TFT Photodetector Touch Panel with Integrated Display-Light Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display systems are limited to one-way image output and lack efficient direct input signal acquisition, requiring separate touch sensing devices and light emitters, which complicates the integration of touch functionality into display panels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a high-sensitivity touch panel using thin film transistor (TFT) photodetectors on a glass or flexible substrate, where the display panel's light source is used for touch sensing, allowing for integrated display and touch functionality without additional light emitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate touch sensing device and light emitter are provided, then touch sensing function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch sensing function and display function into a single integrated panel structure. The touch panel and display panel are merged such that the display panel serves dual purposes: displaying images and sensing touch inputs, thereby eliminating the need for separate touch sensing devices and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as both the light source for display and the sensing element for touch detection. The same panel structure is used for both image output and input signal acquisition, achieving multi-functionality without requiring additional components
2Measurement precision
If additional light emitters are provided for touch sensing, then touch sensing accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel's light source is utilized for both display illumination and touch sensing illumination. This eliminates the need for separate light emitters, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining touch sensing accuracy through the same optical path and detector integration
3Device complexity
If display and touch functionality are integrated on a single panel, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensing layer and display layer are integrated into a single panel structure with shared components. The same substrate, electrodes, and processing steps serve both touch and display functions, reducing the number of separate manufacturing processes and alignment requirements that would otherwise be needed for stacked or separate assemblies
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 fast and accurate touch recognition, reduces device complexity and cost by utilizing the display panel's light source for touch sensing, and allows for both display and touch functionality on a single panel.
Implementation Method 1
a touch panel including at least one unit pattern for sensing light reflected by a touch by using a TFT photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A touch screen panel using a thin film transistor (TFT) photodetector includes a touch panel including a plurality of unit patterns for sensing light reflected by a touch by using a TFT photodetector including an active layer formed of amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon on an amorphous transparent material, and a controller configured to scan the plurality of unit patterns and read touch coordinates as a result of the scanning.