Patents by Inventor Minh-Dieu Thi Vu

Minh-Dieu Thi Vu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11592948
    Abstract: A device that can autonomously scan a sensor panel is disclosed. Autonomous scanning can be performed by implementing channel scan logic. In one embodiment, channel scan logic carries out many of the functions that a processor would normally undertake, including generating timing sequences and obtaining result data; comparing scan result data against a threshold value (e.g., in an auto-scan mode); generating row count; selecting one or more scanning frequency bands; power management control; and performing an auto-scan routine in a low power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Minh-Dieu Thi Vu, Thomas James Wilson, Christoph H. Krah
  • Publication number: 20220004284
    Abstract: A device that can autonomously scan a sensor panel is disclosed. Autonomous scanning can be performed by implementing channel scan logic. In one embodiment, channel scan logic carries out many of the functions that a processor would normally undertake, including generating timing sequences and obtaining result data; comparing scan result data against a threshold value (e.g., in an auto-scan mode); generating row count; selecting one or more scanning frequency bands; power management control; and performing an auto-scan routine in a low power mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Minh-Dieu Thi VU, Thomas James WILSON, Christoph H. KRAH
  • Patent number: 11194423
    Abstract: A system and method for autonomously scanning a sensor panel device is disclosed. A sensor panel processor can be disabled after a first predetermined amount of time has elapsed without the sensor panel device sensing any events. One or more system clocks can also be disabled to conserve power. While the processor and one or more system clocks are disabled, the sensor panel device can periodically autonomously scan the sensor panel for touch activity. If one or more results from the autonomous scans exceed a threshold, the sensor panel device re-enables the processor and one or more clocks to actively scan the sensor panel. If the threshold is not exceeded, the sensor panel device continues to periodically autonomously scan the sensor panel without intervention from the processor. The sensor panel device can periodically perform calibration functions to account for any drift that may be present in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph H. Krah, Minh-Dieu Thi Vu, Thomas James Wilson
  • Patent number: 11132097
    Abstract: A device that can autonomously scan a sensor panel is disclosed. Autonomous scanning can be performed by implementing channel scan logic. In one embodiment, channel scan logic carries out many of the functions that a processor would normally undertake, including generating timing sequences and obtaining result data; comparing scan result data against a threshold value (e.g., in an auto-scan mode); generating row count; selecting one or more scanning frequency bands; power management control; and performing an auto-scan routine in a low power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Minh-Dieu Thi Vu, Thomas James Wilson, Christoph H. Krah
  • Publication number: 20200348793
    Abstract: A device that can autonomously scan a sensor panel is disclosed. Autonomous scanning can be performed by implementing channel scan logic. In one embodiment, channel scan logic carries out many of the functions that a processor would normally undertake, including generating timing sequences and obtaining result data; comparing scan result data against a threshold value (e.g., in an auto-scan mode); generating row count; selecting one or more scanning frequency bands; power management control; and performing an auto-scan routine in a low power mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Minh-Dieu Thi VU, Thomas James WILSON, Christoph H. KRAH
  • Publication number: 20200326813
    Abstract: A system and method for autonomously scanning a sensor panel device is disclosed. A sensor panel processor can be disabled after a first predetermined amount of time has elapsed without the sensor panel device sensing any events. One or more system clocks can also be disabled to conserve power. While the processor and one or more system clocks are disabled, the sensor panel device can periodically autonomously scan the sensor panel for touch activity. If one or more results from the autonomous scans exceed a threshold, the sensor panel device re-enables the processor and one or more clocks to actively scan the sensor panel. If the threshold is not exceeded, the sensor panel device continues to periodically autonomously scan the sensor panel without intervention from the processor. The sensor panel device can periodically perform calibration functions to account for any drift that may be present in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Christoph H. KRAH, Minh-Dieu Thi VU, Thomas James WILSON
  • Patent number: 10712866
    Abstract: A system and method for autonomously scanning a sensor panel device is disclosed. A sensor panel processor can be disabled after a first predetermined amount of time has elapsed without the sensor panel device sensing any events. One or more system clocks can also be disabled to conserve power. While the processor and one or more system clocks are disabled, the sensor panel device can periodically autonomously scan the sensor panel for touch activity. If one or more results from the autonomous scans exceed a threshold, the sensor panel device re-enables the processor and one or more clocks to actively scan the sensor panel. If the threshold is not exceeded, the sensor panel device continues to periodically autonomously scan the sensor panel without intervention from the processor. The sensor panel device can periodically perform calibration functions to account for any drift that may be present in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph H. Krah, Minh-Dieu Thi Vu, Thomas James Wilson
