Integrated Light and Capacitance Detection for Accurate Contact Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in accurately detecting contact positions between objects and screens due to substrate curvature and false detection errors from light variations, leading to inaccurate specification of contact areas.
Innovation Solution
A display device design incorporating both light detecting units and capacitance detecting units with capacitive elements and electro-optical materials, where the second electrode covers protruding portions to reduce gap variations, and spacers are used to maintain alignment, allowing for simultaneous manufacturing and improved sensitivity in contact detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only capacitance detecting units are used to detect contact position, then contact detection capability is provided, but substrate curvature causes multiple units to detect contact, resulting in excessively large specified contact area and reduced measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light detecting units and capacitance detecting units into an integrated contact detection system. The light detecting unit detects light intensity variations caused by object contact, while the capacitance detecting unit detects capacitance changes. By merging these two detection methods and requiring both to confirm contact, the system achieves accurate contact position specification without false positives from substrate curvature or shadow effects.
2Measurement precision
If only optical sensors are used to detect contact, then detection capability is provided, but shadow effects from approaching objects cause false detection and reduced measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces capacitance detecting units as an intermediary verification mechanism. While light detecting units are susceptible to shadow effects from approaching objects, capacitance detecting units measure electrical properties that are not affected by shadows. The capacitance unit acts as a mediator that confirms whether an object is truly in contact, filtering out false detections caused by shadow effects.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detection units are provided to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the detection system with multi-functionality in mind. The light detecting units and capacitance detecting units share common structural elements such as substrates, electrodes, and electro-optical materials. The system can universally detect both light intensity changes and capacitance changes, providing multiple detection capabilities through a unified structure rather than separate independent systems.
4Measurement precision
If the second electrode covers protruding portions to reduce gap variations, then capacitance sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the electrode structure by having the second electrode cover the protruding portions. This parameter change reduces gap variations in the capacitive element, improving capacitance detection sensitivity. The design accepts the resulting manufacturing precision requirements as necessary to achieve the improved 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
This design enables accurate detection of contact positions and reduces false positives by requiring both detection signals to confirm contact, enhancing sensitivity and manufacturing ease while simplifying the structure.
Implementation Method 1
light detecting units that are provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and output first detection signals having levels corresponding to the amount of incident light
Implementation Method 2
capacitance detecting units that include capacitive elements each having a first electrode and a second electrode provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, output second detection signals having levels corresponding to the capacitance values of the capacitive elements
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a first substrate and a second substrate that face each other; electro-optical elements that are interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; light detecting units that are provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and output first detection signals having levels corresponding to the amount of incident light; and capacitance detecting units that include capacitive elements each having a first electrode and a second electrode provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, output second detection signals having levels corresponding to the capacitance values of the capacitive elements, and are provided separately from the light detecting units.