Force-Touch Panel Electrode Architecture for Position and Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch screens can only detect touch position and not the pressure or force applied, which limits their functionality and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A force-touch panel with driving lines, touch-sensing lines, and force-sensing lines, where driving electrodes and touch-sensing electrodes are connected in series, and force-sensing electrodes are smaller, allowing for the detection of touch force and position without compromising display performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If touch-sensing lines and force-sensing lines are disposed close to the touch surface, then touch sensitivity and force detection capability are improved, but display visibility and light transmittance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane electrode arrangement to a multi-layer three-dimensional structure. Touch-sensing lines are placed in a first plane close to the touch surface for high sensitivity, while force-sensing lines are placed in a second plane below the first plane, separated by an insulation layer. This vertical dimensional separation allows both sensing functions to operate optimally without compromising display visibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensing lines are added to detect both touch position and force, then sensing functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into two separate systems: touch-sensing lines for detecting touch position and force-sensing lines for detecting applied force. Each system operates independently with its own signal processing path, allowing simplified individual line designs while achieving comprehensive sensing capability through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving electrodes serve multiple functions: they generate electric fields for both touch-sensing lines and force-sensing lines, and their capacitance changes are monitored by both sensing line systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated electrodes for each sensing mode, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If force-sensing electrodes are made smaller than driving electrodes, then force detection precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulation layer as an intermediary between the driving electrodes and force-sensing lines. This insulation layer provides physical separation and electrical isolation, allowing the smaller force-sensing electrodes to be precisely positioned below the driving electrodes without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances for direct alignment. The insulation layer acts as a buffer that accommodates manufacturing variations.
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 the detection of both touch position and force on a touch screen, enhancing user interaction while maintaining display quality.
Implementation Method 1
The touch-sensing signal may be a signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the touch.
Implementation Method 2
The force-sensing signal may be a signal coupled by a capacitance formed between the driving electrode and the force-sensing electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
A force-touch panel having a touch-sensing function and a force-sensing function, a force-touch detection device and a display system having the force-touch panel are disclosed. The force-touch panel includes a plurality of driving lines, a plurality of touch-sensing lines and a plurality of force-sensing lines. The driving lines have a plurality of driving electrodes connected in series. The touch-sensing lines in which a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes is connected in series are disposed so as to be covered by each of the driving electrodes. The force-sensing lines in which a plurality of force-sensing electrodes is connected in series, disposed on the same plane as the touch-sensing lines.