Input Sensing Layer Bridge Openings for Low-Reflection Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The visibility of display devices is compromised due to light reflection from conductive materials in the sensing electrode array, which are visible to users.
Innovation Solution
A display device design featuring a bridge opening in the bridge wiring that exposes an insulating layer, allowing the first sensing electrode array to directly contact the insulating layer through a dummy contact hole, while maintaining electrical insulation and reducing visibility issues by regularizing the arrangement of contact holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensing electrode array with conductive materials is used to sense user touch input, then touch sensing function is enabled, but light reflection from the conductive materials becomes visible and deteriorates display visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing electrode array is segmented into multiple separate sensing electrodes arranged in a matrix pattern, with bridge wirings connecting adjacent electrodes. This segmentation allows insertion of insulating layers and dummy contact holes to disrupt light reflection paths while maintaining electrical connectivity for touch sensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the conductive sensing electrodes and the display layer. This insulating layer, combined with dummy contact holes, acts as a mediator to block and scatter light reflection from the conductive materials while allowing electrical signals to pass through via the contact holes, thus reducing visible reflections without compromising touch sensing.
2Reliability
If bridge wiring connects sensing electrodes through contact holes in the insulating layer, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but light reflection from the contact holes and bridge wiring becomes visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of light reflection from contact holes into a beneficial pattern by strategically designing the arrangement of contact holes and bridge wirings. The dummy contact holes are positioned to create a regular pattern that scatters reflected light in a controlled manner, transforming the harmful reflection into a less noticeable visual pattern that maintains electrical connectivity while reducing overall visibility issues.
3Reliability
If multiple contact holes are defined in the insulating layer for bridge wiring connection, then electrical connection between sensing electrodes is enabled, but the regular arrangement of contact holes creates visible reflected patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design in the positioning and sizing of contact holes and bridge wirings. Rather than uniform symmetric arrangement, the contact holes are strategically positioned at irregular intervals and with varying dimensions, which disrupts the formation of regular reflected light patterns while maintaining necessary electrical connections for touch sensing operation.
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
This design significantly reduces the visibility of reflected patterns caused by light reflection, ensuring improved visibility and maintaining electrical insulation in the display device.
Implementation Method 1
light reflected by a conductive material constituting the sensing electrode array may be visible to the user
Data Source
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AI summary
A display device includes a display layer including pixels, and an input sensing layer disposed on the display layer and including a first conductive pattern layer, a second conductive pattern layer and a sensing insulating layer. The second conductive pattern layer includes a first sensing electrode array extending in a first direction, and second-first and second-second sensing electrodes that are separated in a second direction with the first sensing electrode array interposed therebetween. The first conductive pattern layer includes a bridge wiring connected to the second-first and second-second sensing electrodes through bridge contact holes defined in the sensing insulating layer and is electrically insulated from and intersects the first sensing electrode array. The bridge wiring includes a bridge opening exposing an insulating layer disposed under the bridge wiring. The first sensing electrode array directly contacts the insulating layer exposed by the bridge opening, through a dummy contact hole.