Touch Panel Manufacturing Process Reduction via Layer Merging

The patent combines multiple separate photolithographic masking and etching processes into a reduced number of integrated processes. Specifically, the light-shielding conductive patterned layer and transparent conductive patterned layer are formed using fewer processing steps by optimizing the sequence and integration of forming openings, depositing conductive layers, and patterning operations, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining touch panel functionality

The patent makes certain process steps serve multiple functions simultaneously. For example, the light-shielding conductive patterned layer formation process also creates electrical connections and defines structural boundaries, while the transparent conductive patterned layer process simultaneously forms sensing electrodes, bridging electrodes, and contact pads. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of required photolithographic masking and etching processes from six to three or four

The patent merges multiple costly photolithographic masking and etching processes into fewer integrated operations. By combining the formation of light-shielding conductive patterns and transparent conductive patterns into a reduced process sequence with three or four masking and etching steps, the patent directly reduces manufacturing cost while preserving the essential touch panel functions through careful process integration

The patent designs process steps to achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, reducing the total number of expensive photolithographic operations. The light-shielding conductive patterned layer formation serves both optical shielding and electrical conduction purposes, while the transparent conductive patterned layer formation creates multiple electrode types in a single process sequence, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost