Display module and vehicle display device

Abstract

This invention provides a display module, including a display panel, a first sensing unit, a second sensing unit, and a processing circuit. The display panel has a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area. The first sensing unit is disposed on a first side of the peripheral area of ​​the display panel. The second sensing unit is disposed on a second side of the peripheral area of ​​the display panel and is independently disposed from the first sensing unit. The processing circuit is electrically connected to the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a first sensing signal from the first sensing unit and a second sensing signal from the second sensing unit, and determine whether the touch operator is located on the first side or the second side based on the signal change of the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display module capable of detecting the location of a touch operator, and particularly to a vehicle display device using the display module to identify the driver and front passenger. Background Technology

[0002] With the booming development of automotive electronics, automotive display devices, such as the Central Information Display (CID), have become an indispensable part of modern vehicles. Their main purpose is to display vehicle information, navigation maps, and serve as a control interface for drivers or passengers to operate vehicle functions.

[0003] To simultaneously meet the diverse needs of drivers and front-seat passengers, existing automotive display devices have developed dual-view display technology. This technology allows a single screen to provide different visuals to viewers from different perspectives simultaneously. For example, the driver can see navigation information while the front-seat passenger can simultaneously watch audio-visual entertainment content without interference. However, in such applications, determining whether a touch on the screen originates from the driver or the front-seat passenger becomes a crucial technical challenge. Failure to correctly identify the user could lead to the driver accidentally activating passenger-only functions, or the passenger misoperating driving features that could compromise safety.

[0004] One existing method of determination utilizes the principle of signal coupling. Specifically, this technology requires that the driver's and front passenger's seats or their bodies be equipped with transmitters of different frequencies. The signal of this specific frequency is transmitted to the user's body through coupling. When the user touches the panel, the touch sensing circuit on the panel determines whether the touch was performed by the driver or the front passenger by detecting the frequency of the received signal.

[0005] However, the aforementioned existing technologies typically require additional signal transmission sources or complex coupling path designs, making implementation quite complicated. Therefore, the industry urgently needs a solution with a more integrated structure that can effectively identify the operator's location. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the problems of the prior art, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a display module and an automotive display device that can directly detect the position of the operator by using sensing units disposed around the panel, and can effectively identify the identity of the touch operator without requiring the user to carry a specific signal source.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a display module, including a display panel, a first sensing unit, a second sensing unit, and a processing circuit. The display panel has a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area. The first sensing unit is disposed on a first side of the peripheral area of ​​the display panel. The second sensing unit is disposed on a second side of the peripheral area of ​​the display panel and is independently disposed from the first sensing unit. The processing circuit is electrically connected to the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a first sensing signal from the first sensing unit and a second sensing signal from the second sensing unit, and determine whether the touch operator is located on the first side or the second side based on the signal change of the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display panel includes a driving circuit unit for driving the display panel and is disposed in the peripheral area. The first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are disposed further outward relative to the display area than the driving circuit unit.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processing circuit is a driver chip disposed in the peripheral area of ​​the display panel. The driver chip is directly electrically connected to the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, the display module further includes an external circuit board and a flexible circuit board. The flexible circuit board is connected between the display panel and the external circuit board. The first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are electrically connected to the processing circuit via the flexible circuit board, and the processing circuit is disposed on the external circuit board.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processing circuit is configured to output an enable signal to the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit only in specific frames to perform intermittent driving sensing.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are hovering sensors and include metal lines or transparent conductive oxide lines formed in the peripheral area, and the signal changes of the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal are capacitance signal changes.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are photosensors or infrared sensors, and the signal changes of the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal are changes in light signal interruption.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are frequency blocking sensors, and the signal changes of the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal are frequency blocking changes.

