacitance of the lines with the drive plate. 
     In operation, during touch mode, drive lines  301 - 1  can be switched via switch  361 - b  in the touch circuit  360  to connect to negative-phase voltage source  362 - 1 , which can transmit the negative-phase stimulation signals along conductive trace  331 - a  to stimulate the drive region  310 - a . Examples of the switch can include a transistor, a solenoid, a multiplexer, and the like. Similarly, drive lines  301 - 2  can be switched via switch  363 - b  in the touch circuit  360  to connect to positive-phase voltage source  362 - 2 , which can transmit the positive-phase stimulation signals along conductive trace  333 - a  to stimulate the drive region  310 - a . As a result, the drive region  310 - a  can generate electric field lines which can be used to sense a touch or near touch in the drive region. 
     During display mode, the drive lines  301 - 1  can be switched via switch  361 - a  in the touch circuit  360  to connect to a common voltage source  372 - 1  in the LCD circuit  370 . Similarly, drive lines  301 - 2  can be switched via switch  363 - a  in the touch circuit  360  to connect to a common voltage source  372 - 2  in the LCD circuit  370 . As a result, pixels  303  in the drive region can receive a common voltage signal which can be used to help display graphics and data in the drive region. 
     Although the drive lines  301 - 1  are shown as transmitting a negative-phase stimulation signal and the drive lines  301 - 2  are shown as transmitting a positive-phase stimulation signal, the reverse can also occur depending on the needs of the LCD. 
       FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrate another exemplary circuit that can switch drive lines in a drive region of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. In the example of  FIG. 4   a , circuit  400  can have display regions  410  like those of  FIG. 3   a . Unlike the example of  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , a single conductive trace  461  can be switchably used by multiple drive regions  410  to connect their drive lines  401 - 1  to either a negative-phase voltage source or a positive-phase voltage source in touch circuit  460 , rather than each drive region having its own such conductive trace to connect to only the negative-phase voltage source, as in conductive traces  331  of  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b . A single conductive trace  463  can also be switchably used by multiple drive regions  410  to connect their drive lines  401 - 2  to either a positive-phase voltage source or a negative-phase voltage source in touch circuit  460 , rather than each drive region having its own such conductive trace to connect to only the positive-phase voltage source, as in conductive traces  333  of  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b . The drive lines  401 - 1  can be tied together to their corresponding switch  431 , which can switch between the conductive trace  461  to connect to the negative-phase voltage source or the conductive trace  463  to connect to the positive-phase voltage source. Similarly, the drive lines  401 - 2  can be tied together to their corresponding switch  433 , which can switch between the conductive trace  461  and the conductive trace  463 . LCD circuit  470  can connect to the drive regions  410  via the touch circuit  460 . 
       FIG. 4   b  shows the switching circuit in more detail for one of the drive regions of the LCD. In the example of  FIG. 4   b , circuit  400  can have display region  410 - a  like that of  FIG. 3   b . However, unlike the example of  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , drive lines  401 - 1  can be tied together to switch  431 - a , which can switch to conductive trace  461  to connect to negative-phase voltage source  462 - 1 , or which can switch to conductive trace  463  to connect to positive-phase voltage source  462 - 2 . Similarly, drive lines  401 - 2  can be tied together to switch  433 - a , which can switch to conductive trace  461  to connect to negative-phase voltage source  462 - 1 , or which can switch to conductive trace  463  to connect to positive-phase voltage source  462 - 2 . 
     In operation, during touch mode, drive lines  401 - 1  can be switched via switch  431 - a  to connect to conductive trace  461 , which can be switched via switch  461 - b  in the touch circuit  460  to connect to negative-phase voltage source  462 - 1 , which can transmit the negative-phase stimulation signals along conductive trace  461  to stimulate the drive region  410 - a . Alternatively, drive lines  401 - 1  can be switched via switch  431 - a  to connect to conductive trace  463 , which can be switched via switch  463 - b  in the touch circuit  460  to connect to positive-phase voltage source  462 - 2 , which can transmit the positive-phase stimulation signals along conductive trace  463  to stimulate the drive region  410 - a . Similarly, drive lines  401 - 2  can be switched via switch  433 - a  to connect to conductive trace  463 , which can be switched via switch  463 - b  in the touch circuit  460  to connect to positive-phase voltage source  462 - 2 , which can transmit the positive-phase stimulation signals along conductive trace  463  to stimulate the drive region  410 - a . Alternatively, drive lines  401 - 2  can be switched via switch  433 - a  to connect to conductive trace  461 , which can be switched via switch  461 - b  in the touch circuit  460  to connect to negative-phase voltage source  462 - 1 , which can transmit the negative-phase stimulation signals along conductive trace  461  to stimulate the drive region  410 - a . As a result, the drive region  410 - a  can generate electric field lines which can be used to sense a touch or near touch in the drive region. 
