Semiconductor Force Sensors in Touch Panel Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch detection devices with force detection capabilities are costly due to the need for additional electrodes and increased complexity, especially when using direct-type backlight units that increase the distance between detection electrodes and reference potential layers, making it difficult to accurately detect changes in electrostatic capacitance.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration that includes semiconductor force sensors both within the display region and in a frame region outside the display area, utilizing a detection circuit to measure the middle-point voltage between these sensors to detect force applied to the display surface, thereby reducing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a direct-type backlight unit is used, then the structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but the distance between the detection electrode and the reference potential layer is increased, making it difficult to accurately detect changes in electrostatic capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the force detection function with the existing pixel transistor structure by using the source electrode of the pixel transistor as the force detection electrode. This eliminates the need for separate force detection electrodes and reference potential layers, allowing accurate force detection to be achieved without adding structural complexity or increasing cost, while maintaining compatibility with direct-type backlight units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electrode for force detection is added in the display panel, then force detection capability is achieved, but the number of processes increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the pixel transistor serve multiple functions: it performs both its original function of controlling pixel display and serves as the force detection electrode. The source electrode of the pixel transistor is utilized as the force detection electrode, and the common electrode serves as the reference potential layer, allowing one structure to perform multiple functions without increasing device complexity or process steps.
3Reliability
If force detection is implemented using conventional techniques, then force detection is achieved, but cost increases due to additional electrodes and processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the display panel structure to serve itself for force detection. The existing pixel transistor components (source electrode, common electrode) are repurposed as force detection elements, eliminating the need for additional dedicated force detection structures. This self-service approach maintains force detection accuracy while avoiding increased manufacturing cost and process complexity.
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 allows for accurate force detection on the display surface at a lower cost by using semiconductor force sensors in the same layer as pixel transistors, enhancing detection accuracy and maintaining the aperture ratio of pixels.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first semiconductor force sensor is provided in the display region. At least one second semiconductor force sensor is provided in a frame region outside the display region
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display region in which a plurality of pixels are arrayed in a row direction and a column direction. Gate lines each configured to supply gate signals to the pixels are aligned in the row direction. Signal lines each configured to supply pixel signals to the pixels are aligned in the column direction. At least one first semiconductor force sensor is provided in the display region. At least one second semiconductor force sensor is provided in a frame region outside the display region. A detection circuit detects force applied to the display region based on a middle-point voltage between the first semiconductor force sensor and the second semiconductor force sensor.