Display panel and display device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display panel and a display device, and relate to the technical field of display, and are used for improving the touch capability of the display panel. The display panel comprises a touch substrate, the touch substrate comprising a substrate, a plurality of photonic devices and a first waveguide. The plurality of photonic devices are arranged in an array on a first surface of the substrate, and the first waveguide is optically coupled with the plurality of photonic devices respectively. An input end of the first waveguide is a signal input end of the touch substrate, and an output end of the first waveguide is a signal output end of the touch substrate. The display panel is used for displaying an image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to a display panel and display device. Background Technology

[0002] Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been widely used in the display field due to their advantages such as self-illumination, low driving voltage, high luminous efficiency, fast response speed, and flexible display capabilities. OLED display devices, for example, may integrate touch functionality, and the touch capabilities of these devices are constantly being improved to maintain market competitiveness. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a display panel and a display device for improving the touch capability of the display panel.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this disclosure provide the following technical solutions: On one hand, a display panel is provided, the display panel including a touch substrate, the touch substrate including a substrate, a plurality of photonic devices, and a first waveguide. The plurality of photonic devices are arrayed on a first surface of the substrate. The first waveguide is optically coupled to each of the plurality of photonic devices, the input end of the first waveguide is the signal input end of the touch substrate, and the output end of the first waveguide is the signal output end of the touch substrate. Compared with common capacitive or resistive touch technologies, the optical coupling of the display panel in this embodiment is not affected by electrical factors, which can improve touch accuracy and anti-interference ability, and improve the touch capability of the display panel.

[0005] In the aforementioned display panel, the first waveguide is optically coupled to multiple photonic devices to form a resonator. The first waveguide and the multiple photonic devices arranged in an array can form a resonator array. The multiple photonic devices arranged in an array can realize the grid-like sensing design of thin-film touch. The light signal output from the output end of the first waveguide can reflect the position where the resonator array deforms, thereby determining the touch position of the display panel and realizing the touch operation of the display panel.

[0006] In some embodiments, the photonic device includes a second waveguide that forms a micro-ring resonant cavity around the normal of the first surface, and the first waveguide and the second waveguide are optically coupled to each other.

[0007] In some embodiments, a grating is provided on the surface of the second waveguide; the grating is located on the outer surface of the second waveguide surrounding the normal of the first surface. The extension direction of the grating intersects the extension direction of the second waveguide.

[0008] In some embodiments, the diameter of the microring resonator ranges from 10 μm to 100 μm. And / or, along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the second waveguide itself and parallel to the first surface, the width of the second waveguide ranges from 1 μm to 5 μm. And / or, the resonant frequency of the microring resonator ranges from 150 THz to 200 THz.

[0009] In some embodiments, the photonic devices are arranged in an array along a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is parallel to the first surface, the second direction is parallel to the first surface, and the first direction and the second direction intersect. The first waveguide includes a first portion that extends along the first direction. Two photonic devices arranged along the second direction form a group, and the group of photonic devices are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first portion along the second direction and are optically coupled to the first portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the touch substrate further includes a filling structure. The filling structure is located between the first waveguide and the plurality of photonic devices, and the refractive index of the filling structure is less than that of the first waveguide.

[0011] In some embodiments, the materials of the substrate, the plurality of photonic devices, and the first waveguide are the same.

[0012] In some embodiments, the photonic device comprises a silicon-based material having a refractive index in the range of 3.4-3.5. And / or, the photonic device comprises a polymer material having a refractive index in the range of 1.5-1.7.

[0013] On the other hand, a display device is provided, which includes a circuit board and a display panel as described in any of the above embodiments, the display panel being electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0014] In some embodiments, the display device further includes a heating element disposed adjacent to the touch substrate of the display panel, the heating element being configured to generate heat when energized.

[0015] In another aspect, a pressure-sensitive touch method is provided, applied to a display device as described in any of the above embodiments. The method includes inputting a first optical signal to a signal input terminal of the touch substrate; receiving a second optical signal output from a signal output terminal of the touch substrate; and outputting a pressure-sensitive signal based on the light field intensity of the first optical signal and the light field intensity of the second optical signal. The pressure-sensitive signal carries coordinate information of the touch position on the display panel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the step of outputting a pressure-sensitive signal based on the light field intensity of the first optical signal and the light field intensity of the second optical signal includes, when the ambient light intensity is detected to be higher than a preset light intensity, filtering a preset light intensity distribution signal in the second optical signal to obtain a third optical signal. The preset light intensity distribution signal is pre-set based on the ambient light intensity. The pressure-sensitive signal is output based on the light field intensity of the first optical signal and the light field intensity of the third optical signal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pressure-sensitive touch method further includes energizing a heating element in the display device to heat the touch substrate of the display panel when the ambient temperature is detected to be lower than a preset temperature.

