Integrated Touch Sensor Substrate for Dual-Mode Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current touch sensing display apparatuses require complex assembly processes due to the need for separate touch sensors operating in different modes, which complicates the integration with liquid crystal display panels and increases the thickness of the display apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A touch sensor substrate with a base substrate featuring both electromagnetic induction and self-capacitance sensing modes, where the first touch sensor part senses in electromagnetic induction mode and the second touch sensor part senses in self-capacitance mode, both integrated on the same substrate, with signal lines and insulating layers to connect sensing electrodes, and a blocking layer to manage magnetic fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate touch sensors operating in different modes are used, then touch sensing functionality is achieved, but assembly process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch sensing functionalityVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electromagnetic induction type touch sensors and self-capacitance type touch sensors into a single integrated touch sensor substrate. The substrate includes first touch sensor parts with sensing circuits for electromagnetic induction mode and second touch sensor parts with sensing electrodes for self-capacitance mode, both formed on the same substrate through a unified manufacturing process, thereby eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple touch sensor components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch sensor substrate is designed to perform multiple touch sensing functions simultaneously. It can detect both proximity touches (through electromagnetic induction sensing circuits) and direct touches (through self-capacitance sensing electrodes) on the same substrate, making the substrate universal for different touch interaction modes without requiring separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate touch sensors are integrated with liquid crystal display panel, then comprehensive touch sensing is achieved, but display apparatus thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch sensing capabilityVSAvoiddisplay apparatus thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges electromagnetic induction sensing circuits and self-capacitance sensing electrodes into a single thin-film structure on one substrate. Both types of sensing elements are formed using sequential thin-film deposition and patterning processes, resulting in a compact integrated structure that maintains overall substrate thickness while providing dual-mode touch sensing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate touch sensors are used, then different sensing modes are achieved, but manufacturing processes become complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing modesVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is divided into distinct functional regions: first touch sensor parts containing sensing circuits for electromagnetic induction mode and second touch sensor parts containing sensing electrodes for self-capacitance mode. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific sensing mode while being manufactured through a coordinated sequence of thin-film deposition, patterning, and electrode formation processes on the same substrate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for a thinner display apparatus with simplified assembly by integrating multiple touch sensing modes on a single substrate, enhancing the efficiency of touch position detection and reducing parasitic capacitance.

Implementation Method 1

a first touch sensor part which is disposed on the base substrate and comprises a plurality of sensing circuits configured to sense a touch in an electromagnetic induction mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second touch sensor part which is disposed on the base substrate, is electrically insulated from the first touch sensor part, and comprises a plurality of sensing electrodes configured to sense a touch in a self capacitance mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9323384B2Touch sensor substrate and display apparatus having the touch sensor substrate

Publication Date: 2016.04.26 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A touch sensor substrate includes a base substrate, a first touch sensor part that is disposed on the base substrate and includes a plurality of sensing circuits configured to sense a touch in an electromagnetic induction mode and a second touch sensor part that is disposed on the base substrate, is electrically insulated to the first touch sensor part, and comprises a plurality of sensing electrodes configured to sense a touch in a self capacitance mode.