Built-in Touch Panel Electrode Integration and Sensitivity

The patent transitions from planar electrode arrangements to three-dimensional folded electrode structures. By folding the electrodes back and forth across the insulating substrate, the electrode paths extend through multiple dimensions, increasing the effective detection area and sensitivity without requiring larger panel dimensions.

The patent implements nested electrode configurations where scanning electrodes and detecting electrodes are interleaved and folded within the same spatial envelope. The electrodes are arranged in a compact folded pattern that maximizes their interaction area while maintaining integration within the display device thickness.

The patent merges the scanning electrodes and detecting electrodes into a unified folded electrode structure that alternates between the two electrode types. This integration allows both electrode functions to share the same visual profile, reducing the visibility of individual electrode intervals compared to separate surface arrangements.

By arranging electrodes in three-dimensional folded paths rather than flat surfaces, the patent reduces the projected area of individual electrodes when viewed from the front. The folding creates a more compact visual footprint that minimizes the visibility of electrode intervals.

The patent changes the fundamental detection parameter from mutual capacitance to self-capacitance measurement. By measuring the self-capacitance of individual electrodes rather than the mutual capacitance between electrode pairs, the system becomes effective for electrodes arranged on different surfaces with folded geometries.

Each electrode serves dual functions: it acts as both a scanning electrode and a detecting electrode. The self-capacitance of each electrode is measured independently, allowing the electrode structure to provide its own detection signal without requiring complex inter-electrode coupling arrangements.