[0018] The above-described display device has the same structure and beneficial technical effects as the display panel provided in some of the above embodiments. The pressure-sensitive touch method is applied to the hardware structure of the display panel provided in some of the above embodiments and also has the same or similar beneficial technical effects, which will not be described again here. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in some embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only drawings of some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings. In addition, the drawings described below can be regarded as schematic diagrams and are not intended to limit the actual size of the product, the actual flow of the method, the actual timing of the signals, etc. involved in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1 This is an external view of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 According to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device in the illustrated embodiment along the AA' direction; Figure 3 This is a stack-up diagram of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is a plan view of a touch substrate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 According to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the touch substrate along the BB' direction in the illustrated embodiment; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an optical coupling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a touch operation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 8 According to Figure 7 A state diagram of the touch substrate at position M1 in the illustrated embodiment; Figure 9 According to Figure 7 Another state diagram of the touch substrate at position M1 in the illustrated embodiment; Figure 10 According to Figure 7 Another state diagram of the touch substrate at position M1 in the illustrated embodiment; Figure 11 According to Figure 7 Another state diagram of the touch substrate at position M1 in the illustrated embodiment; Figure 12 According to Figure 7 Another state diagram of the touch substrate at position M1 in the illustrated embodiment; Figure 13 According to Figure 4 Another cross-sectional view of the touch substrate along the BB' direction in the illustrated embodiment; Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the steps of a pressure-sensitive touch method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the steps of a method for manufacturing a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure label: Y - First direction; X - Second direction; Z - Third direction; 100 - Display device; 200 - Circuit board; 300 - Display panel; 310 - Touch substrate; 320 - Circuit layer; 330 - Light-emitting layer; 340 - Thin film encapsulation layer; 350 - Polarizing layer; 360 - Protective substrate; 1 - Substrate; 2 - Photonic device; 3 - First waveguide; 4 - Filling structure; 5 - Heating element; 1A - First surface; 1B - Second surface; 31 - First part; 32 - Second part; 3A - Input terminal; 310A - Signal input terminal; 3B - Output terminal; 310B - Signal output terminal; 2A - Input port; 2B - Output port; 21 - Second waveguide. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions in some embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this disclosure are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0023] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" is interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiment," "example," or "some examples" are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0024] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0025] In describing some embodiments, the terms "coupled" and "connected," and their derivative expressions, may be used. The term "connected" should be interpreted broadly; for example, a "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium. The term "coupled," for example, indicates that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact. The term "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" may also refer to two or more components that do not have direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content of this document.

[0026] The use of “applies to” or “configured to” in this article implies an open and inclusive language that does not preclude applicability to or configuration to devices that perform additional tasks or steps.

[0027] As used herein, “parallel,” “perpendicular,” and “equal” include the described situation and situations that are similar to the described situation, within an acceptable deviation range, which is determined by those skilled in the art taking into account the measurement under discussion and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “parallel” includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, where an acceptable deviation range for approximate parallelism may be, for example, within 5°; “perpendicular” includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, where an acceptable deviation range for approximate perpendicularity may also be, for example, within 5°; “equal” includes absolute equality and approximate equality, where an acceptable deviation range for approximate equality may be, for example, a difference between the two equals being less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0028] This document describes exemplary embodiments with reference to cross-sectional views and / or plan views, which are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and the area of ​​regions are enlarged for clarity. Therefore, variations in shape relative to the drawings are contemplated due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Thus, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as being limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but rather include shape deviations due to, for example, manufacturing processes. For example, etched areas shown as rectangular would typically have curved features. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shapes of the areas of the device, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0029] In embodiments of this disclosure, some figures illustrate an XYZ coordinate system for representing directions. For example, Y can represent a first direction, X can represent a second direction, and Z can represent a third direction.

[0030] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a display device. This display device can be any device that displays either moving (e.g., video) or stationary (e.g., still images), and whether it displays text or images, and can be applied to fields such as consumer electronics, automotive displays, medical displays, industrial control displays, and civil aviation / shipbuilding. More specifically, the display device of the contemplated embodiments can be implemented in or associated with a variety of electronic devices, such as (but not limited to) mobile phones, wireless devices, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld or portable computers, GPS receivers / navigators, cameras, MP4 video players, camcorders, game consoles, watches, clocks, calculators, television monitors, flat panel displays, computer monitors, automotive displays (e.g., odometer displays, etc.), navigators, cockpit controllers and / or displays, displays of camera views (e.g., displays of rearview cameras in vehicles), electronic photographs, electronic billboards or signs, projectors, architectural structures, packaging and aesthetic structures (e.g., displays of images of an item), etc. The form of the display device and the form of the screen are not limited.

[0031] Figure 1 This is an external view of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the display device 100 can be a mobile phone with a screen that has touch and display functions.

[0033] For example, the display device 100 may include, but is not limited to, an OLED display device, a micro light emitting diode (micro LED) display device, a sub-millimeter light emitting diode (mini LED) display device, etc.

