Hydrogel Touch Sensing Structure for Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch display devices with flat surfaces often require multiple attempts for accurate positioning, particularly difficult for users with bad eyesight, due to the lack of tactile feedback for correct targeting.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensing structure incorporating first and second signal lines, sensing driving electrodes, and a hydrogel sensing layer whose rigidity changes with voltage differences, allowing for tactile feedback and accurate icon positioning through controlled electric signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flat surface touch panel is used, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the user cannot accurately position their touch due to lack of tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing layer's rigidity is dynamically adjusted based on voltage difference between first and second signal lines. When voltage difference increases, rigidity increases to provide tactile feedback; when voltage difference decreases, rigidity decreases to maintain touch sensitivity. This dynamic property allows the same structure to serve multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of the sensing layer (rigidity) is changed by applying different voltage differences across the first and second signal lines. This parameter change enables the sensing layer to transition between soft and rigid states, providing tactile feedback without requiring separate mechanical structures.
2Measurement precision
If the sensing layer rigidity is increased to provide tactile feedback, then touch positioning accuracy improves, but the touch sensitivity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing layer rigidity is dynamically controlled to be high during non-touch periods (providing tactile feedback for positioning) and low during touch periods (maintaining sensitivity). The control circuit detects touch events and adjusts voltage differences accordingly, allowing the system to switch between feedback mode and sensitivity mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic voltage application to the first and second signal lines, creating alternating periods of high rigidity (for feedback) and low rigidity (for sensitivity). This periodic modulation allows both tactile feedback and touch sensitivity to coexist in the same structure.
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 users to accurately determine the position of action icons on touch display devices, improving user experience, especially for those with bad eyesight, by altering the rigidity of the sensing layer in response to electric signals.
Implementation Method 1
Rigidity of the sensing layer changes along with a voltage difference between an electric signal applied to one of the first signal lines and an electric signal applied to a corresponding second signal line. The sensing layer is made of a hydrogel material.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a touch sensing structure, an operating method thereof, a touch substrate, a manufacturing method thereof, and a touch display device. The touch sensing structure includes: first signal lines; second signal lines; a plurality of sensing driving electrodes each connected to a corresponding first signal line and a corresponding second signal line; and a sensing layer in contact with the plurality of sensing driving electrodes. Rigidity of the sensing layer in contact with the sensing driving electrode changes along with a voltage difference between an electric signal applied to one of the first signal lines and an electric signal applied to the corresponding second signal line.