Integrated Touch Proximity Sensor Capacitance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display devices lack an integrated solution for both touch and proximity sensing, often requiring separate sensors and complex configurations, which can increase complexity and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A detection sensor that integrates touch and proximity sensing functions, utilizing a sensor layer with conductive members and electrode structures to detect touch inputs and proximity events through mutual capacitance, allowing for dual-mode operation with a single sensor layer and controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate touch sensor and proximity sensor are used, then detection functions are complete, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines touch sensor and proximity sensor functions into a single integrated sensor layer. The sensor layer includes first electrodes and second electrodes that serve dual purposes: detecting touch inputs through mutual capacitance changes and detecting proximity events through electrostatic coupling. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining complete detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor layer is designed with multi-functional capability, where the same electrode structures (first electrodes and second electrodes) perform both touch sensing and proximity sensing functions. By configuring the electrodes with specific patterns and spacing, the system can distinguish between touch events (direct contact) and proximity events (nearby objects) using the same hardware components, achieving universality in detection.
2Reliability
If separate touch sensor and proximity sensor are used, then detection coverage is comprehensive, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of touch and proximity sensing into a single sensor layer reduces the total number of active components, thereby lowering overall power consumption. The controller can manage both detection functions through unified signal processing, eliminating redundant power consumption associated with separate sensor operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic sampling and multiplexed scanning of electrode pairs to detect both touch and proximity events. By alternating between different detection modes and using time-division multiplexing, the controller reduces continuous power consumption while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage through periodic monitoring of electrode capacitance changes.
3Device complexity
If integrated sensor is used, then device structure is simplified, but signal-to-noise ratio may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different regions of the electrode structures. The first electrodes and second electrodes are configured with specific geometries, spacing, and material properties optimized for their local detection functions. This local optimization allows the integrated sensor to maintain high signal-to-noise ratio by tailoring electrode characteristics to specific detection requirements while keeping the overall structure simplified.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer serves as an intermediary between the first electrodes and second electrodes, enabling the system to distinguish between touch and proximity events. This intermediate structure allows for controlled electrostatic coupling that enhances signal detection while filtering out noise, maintaining measurement precision in the integrated configuration.
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 integrated sensor enables efficient and sensitive detection of touch and proximity events, reducing power consumption and simplifying the display device's structure by eliminating the need for separate sensors, while improving signal-to-noise ratio and user interaction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
detect touch inputs and proximity events through mutual capacitance
Data Source
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AI summary
A display device includes: a base substrate; a self-light emitting element on the base substrate; a thin film encapsulation layer on the self-light emitting element; a first sensing electrode on the thin film encapsulation layer and including an opening; a second sensing electrode on the thin film encapsulation layer and spaced apart from the first sensing electrode; a conductive pattern in the opening and spaced apart from the first sensing electrode; and a sensor controller configured to detect a change of a mutual capacitance between the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode in a first mode and configured to detect a change of a mutual capacitance between the conductive pattern and the first sensing electrode in a second mode different from the first mode.