  • Patent number: 10664095
    Abstract: A device that can autonomously scan a sensor panel is disclosed. Autonomous scanning can be performed by implementing channel scan logic. In one embodiment, channel scan logic carries out many of the functions that a processor would normally undertake, including generating timing sequences and obtaining result data; comparing scan result data against a threshold value (e.g., in an auto-scan mode); generating row count; selecting one or more scanning frequency bands; power management control; and performing an auto-scan routine in a low power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Minh-Dieu Thi Vu, Thomas James Wilson, Christoph H. Krah
  • Publication number: 20180348957
    Abstract: A channel scan architecture for detecting touch events on a touch sensor panel is disclosed. The channel scan architecture can combine drive logic, sense channels and channel scan logic on a single monolithic chip. The channel scan logic can be configured to implement a sequence of scanning processes in a panel subsystem without intervention from a panel processor. The channel scan architecture can provide scan sequence control to enable the panel processor to control the sequence in which individual scans are implemented in the panel subsystem. Type of scans that can be implemented in the panel subsystem can include a spectral analysis scan, touch scan, phantom touch scan, ambient light level scan, proximity scan and temperature scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas James WILSON, Christoph H. KRAH, Minh-Dieu Thi VU
  • Publication number: 20180321791
    Abstract: A device that can autonomously scan a sensor panel is disclosed. Autonomous scanning can be performed by implementing channel scan logic. In one embodiment, channel scan logic carries out many of the functions that a processor would normally undertake, including generating timing sequences and obtaining result data; comparing scan result data against a threshold value (e.g., in an auto-scan mode); generating row count; selecting one or more scanning frequency bands; power management control; and performing an auto-scan routine in a low power mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Minh-Dieu Thi VU, Thomas James WILSON, Christoph H. KRAH
  • Patent number: 10042476
    Abstract: A channel scan architecture for detecting touch events on a touch sensor panel is disclosed. The channel scan architecture can combine drive logic, sense channels and channel scan logic on a single monolithic chip. The channel scan logic can be configured to implement a sequence of scanning processes in a panel subsystem without intervention from a panel processor. The channel scan architecture can provide scan sequence control to enable the panel processor to control the sequence in which individual scans are implemented in the panel subsystem. Type of scans that can be implemented in the panel subsystem can include a spectral analysis scan, touch scan, phantom touch scan, ambient light level scan, proximity scan and temperature scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas James Wilson, Christoph H. Krah, Minh-Dieu Thi Vu
  • Patent number: 10031609
    Abstract: A device that can autonomously scan a sensor panel is disclosed. Autonomous scanning can be performed by implementing channel scan logic. In one embodiment, channel scan logic carries out many of the functions that a processor would normally undertake, including generating timing sequences and obtaining result data; comparing scan result data against a threshold value (e.g., in an auto-scan mode); generating row count; selecting one or more scanning frequency bands; power management control; and performing an auto-scan routine in a low power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Minh-Dieu Thi Vu, Thomas James Wilson, Christoph H. Krah
  • Patent number: 9965100
    Abstract: A sensor panel device that can generate and use a stimulus signal having multiple different waveforms for detecting events on or near the sensor panel is disclosed. Among other things, such a stimulus signal can be used to reject environmental noise present in the device. In some embodiments, the stimulus signal has multiple waveforms having different frequencies. Logic circuitry can generate representative values from output of the different waveforms applied to one or more sensing nodes in the sensor panel device. From the representative values, a final value can be generated that represents whether an event occurred at or near the one or more sensing nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Horst Krah, Minh-Dieu Thi Vu
  • Publication number: 20170242544
    Abstract: A sensor panel device that can generate and use a stimulus signal having multiple different waveforms for detecting events on or near the sensor panel is disclosed. Among other things, such a stimulus signal can be used to reject environmental noise present in the device. In some embodiments, the stimulus signal has multiple waveforms having different frequencies. Logic circuitry can generate representative values from output of the different waveforms applied to one or more sensing nodes in the sensor panel device. From the representative values, a final value can be generated that represents whether an event occurred at or near the one or more sensing nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Christoph Horst KRAH, Minh-Dieu Thi VU
