Integrated Touch Cells and Pixels on Shared Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices with integrated touch sensors face challenges in miniaturization and cost due to the separate manufacturing and mounting of touch units, which complicates the integration of high sensitivity and accuracy in touch sensing.
Innovation Solution
A display device design where touch cells and pixels are integrated on the same substrate, with touch cells overlapping the display area and using a shared layer structure, including a touch electrode, touch thin film transistor, and a dummy electrode, to enhance touch sensitivity and reduce manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate touch unit is manufactured and mounted on a display panel, then touch sensing function is achieved, but device size increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch sensor and display panel into a single integrated structure where the touch electrode is formed on the same substrate as the pixel electrodes. This integration eliminates the need for a separate touch unit, thereby reducing device size while maintaining touch sensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display panel substrate and the touch sensor substrate. The same substrate supports both the pixel electrodes for display and the touch electrode for touch sensing, achieving multi-functionality with a single component.
2Ease of operation
If a separate touch unit is manufactured and mounted on a display panel, then touch sensing function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manufacturing processes of the display panel and touch sensor into a single integrated process. Both the pixel electrodes and touch electrode are formed on the same substrate using the same manufacturing steps, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and mounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The same manufacturing process and substrate are used to create both display and touch sensing functionalities. This universal approach reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for separate production lines and assembly steps for the touch unit.
3Device complexity
If touch cells and pixels are integrated on the same substrate with shared layer structure, then manufacturing complexity is reduced and device is miniaturized, but touch sensitivity and accuracy must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different patterns and configurations to different regions of the touch electrode based on local requirements. The touch electrode pattern is optimized in specific areas to enhance touch sensitivity and accuracy while maintaining the integrated structure, allowing local optimization without compromising overall integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by forming the touch electrode on the same substrate as the pixel electrodes but in different layers or positions. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows both display and touch functions to coexist on the same substrate while maintaining touch sensitivity through proper electrode positioning and spacing.
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 integration results in a thinner, more cost-effective display device with improved touch sensitivity and accuracy, allowing for precise touch event detection and reduced manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive-type touch sensing method is most widely used for a touch sensing function
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a substrate including a display area and a touch area overlapping the display area, a plurality of pixels disposed in the display area, and a plurality of touch cells disposed in the touch area and individually driven. At least some of the pixels are disposed on a same layer as at least some of the touch cells.