Touch Panel with Non-Single-Crystal Semiconductor Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch panels with photodiodes and oxide semiconductors have complex structures, leading to increased manufacturing steps and costs, and high off-state current in transistors results in power consumption issues, especially in portable devices with limited battery capacity.
Innovation Solution
A touch panel design utilizing a non-single-crystal semiconductor layer in light-receiving elements and oxide semiconductor transistors to reduce off-state current and manufacturing steps, allowing for a more efficient and cost-effective power management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional photodiodes and oxide semiconductors are used in touch panels, then the touch sensing function is achieved, but the off-state current is high leading to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional oxide semiconductors to non-single-crystal semiconductors (amorphous or microcrystalline), which fundamentally alters the electrical characteristics to achieve ultra-low off-state current while maintaining touch sensing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a photodiode structure with non-single-crystal semiconductor layer that replicates the light-receiving function of conventional photodiodes but with improved electrical characteristics, copying the essential function while eliminating the harmful off-state current
2Ease of manufacture
If complex structures with multiple substrates are used for touch panels, then the touch sensing function is achieved, but the manufacturing steps and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch sensor substrate with the display substrate into a single integrated structure, combining the photodiode array and display elements on one substrate to eliminate the need for separate touch sensor substrates and reduce manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display substrate and the touch sensor substrate, with the non-single-crystal semiconductor layer providing both display and touch sensing capabilities, thereby reducing the overall device complexity
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 solution significantly reduces power consumption by minimizing off-state current and manufacturing costs, enabling touch panels to operate for extended periods with limited battery capacity while maintaining display quality.
Implementation Method 1
a light-receiving element including a non-single-crystal semiconductor layer between a pair of electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a first transistor including a first oxide semiconductor layer, a second transistor including a second oxide semiconductor layer
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel whose power consumption can be reduced is provided, and an increase in the manufacturing cost of the touch panel is prevented. A photosensor which includes a light-receiving element including a non-single-crystal semiconductor layer between a pair of electrodes and a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer in a channel formation region is provided. A touch panel which includes a plurality of pixels and the photosensor adjacent to at least one of the plurality of pixels is provided. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a pair of terminals. One of the pair of terminals is a reflective conductive film. Alternatively, each of the pair of terminals is a light-transmitting conductive film.