Photosensor and Correction Sensor for Mobile Display Function Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small-screen mobile devices face challenges in selecting functions due to limited space for icons and impracticality of carrying input devices like mice or pens, making it difficult for users to navigate and utilize functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A display device with photosensors formed using thin-film transistors disposed outside the screen, which generate signals when touched, allowing for function selection and incorporating correction sensors to prevent erroneous operations from stray light or temperature fluctuations, while blocking outside light to reduce noise and protect the device's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If icons are disposed on the screen for function selection, then function selection capability is improved, but screen space is reduced and operation becomes difficult on small screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the interaction area from the two-dimensional screen surface to the three-dimensional space around the device by adding photosensors on the side surfaces and back surface. This allows function selection without occupying screen real estate, as users can trigger functions by blocking light at different spatial locations around the device.
2Ease of operation
If photosensors are disposed outside the effective screen, then function selection is facilitated, but sensitivity to outside light interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the device are assigned different functional qualities: the front screen area is optimized for display, while specific regions on the side and back surfaces are optimized for light sensing. The photosensors are strategically positioned in locations where they can detect intentional light blocking gestures while being less susceptible to ambient light changes that affect the front display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces correction sensors as intermediary elements that detect ambient light conditions and use this information to compensate for interference in the main photosensors. This mediator approach allows the system to distinguish between intentional light blocking (user input) and unintentional light variations (environmental interference).
3Reliability
If correction sensors are added to prevent erroneous operations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The correction sensors are integrated into the same sensor array and processing system as the main photosensors, rather than being separate independent systems. This merging approach allows both sensor types to share common signal processing circuits and control logic, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability improvements.
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
Facilitates easy operation of mobile devices by enabling function selection through touch, reducing errors from stray light and thermal effects, and maintaining sensitivity and appearance integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensor formed using a thin-film transistor is disposed on the substrate on an outside of the effective screen, the photosensor generates a signal as a result of outside light being blocked
Implementation Method 2
the thin-film transistor of the photosensor is covered by a light-blocking layer for blocking the outside light
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object of the present invention to allow a specified function to be readily selected in a mobile telephone or the like without performing a complicated operation. A liquid crystal (30) is sandwiched between a TFT substrate (10) and a color filter substrate (20). A photosensor TFT (130) for selecting the function is disposed on the periphery of an effective screen of the TFT substrate (10). A window (24) is provided in a portion of the color filter substrate corresponding to the photosensor TFT (130), and the outside light is blocked as a result of the user touching a finger to the window. A signal from the photosensor is used for selecting the function. A correction sensor TFT (133) is disposed adjacent to the photosensor TFT (130), to thereby eliminating noise caused by the temperature distribution, stray light, or the like, and erroneous operation of the photosensoris prevented.