Mesh Electrode Layout for Low-Reflection Touch and Pen Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia electronic devices face challenges in reducing visibility due to external light reflection, particularly when using touch-based input methods and pens for precise input, which can be cumbersome and increase device thickness and weight.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a conductive layer with specific mesh line patterns and bridge patterns, including curved and straight-line end portions, to enhance visibility and support touch and pen input without the need for additional digitizers, maintaining device flexibility and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sensor layer is added to enable touch-based input, then input convenience is improved, but device thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor layer with existing electrode structures (first, second, third, and fourth electrodes) to form an integrated touch sensing system. The sensor layer shares common electrodes with the display structure, eliminating the need for separate heavy digitizer components while maintaining touch input functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structures serve multiple functions: they act as both display electrodes for image rendering and sensor electrodes for touch input detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing overall device weight while maintaining both display and touch input capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If a sensor layer is added to enable touch-based input, then input convenience is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor layer is integrated with the display electrode structure, sharing common electrodes and spatial arrangement. This merging eliminates the need for separate thick digitizer layers, reducing overall device thickness while enabling touch input functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a multi-layer electrode configuration where sensor electrodes are arranged in overlapping dimensions with display electrodes. This spatial arrangement allows touch sensing functionality to be achieved within the existing thickness profile by utilizing the Z-dimension for electrode stacking rather than adding horizontal thickness.
3Illumination intensity
If mesh line patterns are used in conductive layers, then visibility is improved by reducing external light reflection, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layers are divided into mesh line patterns instead of continuous films. This segmentation reduces the surface area that can reflect external light, improving visibility. The mesh structure is achieved through standard photolithography patterning processes, making it compatible with existing manufacturing workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh line patterns are applied specifically to the conductive layers where light reflection occurs, rather than modifying the entire device structure. This localized approach targets the visibility issue at its source while maintaining simplicity in other areas of the device.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes: a first electrode including a plurality of first patterns, and a first bridge pattern electrically connected to the plurality of first patterns; a second electrode crossing the first electrode; a third electrode overlapping with at least a portion of the first electrode; and a fourth electrode crossing the third electrode, and including second patterns, and a second bridge pattern electrically connected to the second patterns. The first bridge pattern, the third electrode, and the second patterns are included in a first conductive layer. The plurality of first patterns, the second electrode, and the second bridge pattern are included in a second conductive layer on the first conductive layer. Each of the plurality of first patterns, the second electrode, and the second bridge pattern includes first mesh lines, and at least some of first end portions of the first mesh lines have a curvature.