Touch Screen Sensor Density for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensitive screens face challenges with sensor density, as a dense sensor pattern reduces the aspect ratio of pixels in the active area, limiting image quality and touch sensitivity accuracy, while a sparse pattern compromises sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensitive screen design with a sparse pattern of sensors in the active area and a dense pattern in the viewing area, allowing for larger pixel aspect ratios and improved image quality while maintaining accurate touch sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dense pattern of sensors is used over the entire active area and viewing area, then touch sensitivity accuracy is improved, but pixel aspect ratio is reduced and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sensor patterns to different regions of the display: a dense sensor pattern is used in the viewing area where high touch sensitivity accuracy is needed, while a sparse sensor pattern is used in the active area where pixel aspect ratio and image quality are prioritized. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region for its primary function.
2Measurement precision
If a dense pattern of sensors is used over the entire active area and viewing area, then touch sensitivity accuracy is improved, but the number of pixels that can be displayed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent differentiates sensor density by region: sparse sensors in the active area maximize pixel quantity and image display capability, while dense sensors in the viewing area ensure accurate touch sensitivity measurement. This resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and quantity of pixels.
3Shape
If a sparse pattern of sensors is used over the active area, then pixel aspect ratio and image quality are improved, but touch sensitivity accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced touch sensitivity accuracy in the active area by concentrating dense sensors in the viewing area, where precise touch detection is critical for menu selection. This local optimization resolves the contradiction by prioritizing touch accuracy where it matters most while maintaining good image quality elsewhere.
4Length of stationary object
If sensors are disposed within the screen, then screen thickness is reduced compared to external sensors, but sensor pattern density still conflicts with pixel density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the benefit of in-glass sensor integration (reduced thickness) while resolving the density conflict through regional differentiation: sparse sensors in the active area preserve pixel aspect ratio, while dense sensors in the viewing area ensure accurate touch detection. This resolves the contradiction between compact integration and pixel quality.
Data Source
AI summary
These needs, and others, are met by at least one embodiment of the disclosed invention which provides for a touch sensitive screen for an electronic device wherein there is a sparse pattern of sensors disposed within the active area and a dense pattern of sensors disposed within the viewing area. In this configuration, the pixels in the active area may have a larger aspect ratio and provide a more pleasing image while the dense sensors disposed within the viewing area provide more accurate touch sensitivity. Further, the software, or other electronics, used to create the image, may be structured to position menus or other selectable images adjacent to the viewing area. Similarly, certain images, such as icons, can be programmed to be displayed directly under the sensors in the active area. Generally, this configuration provides for the best of both worlds; a bright, clear image with some touch sensitivity in the active area and a sensitive sensor grid in the viewing area where there are no pixels.