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention further provides an automotive display device for displaying vehicle information and serving as a control interface. This automotive display device includes the display device as described above. A first side is defined as the driver's seat side, and a second side is defined as the passenger's seat side. The display panel is configured to provide different views to the driver's seat side and the passenger's seat side in a dual-view mode. The processing circuit identifies the touch operator as either the driver (located on the driver's seat side) or the passenger (located on the passenger's seat side) based on whether the touch operator is located on the first or second side.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processing circuit enables a first operation function of the display panel when it identifies the touch operator as a driver, and enables a second operation function of the display panel when it identifies the touch operator as a passenger.

[0017] By utilizing the design of the above embodiments, the display module of the present invention employs independently operating sensing units configured on both sides of the peripheral area to directly determine whether the operator is coming from the left or right side based on sensing signals (e.g., capacitance changes, light signal interruption, or frequency signal changes). When applied to automotive display devices, the present invention can accurately identify whether the operator is a driver or a passenger in dual-view mode, thereby providing corresponding operating permissions or functions. Compared to existing technologies, the present invention does not require an additional frequency emission source at the user end, has a more integrated structure, and a more intuitive judgment mechanism, effectively solving the problems of accidental touches and operating permission management in in-vehicle scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To gain a more complete understanding of the embodiments and their advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of a display module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display module according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is another structural schematic diagram of the display module according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a signal waveform diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the display module according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a signal waveform diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the display module according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: 1: Vehicle display device 10: Display Module 100: Display panel 110: Display area 120: Surrounding Area 150: Driver chip 200: Drive circuit unit 210: First sensing unit 220: Second sensing unit 300: Flexible Circuit Board 400: External circuit board D: Driver's side P: Passenger side S DISPLAY Data signal S TP Touch sensing signal S1, S2, G1, G2: Proximity sensing signals Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below. However, it will be understood that the embodiments provide many applicable concepts that can be implemented in a wide variety of specific contexts. The discussed and disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0021] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another. Therefore, the “first element,” “region,” “layer,” or “part” discussed below may be referred to as a second element, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of this document.

[0022] Additionally, relative terms such as “down” or “bottom” and “up” or “top” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another, as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device beyond those shown in the figures. For example, if a device in one figure is flipped, an element described as being “down” to another element will be oriented “up” to that element. Thus, the exemplary term “down” can include both “down” and “up” orientations, depending on the specific orientation of the figure. Similarly, if a device in one figure is flipped, an element described as being “below” or “under” another element will be oriented “above” that element. Thus, the exemplary term “below” or “under” can include both “up” and “down” orientations.

[0023] Please see Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a vehicle display device 1, which is installed inside a vehicle and is mainly used to display vehicle information (such as navigation maps and vehicle status) and serve as a control interface for users to operate vehicle functions (such as air conditioning adjustment and audio-visual entertainment control). In this embodiment, the vehicle display device 1 may be a central information display (CID), and its installation position is usually between the driver's side (D) and the passenger side (P) of the vehicle.

[0024] The vehicle display device 1 includes a display module 10. The display module 10 is the core component of the vehicle display device 1, responsible for displaying images and sensing touch operations. It should be noted that, to meet the different needs of the driver and front passenger, the vehicle display device 1 has a dual-view display function. That is, the display module 10 can simultaneously display a first screen (e.g., navigation information) to the driver (D) and a second screen (e.g., a movie or entertainment information unrelated to driving) to the passenger (P) on the front passenger side, without interference between the two displays.

[0025] To effectively manage access permissions and prevent accidental touches, the display module 10 of this invention has the function of detecting the operator's location. For example... Figure 1 As illustrated, the display module 10 will identify the touch operator based on whether the operator is from the driver's side (D) or the passenger side (P), and provide different operating functions accordingly. The specific sensing architecture and operating principle of the display module 10 will be described in detail in the following figures and embodiments.

[0026] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of a display module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2As shown, the display module 10 includes a display panel 100. The display panel 100 has a display area 110 and a peripheral area 120 surrounding the display area 110.

[0027] Within the peripheral area 120, a driving circuit unit 200 (e.g., array substrate row driving circuit, Gate Driver on Array; GOA) is typically provided to drive the pixel structure within the display area 110.

