Sensor-Equipped Display Device With Dot-Like Electrodes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor-equipped display devices face challenges in accurately detecting the position and proximity of objects, such as fingers, due to limitations in capacitive sensing technology, particularly in distinguishing between contact and approach, and in maintaining high display quality without visible electrode patterns.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a sensor-equipped display device with a first detection module comprising dot-like openings and dummy electrodes, and a second detection module with band-shaped electrodes, both integrated between a polarizer and a cover member, allowing for precise capacitive coupling and minimizing visible electrode patterns, enabling effective detection of object position and proximity while maintaining display quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If capacitive sensor electrodes are disposed in the display area, then object detection capability is improved, but display quality deteriorates due to visible electrode patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detection accuracyVSAvoidvisible electrode patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor electrode is divided into multiple sub-electrodes arranged in a matrix pattern. This segmentation allows the electrode to cover a larger detection area while maintaining a finer, less visible pattern that blends better with the display pixels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrode structure are designed with varying properties - the detection electrode has specific pattern characteristics while the dummy electrode provides complementary patterns. This local differentiation optimizes both detection performance and visual appearance in different areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If simple electrode patterns are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but detection precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode fabrication simplicityVSAvoidposition detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dummy electrode serves multiple functions: it acts as a capacitive coupling element for detection, provides a reference for signal comparison, and creates the necessary grid pattern for precise position determination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dummy electrode pattern is pre-configured during manufacturing to create a known reference grid. This preliminary arrangement of dummy electrodes establishes the basis for subsequent precise position calculations without requiring complex real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If detection electrodes are made larger, then detection area is improved, but electrode visibility increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection areaVSAvoidelectrode visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection electrode is segmented into multiple smaller sub-electrodes arranged in a matrix, allowing the total detection area to be covered while each individual sub-electrode remains small enough to be visually indistinguishable from display pixels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode pattern transitions from simple 2D planar shapes to a multi-dimensional matrix arrangement. This dimensional transformation allows coverage of a larger area through systematic distribution while maintaining local visual simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 accuracy of detecting object position and proximity by varying coupling capacitance values and reduces the visibility of electrode patterns, resulting in improved user experience and display quality.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitive sensor capable of detecting contact or approach of a conductor such as a finger, based on a variation in electrostatic capacitance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

A detection electrode and a sensor driving electrode constituting the sensor are disposed in a display area in which images are displayed, and opposed to each other with a dielectric interposed between the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatics: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

a polarizer located between the display panel and the cover member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarisation: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS10459551B2Sensor-equipped display device

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 MAGNOLIA WHITE CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a sensor-equipped display device includes a display panel including pixel electrodes and common electrodes, a cover member opposed to the display panel, a polarizer located between the display panel and the cover member, and a first detection module located between the polarizer and the cover member. The first detection module includes a first detection electrode including dot-like openings and a dummy module including dot-like dummy electrodes.