Display Sensor Layout for Proximity Sensing Around a Through-Hole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices lack integrated proximity sensing capabilities without requiring additional components or processes, limiting their ability to detect object approaches without direct contact.
Innovation Solution
A display device incorporating a display element layer and a sensing element layer with a proximity sensor electrode disposed in a non-pixel area, overlapping a through-hole, and electrically insulated from touch sensor electrodes, allowing for self-capacitive type proximity sensing without additional components or processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional proximity sensing components are added to the display device, then proximity detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor electrode layer is designed to serve dual functions: touch sensing in the active area and proximity sensing in the non-pixel area. By making the sensor electrode layer extend into the non-pixel area surrounding the opening area, the same layer performs both touch detection and proximity detection, eliminating the need for separate proximity sensing components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the touch sensing function and proximity sensing function into a single integrated sensor system. The sensor electrode layer is continuously formed across both the active area and the non-pixel area, merging what would traditionally be separate sensing mechanisms into one unified structure, thereby simplifying the device architecture.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional proximity sensing components are added to the display device, then proximity detection capability is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor electrode layer is formed as a single continuous structure that extends from the active area into the non-pixel area. This merging allows both touch sensing electrodes and proximity sensing electrodes to be fabricated using the same manufacturing processes and material deposition steps, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing lines or additional fabrication processes for proximity sensing components.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the sensor electrode layer extends into the non-pixel area, then proximity sensing is enabled, but electrical insulation from touch sensor electrodes must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor electrode layer is segmented into functionally distinct regions: the first sensor electrodes in the active area for touch sensing, and the second sensor electrode in the non-pixel area for proximity sensing. The through-hole in the sensor electrode layer at the opening area position creates physical and electrical separation between these regions, allowing independent electrical connections and preventing unwanted electrical interaction while maintaining both sensing functions.
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 effective detection of object approaches without direct contact, enhancing the device's sensing capabilities while maintaining the existing display functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the second sensor electrode may be formed as a self-capacitive type proximity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A display device may include a display element layer, a sensing element layer, and a second-type sensor electrode. The display element layer may include a first through hole, a non-pixel area, and a display area. The display area may including pixels and may surround the non-pixel area. The non-pixel area may surround the first through hole. The sensing element layer may include a second through hole and a first sensing area. The first sensing area may include first-type sensor electrodes, may overlap the display area, and may surround the second through hole. The second through hole may correspond to the first through-hole. The second-type sensor electrode may overlap the non-pixel area and may be electrically insulated from the first-type sensor electrodes.