Dual-View Display Layout With Integrated Proximity Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display apparatus configurations face challenges in narrowing the frame region while maintaining display quality and reducing manufacturing costs, particularly when using multiple proximity sensors, and in differentiating touch operations by multiple users.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus with a light-blocking pattern and capacitance-type proximity sensors, where sensor electrodes are selectively placed on certain light-blocking parts, combined with a controller to differentiate user operations and optimize sensor usage, reducing sensor count and computation load, and incorporating dummy electrodes for uniform visual quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple proximity sensors are arranged in the frame region to measure distances and detect user positions, then user position detection accuracy is improved, but the frame region cannot be narrowed and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser position detection accuracyVSAvoidframe region width

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the proximity sensor electrode with the light-blocking pattern structure, making the sensor electrode serve dual purposes: detecting user proximity and blocking light to prevent glare. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensor structures and reduces the frame region width while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor electrode is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a capacitance-type proximity sensor for detecting user position and distance, and as a light-blocking element to prevent glare for other users. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the frame region

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple proximity sensors are used to detect multiple users, then user differentiation capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser differentiation capabilityVSAvoidsensor configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor electrode is divided into multiple sensing regions along the width direction of the display panel, with each region corresponding to a different user position. By detecting which sensing region has changed capacitance, the system can identify which user is approaching or interacting with the display, enabling user differentiation without requiring multiple separate sensor assemblies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the sensor electrode have different functions: the first portion (first width direction) detects proximity for one user, while the second portion (second width direction) detects proximity for another user. This local differentiation allows the system to identify and differentiate between multiple users based on which specific portion of the electrode is activated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If sensor electrodes are placed on light-blocking parts, then proximity sensing capability is improved, but stray light and noise increase affecting display quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity sensing capabilityVSAvoidstray light and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of light-blocking materials (which could cause glare or visual interference) into a benefit by using the same light-blocking pattern as the sensor electrode substrate. The light-blocking properties prevent glare for other users while the capacitance changes in this same structure enable proximity detection, turning a potential visual hazard into a functional sensing element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

The solution achieves a narrower frame, reduced manufacturing costs, improved display quality, and enhanced touch sensitivity by minimizing stray light and noise, while effectively distinguishing between user interactions.

Implementation Method 1

a proximity sensor that is of capacitance type and includes a plurality of sensor electrodes that are superimposed on the light-blocking pattern in a plan view

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20260038403A1Display apparatus and vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 SHARP DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

A display apparatus includes: a display panel that includes a first display region displaying a first image and a second display region displaying a second image; a light-blocking pattern that is arranged such that the first image is visible to a first user who views the display panel from a first side but the second image is invisible to the first user and such that the first image is invisible to a second user who views the display panel from a second side opposite to the first side and the second image is visible to the second user; and a proximity sensor that is of capacitance type and includes a plurality of sensor electrodes that are superimposed on the light-blocking pattern in a plan view.