In-Cell Touch Panel Substrate with Planar Electrodes

The patent transitions from a three-dimensional stacked configuration (multiple conductive layers separated by insulating layers) to a two-dimensional planar configuration (first and second conductive layers arranged side-by-side in the same plane). This dimensional change eliminates the vertical stacking that creates parasitic capacitance while preserving the position detection function through the planar arrangement of conductive layers.

The sensor electrode is segmented into multiple conductive layers (first conductive layer and second conductive layer) that are spatially separated in the planar direction rather than stacked vertically. Each conductive layer can be independently controlled and contributes to position detection, while their lateral separation minimizes parasitic capacitance between them.

The patent merges the touch panel structure with the display panel structure by integrating the sensor electrode conductive layers into the same substrate that forms the display panel. The first and second conductive layers are formed on the same insulating substrate as the display structures, combining two functions (display and touch sensing) into a single integrated device, thereby eliminating the need for separate stacked panels.

The insulating substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as the base for both the display panel structures and the sensor electrode conductive layers. The same substrate provides mechanical support for both display and touch sensing functions, making the device structure universal and multi-functional rather than requiring separate dedicated structures for each function.