Curved-Edge Touch Sensor Layout for Accurate Coordinate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch panel devices with curved edges suffer from reduced accuracy in coordinate detection due to differences in electrode shapes, leading to inaccurate correction of touched coordinates.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor design with a curved edge featuring first and second electrodes arranged in a specific pattern, where distances between electrodes gradually change in certain directions to maintain consistent electrode spacing, improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If electrodes at the edge are given a curved shape to match the device contour, then the device achieves better aesthetic appearance and ergonomic fit, but the detection accuracy of touched coordinates deteriorates due to non-uniform electrode spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different electrode configurations to different regions: regular rectangular electrodes in the central region and deformed electrodes with curved edges at the peripheral region. This local differentiation allows the device to achieve both aesthetic curved edges and maintained detection accuracy through region-specific optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters of electrodes at the curved edge by applying correction values to adjust their positions and shapes. This parameter adjustment compensates for the distortion caused by curved edges, maintaining uniform effective spacing and thus preserving coordinate detection accuracy despite the non-linear device contour.
2Reliability
If a correction unit amplifies the output of deformed electrode pairs to compensate for edge effects, then the output level matches reference electrode pairs, but the mixed connection causes inaccurate coordinate correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode connections into distinct groups: deformed electrode pairs connected only to each other and reference electrode pairs connected only to each other. This segmentation prevents mixing of signals, allowing independent processing and correction of edge effects without contaminating the reference measurements, thus maintaining both output consistency and correction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated correction unit that acts as an intermediary to process and amplify signals from deformed electrode pairs separately. This intermediary component enables precise correction of edge effects by handling deformed electrode signals independently before combining them with reference electrode signals, ensuring accurate coordinate correction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy of coordinate detection by averaging the influence of unique electrode shapes, particularly at the edges, resulting in improved touch sensitivity and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage application unit 110, and a charge detection unit 100. The touch panel device detects a position touched by a finger or the like that approaches an electrode extending in the longitudinal direction, based on a change in the amount of electric charges detected by the charge detection unit 100.
Data Source
AI summary
The touch sensor includes a touch detection area with at least a part of a curved area having a curved edge. In the touch detection area, a plurality of first electrodes and second electrodes disposed side by side in a first direction and in a second direction are disposed. A plurality of first electrodes disposed side by side in the first direction are connected to each other. A plurality of second electrodes disposed side by side in the second direction are connected to each other. In the curved area, distances between the plurality of first electrodes and the second electrodes in the first direction gradually change in the second direction.