[0034] Figure 2 According to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device in the illustrated embodiment along the AA' direction.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the display device 100 may specifically include a circuit board 200 and a display panel 300, with the circuit board 200 and the display panel 300 electrically connected.

[0036] For example, a display driver chip and a touch chip can be disposed on the circuit board 200, and the display panel 300 is electrically connected to the display driver chip and the touch chip through the circuit board 200. The display driver chip can control the display panel 300 to emit light and display, and the touch chip can control the display panel 300 to receive touch signals.

[0037] In some examples, the display panel 300 can be connected to the circuit board 200 via a flexible circuit board.

[0038] In some other examples, the substrate of the display panel 300 may include a flexible material. The display driver chip and the touch chip may be disposed on the substrate of the display panel 300 and bend along with the substrate to the back of the display panel 300, where the substrate is electrically connected to the circuit board 200.

[0039] For example, the display panel 300 can achieve self-illumination using an organic light-emitting layer, thus eliminating the need for a backlight.

[0040] The display device 100 may integrate touch functionality; however, the touch capabilities of the current display device 100 still have some shortcomings. These include the following: (1) Insufficient touch accuracy and anti-interference capability. Taking OLED as an example, the touch technology of common display devices 100 mostly adopts capacitive or resistive solutions. Although they can meet the basic interaction needs, the touch accuracy and anti-interference capability are poor in complex environments (such as wet hands, low temperature or strong light).

[0041] (2) Multi-touch and gesture recognition have limitations. Although capacitive touch technology supports multi-touch and some simple gesture recognition, there are still problems of response delay and misoperation when performing complex gestures and high-precision operations.

[0042] (3) Insufficient hardware durability and flexibility. Taking foldable display devices with foldable screens as an example, the touch substrate in the foldable display panel generally adopts an external or on-cell solution. When the foldable display panel needs to be bent repeatedly, the touch substrate has insufficient flexibility and poor durability.

[0043] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a display panel, which may be the display panel 300 in the above embodiments.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a stacked diagram of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the display panel 300 includes a touch substrate 310. The touch substrate 310 is used to implement the touch function of the display panel 300.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, for example, the display panel 300 includes a touch substrate 310, a circuit layer 320, a light-emitting layer 330, a thin film encapsulation layer 340, a polarizing layer 350 and a protective substrate 360 ​​stacked in sequence.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, for example, the touch substrate 310 is located on the side of the circuit layer 320 away from the light-emitting layer 330. The touch substrate 310 is disposed on the backlight side of the light-emitting layer 330, so as not to block or otherwise affect the light-emitting display of the light-emitting layer 330.

[0048] For example, the circuit layer 320 can be provided with an array of thin-film transistors, which are used to drive the light-emitting layer 330 to emit light.

[0049] For example, the light-emitting layer 330 may include an organic light-emitting material. For instance, the light-emitting layer 330 may include red, green, and blue (RGB) organic light-emitting materials, and the light-emitting layer 330 is used to achieve self-illumination.

[0050] For example, the thin film encapsulation layer 340 can encapsulate and protect the light-emitting layer 330 and the circuit layer 320, the polarizing layer 350 can be used to reduce reflection and improve contrast, and the protective substrate 360 ​​can encapsulate and protect the display panel 300.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a plan view of a touch substrate 310 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the touch substrate 310 includes a substrate 1, a plurality of photonic devices 2 and a first waveguide 3.

[0053] For example, the substrate 1 may include a flexible material. For instance, the material of the substrate 1 may include, but is not limited to, polyimide (PI), ultrathin glass (UTG), etc. This facilitates the transmission of touch pressure-sensitive stress to the photonic device 2 and the first waveguide 3, enabling touch sensing.

[0054] For example, the substrate 1 can serve as the substrate of the display panel 300, and the photonic device 2 and the first waveguide 3 can be located between the substrate 1 and the light-emitting layer 330. This avoids the multiple photonic devices 2 and the first waveguide 3 that implement touch functionality from obstructing the light-emitting display, and the substrate 1 can provide structural protection for the multiple photonic devices 2 and the first waveguide 3.

[0055] Figure 5 According to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the touch substrate 310 in the illustrated embodiment along the BB' direction.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, multiple photonic devices 2 are arrayed on the first surface 1A of the substrate 1.

[0057] For example, the substrate 1 may include a first surface 1A and a second surface 1B that are placed opposite each other, and the second surface 1B may be closer to the outer side of the display panel 300 than the first surface 1A.

[0058] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the photonic device 2 may include a flexible material, and the first waveguide 3 may include a flexible material.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the first waveguide 3 is optically coupled to multiple photonic devices 2. The input terminal 3A of the first waveguide 3 is the signal input terminal 310A of the touch substrate 310, and the output terminal 3B of the first waveguide 3 is the signal output terminal 310B of the touch substrate 310.