     Serial logic switch controller  467  in the touch circuit  460  can transmit control signals via control line  465  to switches  431 - a ,  433 - a  to cause the switches to switch to the appropriate conductive trace  461 ,  463  in order to transmit the stimulation signals, such as shown in Table 1 above. For example, during the first step of operation shown in Table 1, the drive lines  401 - 2  can transmit a positive-phase voltage; hence, the drive lines  401 - 1  can transmit a negative-phase voltage. Therefore, the switch controller  467  can transmit control signals via control line  465  to switch  433 - a  to conductive trace  463  and to switch  431 - a  to conductive trace  461 . 
     During display mode, the drive lines  401 - 1  can be switched via switch  431 - a  to conductive trace  461  and via switch  461 - a  in the touch circuit  460  to connect to a common voltage source  472 - 1  in the LCD circuit  470 . Alternatively, the drive lines  401 - 1  can be switched via switch  431 - a  to conductive trace  463  and via switch  463 - a  in the touch circuit  460  to connect to a common voltage source  472 - 2  in the LCD circuit  470 . Similarly, drive lines  401 - 2  can be switched via switch  433 - a  to conductive trace  463  and via switch  463 - a  in the touch circuit  460  to connect to a common voltage source  472 - 2  in the LCD circuit  470 . Alternatively, the drive lines  401 - 2  can be switched via switch  433 - a  to conductive trace  461  and via switch  461 - a  in the touch circuit  460  to connect to the common voltage source  472 - 1  in the LCD circuit  470 . As a result, pixels  403  in the drive region can receive a common voltage signal which can be used to help display graphics and data in the drive region. 
     Although the switching circuits of  FIGS. 3 and 4  are shown as being formed on the left border of the LCD, they are not so limited. Rather, the switching circuits can be formed either on the right border or split between both left and right borders of the LCD depending on the LCD chip area. The switching circuits can also be formed so as to be disposed in close proximity to the drive lines to provide compactness on the LCD chip area. 
       FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  illustrate an exemplary circuit that can switch data lines in a drive region of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. In the example of  FIG. 5   a , circuit  500  can include drive regions  510  having vertical common voltage lines yVcom  502  and red data lines  515 , green data lines  517 , and blue data lines  519 . The drive regions  510  can also have drive lines  501 , as described previously. The vertical common voltage lines  502  can have breaks between proximate drive regions  510  and terminate unconnected. The data lines  515 ,  517 ,  519  can be connected via respective switches  515 ,  517 ,  519  to switch  543 , which can connect the data lines to either touch circuit  560  during touch mode or to LCD circuit  570  during display mode. 
       FIG. 5   b  shows the switching circuit in more detail for a drive region of the LCD. In the example of  FIG. 5   b , drive region  510 - a  can include vertical common voltage lines yVcom  502  and red data lines  515 , green data lines  517 , and blue data lines  519 . For simplicity, only one line is shown for each of yVcom, red, green, and blue. However, it is to be understood that multiple lines can be included in drive regions. The vertical common voltage line  502  can terminate unconnected. The red data line  515 , the green data line  517 , and the blue data line  519  can tie together via their respective switches  515 - a ,  517 - a ,  519 - a  to connect to switch  543 - a . The data lines can connect via switch  543 - a  to either the touch circuit  560  or the LCD circuit  570 . 
     In operation, during touch mode, red, green, and blue data lines  515 ,  517 ,  519  can be switched via their respective switches  515 - a ,  517 - a ,  519 - a  to tie together to connect to switch  543 - a , which can be switched to connect to the touch circuit  560 . In the touch circuit  560 , switch  565 - b  can connect the data lines  515 ,  517 ,  519  to a common voltage source  567 . Alternatively, in the touch circuit  560 , switch  565 - a  can connect the data lines  515 ,  517 ,  519  to a common voltage source  572  in the LCD circuit  570 . 