[0028] The present invention is characterized in that the display module 10 has a plurality of sensing units disposed in the peripheral area 120 for detecting the approach or touch of external objects (such as the user's fingers or palm). Specifically, in this embodiment, the display module 10 includes a first sensing unit 210 disposed on a first side (e.g., the left side in the figure) of the peripheral area 120, and a second sensing unit 220 disposed on a second side (e.g., the right side in the figure) of the peripheral area 120. The first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220 are disposed independently of each other, and preferably are located on the outside of the driving circuit unit 200 relative to the display area 110 to avoid signal interference and make good use of the bezel space.

[0029] It is worth noting that, although Figure 2 The first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220 located on the left and right sides are only shown with solid lines, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 2 As shown by the dashed lines on the upper and lower sides of the peripheral area 120, the display module 10 can also selectively provide additional sensing units on the upper, lower, or combined positions of the peripheral area 120 to expand the detection range or meet the needs of specific mechanism designs. In other words, any design that sets independent sensing units around the panel to distinguish the operating direction falls within the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0030] Please see Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display module 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220 adopt the technology of hovering sensor.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the first sensing unit 210 is disposed within the peripheral region 120 and located outside the driving circuit unit 200. Structurally, the first sensing unit 210 is formed on the substrate of the display panel 100 and is made of a conductive material (e.g., a metal material or transparent conductive oxide ITO). In this embodiment, the pattern structure of the first sensing unit 210 is a continuous, monolithic structure. The first sensing unit 210 is electrically connected to a driving chip 150 (IC) disposed on the lower side of the peripheral region 120, and is directly driven and sensed by the driving chip 150.

[0032] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 This is another structural form of the display levitation sensor. Figure 4 and Figure 3 The main difference lies in the pattern design of the sensing unit. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the pattern structure of the first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220 can also be designed as a grid shape or a mesh shape.

[0033] Whether Figure 3 monolithic structure or Figure 4 The lattice structure of these sensors utilizes large-area sensing electrodes to detect changes in capacitance or electric field when a human body approaches. Dividing the sensing unit into a lattice or mesh pattern helps adjust the resistance or transmittance of the sensing electrodes, or to conform to specific manufacturing design rules. However, its core function as a levitation sensor to distinguish orientation remains the same. Figure 3 The implementation is the same.

[0034] Please see Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a signal waveform diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is used to illustrate the signal output of the display module 10 when driving the display panel 100, the touch sensor (not shown), and the first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220. S in the figure... DISPLAY S represents the data signal output to display panel 100. TP S1 represents the proximity sensing signal output to the touch sensor, and S2 represents the proximity sensing signal of the first sensing unit 210 on the left and the second sensing unit 220 on the right.

[0035] like Figure 5A As shown in the waveform, during the first frame 1, time-division driving is used to avoid mutual interference between the display panel 100 and the touch sensor. During the display period t1, the signals of each data line are loaded sequentially, causing the data signal S to... DISPLAY A pulse wave as shown in the figure appears; simultaneously, the touch sensing signal S... TP The signal is maintained at a high potential to sustain data writing to the display screen. During touch operation t2, driving the display panel 100 stops, and the data signal S... DISPLAY Maintain low potential; touch sensing signal S TP The signal then switches to a low potential. This low potential serves as a reference bias, allowing the touch excitation signals (pulses as shown in the figure) for subsequent control electrodes to be loaded during this period.

[0036] During the first frame 1, both proximity sensing signals S1 and S2 remain at a flat, fixed level. This is because during this period, the driver chip 150 does not output an enable signal to the first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220, so there is no signal change on the line.