[0060] For example, the first waveguide 3 and a plurality of photonic devices 2 can form a resonator array. For example, the resonator array can be a planar waveguide resonator or a photonic crystal resonator. Planar waveguide resonators include microring resonators.

[0061] A microring resonator is a micro / nano photonic device. Specifically, it comprises a ring waveguide and a coupling waveguide. The ring waveguide is a ring structure made of a high-refractive-index material with a specific diameter and thickness. The coupling waveguide is the structure that introduces or extracts optical signals from the ring waveguide; it typically uses a straight waveguide or a waveguide coupler. The microring resonator also includes a coupling electrode. The coupling electrode is used to introduce or extract optical signals from the microring resonator.

[0062] For example, the photonic device 2 has a micro-ring resonator, and the first waveguide 3 and multiple photonic devices 2 can form a micro-ring resonator array.

[0063] For example, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first waveguide 3 serves as a coupling waveguide, a photonic device 2 includes a second waveguide 21, the second waveguide 21 serves as a ring waveguide, the first waveguide 3 and a photonic device 2 constitute a micro-ring resonator, and the first waveguide 3 and a plurality of photonic devices 2 arranged in an array constitute a micro-ring resonator array.

[0064] For example, the input terminal 3A of the first waveguide 3 can be used to input a first optical signal, and the output terminal 3B of the first waveguide 3 can be used to output a second optical signal.

[0065] For example, the input terminal 3A and the output terminal 3B of the first waveguide 3 serve as the coupling poles of the micro-ring resonator array.

[0066] In some examples, when the photonic device 2 and / or the first waveguide 3 are deformed, the resonant frequency of the optical coupling between the first waveguide 3 and the photonic device 2 changes, and / or the intensity of the second optical signal changes.

[0067] In some examples, the touch position of the display panel 300 can be determined based on the light intensity of the first light signal and the light intensity of the second light signal.

[0068] For example, if any photonic device 2 and the first waveguide 3 are deformed, causing a change in the optical coupling relationship between the photonic device 2 and the first waveguide 3, the number of peaks and / or the degree of dispersion of the light intensity of the second optical signal will also change accordingly.

[0069] For example, if the light intensity of the first light signal remains constant, the closer the deformation position of the touch substrate 310 caused by the touch operation on the display panel 300 is to the input end 3A of the first waveguide 3, the more numerous and relatively dispersed the peaks of the light intensity of the second light signal will be.

[0070] Through the above embodiments, the first waveguide 3 is optically coupled to the photonic device 2 to form a resonator. The first waveguide 3 and multiple photonic devices 2 arranged in an array can form a resonator array. The multiple photonic devices 2 arranged in an array can realize the grid-like sensing design of thin-film touch. The light signal output from the output end 3B of the first waveguide 3 can reflect the position where the resonator array deforms, thereby determining the touch position of the display panel 300 and realizing the touch operation of the display panel 300.

[0071] For example, the first waveguide 3 is adjacent to the substrate 1, and multiple photonic devices 2 are adjacent to the substrate 1. Thus, by utilizing the tight connection between the photonic devices 2, the first waveguide 3 and the substrate 1, the deformation of the substrate 1 can be transmitted to the photonic devices 2 and the first waveguide 3, thereby improving the sensitivity and accuracy of touch control.

[0072] In this embodiment, by utilizing the change in the optical coupling relationship of the resonator array due to the deformation of the touch substrate 310, the display panel 300 of this embodiment achieves pressure-optical sensing touch, applicable to flexible OLED display panels 300 and other display devices. Since the resonator array can convert mechanical deformation into changes in optical signals, accurate recognition of touch operations can be achieved by detecting changes in the light signal. Compared with common capacitive or resistive touch technologies, the optical coupling of the display panel 300 in this embodiment is not affected by electrical factors, improving touch accuracy and anti-interference capabilities, thus enhancing the touch capability of the display panel 300. The display panel 300 in this embodiment exhibits higher sensitivity and stability in complex environments (such as wet hands, low temperatures, or strong light), improving touch accuracy and anti-interference capabilities of the touch function. It also supports multi-touch and complex gesture recognition, enhancing the user's interactive experience. Furthermore, the materials of the photonic device 2 and the first waveguide 3 in the display panel 300 can be further optimized in terms of structure and material selection. Compared with capacitive touch technology using metal materials, this improves the flexibility and durability of the display panel 300 and the display device 100, and can meet the needs of usage scenarios such as repeated folding and extreme conditions.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the photonic device 2 includes a second waveguide 21. The second waveguide 21 forms a micro-ring resonant cavity around the normal of the first surface 1A, and the first waveguide 3 and the second waveguide 21 are optically coupled to each other.

[0074] The normal to the first surface 1A refers to a straight line that is perpendicular to the first surface 1A.