     During display mode, red, green, and blue data lines  515 ,  517 ,  519  can be switched via their respective switches  515 - a ,  517 - a ,  519 - a  to tie together to connect to switch  543 - a , which can be switched to connect to LCD data driver  573 , which can send data signals along the data lines for display. 
     Switch controller  577  in the LCD circuit  570  can transmit control signals via control line  575  to switches  515 - a ,  517 - a ,  519 - a  to cause the switches to close during touch and/or display operation. 
       FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrate an exemplary circuit that can switch data lines in a ground region of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. In the example of  FIG. 6   a , circuit  600  can include ground regions  630  disposed between drive regions  610  and sense regions  620 . As described previously, the ground regions  630  can alleviate the dielectric effects of the liquid crystals in the LCD. Each ground region  630  can be one or more LCD pixels wide, depending on the needs of the LCD. In this example, the ground regions  630  can include vertical common voltage lines yVcom  602 , red data lines  615 , green data lines  617 , and blue data lines  619 . The ground regions  630  can also include drive lines  601 , which can be electrically connected to the yVcom lines  602 . The vertical common voltage lines  602  can connect to the touch circuit  660 . The data lines  615 ,  617 ,  619  can be connected via respective switches  615 ,  617 ,  619  to switch  643 , which can connect the data lines to either touch circuit  660  during touch mode or to LCD circuit  670  during display mode. 
       FIG. 6   b  shows the switching circuit in more detail for a ground region of the LCD. In the example of  FIG. 6   b , ground region  630 - a  can having vertical common voltage lines yVcom  602 , red, green, and blue data lines  615 ,  617 ,  619 , and drive lines  601 . For simplicity, only one line is shown for each of yVcom, red, green, and blue. However, it is to be understood that multiple lines can be included in the ground regions. The vertical common voltage line  602  can connect to the touch circuit  660 . The red data line  615 , the green data line  617 , and the blue data line  619  can tie together via their respective switches  615 - a ,  617 - a ,  619 - a  to connect to switch  643 - a . The data lines can connect via switch  643 - a  to either the touch circuit  660  or the LCD circuit  670 . 
     In operation, during touch mode, red, green, and blue data lines  615 ,  617 ,  619  can be switched via their respective switches  615 - a ,  617 - a ,  619 - a  to tie together to connect to switch  643 - a , which can be switched to connect to the touch circuit  660 . After switch  643 - a , the data lines  615 ,  617 ,  619  can tie together with the yVcom line  602  to go to the touch circuit  660 . In the touch circuit  660 , switch  665 - b  can connect the yVcom line  620  and the data lines  615 ,  617 ,  619  to a common voltage source  667 . Alternatively, in the touch circuit  660 , switch  665 - a  can connect the yVcom line  602  and the data lines  615 ,  617 ,  619  to a common voltage source  672  in the LCD circuit  670 . 
     During display mode, red, green, and blue data lines  615 ,  617 ,  619  can be switched via their respective switches  615 - a ,  617 - a ,  619 - a  to tie together to connect to switch  643 - a , which can be switched to connect to LCD data driver  673 , which can send data signals along the data lines for display. The yVcom line  602  can connect via switch  665 - a  to the common voltage source  672  in the LCD circuit  670  or via switch  665 - b  to the common voltage source  667  in the touch circuit  660 . 
     Switch controller  677  in the LCD circuit  670  can transmit control signals via control line  675  to switches  615 - a ,  617 - a ,  619 - a  to cause the switches to close during touch and/or display operation. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary circuit that can switch data lines and sense lines in a sense region of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. In the example of  FIG. 7 , circuit  700  can include sense regions  720  having sense lines  702 , which can be the vertical common voltage lines yVcom described previously, and red, green, and blue data lines  715 ,  717 ,  719 , respectively. For simplicity, only one sense region  720 - a  is shown. However, it is to be understood that multiple sense regions  720  can be included in the LCD. Also, only one line of each of sense, red, green, and blue is shown. However, it is to be understood that multiple lines can be included in a sense region. As described previously, the sense regions  720  can sense a touch or near touch on the LCD. The sense lines  702  can connect to the touch circuit  760 . The data lines  715 ,  717 ,  719  can be connected via respective switches  715 - a ,  717 - a ,  719 - a  to switch  743 - a , which can connect the data lines to either touch circuit  760  during touch mode or to LCD circuit  770  during display mode. Drive lines  701  can pass unconnected under the sense regions  720  on their way to the next drive regions  710 . This can be done to minimize parasitic capacitance created by the drive lines in the sense regions. 
