Touch Panel Proximity Sensing via Electrode Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing touch panels with integrated sensors face challenges in miniaturization and cost efficiency due to the need for separate alignment and space allocation of proximity sensors, which increases processing costs and reduces efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A touch panel design that integrates a proximity sense module with the touch module by using a second sensing electrode with higher sensitivity in the inactive area, allowing it to substitute for the proximity sensor, thereby omitting the alignment process and optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate proximity sensor is integrated into the touch panel, then the touch panel can sense approach of objects, but the process cost increases and process efficiency is reduced due to alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity sensing capabilityVSAvoidprocess cost and process efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the proximity sensing function with the touch sensing electrode, eliminating the need for a separate proximity sensor. The touch sensing electrode performs both touch detection and proximity sensing functions by detecting capacitance variations at different distances, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining sensing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch sensing electrode is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the touch detection electrode and the proximity sensing element. By adjusting sensing thresholds, the same electrode structure can detect both direct contact (touch) and near-contact (proximity) states, eliminating the need for dedicated proximity sensor components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a proximity sensor is aligned in the inactive area, then proximity sensing is achieved, but the inactive area increases and the touch panel cannot be miniaturized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity sensing capabilityVSAvoidinactive area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The proximity sensing function is merged into the touch sensing electrode structure, allowing both functions to share the same physical space. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated proximity sensor space in the inactive area, enabling touch panel miniaturization while maintaining proximity sensing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch sensing electrode serves dual purposes as both touch detector and proximity sensor, maximizing space utilization. The same electrode structure and active area are used for both functions, eliminating the need for separate proximity sensor allocation in the inactive area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are included in the touch panel, then sensing functions are comprehensive, but the touch panel size increases and miniaturization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing function comprehensivenessVSAvoidtouch panel area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The touch sensing electrode is designed to perform multiple sensing functions including touch detection, proximity sensing, and potentially other sensing capabilities. By making the electrode multi-functional, the patent reduces the number of separate sensor components needed, thereby minimizing touch panel area while maintaining comprehensive sensing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single integrated electrode structure. The touch sensing electrode simultaneously handles touch detection and proximity sensing by detecting capacitance variations at different magnitudes, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensor components and reducing overall panel size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach enables miniaturization of the touch panel, improves processing efficiency, and reduces costs by eliminating the need for separate proximity sensor alignment and utilizing the inactive area more efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

In the capacitive type touch window, the position of the touch point is detected by detecting the variation in capacitance between electrodes when a finger of the user is touched on the capacitive type touch window. The second sensing electrode having a second sensitivity in the inactive area... the first sensitivity is different from the second sensitivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance variation: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9195277B2Touch panel with proximity sensor

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

A touch panel includes a cover window with an active area and an inactive area; a first sensing electrode having a first sensitivity in the active area; and a second sensing electrode having a second sensitivity in the inactive area, wherein the first sensitivity is different from the second sensitivity.