Active-Matrix Touch Panel Layout for Narrower Frame Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active-matrix substrates with inspection circuits and driving circuits have a larger frame region due to the arrangement of connection wirings, which increases the size of the substrate and is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
The active-matrix substrate design includes a source driving circuit and inspection circuit arranged between counter electrodes and a signal input region, with inspection lines formed in a different layer than counter-electrode lines, connected via contact holes, and counter-electrode lines extending in a direction intersecting the source driving circuit and inspection circuit, reducing the frame region size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection wirings are arranged to connect the source driving circuit and inspection circuit region, then electrical connection is established, but the frame region area is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by routing the counter-electrode line in two directions: a first direction within the pixel region and a second direction intersecting the first direction within the frame region. This L-shaped path allows the connection wiring to utilize the vertical space above the source driving circuit and inspection circuit, rather than extending horizontally, thereby reducing the frame region area while maintaining electrical connection reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If inspection lines are formed in the same layer as counter-electrode lines, then manufacturing is simpler, but insulation between lines becomes difficult to assure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the insulation problem by forming inspection lines in a different layer from counter-electrode lines, utilizing the vertical dimension (layer stacking) to achieve electrical isolation. This allows both line types to be manufactured with proper insulation without requiring complex lateral spacing, balancing manufacturing feasibility with reliable insulation.
3Reliability
If one connection wiring is spaced from another adjacent connection wiring, then insulation is assured, but the area of connection wirings is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for lateral spacing between connection wirings by routing them in different directions and utilizing different layers. The counter-electrode line extends in a first direction within the pixel region and connects to inspection lines that extend in a second direction within the frame region, allowing dense packing without compromising insulation reliability.
4Area of stationary object
If the input terminal region is narrower in width than the display region, then the overall substrate size is reduced, but the arrangement of connection wirings becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully implements a narrow input terminal region by utilizing the vertical space above the source driving circuit and inspection circuit. The counter-electrode line extends upward from the pixel region, crosses over these circuits in the vertical dimension, and connects to the input terminal region, enabling compact horizontal layout without increasing substrate size.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel includes a first portion extending in a first direction within a pixel region, a source driving circuit, an inspection circuit, an input terminal region, and an inspection line extending in the first direction within a frame region. The inspection line is formed in a layer different from a layer where the first portion is formed. The inspection line is connected to the first portion and a second portion via a contact hole between a touch-detecting electrode and the source driving circuit. The second portion crosses the source driving circuit and the inspection circuit in a direction intersecting the first direction.