[0075] For example, the second waveguide 21 can be a ring waveguide in a micro-ring resonator, and the first waveguide 3 can be a straight waveguide in a micro-ring resonator.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the touch substrate 310 further includes a filling structure 4. The filling structure 4 fills the space between the first waveguide 3 and the plurality of photonic devices 2.

[0077] The refractive index of the filling structure 4 is less than that of the first waveguide 3, thereby effectively confining the optical signal to propagate within the core layer containing the first waveguide 3 and multiple photonic devices 2.

[0078] For example, the filling structure 4 can fill the side of the substrate 1 where the first waveguide 3 and multiple photonic devices 2 are provided, thereby achieving the functions of planarization and structural protection.

[0079] For example, the filling structure 4 can also fill the microring resonant cavity of the second waveguide 21. For example, the filling structure 4 can also cover the surface of the first waveguide 3 and the plurality of photonic devices 2 away from the substrate 1.

[0080] For example, the filling structure 4 may include a flexible material to facilitate pressure-sensitive response of the touch substrate 310 to touch operations.

[0081] For example, the filler structure 4 may include a resin material. The filler structure 4 may include polyimide.

[0082] In some embodiments, the materials of the substrate 1, the plurality of photonic devices 2, and the first waveguide 3 are not entirely the same, so as to meet the optical requirements of the resonator array for transmitting optical signals.

[0083] In some other embodiments, the materials of the substrate 1, the plurality of photonic devices 2, and the first waveguide 3 are the same, thereby helping to reduce the manufacturing difficulty of the display panel 300.

[0084] For example, the first waveguide 3, the photonic device 2, and the substrate 1 are an integrated structure that is interconnected.

[0085] In some examples, the photonic device 2 comprises a silicon-based material with a refractive index ranging from 3.4 to 3.5.

[0086] For example, the refractive index of the silicon-based material in photonic device 2 may include, but is not limited to, 3.40, 3.43, 3.45, 3.48, and 3.5.

[0087] In some examples, the photonic device 2 comprises a polymer material with a refractive index ranging from 1.5 to 1.7.

[0088] For example, the refractive index of the polymer material in photonic device 2 includes, but is not limited to, 1.50, 1.55, 1.60, 165, and 1.70.

[0089] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an optical coupling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, for example, the first waveguide 3 can optically couple an optical signal into the microring resonator through optical coupling with the input port 2A of the microring resonator, and then optically couple an optical signal output from the microring resonator through optical coupling with the output port 2B of the microring resonator.

[0091] Therefore, a micro-ring resonant cavity is formed by using the second waveguide 21, and the first waveguide 3 and the second waveguide 21 are optically coupled to each other. The first waveguide 3 and the second waveguide 21 can form a micro-ring resonator. The first waveguide 3 and the arrayed second waveguide 21 can form a micro-ring resonator array. Touch operations at various positions of the display panel 300 are detected, thereby improving the touch capability of the display panel 300.

[0092] In some embodiments, the optical field transmission relationship in each microring resonator can be represented by a matrix. The transmission of light in the cavity satisfies the following formula (1): E i2 =τexp(α i L i E i1 (1) Among them, E i E represents the optical field intensity at the input port 2A of the microring resonator. i1 and E i2 Let τ be the optical field intensity at the input and output coupling regions of the first waveguide 3 and the second waveguide 21, respectively, and let α be the amplitude attenuation factor. i L is the attenuation coefficient. i Let be the length of the ring waveguide from the input port 2A of the microring resonator to the output port 2B of the microring resonator.

[0093] The two coupling regions of the first waveguide 3 and the second waveguide 21 correspond to the regions where the input port 2A and the output port 2B of the micro-ring resonator are located, respectively. The amplitude attenuation factor τ and the attenuation coefficient α... i and length L i related.

[0094] In some embodiments, the relationship between the input light intensity and the output light intensity of the touch substrate 310 satisfies the following formula (2): I out =I in (2k / (1+k)) 2 )) 2 (2) Among them, I in The light intensity I of the first optical signal input to the input port 2A of the first waveguide 3. out denoted as , where is the light intensity of the second optical signal output from the output port 2B of the first waveguide 3, and k is the coupling coefficient of the optical coupling between the first waveguide 3 and the second waveguide 21.

[0095] The attenuation coefficient α of the second waveguides 21 arrayed at different positions varies under the influence of factors such as stress-induced deformation or temperature. i and / or length L iChanges will occur, and the coupling coefficient k of the optical coupling between the first waveguide 3 and the second waveguide 21 will also change accordingly. This can be observed by comparing the input light intensity I. in and output light intensity I out Furthermore, the broadband information of the first optical signal and the broadband information of the second optical signal can determine which locations of the second waveguide 21 have been deformed, and can also determine which locations of the second waveguide 21 have temperature changes, thereby determining which locations of the display panel 300 have touch operations. Moreover, using the above information, more information such as ambient temperature and whether a folding operation has occurred can also be obtained.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a touch operation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0097] like Figure 7 As shown, external touch operations can apply stress to the touch substrate 310, causing the touch substrate 310 to undergo slight deformation.