[0037] The operation during the second frame Frame 2 is the same as during the first frame Frame 1, and therefore will not be described again. A feature of this invention is that, because the first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220 are disposed in the peripheral area 120 surrounding the display panel 100, signal driving has almost no impact on the operation of the display panel 100 and the touch sensor. Figure 5B As shown in the waveform, the driving of the first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220 can completely disregard the data signal S. DISPLAY and touch sensing signal S TP During the driving period, the proximity sensing signal S1 of the first sensing unit 210 is loaded with an enable signal (a pulse as shown in the figure) during the touch period t2 of the Nth frame Frame N to sense whether an object is approaching. The proximity sensing signal S2 of the second sensing unit 220 is loaded with an enable signal (a pulse as shown in the figure) during the period spanning the display period t1 and the touch period t2 of the N+1th frame Frame N+1 to sense whether an object is approaching.

[0038] Specifically, the period during which the first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220 of the present invention are driven by output enable signals can be configured within any selected frame period (e.g., only odd frames, only even frames, every three frames) or any other arbitrary period (not synchronized with the frames). This embodiment employs an intermittent driving strategy, outputting proximity sensing enable signals only during specific frame periods that need to be detected. When an operator touches or approaches, the processing circuit uses changes in these output pulse signals (e.g., changes in amplitude or waveform characteristics) to make a judgment. This design of outputting signals only during specific periods can significantly reduce the overall power consumption of the display module 10.

[0039] Please see Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the display module 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220 employ photo sensor technology. Figure 6 As shown, the first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220 are disposed on the left and right sides of the peripheral area 120 and are located outside the driving circuit unit 200.

[0040] Unlike the first embodiment, the photosensor in this embodiment uses an external circuit connection architecture. The display module 10 also includes a flexible circuit board 300 and an external circuit board 400. The flexible circuit board 300 is connected between the display panel 100 and the external circuit board 400.

[0041] In the electrical connection path, the signal lines of the first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220, which serve as light sensors, extend through the flexible circuit board 300 on the side and are electrically connected to the processing circuit (not shown) disposed on the external circuit board 400. The processing circuit can detect changes in ambient light. When an operator wants to touch the display panel 100, their hand will block the light sensor on the corresponding side (for example, blocking the ambient light). By detecting changes in the photocurrent or voltage signal of the first sensing unit 210 or the second sensing unit 220, the processing circuit can determine whether the operator is located on the driver's seat side D or the passenger seat side P.

[0042] Please refer to the following: Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a signal waveform diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The timing diagram illustrates the drive signals when using a photosensor. In the diagram, G1 represents the sensing signal of the first sensing unit 210 on the left, and G2 represents the sensing signal of the second sensing unit 220 on the right. S in the diagram... DISPLAY S represents the data signal output to display panel 100. TP G1 represents the proximity sensing signal output to the touch sensor, and G2 represents the proximity sensing signal of the first sensing unit 210 on the left and the second sensing unit 220 on the right.

[0043] Figure 7A In the middle, the display panel 100 and the touch sensor drive and Figure 5A The same applies, therefore the explanation is omitted. It is worth noting that since the photosensor in this embodiment is used for ambient light detection and object proximity detection, the influence of ambient light intensity on the sensing dynamic range must be considered. During the period when no enable signal is output, the original proximity sensing signals G1 and G2 exhibit pulse waveforms with large amplitudes. This large-amplitude pulse serves as an anti-saturation signal or a global reset signal. Because ambient light may cause the photosensor to rapidly accumulate charge and enter the saturation region, the system needs to periodically drain the sensor charge using large pulses, while simultaneously sampling the current ambient light intensity as a background reference.

[0044] When the output enable signal is received (i.e., during object proximity detection), such as Figure 7BAs shown in the waveform, the proximity sensing signal G1 switches to a pulse with a smaller amplitude. This tiny pulse corresponds to the incremental signal generated by the light reflected from the object. Compared to the strong ambient light background, the signal change from the object is small, thus appearing as a tiny pulse superimposed on the reference level.

[0045] Similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment also employs intermittent driving to achieve power saving. By enabling the photosensor during specific frame periods or other arbitrary cycles, the processing circuit can read the photosensing signal and identify the driver or passenger based on whether the signal changes due to object occlusion (e.g., a decrease in photocurrent). This driving method does not require the photosensor to be turned on in every display frame or touch frame, thus effectively reducing module power consumption.

