Integrated Pressure Sensor in Display Electrode Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices face challenges in miniaturization and cost reduction due to separate hardware requirements for touch sensing and pressure recognition, which are implemented as distinct functions and occupy additional space.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design that integrates a pressure recognition sensor within the display, sharing space with touch and fingerprint sensors, using a layered structure with electrodes and a control circuit to detect touch inputs and pressure, allowing for a slimmer and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pressure recognition sensor is arranged under the display as a separate hardware structure, then the pressure sensing function can be provided, but the device thickness increases and mounting space is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure recognition sensor is merged with the display structure by integrating it into the touch sensor electrode layer. The fourth electrode serves dual purposes as both a display electrode and a pressure sensor electrode, eliminating the need for a separate pressure sensing layer beneath the display and thereby reducing device thickness while maintaining pressure sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fourth electrode is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a display electrode for visual output and simultaneously serves as a pressure sensor electrode for detecting touch pressure. This multi-functional design allows the same structural element to fulfill both display and sensing roles, reducing the overall number of layers and device thickness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate touch sensing and pressure recognition techniques are implemented, then both functions can be provided, but manufacturing costs and development efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensing and pressure recognition techniques are merged into a single integrated structure. The control circuit uses the same electrode layers to detect both touch position (through capacitance changes) and touch pressure (through pressure-sensitive properties), eliminating the need for separate sensor systems and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is designed to provide both touch sensing and pressure recognition functions simultaneously. The control circuit is configured to detect different parameters from the same electrode system, allowing a single hardware implementation to support multiple input modalities without requiring separate manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If a pressure recognition sensor is arranged in a separate location from the touch sensor, then each sensor can be optimized independently, but the device structure becomes more complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure recognition sensor and touch sensor are merged into a single integrated electrode structure. The fourth electrode functions as both a display electrode and a pressure sensor electrode, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrangements and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining detection accuracy through the control circuit's ability to distinguish different input types.
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 integration of sensors within the display enables a slimmer electronic device structure while reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing user experience through combined touch and pressure recognition functions.
Implementation Method 1
the control circuit is configured to detect a position of a touch input with respect to the first transparent plate by using the first electrode
Implementation Method 2
to detect a strength of the touch input by using the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing that comprises a first surface which faces a first direction and a second surface which faces a second direction opposite to the first direction, and that comprises a first transparent plate which forms at least a portion of the first surface of the housing; a display that is disposed between the first transparent plate and the second face of the housing, and comprises a second transparent plate which faces the first direction, and a third transparent plate which faces the second direction; a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode that are disposed between the second transparent plate and the third transparent plate; and a control circuit that is electrically connected to the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode, wherein the control circuit may be configured to detect the position of touch input with respect to the first transparent plate by using the first electrode, to detect the intensity of the touch input by using the second electrode, and to display visual information on at least a portion of the display by using the third electrode and the fourth electrode. In addition, an electronic device comprising a pressure sensor according to various embodiments of the present invention can provide a slim electronic device with reduced manufacturing costs by utilizing an integrated structure with a touch sensor and/or a fingerprint sensor and by disposing the touch sensor including the pressure sensor, and other sensors between various structures inside the display.