Electrochromic Touchscreen Integrating Display and Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touchscreen technologies separate visualization and touch detection functions, requiring two distinct devices, whereas there is a need for a single device that can perform both functions simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A touchscreen structure comprising layers of electrically conductive material, electrochromic material, electrolyte material, and electrochemically active material, where the electronic visualization structure also functions as a touch detection system by measuring variations in electric capacity in response to a modulated electric stimulus, utilizing electrochromic materials that change color in response to electric stimuli for both display and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate devices are used for visualization and touch detection, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visualization function (electrochromic display) and touch detection function (capacitive sensing) into a single integrated device structure. The same electrochromic layers that provide color change functionality also serve as the capacitive structure for touch detection, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the visualization medium (through electrochromic color changes) and the touch detection element (through capacitive variations). This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require two separate devices.
2Device complexity
If a single device performs both visualization and touch detection, then device integration is improved, but the manufacturing precision and material deposition requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures where electrochromic materials are combined with conductive layers and electrolyte components to create a multi-functional system. The composite nature of these materials allows simultaneous achievement of visualization and touch detection capabilities while managing the complexities of manufacturing through material-level integration rather than separate component assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic materials are used for visualization, then color change functionality is achieved, but the need for additional touch detection mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the visualization medium (through electrochromic color changes) and the touch detection element (through capacitive variations). This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require two separate devices.
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 a single device to perform both visualization and touch detection functions by leveraging electrochromic materials that change color in response to electric stimuli, allowing for continuous and precise detection of touch events through changes in electric capacity, thereby integrating display and detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Systems based in electrochromic materials display changes of color, color density or opacity rate in response to an electric current or field. The active agent, an electrochromic material, is responsible for the variation in color according to its oxidation state controlled by the potential difference which is imposed between two electrodes
Implementation Method 2
operates based on variations of the electric capacity of the electronic structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a touchscreen, comprising an electronic visualization structure made of a deposition of layers of: electrically conductive material; on which is deposited electrochromic material; on which is deposited electrolyte material; on which is deposited electrochemically active material, on which is deposited electrically conductive material, wherein the electronic visualization structure is simultaneously an electronic touch detection structure, which touch detection depends on the continuous application of a modulated electrical stimuli; and operates based on variations in the electric capacity of the electronic structure.