Touch Sensing Structure With Shared Layers for Stylus and Finger Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensing structures require four metal layers to integrate passive electromagnetic stylus and finger touch sensing functions, which hinder the goal of shrinking and thinning display devices.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensing structure that integrates passive electromagnetic stylus and finger touch sensing functions using only three metal layers, with the first and second sensing units sharing a common layer, and the third sensing unit, each composed of a metal grid unit shaped as a rhombus with acute angles less than 90 degrees, and a comb-shaped electrode with specific AC and DC signal configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If four metal layers are used to integrate passive electromagnetic stylus sensing and finger touch sensing functions, then both sensing functions can be implemented, but the display device becomes thicker and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive electromagnetic stylus sensing and finger touch sensing functions into a shared metal layer structure. Specifically, the first and second metal layers are共用 by both sensing functions, with the comb-shaped electrode and strip-shaped electrodes operating simultaneously on the same physical layers, thereby reducing the total layer count from four to three while maintaining dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The metal layers are designed to serve multiple functions: the first and second metal layers function as both stylus sensing electrodes and finger touch sensing electrodes. The comb-shaped electrode on the first metal layer and strip-shaped electrodes on the second metal layer participate in both electromagnetic stylus detection and capacitive finger touch detection, making each layer universal rather than dedicated to a single function
2Adaptability or versatility
If four metal layers are used to integrate passive electromagnetic stylus sensing and finger touch sensing functions, then both sensing functions can be implemented, but the display device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the material requirements for dual sensing functions into a reduced three-layer structure. By having the first and second metal layers serve both stylus and finger sensing purposes, the total amount of metal material required is reduced compared to a four-layer configuration, directly decreasing the display panel weight while maintaining full sensing capability
3Illumination intensity
If rhombus-shaped metal grid units with acute angles less than 90 degrees are used, then optical characteristics and aperture ratio are enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the acute angle of the rhombus-shaped metal grid units should be less than 90 degrees, with preferred ranges of 45-60 degrees. This parameter optimization balances optical performance (improved aperture ratio and light transmission) with manufacturability, as extreme acute angles would be difficult to fabricate while larger angles approach square configurations that reduce optical benefits
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
Achieves lightweight and reduced process complexity by integrating both sensing functions with fewer metal layers, enhancing optical characteristics and aperture ratio.
Implementation Method 1
passive electromagnetic stylus sensing function
Implementation Method 2
finger touch sensing function
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensing structure includes a display panel, a first sensing unit, a second sensing unit, and a third sensing unit. The first sensing unit is disposed on a first side or a second side of the display panel. The second sensing unit and the third sensing unit are disposed on the second side of the display panel. The first sensing unit and the second sensing unit belong to the same layer when the first sensing unit is disposed on the second side of the display panel. Each of the first sensing unit and second sensing unit is composed of plural metal grid units. Each of the metal grid units is shaped as a rhombus and an acute angle of the rhombus is less than 90 degrees.