  • Patent number: 9582104
    Abstract: A sensor panel device that can generate and use a stimulus signal having multiple different waveforms for detecting events on or near the sensor panel is disclosed. Among other things, such a stimulus signal can be used to reject environmental noise present in the device. In some embodiments, the stimulus signal has multiple waveforms having different frequencies. Logic circuitry can generate representative values from output of the different waveforms applied to one or more sensing nodes in the sensor panel device. From the representative values, a final value can be generated that represents whether an event occurred at or near the one or more sensing nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Horst Krah, Minh-Dieu Thi Vu
  • Publication number: 20160283038
    Abstract: A system and method for autonomously scanning a sensor panel device is disclosed. A sensor panel processor can be disabled after a first predetermined amount of time has elapsed without the sensor panel device sensing any events. One or more system clocks can also be disabled to conserve power. While the processor and one or more system clocks are disabled, the sensor panel device can periodically autonomously scan the sensor panel for touch activity. If one or more results from the autonomous scans exceed a threshold, the sensor panel device re-enables the processor and one or more clocks to actively scan the sensor panel. If the threshold is not exceeded, the sensor panel device continues to periodically autonomously scan the sensor panel without intervention from the processor. The sensor panel device can periodically perform calibration functions to account for any drift that may be present in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Christoph H. KRAH, Minh-Dieu Thi VU, Thomas James WILSON
  • Publication number: 20160266718
    Abstract: A channel scan architecture for detecting touch events on a touch sensor panel is disclosed. The channel scan architecture can combine drive logic, sense channels and channel scan logic on a single monolithic chip. The channel scan logic can be configured to implement a sequence of scanning processes in a panel subsystem without intervention from a panel processor. The channel scan architecture can provide scan sequence control to enable the panel processor to control the sequence in which individual scans are implemented in the panel subsystem. Type of scans that can be implemented in the panel subsystem can include a spectral analysis scan, touch scan, phantom touch scan, ambient light level scan, proximity scan and temperature scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas James WILSON, Christoph H. Krah, Minh-Dieu Thi Vu
  • Patent number: 9383843
    Abstract: A system and method for autonomously scanning a sensor panel device is disclosed. A sensor panel processor can be disabled after a first predetermined amount of time has elapsed without the sensor panel device sensing any events. One or more system clocks can also be disabled to conserve power. While the processor and one or more system clocks are disabled, the sensor panel device can periodically autonomously scan the sensor panel for touch activity. If one or more results from the autonomous scans exceed a threshold, the sensor panel device re-enables the processor and one or more clocks to actively scan the sensor panel. If the threshold is not exceeded, the sensor panel device continues to periodically autonomously scan the sensor panel without intervention from the processor. The sensor panel device can periodically perform calibration functions to account for any drift that may be present in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph H. Krah, Minh-Dieu Thi Vu, Thomas James Wilson
  • Publication number: 20160170558
    Abstract: A sensor panel device that can generate and use a stimulus signal having multiple different waveforms for detecting events on or near the sensor panel is disclosed. Among other things, such a stimulus signal can be used to reject environmental noise present in the device. In some embodiments, the stimulus signal has multiple waveforms having different frequencies. Logic circuitry can generate representative values from output of the different waveforms applied to one or more sensing nodes in the sensor panel device. From the representative values, a final value can be generated that represents whether an event occurred at or near the one or more sensing nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Christoph Horst KRAH, Minh-Dieu Thi VU
  • Patent number: 9348451
    Abstract: A channel scan architecture for detecting touch events on a touch sensor panel is disclosed. The channel scan architecture can combine drive logic, sense channels and channel scan logic on a single monolithic chip. The channel scan logic can be configured to implement a sequence of scanning processes in a panel subsystem without intervention from a panel processor. The channel scan architecture can provide scan sequence control to enable the panel processor to control the sequence in which individual scans are implemented in the panel subsystem. Type of scans that can be implemented in the panel subsystem can include a spectral analysis scan, touch scan, phantom touch scan, ambient light level scan, proximity scan and temperature scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas James Wilson, Christoph Horst Krah, Minh-Dieu Thi Vu