Liquid Crystal Grating for 3D Touch Display Thickness Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D touch display panels have a large thickness and low transmittance due to the combination of a 3D display module and an Out Cell Touch (OCT) structure, which limits their performance and usability.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal grating with comb-shaped electrodes on both substrates, integrated with a self-inductive capacitive touch function, is used to reduce panel thickness and improve transmittance by eliminating the need for a separate touch panel, and a control method that adjusts electrode configurations for 3D and 2D displays and touch detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate touch panel is integrated with a 3D display module, then touch functionality is achieved, but the panel thickness increases and transmittance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch panel and 3D display module into a single integrated structure where the touch panel serves dual purposes: as a touch sensing layer and as part of the 3D display optical path. The touch panel includes a lower substrate with first grating electrode and upper substrate with second grating electrode that form a liquid crystal grating structure, eliminating the need for separate touch and display components.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch panel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides touch sensing capability through self-capacitive touch detection using touch electrodes, and enables 3D display through the liquid crystal grating formed by grating electrodes. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components and panel thickness while maintaining both touch and 3D display functionalities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate touch panel is integrated with a 3D display module, then touch functionality is achieved, but the transmittance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch panel and 3D display module into a single integrated structure where the touch panel includes a lower substrate with first grating electrode and upper substrate with second grating electrode that form a liquid crystal grating structure, eliminating the need for separate touch and display components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin film structures for the touch panel substrates and liquid crystal layer to minimize light blocking. The integrated design employs thin transparent conductive electrodes and a thin liquid crystal layer that maintains high light transmittance while providing sufficient touch sensitivity and 3D display performance.
3Length of stationary object
If comb-shaped electrodes are used on both substrates to form liquid crystal grating, then panel thickness is reduced, but electrode configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into distinct functional regions: first grating electrode and second grating electrode for 3D display function, and first touch electrode and second touch electrode for touch sensing function. This segmentation allows independent optimization and control of each function while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic electrode configuration where the controller can selectively activate different electrode combinations based on operational mode. In 3D display mode, grating electrodes are activated; in touch mode, touch electrodes are activated; and the liquid crystal layer orientation can be dynamically adjusted to achieve different display and touch performance characteristics.
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 solution reduces the thickness of 3D touch display panels and enhances transmittance while integrating touch functionality, allowing for efficient 3D and 2D display operations and improved touch sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer, arranged between the upper substrate and the lower substrate
Implementation Method 2
each of the electrode groups including a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode which are comb-shaped and separated by a strip-shaped region
Implementation Method 3
receiving touch detection signals by the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode on the upper substrate, to sense a finger touch position in a manner of self-capacitive touch
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a liquid crystal grating and a control method thereof, and a 3D touch display panel. The liquid crystal grating, comprises: upper and lower substrates; a liquid crystal layer, arranged between the two substrates; a plurality of strip-shaped electrode groups, parallel to each other and arranged side by side, and formed on a surface of the upper substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, each of the electrode groups including first and second comb-shaped touch electrodes separated by a strip-shaped region, comb teeth of the first and second touch electrodes being opposite to each other, and an included angle between extending directions of the strip-shaped region and the electrode group being an acute angle; first and second comb-shaped grating electrodes, formed on a surface of the lower substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, the first and second grating electrodes being arranged in an interdigital shape.