Segmented Reflective Layer for In-Cell Touch LCD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid crystal display devices lack an in-cell type touch panel capability that can operate in reflection mode, which is desirable for outdoor use and offers both thinness and lightness, but such a configuration has not been realized yet.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal display device structure incorporating a first and second substrate with a liquid crystal layer, a polarizer, and a phase difference layer, featuring a reflective layer divided into independent segments for touch sensing, integrated with a touch sensor system that allows for reflection mode operation and in-cell touch functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If an in-cell type touch panel is implemented in a reflective liquid crystal display device, then the device achieves thinness and lightness suitable for outdoor use, but such a configuration has not been realized yet due to structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch sensor electrode layer with the common electrode layer of the liquid crystal display into a single integrated structure. The touch sensor electrode and common electrode are merged as one conductive layer, eliminating the need for separate layers and enabling in-cell touch functionality in reflective display devices while maintaining thinness.
Solution Approach 2:
The common electrode layer serves dual functions: it acts as both the common electrode for liquid crystal switching and the touch sensor electrode for detecting touch input. This multi-functional design enables the reflective liquid crystal display device to achieve in-cell touch panel capability without adding extra layers or complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If a reflective layer is used to improve reflectance in reflection mode, then outdoor visibility is enhanced, but the load on touch sensor electrodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective layer is divided into multiple independent reflective segments corresponding to different pixel regions. Each reflective segment can be independently controlled, allowing the touch sensor electrode load to be distributed and managed across multiple segments rather than concentrating the entire reflective function in a single layer that would overload the touch sensor electrode.
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 the creation of a thin and lightweight in-cell type touch panel capable of reflection mode displays, improving outdoor usability and reducing the loads on touch sensor electrodes, while maintaining high reflective aperture ratio and contrast ratio.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate
Implementation Method 2
a polarizer closer to the viewer side than the liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 3
a phase difference layer between the polarizer and the liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 4
a reflective layer made of a conductive material and located in at least the reflection region and opposite the liquid crystal layer with respect to the plurality of pixel electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer; a polarizer; and a phase difference layer, the liquid crystal display device further including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, wherein each of the plurality of pixels includes a reflection region, the first substrate includes: a plurality of gate lines; a plurality of source lines; a plurality of thin film transistors; a plurality of pixel electrodes; and a reflective layer, the first substrate further includes: a plurality of touch sensor electrodes; and a plurality of touch lines each electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of touch sensor electrodes, the reflective layer is divided into a plurality of reflective segments that are electrically independent from each other, and each of the plurality of reflective segments overlaps two or more of the plurality of pixel electrodes in a plan view.