Foldable Display Touch Sensor Folding State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices lack an efficient method to control power activation based on their folding state without adding separate components or processes, limiting their functionality and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device with a touch unit that includes a matrix of first sensors for touch input and a second sensor with a bent conductive line to sense the folding state, allowing the display driver to control image display regions based on the folding state, without requiring additional components or processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate component or process is added to sense the folding state, then the sensing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the folding state sensing function with the existing touch sensor unit. The second sensor is integrated into the touch unit structure, sharing the same substrate and manufacturing process, thereby eliminating the need for separate sensing components while maintaining accurate folding state detection
Solution Approach 2:
The touch sensor unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects both touch inputs on the display screen and the folding state of the device. The second sensor with the bent conductive line serves dual purposes as part of the touch sensing array while simultaneously acting as a folding state detector
2Ease of operation
If the display device is always activated, then the user experience is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the folding state through the second sensor and uses this feedback information to automatically adjust display activation. When the device is folded, the sensing signal triggers automatic deactivation of the display, conserving energy while ensuring the display is activated when needed for optimal user experience
Solution Approach 2:
The folding state is detected in advance by the second sensor, allowing the system to proactively control power activation before the user would manually turn the display off. This preliminary detection enables automatic power management that prevents unnecessary energy consumption
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 seamless control of display regions based on the device's folding state, enhancing user interaction and device functionality by determining whether to activate or deactivate display areas depending on the folding state, thereby improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the second sensor including a conductive line of which at least a portion is bent... the folding sensing signal may include a change in resistance of the second sensor
Data Source
AI summary
In a display device foldable along a folding axis, the display device includes: a display panel configured to display an image at a display region; and a touch unit configured to sense a touch input at the display region, and sense a folding state of the display device, wherein the touch unit includes: a plurality of first sensors arranged in a matrix on a same plane; and a second sensor overlapping the folding axis, the second sensor comprising a conductive line of which at least a portion is bent.