Foldable Display Capacitive Sensing for State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices face increased product costs and limited design freedom due to the use of external sensors to detect folding and unfolding states, which also lead to higher power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device that utilizes capacitive patterns on the display panel to sense its folding and unfolding states, eliminating the need for external sensors by generating comparison signals based on capacitance changes between base and capacitive patterns, allowing for reduced power consumption and increased design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an exclusive sensor is attached to the exterior frame to sense folding and unfolding states, then the sensing function is achieved, but the product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function with the display panel by integrating capacitive patterns directly into the non-display area of the panel. This eliminates the need for separate external sensors on the frame, thereby reducing product cost while maintaining folding state detection capability. The capacitive patterns are formed using the same manufacturing process as the display panel, further reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is given multiple functions: it serves both as the display component and as the sensing component for detecting folding states. The non-display area of the panel, which would otherwise be non-functional, is utilized to house capacitive patterns that detect folding/unfolding states, thus making the panel universal and eliminating the need for dedicated sensing components.
2Measurement precision
If an exclusive sensor is attached to the exterior frame to sense folding and unfolding states, then the sensing function is achieved, but the degree of design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the sensing function into the display panel itself, the patent removes the constraint of having external sensors on the frame. This integration allows for greater design freedom in frame configuration and overall device aesthetics, as the sensing capability is now inherent to the panel and not dependent on external component placement.
3Ease of operation
If the display panel is driven continuously without state detection, then the display function is maintained, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensing using capacitive patterns that detect folding/unfolding states at specific intervals. Based on the detected state, the display panel's driving is adjusted - for example, reducing refresh rates or entering low-power modes when the device is in a folded state, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining display functionality when needed.
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
This solution decreases product costs and enhances design freedom by integrating sensing capabilities directly into the display panel, reducing power consumption through differential driving of the display panel based on sensed states.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitive pattern in the non-display area, the first capacitance pattern forming a first capacitance with the first base pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display device and a method of driving the same are discussed. The foldable display device can include a display panel having a display area including a plurality of pixels and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a first base pattern in the non-display area; a first capacitive pattern in the non-display area, the first capacitance pattern forming a first capacitance with the first base pattern; a driving unit generating a comparison signal corresponding to the first capacitance; and a calculating unit sensing an unfolding state and a folding state of the display panel using the comparison signal.