Optical Touch Panel Using Light-Sensitive Oxide Semiconductor Transistors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch screens, particularly resistive overlay type, are limited by damage from external pressure and require direct user interaction, making them unsuitable for larger display devices due to increased distance between the user and the screen.
Innovation Solution
An optical touch panel incorporating a light-sensitive oxide semiconductor transistor and a switch transistor, fabricated using a simple process, allowing remote operation by sensing light and drawing data, which are formed on the same substrate with different channel materials for sensitivity and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a resistive overlay type touch panel is used, then excellent sensing effect is achieved, but upper and lower conductive layers may be damaged due to external pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based resistive overlay system with an optical sensing system using light-sensitive oxide semiconductor transistors. Instead of relying on physical pressure to deform conductive layers, the invention uses optical signals detected by photodetectors to sense touch input, thereby eliminating mechanical damage while maintaining sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensing mechanism from mechanical pressure detection to optical property detection. By using light-sensitive oxide semiconductor transistors that change electrical characteristics in response to light, the system transforms the detection parameter from mechanical stress to optical absorption, resolving the contradiction between sensing effectiveness and mechanical durability
2Ease of operation
If a resistive overlay type touch panel is used, then direct touch input is enabled, but user needs to be relatively close to the touch panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical touch with remote optical detection. The optical sensor transistor detects light reflected from or emitted by the display surface, allowing users to interact with the display from a distance without requiring physical contact, thus increasing the effective operating distance while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the user and the touch panel. Instead of direct hand-to-screen contact, the user's touch is detected indirectly through light interaction with the display surface, which is then sensed by the optical transistor, enabling remote operation
3Area of stationary object
If display devices become larger, then display area is increased, but it may be difficult to use a touch panel when distance between display device and user is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical touch panels with optical sensing systems that are inherently more suitable for large displays. The optical sensor transistors can detect touch input across larger areas without requiring the user to be in close proximity, as light can be detected from a distance, thus maintaining ease of operation on large display devices
4Ease of operation
If light-sensitive oxide semiconductor transistor is used, then remote operation is enabled, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses oxide semiconductor material that serves multiple functions: it acts as both the active channel layer in the transistor and provides light sensitivity for optical detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure despite the advanced functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite oxide semiconductor structures that combine different oxide materials to achieve both transistor functionality and light sensitivity. By integrating these properties into a single material system rather than using separate components, the manufacturing process is simplified while maintaining the remote operation 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
Enables remote operation of touch screens, increasing usability on larger display devices by using light-sensitive oxide semiconductor transistors for sensing and non-light sensitive transistors for data drawing, enhancing sensitivity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor transistor for sensing light may be formed together with a switch transistor for drawing data
Data Source
AI summary
An optical touch panel may be used remotely to control a large-sized display device. According to a method of fabricating the optical touch panel, an optical sensor transistor for sensing light and a switch transistor for drawing data can be formed together on the same substrate by using a relatively simple process. The optical touch panel may include an optical sensor transistor and a switch transistor. The optical sensor transistor may be configured to sense light and the switch transistor may be configured to draw data from the optical sensor transistor. The optical sensor transistor may include a light sensitive oxide semiconductor material as a channel layer. The switch transistor may include a non-light sensitive oxide semiconductor material as a channel layer.