[0098] Figure 8 According to Figure 7 A state diagram of the touch substrate 310 at position M1 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown, in some examples, the ring waveguide in the photonic device 2 has a uniform shape, uniform light flux, and constant light intensity when there is no external touch operation on the touch substrate 310.

[0100] Figure 9 According to Figure 7 Another state diagram of the touch substrate 310 at position M1 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0101] like Figure 9 As shown, in some examples, external touch operation applies stress to touch substrate 310, and touch substrate 310 at position M1 corresponding to touch operation deforms. Photonic device 2 and first waveguide 3 at position M1 are squeezed, and optical coupling capability and / or optical transmission capability are affected, resulting in reduced light intensity.

[0102] Figure 10 According to Figure 7 Another state diagram of the touch board 310 at position M1 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0103] like Figure 10 As shown, in some examples, an external touch operation applies stress to the touch substrate 310, causing the touch substrate 310 at the M1 position corresponding to the touch operation to deform, and the grating on the surface of the photonic device 2 at the M1 position also deforms, resulting in a change in the resonant frequency.

[0104] Figure 11According to Figure 7 Another state diagram of the touch board 310 at position M1 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0105] like Figure 11 As shown, in some examples, the external touch operation applies stress to the touch substrate 310, the touch substrate 310 at the M1 position corresponding to the touch operation deforms, the photonic device 2 and the first waveguide 3 at the M1 position are squeezed, the optical coupling capability and / or optical transmission capability are affected, the light intensity is reduced, and the grating on the surface of the photonic device 2 at the M1 position is also deformed, and the resonant frequency changes.

[0106] Figure 12 According to Figure 7 Another state diagram of the touch board 310 at position M1 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0107] like Figure 12 As shown, in some examples, external touch operation applies stress to touch substrate 310, causing deformation of touch substrate 310 at position M1 corresponding to the touch operation. Furthermore, temperature changes or ambient temperature changes caused to touch substrate 310 during touch operation may also affect the optical coupling effect between photonic device 2 and first waveguide 3, thereby affecting light intensity / resonance frequency.

[0108] In some embodiments, the surface of the second waveguide 21 is provided with a grating.

[0109] In some examples, the grating is located on the outer surface of the second waveguide 21 surrounding the normal of the first surface 1A.

[0110] The extension direction of the grating intersects with the extension direction of the second waveguide 21. For example, the extension direction of the grating is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second waveguide 21.

[0111] Through the above embodiments, the grating can change the effective refractive index of the second waveguide 21, thereby adjusting the resonant frequency between the first waveguide 3 and the second waveguide 21 in the micro-ring resonator. It can also precisely adjust the wavelength of the light output from the second waveguide 21 to the first waveguide 3. Thus, by pre-setting the grating, the wavelength and intensity of the light output from the output end 3B of the first waveguide 3 can be adjusted, which facilitates the processing of information on the light signal output from the output end 3B of the first waveguide 3 and improves the touch accuracy of the display panel 300.

[0112] In some examples, the diameter of the microring resonator ranges from 10 μm to 100 μm.

[0113] For example, if the microring resonator is not circular, the diameter of the microring resonator can refer to the maximum dimension of the microring resonator along the direction parallel to the substrate 1.

[0114] For example, the diameter of the microring resonator can be, but is not limited to, 10μm, 30μm, 50μm, 80μm, and 100μm.

[0115] In some examples, the width of the second waveguide 21 ranges from 1 μm to 5 μm along a direction perpendicular to its own extension and parallel to the first surface 1A.

[0116] For example, the width of the second waveguide 21 along a direction perpendicular to its own extension and parallel to the first surface 1A may include, but is not limited to, 1μm, 2μm, 3μm, 4μm, or 5μm.

[0117] In some examples, the resonant frequency range of the microring resonator is 150 THz to 200 THz.

[0118] For example, the resonant frequencies of a microring resonator include, but are not limited to, 150THz, 160THz, 175THz, 190THz, and 200THz.

[0119] In some embodiments, the photonic devices 2 are arranged in an array along a first direction Y and a second direction X. The first direction Y is parallel to the first surface 1A, the second direction X is parallel to the first surface 1A, and the first direction Y and the second direction X intersect.

[0120] For example, the first direction Y and the second direction X are perpendicular to each other. For example, the display panel 300 is rectangular, and the first direction Y can be one of the extension directions of the long side and the short side of the rectangle, or the other of the extension directions of the long side and the short side of the rectangle.

[0121] The first waveguide 3 includes a first part 31, which extends along a first direction Y.

[0122] For example, the first waveguide 3 includes a plurality of first portions 31, which are arranged along a second direction X. For example, two adjacent first portions 31 can be connected to each other by a curved second portion 32.

