Sensor-Equipped Display Device Non-Overlapping Electrode Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor technologies for touch detection in display devices, such as capacitive touch panels, face challenges in achieving high detection performance and simplicity in manufacturing while maintaining display quality, particularly in integrating sensor electrodes that do not overlap with pixel electrodes and require additional electrodes for touch detection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor-equipped display device with non-overlapping sensor electrodes comprising a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer of different materials, where the second conductive layer is wider and covers the first conductive layer, allowing for touch detection without additional electrodes and simplifying the manufacturing process, while maintaining display quality by minimizing the recognition of slits and reducing resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional electrodes are added for touch detection, then touch detection performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel electrodes serve dual functions: as display electrodes for showing images and as sensor electrodes for touch detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate additional electrodes, resolving the contradiction between improved touch detection performance and reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the display electrode function and sensor electrode function into a single electrode structure. The pixel electrodes are configured to perform both display and touch detection functions, combining what were previously separate components into one integrated system
2Reliability
If sensor electrodes are made wider to reduce resistance, then electrical conductivity is improved, but visibility of slits and impact on display quality worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the electrode structure have different properties: the electrode portions have larger area for good capacitance detection, while the line portions are narrower to minimize visual impact. This local differentiation allows the electrode to have good electrical conductivity where needed while maintaining display quality in visible areas
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure transitions from a two-dimensional planar layout to a three-dimensional configuration with varying widths in different directions. The electrode portions and line portions have different width characteristics, allowing optimization of electrical conductivity in one dimension while minimizing visual impact in another dimension
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrode portions are separated to enable multi-point detection, then touch detection capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into multiple electrode portions that are separated from each other, enabling independent detection at different locations. This segmentation allows multi-point touch detection while the regular spacing and configuration of these segments facilitate precise manufacturing through standardized patterns
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 touch detection performance by allowing for multi-point detection without additional electrodes, simplifies manufacturing, and reduces the impact on display quality by minimizing the visibility of slits and undesired leak fields, thus improving sensitivity and reducing detection errors.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive touch panel, which is an example of the sensor, comprises an electrode to detect variation in electrostatic capacitance caused by the object
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a sensor-equipped display device, includes pixel electrodes above an insulating substrate, a first sensor electrode includes a first electrode portion and a first line portion connected to the first electrode portion, and a second sensor electrode includes a second electrode portion and a second line portion connected to the second electrode portion, each of the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode being opposed to the pixel electrodes, and includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer which is disposed on the first conductive layer.