     In operation, during touch mode, red, green, and blue data lines  715 ,  717 ,  719  can be switched via their respective switches  715 - a ,  717 - a ,  719 - a  to tie together to connect to switch  743 - a , which can be switched to connect to the touch circuit  760 . After switch  743 - a , the data lines  715 ,  717 ,  719  can tie together with the sense line  702  to go to the touch circuit  760 . In the touch circuit  760 , switch  765  can connect at position  765 - c  to charge amplifier  769  in a sense channel, which can receive a touch signal from the sense region  720  for sensing a touch or near touch on the LCD. 
     During display mode, red, green, and blue data lines  715 ,  717 ,  719  can be switched via their respective switches  715 - a ,  717 - a ,  719 - a  to tie together to connect to switch  743 - a , which can be switched to connect to LCD data driver  773 , which can send data signals along the data lines for display. The sense line  702  can connect via switch  765  at position  765 - a  to the common voltage source  772  in the LCD circuit  770 . Alternatively, in the touch circuit  760 , the sense line  702  can connect via switch  765  at position  765 - c  to a common voltage source  767  in the touch circuit. 
     Switch controller  777  in the LCD circuit  770  can transmit control signals via control line  775  to switches  715 - a ,  717 - a ,  719 - a  to cause the switches to close during touch and/or display operation. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another exemplary circuit that can switch data lines and sense lines in a sense region of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. In the example of  FIG. 8 , circuit  800  can include sense regions  820  having sense lines  802 , which can be the vertical common voltage lines yVcom described previously, and red, green, and blue data lines  815 ,  817 ,  819 , respectively. For simplicity, only one sense region  820 - a  is shown. However, it is to be understood that multiple sense regions  820  can be included in the LCD. Additionally, only one line for each of sense, red, green, and blue is shown. However, it is to be understood that multiple lines can be included in a sense region. The sense lines  802  can connect to the touch circuit  860 . The data lines  815 ,  817 ,  819  can be connected via respective switches  815 - a ,  817 - a ,  819 - a  to either touch circuit  860  during touch mode or to LCD circuit  870  during display mode. Drive lines  801  can pass unconnected under the sense regions  820  on their way to the next drive regions  810 . 
     In operation, during touch mode, red, green, and blue data lines  815 ,  817 ,  819  can be switched via their respective switches  815 - a ,  817 - a ,  819 - a  to tie to the sense line  802  and go to the touch circuit  860 . In the touch circuit  860 , switch  865  can connect at position  865 - c  to charge amplifier  869  in a sense channel, which can receive a touch signal from the sense region  820  for sensing a touch or near touch on the LCD. 
     During display mode, red, green, and blue data lines  815 ,  817 ,  819  can be switched via their respective switches  815 - a ,  817 - a ,  819 - a  to LCD data driver  873 , which can send data signals along the data lines for display. The sense line  802  can connect via switch  865  at position  865 - a  to the common voltage source  872  in the LCD circuit  870 . Alternatively, in the touch circuit  860 , the sense line  802  can connect via switch  865  at position  865 - c  to a common voltage source  867  in the touch circuit. 
     Switch controller  877  in the LCD circuit  870  can transmit control signals via control line  875  to switches  815 - a ,  817 - a ,  819 - a  to cause the switches to switch based on the mode. 
     Although the switching circuits of  FIGS. 5 through 8  are shown to be formed on the bottom border of the LCD, they are not so limited. Rather, the switching circuits can be formed either on the top border or split between both top and bottom borders of the LCD depending on the LCD chip area. The switching circuits can also be formed so as to be disposed in close proximity to the sense lines and the data lines to provide compactness on the LCD chip area. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an overview of an exemplary circuit that can switch touch regions, such as drive, ground, and sense regions, of an LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. In the example of  FIG. 9 , LCD  900  can include drive (D) regions  910 , ground (G) regions  930 , and sense (S) regions  920 . The regions  910 ,  920 ,  930  can be connected to touch circuit  960  and to display circuit  970 . For simplicity, the connections during touch mode are shown and the standard connections during display mode are omitted. However, it is to be understood that the LCD can include the standard connections for displaying graphics and data during display mode. 
