Touch Panel Electrode Configuration for Force and Point Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitance touch panels face challenges in efficiently sensing both touch force and touch point due to complex electrode structures and reduced touch resolution, with force sensing efficiency being proportional to the area of force sensing electrodes and point sensing efficiency being compromised by overlapping electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A touch panel design featuring first and second electrodes separated and intersecting, with an elastic dielectric member in between, allowing for distinct sensing modes to optimize touch force and touch point detection by varying capacitance measurements, and using dummy electrodes to enhance sensing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If force sensing electrodes and point sensing electrodes are separated, then both touch force sensing and touch point sensing can be achieved, but the electrode structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the second electrodes serve dual functions: they act as point sensing electrodes during the first sensing mode and as force sensing electrodes during the second sensing mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrode structures for each sensing type, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile sensing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches the function of the second electrodes between point sensing and force sensing modes through timing control. By changing the operational state of the same electrodes at different time periods, the system achieves multiple sensing functions without requiring physically separate electrode structures
2Measurement precision
If point sensing electrodes cross each other to improve touch resolution, then sensing precision improves, but the efficiency of sensing touch force is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mode switching where the second electrodes are configured for point sensing during the first sensing mode and for force sensing during the second sensing mode. This temporal separation allows the electrodes to be optimized for each specific sensing function at different times, achieving both high touch resolution and efficient force sensing without compromise
3Measurement precision
If force sensing electrodes are decreased in size to improve touch resolution, then touch resolution improves, but the efficiency of sensing touch force is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same second electrodes for both point sensing and force sensing at different time periods. During the first sensing mode, the electrodes provide high-resolution point detection; during the second sensing mode, the same electrodes provide efficient force sensing. This dynamic reuse allows small electrode size for resolution without sacrificing force sensing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent temporarily uses the second electrodes for point sensing during the first sensing mode, then recovers them for force sensing during the second sensing mode. This temporal allocation allows the electrodes to be optimized for resolution when needed and for efficiency when needed, without permanent compromise
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
The design improves both touch force and touch point sensing efficiency by allowing for accurate capacitance measurements, reducing electrode complexity, and increasing the area for force sensing while maintaining fringe field sensitivity for point detection.
Implementation Method 1
a touch force is sensed by a change of capacitance (Cm1) in accordance with the decrease of distance in between a pair of force sensing electrodes 12 and 22
Implementation Method 2
an elastic dielectric member disposed between the first electrodes and the second electrodes
Implementation Method 3
a touch point is sensed by a change of capacitance (Cm2) in accordance with a fringe field in between a pair of point sensing electrodes 14 and 24
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a touch panel and a method of operating the touch panel. The touch panel includes first electrodes and second electrodes separated from and intersecting the first electrodes. The first electrodes are applied with a touch driving pulse during a first sensing mode and a second sensing mode. The second electrodes sense a first touch sense signal responsive to the touch driving pulse in the first sensing mode. A subset of the second electrodes senses a second touch sense signal responsive to the touch driving pulse in the second sensing mode.