Metal Mesh Touch Sensor Hovering Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capacitive-type touch sensing devices face challenges in accurately detecting hovering touches, which are recognized by a finger or pen approaching a display area without direct contact, due to limitations in sensing capacitance changes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a touch sensing display panel with sense electrodes arranged in a matrix, including a metal mesh electrode and a conductive layer, which form sensing capacitors that facilitate easier detection of hovering touches by varying capacitance when an object approaches, utilizing a sensing signal controller to process output signals for contact information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional capacitive touch sensor is used, then direct touch detection is achieved, but hovering touch detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is divided into multiple sensing regions with different electrode configurations. Specifically, the sensor includes first sensing regions with first electrodes optimized for direct touch detection and second sensing regions with second electrodes optimized for hovering touch detection. This segmentation allows each region to specialize in detecting specific touch types, thereby improving hovering touch detection accuracy without compromising overall touch sensing performance
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensing regions are assigned different electrode structures and sensing characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first sensing regions use electrode configurations with higher capacitance for direct touch, while the second sensing regions use configurations with lower capacitance and higher impedance for hovering touch detection. This local differentiation optimizes each region's performance for its intended purpose
2Illumination intensity
If the metal mesh electrode structure is used, then transparency and conductivity are improved, but susceptibility to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective layer is formed over the metal mesh electrode structure before the electrode is fully operational. This protective layer acts as a cushion that absorbs mechanical stress and protects the fragile metal mesh from damage during handling, assembly, and normal use, thereby improving electrode durability while maintaining the transparency and conductivity benefits of the metal mesh structure
Solution Approach 2:
The touch sensor employs a composite structure combining the metal mesh electrode with protective materials having different mechanical and electrical properties. The metal mesh provides transparency and conductivity, while the surrounding protective materials provide mechanical strength and damage resistance. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from the advantages of each material while mitigating their individual weaknesses
3Measurement precision
If sense electrodes are arranged in a matrix with metal mesh structure, then hovering touch sensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal mesh electrode structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical conductivity for signal transmission, acts as a transparent electrode for display visibility, and functions as a capacitive sensing element for both direct and hovering touch detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving improved hovering touch sensing capability
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 enhances the ability to sense hovering touches with improved accuracy and reduces noise interference, maintaining performance even with flexible substrates and potential damage to the metal mesh electrodes, while allowing for efficient processing of touch coordinates.
Implementation Method 1
The touch sensor may include a sensing capacitor formed by a plurality of sensing electrodes which may transfer sensing signals, and senses a change in capacitance of the sensing capacitor generated when a conductor, such as a finger, approaches the touch sensor
Implementation Method 2
The contact information may include, for example, whether an object approaches or touches a screen, and a touch location thereof, by sensing changes in pressure, charges, light, and the like, which are applied to the screen by the display device
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensing device and a display device for improving hovering performance including: a touch sensing display panel including sense electrodes arranged in a matrix; and a sensing signal controller connected to the touch sensing display panel. The sense electrode includes a metal mesh electrode and a conductive layer contacting the metal mesh electrode.