     The drive regions  910  can have at least two connection  931 ,  933  to transmit stimulation signals from touch circuit  960  to the drive lines of the drive regions in order to stimulate the regions for receiving a touch or near touch during touch mode. The connections  931 ,  933  can also transmit voltage signals from LCD circuit  970  through touch circuit  960  to the drive lines of the drive regions in order to hold the drive lines at a common voltage for LCD pixels during display mode. Since the drive regions in each row of the LCD can be electrically connected to each other via their drive lines, a pair of connections  931 ,  933  can be associated with each row of drive regions, thereby transmitting the stimulation signals during touch mode and the voltage signals during display mode to the drive regions in that row. 
     The drive regions  910  can also have connection  943  to transmit voltage signals from either the touch circuit  960  or the LCD circuit  970  to the data lines of the drive regions in order to hold the data lines at a common voltage during touch mode. As a space saving measure, all the data lines in the drive regions  910  can be tied together to form a single connection  943  to the touch circuit  960 . In display mode, the data lines can alternatively be connected to the LCD circuit  970  to receive data signals for display. 
     The ground regions  930  can have connection  953  to transmit voltage signals from either the touch circuit  960  or the LCD circuit  970  to the sense lines and the data lines of the sense regions in order to hold the sense and data lines at a common voltage during touch mode. As a space saving measure, all the sense and data lines in the ground regions  930  can be tied together to form a single connection  953  to the touch circuit  960 . In display mode, the data lines can alternatively be connected to the LCD circuit  970  to receive data signals for display, while the sense lines can be connected to the touch circuit  960  via connection  953 . 
     The sense regions  920  can have connections  963  to transmit touch signals from the sense lines of the regions to the touch circuit  960  in order to sense a touch or near touch on the LCD  900  during touch mode. The connections  963  can also transmit any residual data signals from the data lines associated with the sense lines to the touch circuit  960 . Each sense region  920  can have its own connection  963  with the touch circuit  960  in order to sense the location of the touch or near touch. In display mode, the data lines can alternatively be connected to the LCD circuit  970  to receive data signals for display, while the sense lines can be connected via connection  963  to transmit voltage signals from either the touch circuit  960  or the LCD circuit  970  to the sense lines of the sense regions in order to hold the sense lines at a common voltage during display mode. 
     It is to be understood that the connections are not limited to those shown in  FIG. 9 , but can include any additional or other connections in any suitable configuration capable of switching the LCD between display and touch modes according to various embodiments. 
     Although the touch circuit and the LCD circuit are shown separately, all or portions of each can be integrated into the borders of an LCD chip or on an ASIC separate from the LCD chip. 
     It is to be understood that display and touch modes are not the only modes for which switching circuitry can be implemented, but can include additional or other modes of operation applicable to electronic devices according to various embodiments. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary computing system that can include one or more of the various embodiments described herein. In the example of  FIG. 10 , computing system  1000  can include one or more chip processors  1002  and peripherals  1004 . Peripherals  1004  can include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) or other types of memory or storage, watchdog timers and the like. 
     Computing system  1000  can also include LCD chip  1080  having touch circuit  1060 , LCD circuit  1070 , and switching circuit  1050  around the border of the chip. Alternatively, all or portions of the circuits  1060 ,  1070 ,  1050  can be integrated on one or more ASICs separate from the LCD chip  1080 . In some embodiments, chip processor  1002  and peripherals  1004  can also be integrated on one or more of the ASICs. The touch circuit  1060  can include, but is not limited to, one or more sense channels to sense a touch or near touch from sense regions of touch screen  1024 , driver logic to generate stimulation signals at various phases that can be simultaneously applied to drive regions of the touch screen, and channel scan logic to read data from the sense channels, provide control signals to the channels, and control the driver logic. The LCD circuit  1070  can include, but is not limited to, one or more LCD data drivers to drive LCD pixels of the touch screen  1024  to display graphics or data and one or more Vcom modulation drivers to drive the xVcom and yVcom common voltage signals. The switching circuit  1050  can include, but is not limited to, multiple switches and connections to switch drive, sense, and data lines of touch screen  1024  between a touch mode and a display mode according to various embodiments. 