[0123] For example, multiple first parts 31 can be arranged at equal intervals, and multiple first parts 31 can be connected by second parts 32 to form an "S" shaped structure.

[0124] Two photonic devices 2 arranged along the second direction X form a group. The group of photonic devices 2 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first part 31 along the second direction X and are optically coupled to the first part 31.

[0125] For example, each of the multiple sets of photonic devices 2 is disposed on opposite sides of the first part 31 along the second direction X and is optically coupled to the first part 31.

[0126] Through the above embodiments, photonic devices 2 optically coupled to the first part 31 of the first waveguide 3 are provided on both sides of the first part 31, which can help reduce the wiring length of the first waveguide 3, thereby reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the display panel 300 and reducing optical path loss, thus improving the touch accuracy of the display panel 300.

[0127] In some examples, there is a gap between adjacent sets of photonic devices 2 to avoid optical interference.

[0128] In some embodiments, the display device 100 further includes a photodetector, which can detect the second optical signal output from the output terminal 3B of the first waveguide 3 and convert the second optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal can carry the light intensity information of the second optical signal.

[0129] In some examples, the photodetector is electrically connected to the touch chip. The touch chip can determine the touch position on the display panel 300 based on the intensity of the second light signal, thereby outputting a corresponding touch signal to enable the display device 100 to respond to the touch operation. For example, the display device 100 can display a corresponding screen based on the touch operation.

[0130] Figure 13 According to Figure 4 Another cross-sectional view of the touch substrate along the BB' direction in the illustrated embodiment.

[0131] like Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, the display device 100 further includes a heating element 5, which is disposed adjacent to the touch substrate 310 of the display panel 300, and the heating element 5 is configured to generate heat when powered on.

[0132] For example, the heating element 5 may be disposed on the side of the substrate of the display panel 300 away from the light-emitting layer 330 to avoid affecting the display.

[0133] Optionally, the heating element 5 can be an external heating source independent of the display screen and located on the back of the display screen. For example, the substrate 1 serves as the substrate of the display panel 300, the photonic device 2 and the first waveguide 3 are located between the substrate 1 and the light-emitting layer 330, and the heating element 5 can be located on the side of the substrate 1 away from the photonic device 2 and the first waveguide 3.

[0134] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the steps of a pressure-sensitive touch method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0135] like Figure 14 As shown, this disclosure also provides a pressure-sensitive touch method, which can be applied to the display device 100 in the above embodiments.

[0136] For example, this pressure-sensitive touch method can be controlled by a touch chip in the display device 100.

[0137] The pressure-sensitive touch method includes the following steps S61 to S63: Step S61: Input the first optical signal to the signal input terminal 310A of the touch substrate 310.

[0138] Step S62: Receive the second optical signal output from the signal output terminal 310B of the touch substrate 310.

[0139] For example, the light intensities of the second optical signal and the first optical signal can be different.

[0140] Step S63: Based on the light intensity of the first light signal and the light intensity of the second light signal, a pressure-sensitive signal is output. The pressure-sensitive signal carries the coordinate information of the touch position on the display panel 300.

[0141] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the display panel 300 in the above embodiments, the touch sensitivity, response speed and anti-interference capability can be dynamically adjusted according to the internal state of the module and the external environment to optimize touch performance.

[0142] In some embodiments, step S63 may include the following steps S631 to S632: Step S631: If the ambient light intensity is detected to be higher than the preset light intensity, the preset light intensity distribution signal in the second light signal is filtered to obtain the third light signal. The preset light intensity distribution signal is preset based on the ambient light intensity.

[0143] For example, the preset light intensity can be greater than or equal to 10,000 lumens.

[0144] Step S632: Output a pressure-sensitive signal based on the light intensity of the first optical signal and the light intensity of the third optical signal.

[0145] Through the above embodiments, it is possible to filter the ambient light signal in the second light signal in a strong light environment, reduce ambient light interference, and improve the sensitivity and accuracy of touch control.

[0146] In some examples, the pressure-sensitive touch method described above further includes the following step S64: In step S64, when the ambient temperature is detected to be lower than the preset temperature, the heating element 5 in the display device 100 is powered on to heat the touch substrate 310 of the display panel 300.

[0147] For example, the preset temperature can be less than or equal to -20℃.

[0148] Through the above embodiments, touch sensitivity can be adjusted by temperature compensation in low-temperature environments, thereby improving touch sensitivity and accuracy.

[0149] In other examples, it is also possible to detect whether the user is touching the screen with wet hands. After detecting that the user is touching the screen with wet hands, the noise signal in the second optical signal is filtered to reduce erroneous operations.

[0150] For example, noise signals can be preset by testing the difference in signal intensity of the actual product under wet and dry conditions.

