In-Display Proximity Sensing for User-Specific Vehicle Touchscreens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display apparatus configurations face challenges in narrowing the frame region due to the arrangement of multiple sensors that cannot detect multiple zones, making it difficult to increase the display region size and accurately detect operator approach to the central portion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a capacitive or infrared sensor to detect operator approach to sensor electrodes or zones within the display region, combined with a controller that differentiates user sides and performs distinct processes based on user identification, allowing for single-view or multi-view settings and reducing false touch detections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are arranged in the frame region to detect operator approach, then operator detection capability is improved, but the frame region cannot be narrowed and the display region size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from detecting operator approach in the frame region to detecting within the display region itself by superimposing sensor electrodes on the display panel. This dimensional shift allows the sensing area to coincide with the display area, eliminating the need for additional frame space while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the display function and sensor detection function into a single integrated structure where sensor electrodes are superimposed on the display region. This merging allows both functions to share the same spatial area, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and display size.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged to detect operator approach to the central portion, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel serves multiple functions: it displays information and simultaneously acts as the sensing surface for detecting operator approach. The sensor electrodes superimposed on the display region enable the display itself to function as the detection surface, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrays and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel performs self-detection by incorporating sensor electrodes directly on its surface. The display structure itself provides the sensing capability, eliminating the need for external or separate detection systems and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Area of stationary object
If the frame region is narrowed to increase display region size, then display area is improved, but operator detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by moving the detection function from the frame region to the display region itself. By superimposing sensor electrodes on the display panel, the sensing area expands to cover the display area, allowing the frame to be narrowed while maintaining or even improving detection capability through the larger sensing area.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect different zones, then zone detection capability is improved, but the number of sensors and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display region into multiple detection zones by segmenting the sensor electrode array into different regions (e.g., first region, second region, third region, fourth region). Each segment can independently detect operator approach in its respective zone, providing zone-level detection capability while using a single integrated sensor structure rather than multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
A single sensor electrode structure performs multiple functions: it detects operator approach, identifies which zone the operator is approaching, and determines user side. This multi-functional sensor system eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining comprehensive zone detection capability.
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 larger display regions with accurate operator detection and reduced false touch detections, supporting single-view and multi-view functionalities while optimizing computational load.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor having a plurality of sensor electrodes superimposed on the display region in a plan view and enabled to detect approach of an operator to each of the sensor electrodes
Implementation Method 2
an infrared sensor enabled to detect the approach of the operator to each of zones into which the display region is segmented
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a display panel including a display region; a proximity sensor including a capacitive sensor having a plurality of sensor electrodes superimposed on the display region in a plan view and enabled to detect approach of an operator to each of the sensor electrodes or an infrared sensor enabled to detect the approach of the operator to each of zones into which the display region is segmented; a touch sensor superimposed on the display region in a plan view; and a controller. The controller includes an operator identification unit that determines whether the operator is a first user or a second user; and a touch processor that performs a first process if the operator is identified to be the first user or a second process if the operator is identified to be the second user, with the second process at least partially different from the first process.