Integrated Touch Sensor Merging Pressure and Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display devices face challenges in integrating pressure and location sensing functions into a single sensor, making it complex and difficult to recognize the intensity and position of a user's touch simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a first sensor to sense the position of a touch and a second sensor to sense the pressure, utilizing variable resistance elements with capacitance and resistance changes in response to touch pressure, allowing for simultaneous detection of touch position and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sensors are used for pressure and location sensing, then sensing functions can be provided, but device complexity increases and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure sensing and location sensing into a single integrated sensor. The sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a variable resistance element positioned between them, where the variable resistance element changes its resistance in response to applied pressure. This integrated structure enables both pressure detection (through resistance change) and location detection (through electrode interaction) to be achieved with one sensor component rather than requiring separate sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can detect both the position of a touch and the pressure applied. The variable resistance element serves as both a pressure-sensitive component and part of the electrode structure for location detection. This multi-functional design allows the sensor to replace what would traditionally require separate pressure sensor and location sensor systems.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated, then sensing coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pressure sensing element and location sensing electrodes into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes required. The variable resistance element is formed as part of the electrode assembly, allowing both sensing functions to be achieved through a unified fabrication process rather than requiring separate sensors to be manufactured and assembled.
3Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used, then basic sensing is possible, but touch sensitivity and accuracy are insufficient in challenging environments
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor utilizes changes in electrical resistance as a key parameter to detect pressure. The variable resistance element's resistance changes in response to applied pressure, providing a measurable signal for touch detection. This resistance-based measurement approach can be particularly effective in challenging environments such as underwater or when wearing gloves, where traditional capacitive or resistive sensors may be less reliable.
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
Enables reliable and efficient integration of pressure and location sensing, improving touch sensitivity and accuracy, even in environments with noise or partial contact, such as underwater or with gloves.
Implementation Method 1
The variable resistance elements have capacitance and resistance and the capacitance and resistance of at least one of the variable resistance elements change in accordance with the pressure applied by the user's touch
Data Source
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Figure 6~7B
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel and a first sensor configured to sense a position of a touch of a user and a second sensor configured to sense a pressure of the touch. The first sensor and the second sensor may be provided inside or surrounding an area of the display panel. The second sensor includes a first conductor, a second conductor spaced apart from the first conductor, and configured to form capacitance with the first conductor, and one or more variable resistance elements connected with the first conductor.