Hybrid Optical-Capacitive Sensor Panel for Touch and Graphical Data Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flat panel displays, such as touch screens, cannot capture graphical information from two-dimensional surfaces, limiting their functionality as both input and output devices.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid optical-capacitive sensor panel device incorporating an array of photosensitive pixels and capacitance-sensitive pixels, integrated with a flat panel display, allows for the detection of touch inputs and graphical information from information-bearing substrates by utilizing a combination of optical and capacitive sensing technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch screen is used to detect user contacts, then touch input functionality is improved, but the ability to capture graphical information from two-dimensional surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a capacitive touch sensor array with a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor array into a single hybrid sensor panel. The capacitive sensing layer is integrated directly on the CMOS substrate, allowing simultaneous detection of touch inputs and graphical information from information-bearing substrates placed on the display surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid sensor panel serves multiple functions: it detects capacitive touch inputs from user contacts (fingers, styluses), captures optical graphical information from information-bearing substrates (documents, images), and enables biometric authentication through fingerprint sensing. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the device adaptable to various sensing modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid optical-capacitive sensor panel is implemented, then the ability to capture both touch and graphical data is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensing electrodes are formed using the same thin-film deposition and patterning processes as the CMOS image sensor circuitry. The capacitive sensing layer is integrated directly on the CMOS substrate during the same manufacturing sequence, eliminating the need for separate touch sensor fabrication and reducing overall device complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
3Ease of operation
If capacitive sensing electrodes are formed over photosensitive pixels, then touch sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensing electrodes and photosensitive pixels are formed simultaneously using the same thin-film deposition and patterning processes. The electrodes are created as part of the CMOS image sensor fabrication sequence, ensuring automatic alignment between the capacitive sensing elements and the underlying pixel structures without requiring additional alignment steps.
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 capture of both touch and graphical data from two-dimensional surfaces, enhancing the device's functionality as both an input and output device with high resolution and biometric applications like fingerprint reading.
Implementation Method 1
an array of photosensitive pixels and an array of capacitance sensitive pixels
Implementation Method 2
an array of photosensitive pixels and an array of capacitance sensitive pixels
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an optical-capacitive sensor panel device. In one aspect, the panel device includes a transparent substrate having a first surface; an optical sensor array formed on the first surface of the transparent substrate, the optical sensor array including a plurality of photosensitive pixels spaced apart from each other and arranged on the first surface to form a lattice structure; a plurality of row electrodes formed on the optical sensor array and electrically coupled to a first group of the photosensitive pixels; a plurality of column electrodes formed on the optical sensor array crossing the row electrodes and electrically coupled to a second group of the photosensitive pixels; and an insulating layer formed between the row electrodes and the column electrodes.