Display Apparatus Touch Input via Pixel Pattern Embedding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Touch screens that use various schemes require a separate hardware device for touch recognition, increasing the thickness and manufacturing cost of display apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus that enables touch input via an input device by adding pattern information to the image itself, allowing input device coordinates to be identified without a separate hardware device, using a method that changes pixel values and communicates via a communication module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate hardware device is added to recognize touch input, then touch input functionality is enabled, but the thickness and manufacturing cost of the display apparatus increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch input functionalityVSAvoidthickness of display apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the touch input recognition function with the existing display structure by using the display itself as the touch sensor. The display panel detects touch inputs directly through changes in its electrical properties when touched, eliminating the need for a separate touch sensor layer or hardware device. This integration maintains thinness while enabling touch functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the visual output device and the touch input sensor. The same display structure that presents images also detects touch coordinates and input gestures, making the system more versatile without adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate hardware device is added to recognize touch input, then touch input functionality is enabled, but the manufacturing cost of the display apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch input functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the touch input recognition function with the existing display structure by using the display itself as the touch sensor. The display panel detects touch inputs directly through changes in its electrical properties when touched, eliminating the need for a separate touch sensor layer or hardware device. This integration maintains thinness while enabling touch functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the visual output device and the touch input sensor. The same display structure that presents images also detects touch coordinates and input gestures, making the system more versatile without adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If pattern information is added by generating a separate image frame, then touch input recognition is enabled, but the image quality displayed on the screen degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch coordinate detection accuracyVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the touch input recognition function with the existing display structure by using the display itself as the touch sensor. The display panel detects touch inputs directly through changes in its electrical properties when touched, eliminating the need for a separate touch sensor layer or hardware device. This integration maintains thinness while enabling touch functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical approach of adding separate pattern frames with an electrical field-based detection method. The display's electrical properties are used to detect touch inputs, substituting the need for visual pattern overlays and enabling precise coordinate detection without affecting displayed image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3491496B1Display apparatus and input method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3491496B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3491496B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3491496B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A display apparatus includes a display, a communication module that communicates with an input device, and a processor. The processor is configured to add pattern information to a first image by changing a pixel value of at least one of a plurality of pixels included in the first image, to display the first image, to which the pattern information is added, on the display, to receive a second image captured by the input device from the input device via the communication module, and to identify input coordinates of the input device or a function to be executed by the display apparatus based on pattern information included in the received second image.