Display Force Sensor via Shared Electrode Capacitance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display devices can only sense touch coordinates and process inputs based on touch position, limiting their ability to provide diverse functions and meet varied user demands, as they do not account for touch force or pressure.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a force sensor structure that includes embedded first electrodes in the display panel and a second electrode outside the panel, using a touch circuit to apply driving signals to both sets of electrodes to sense touch force, allowing for the detection of touch coordinates and force through a capacitance scheme without separate pressure sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional touch sensor structure is used, then the device can sense touch coordinates, but it cannot sense touch force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the display panel electrodes serve dual functions: as display electrodes during normal operation and as force sensor electrodes when touch detection is needed. The same electrode structure is used for both touch coordinate detection and touch force sensing, eliminating the need for separate sensor structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the touch coordinate sensing function and touch force sensing function into a single integrated system. Both functions share the same electrode structure and signal processing circuitry, merging multiple sensing capabilities into one unified sensor system.
2Measurement precision
If separate pressure sensors are added to detect touch force, then touch force can be sensed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel electrodes are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - serving as both display electrodes and force sensing electrodes. This eliminates the need for separate pressure sensor components while maintaining accurate touch force detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel itself serves as the sensing element for touch force detection. The existing electrode structure of the display panel is utilized for force sensing without requiring additional dedicated sensor components, making the system self-sufficient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If only touch coordinates are sensed, then the processing is simple, but the functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensing system is enhanced to provide multiple types of information from the same input - both touch coordinate data and touch force data are extracted simultaneously. This enables diverse functions such as distinguishing between light and heavy touches, providing richer user interaction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides enhanced feedback to the user by detecting touch force in addition to touch position. This allows the device to respond differently based on the intensity of the touch, creating more intuitive and responsive user interactions with haptic feedback capabilities.
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
Enables the display device to sense touch force in addition to coordinates, enhancing its functionality and user interaction by distinguishing between soft and forceful touches, thereby providing a more intuitive and responsive user experience.
Implementation Method 1
sense a touch force of a touch, during each touch driving section
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device having a force sensor structure and, more specifically, to a display device having a force sensor structure which, when a user's touch occurs, senses not only touch coordinates but also the user's touch force for pressing a screen, in order to provide various functions in various forms.