[0046] Please refer to the following: Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display module 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220 can be infrared sensors (IR sensors) or frequency blocking sensors. Figure 8 As shown, the first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220 are disposed on the left and right sides of the peripheral area 120 and are located outside the driving circuit unit 200.

[0047] In terms of hardware architecture, the third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, both employing an external connection design. The display module 10 is connected to the external circuit board 400 via a flexible circuit board 300. The first sensing unit 210 and the second sensing unit 220 are electrically connected to the processing circuitry on the external circuit board 400 via the flexible circuit board 300.

[0048] In terms of operating principle, taking an infrared sensor or a frequency interruption sensor as an example, the sensing unit includes a transmitter and a receiver (e.g., Figure 8 (The circular element is shown in the corner). When the processing circuit drives the sensing unit, it emits infrared light or a specific frequency signal. When an operator on the driver's side (D) or passenger side (P) reaches out to touch the device, their limb blocks the signal emitted by the source. By detecting whether the signal is blocked, the processing circuit can accurately determine which user is performing the operation. This method has better resistance to ambient light interference and provides a clear digital logic judgment (blocked / not blocked).

[0049] In summary, the display module and automotive display device provided by this invention utilize independent sensing units (such as hover sensing, light sensing, or infrared / frequency interruption sensing) configured in the periphery of the panel to directly detect whether the operator is from the driver's seat or the passenger's seat. With this invention's architecture, the operator's identity can be accurately identified and corresponding operating permissions granted in dual-view automotive mode without the user wearing additional devices or providing a specific signal source, effectively solving problems such as complex judgment mechanisms and accidental touches in existing technologies.

[0050] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display module, comprising: A display panel having a display area and a peripheral area located around the display area; A first sensing unit is disposed on a first side of the peripheral area of ​​the display panel; A second sensing unit is disposed on a second side of the peripheral area of ​​the display panel and is independently disposed from the first sensing unit; as well as A processing circuit is electrically connected to the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit; The processing circuit is configured to receive a first sensing signal from the first sensing unit and a second sensing signal from the second sensing unit, and determine whether a touch operator is located on the first side or the second side based on the signal change of the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal.

2. The display module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display panel comprises: A driving circuit unit, used to drive the display panel, is disposed in the peripheral area. The first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are positioned further outward relative to the display area than the driving circuit unit.

3. The display module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is a driver chip disposed in the peripheral area of ​​the display panel, and the driver chip is directly electrically connected to the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit.

4. The display module as described in claim 1, further comprising: An external circuit board; and A flexible circuit board, The flexible circuit board is connected between the display panel and the external circuit board. The first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are electrically connected to the processing circuit via the flexible circuit board, and the processing circuit is disposed on the external circuit board.

5. The display module of claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is configured to output an enable signal to the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit only in a specific frame to perform intermittent drive sensing.

6. The display module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are floating sensors and include a metal line or a transparent conductive oxide line formed in the peripheral area, and the signal changes of the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal are capacitance signal changes.

7. The display module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are light sensors or infrared sensors, and the signal changes of the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal are light signal interruption changes.

8. The display module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are frequency blocking sensors, and the signal changes of the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal are frequency blocking changes.

9. A vehicle display device for displaying vehicle information and serving as a control interface, the vehicle display device comprising: The display module as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, The first side is defined as a driver's seat side, and the second side is defined as a co-driver's seat side; The display panel is configured to provide different views to the driver's side and the passenger side in a dual-view mode; and Based on the determination result that the touch operator is located on the first side or the second side, the processing circuit identifies the touch operator as a driver located on the driver's seat side or a passenger located on the front passenger seat side.

10. The vehicle display device of claim 9, wherein the processing circuit enables a first operation function of the display panel when it identifies the touch operator as the driver, and enables a second operation function of the display panel when it identifies the touch operator as the passenger.

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