[0151] Therefore, the algorithms and firmware built into the touch chip can be specifically optimized for users operating with wet hands, reducing misoperations and improving the user experience. Through the above embodiments, a multimodal interaction algorithm based on deformation and optical coupling data can be developed, supporting complex gesture recognition and high-precision multi-touch. Combined with the display panel 300 in the above embodiments, algorithm optimization can enhance the naturalness and flexibility of user interaction. For example, the algorithm can recognize finger presses, slides, and pinches based on changes in light signals, enabling richer interactive functions.

[0152] In conjunction with the display panel 300 in the above embodiments, a sensor implemented using a resonator array composed of the first waveguide 3 and photonic devices 2 can comprehensively monitor temperature, illumination, and stress, and design a touch sensing mechanism that can better adapt to the environment. Based on the real-time data of the sensor implemented using the resonator array, a dynamic touch control circuit is designed to dynamically adjust the touch parameters of the display panel 300, thereby improving the touch performance of the display panel 300 and the display device 100 in complex environments such as wet hands, low temperatures, or strong light.

[0153] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the steps of a method for manufacturing a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0154] like Figure 15 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a display panel 300 is also provided, the method comprising: Step S81: A plurality of photonic devices 2 and a first waveguide 3 are formed on the substrate 1.

[0155] For example, multiple photonic devices 2 and a first waveguide 3 can be photolithographically or etched on a substrate 1 based on micro-nano fabrication technology.

[0156] For example, after photolithography or etching, the surface of the substrate 1 on one side where multiple photonic devices 2 and the first waveguide 3 are formed can be modified.

[0157] Step S82: Fill one side of the substrate 1 where multiple photonic devices 2 and the first waveguide 3 are formed to form a filling structure 4.

[0158] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, Includes a touch substrate, the touch substrate comprising: Substrate; Multiple photonic devices, wherein the multiple photonic devices are arranged in an array on the first surface of the substrate; The first waveguide is optically coupled to the plurality of photonic devices. The input end of the first waveguide is the signal input end of the touch substrate, and the output end of the first waveguide is the signal output end of the touch substrate.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photonic device includes: a second waveguide; the second waveguide surrounds the normal of the first surface to form a micro-ring resonant cavity, and the first waveguide and the second waveguide are optically coupled to each other.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The surface of the second waveguide is provided with a grating; the grating is located on the outer surface of the second waveguide surrounding the normal of the first surface; The extension direction of the grating intersects with the extension direction of the second waveguide.

4. The display panel according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the microring resonant cavity ranges from 10 μm to 100 μm; and / or, Along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the second waveguide itself and parallel to the first surface, the width of the second waveguide ranges from 1 μm to 5 μm; And / or, The resonant frequency range of the micro-ring resonant cavity is 150THz~200THz.

5. The display panel according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The photonic devices are arranged in an array along a first direction and a second direction; the first direction is parallel to the first surface, the second direction is parallel to the first surface, and the first direction and the second direction intersect. The first waveguide includes a first portion that extends along the first direction; Two photonic devices arranged along the second direction form a group, and the photonic devices in the group are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first part along the second direction and are optically coupled to the first part.

6. The display panel according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The touch substrate further includes: a filling structure; The filling structure is placed between the first waveguide and the plurality of photonic devices, and the refractive index of the filling structure is less than that of the first waveguide.

7. The display panel according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The substrate material, the materials of the multiple photonic devices, and the material of the first waveguide are all the same.

8. The display panel according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The photonic device comprises a silicon-based material, wherein the refractive index of the silicon-based material is in the range of 3.4-3.5; And / or, The photonic device comprises a polymer material having a refractive index in the range of 1.5-1.

7.

9. A display device, characterized in that, It includes a circuit board and a display panel as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the display panel is electrically connected to the circuit board.

10. The display device according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A heating element is disposed adjacent to the touch substrate of the display panel, and the heating element is configured to generate heat when energized.

11. A pressure-sensitive touch method, characterized in that, Applied to the display device as described in claim 9, the method includes: A first optical signal is input to the signal input terminal of the touch substrate; Receives the second optical signal output from the signal output terminal of the touch substrate; Based on the light field intensity of the first light signal and the light field intensity of the second light signal, a pressure-sensitive signal is output; the pressure-sensitive signal carries the coordinate information of the touch position of the display panel.

12. The pressure-sensitive touch method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The step of outputting a pressure-sensitive signal based on the light field intensity of the first optical signal and the light field intensity of the second optical signal includes: When the ambient light intensity is detected to be higher than the preset light intensity, the preset light intensity distribution signal in the second light signal is filtered to obtain the third light signal; the preset light intensity distribution signal is preset based on the ambient light intensity. The pressure-sensitive signal is output based on the light field intensity of the first optical signal and the light field intensity of the third optical signal.

13. The pressure-sensitive touch method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, Also includes: When the ambient temperature is detected to be lower than the preset temperature, the heating element in the display device is energized to heat the touch substrate of the display panel.

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