Integrated Electrode Structure for Mutual and Self-Capacitive Touch Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch detection devices with touch panels in display devices require complex configurations due to the need for drive electrodes that are capacitively coupled outside the display region, complicating the device design and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A touch detection device with drive electrodes and touch detection electrodes arranged in a first and second region on a substrate, where the electrodes are supplied with specific drive signals to detect conducting bodies in proximity, allowing for both mutual capacitive and self-capacitive touch detection modes without the need for external drive electrodes, simplifying the device structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If drive electrodes are capacitively coupled outside the display region to enable touch detection, then touch detection function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch detection functionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the drive electrode and touch detection electrode functions into a single integrated electrode structure. The electrode serves dual purposes: as a drive electrode for display driving and as a touch detection electrode for detecting touches outside the display region, thereby eliminating the need for separate external drive electrodes and reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as both a drive electrode for the display panel and a touch detection electrode for regions outside the display area, enabling universal functionality without requiring additional specialized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate drive electrodes are provided outside display region for touch detection, then touch input detection is enabled, but number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch input detectionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electrode functions into a single electrode structure that extends from the display region to the non-display region, eliminating the need for separate drive electrodes outside the display area and reducing the total number of components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If touch detection electrodes extend to non-display region, then external touch detection is achieved, but electrode configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal touch detectionVSAvoidelectrode configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is designed as an integrated structure that continuously extends from the display region through the non-display region to the edge of the substrate, eliminating the need for separate electrode segments and complex connection arrangements outside the display area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration enables efficient and accurate touch detection on both the display region and button regions of the device, improving detection sensitivity and reducing the complexity of the device design, while maintaining effective touch input detection.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of touch detection electrodes configured to generate a capacitance between the touch detection electrodes and the drive electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

A touch input on the button is detected based on a change in mutual capacitance of the touch detection electrode and the drive electrode outside of the display region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMutual capacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

A conducting body in contact with or close to a second region adjacent to the first region is detected based on a self-capacitance of the touch detection electrodes or the drive electrodes in a second touch detection mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-capacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10078393B2Touch detection device, display device with touch detection function, and cover member

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 MAGNOLIA WHITE CORP

AI summary

A touch detection device includes a substrate, a plurality of drive electrodes arranged on a plane parallel to the substrate and in a first region in which an image is displayed, and a plurality of touch detection electrodes configured to generate a capacitance between the touch detection electrodes and the drive electrodes. At least one touch detection electrode among the touch detection electrodes includes a first part arranged in the first region and a second part arranged in a second region adjacent to the first region. The drive electrodes are sequentially supplied with the first drive signal to detect a conducting body in contact with or close to the first region in a first touch detection mode, and the touch detection electrodes are supplied with a second drive signal to detect a conducting body in contact with or close to the second region in a second touch detection mode.