Integrated Input and Optical Sensor Electrode Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with display panels lack an efficient and integrated solution for sensing external inputs such as touch and light, which can lead to reduced user interaction and display performance.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is designed with an input sensor and an optical sensor, where the input sensor includes a first and second sensing electrode with a photo-electrode and a light receiving element, allowing for the detection of external inputs and light, and the optical sensor uses a photo-conductive element like cadmium sulfide to sense external light, enhancing the device's responsiveness and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate input sensor and optical sensor modules are used, then sensing functions are complete, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the input sensor and optical sensor into a single integrated sensor unit. The input sensor includes first and second sensing electrodes that cross each other, while the optical sensor shares the same structural space with photo-electrodes positioned on or between the sensing electrodes. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor modules, reducing device complexity and space occupation while maintaining both touch sensing and light sensing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: the sensing electrodes detect touch inputs while the photo-electrodes detect light intensity. The light receiving element connects both the photo-electrode and sensing electrode, enabling the same structural component to serve dual purposes in touch interaction and display performance optimization.
2Device complexity
If integrated sensor design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sensor is divided into distinct functional layers: the first and second sensing electrodes form the touch sensing component, while the photo-electrodes and light receiving element form the optical sensing component. This segmentation allows each sub-component to be manufactured and positioned independently according to its specific requirements, then assembled into the integrated unit, thereby managing manufacturing precision requirements systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor structure are optimized for their specific functions: the sensing electrodes are positioned and dimensioned for optimal touch detection, while the photo-electrodes are positioned on or between them for optimal light detection. This local optimization allows each component to meet its specific precision requirements without compromising the other function.
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
The solution enables the electronic device to effectively sense external inputs and light, improving user interaction and display performance by integrating the input and optical sensors, which enhances the device's responsiveness and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor uses a photo-conductive element like cadmium sulfide to sense external light
Implementation Method 2
The optical sensor includes a photo-electrode disposed on either the first sensing electrode or the second sensing electrode and a light receiving element that electrically connects either the first sensing electrode or the second sensing electrode to the photo-electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a display panel, an input sensor that is disposed on the display panel and that includes a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode that crosses the first sensing electrode, and an optical sensor disposed on the input sensor. The optical sensor includes a photo-electrode disposed on one of the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode and a light receiving element that electrically connects one of the first sensing electrode to the second sensing electrode and the photo-electrode.