Flexible Display Touch Sensing with Dynamic Electrode Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays face challenges in accurately sensing touch inputs due to stretching, which can lead to malfunctions and reduced resolution, making it difficult to detect touches accurately.
Innovation Solution
A flexible display device with a sensing system that includes flexible touch input and output electrodes, a sensing scan driver, and a signal controller that adjusts switching operations based on stretch signals to maintain accurate touch sensing by determining the extent of panel stretching and adjusting signal distribution accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a flexible display panel is used to enable stretching and portability, then weight and rigidity are improved, but touch sensing accuracy deteriorates due to resolution reduction when stretched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electrode connection configuration adaptable to the stretching state. The controller dynamically switches between first and second connection configurations based on whether the display panel is stretched beyond a threshold, allowing the touch sensing system to maintain accuracy in both flexible and stretched states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameters of the touch electrodes based on the stretching state. When stretched, the system switches from a first connection configuration to a second connection configuration, altering how electrodes are electrically connected to maintain sensing resolution and accuracy under different physical states
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display panel stretches beyond threshold, then flexibility and portability are maintained, but touch sensor resolution reduces causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the electrode connection configuration based on the stretching state. When the display panel is stretched beyond a threshold, the controller switches to a second connection configuration that maintains touch sensing reliability, preventing malfunction while preserving flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the stretching state detection to control the electrode connections. The controller monitors whether the display panel is stretched and automatically switches between connection configurations to maintain reliable touch sensing functionality under varying conditions
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 ensures accurate touch sensing even when the display panel stretches, preventing malfunctions and maintaining resolution by dynamically adjusting the signal distribution and electrode connections based on the panel's stretch thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
the sensing scan driver to apply a test voltage to the touch input electrodes to generate a stretch signal, the stretch signal providing an indication of a change amount of a resistance value of each of the touch input electrodes
Implementation Method 2
A capacitive touch sensor includes a plurality of touch electrodes for transferring sensing signals. When an object approaches or contacts the touch sensor, a change in capacitance or charging amount of the sensing capacitor is generated to sense the touch.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a flexible display panel, a sensing scan driver, and a sensing signal processor. The display panel includes a plurality of flexible touch input electrodes arranged in a first direction and a plurality of flexible touch output electrodes arranged in a second direction. The sensing scan driver supplies sensing input signals to the flexible touch input electrodes. The sensing signal processor receives sensing output signals through the flexible touch output electrodes. The display panel includes a plurality of touch sensing areas. One of the touch input electrodes and a pair of the touch output electrodes correspond to one of the touch sensing areas when the display panel stretches in the first direction by a predetermined first threshold value or more.