     LCD chip  1080  can also include touch screen  1024 , which can have a capacitive sensing medium having drive regions  1027 , ground regions  1021 , and sense regions  1029  according to various embodiments. Each drive region  1027 , ground region  1021 , and sense region  1029  can include capacitive elements, which can be viewed as pixels  1026  and which can be particularly useful when touch screen  1024  is viewed as capturing an “image” of touch. (In other words, after touch circuit  1060  has determined whether a touch event has been detected in the touch screen, the pattern in the multi-touch screen at which a touch event occurred can be viewed as an “image” of touch (e.g. a pattern of fingers touching the screen).) The presence of a finger or other object near or on the touch screen can be detected by measuring changes to a signal charge present at the pixels being touched, which is a function of signal capacitance. Each sense region of touch screen  1024  can drive one or more sense channels in touch circuit  1060 . 
     Computing system  1000  can also include host processor  1028  for receiving outputs from chip processor  1002  and performing actions based on the outputs that can include, but are not limited to, moving one or more objects such as a cursor or pointer, scrolling or panning, adjusting control settings, opening a file or document, viewing a menu, making a selection, executing instructions, operating a peripheral device coupled to the host device, answering a telephone call, placing a telephone call, terminating a telephone call, changing the volume or audio settings, storing information related to telephone communications such as addresses, frequently dialed numbers, received calls, missed calls, logging onto a computer or a computer network, permitting authorized individuals access to restricted areas of the computer or computer network, loading a user profile associated with a user&#39;s preferred arrangement of the computer desktop, permitting access to web content, launching a particular program, encrypting or decoding a message, and/or the like. Host processor  1028  can also perform additional functions that may not be related to panel processing, and can be coupled to program storage  1032  and touch screen  1024  on LCD chip  1080  for providing a user interface to a user of the device. 
     Note that one or more of the functions described above can be performed by firmware stored in memory (e.g. one of the peripherals  1004  in  FIG. 10 ) and executed by chip processor  1002 , or stored in program storage  1032  and executed by host processor  1028 . The firmware can also be stored and/or transported within any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any medium that can contain or store the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-readable medium can include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus or device, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (magnetic), a read-only memory (ROM) (magnetic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) (magnetic), a portable optical disc such a CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, or DVD-RW, or flash memory such as compact flash cards, secured digital cards, USB memory devices, memory sticks, and the like. 
     The firmware can also be propagated within any transport medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “transport medium” can be any medium that can communicate, propagate or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The transport readable medium can include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic or infrared wired or wireless propagation medium. 
     It is to be understood that the touch screen is not limited to touch, as described in  FIG. 10 , but may be a proximity screen or any other screen switchable between a display mode and a touch mode according to various embodiments. In addition, the touch sensor panel described herein can be either a single-touch or a multi-touch sensor panel. 
       FIG. 11   a  illustrates an exemplary mobile telephone  1136  that can include touch screen  1124  and other computing system blocks that can include circuitry for switching between display and touch modes of the telephone. 
       FIG. 11   b  illustrates an exemplary digital media player  1140  that can include touch screen  1124  and other computing system blocks that can include circuitry for switching between display and touch modes of the media player. 
       FIG. 11   c  illustrates an exemplary personal computer  1144  that can include touch screen  1124 , touch sensor panel (trackpad)  1126 , and other computing system blocks that can include circuitry for switching between display and touch modes of the personal computer. 
     The mobile telephone, media player, and personal computer of  FIGS. 11   a ,  11   b  and  11   c  can be thinner, lighter, and power saving with an LCD having display and touch modes with switching circuitry on the LCD chip according to various embodiments. 
     Although various embodiments have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of various embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20090821
Publication Date: 20141230
Grant Date: 20141230
Priority Date: 20090202
Inventors: HOTELLING STEVEN PORTER
YOUSEFPOR MARDUKE
CHANG SHIH CHANG
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0412", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2300/0809", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/3666", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/3648", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3218", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0446", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04166", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04164", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0412", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/3666", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/3666", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0446", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0412", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3218", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04166", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04164", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3218", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2300/0809", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/3648", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2300/0809", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/3648", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 42397276