Touch Sensor Electrode Overlap for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining effective detection functionality without increasing sensor area or circuit complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second touch detection function that detects an external object approaching the sensor region, with second detection electrodes arranged to overlap first detection electrodes, allowing for activation of the first touch detection function based on the second detection result, thereby reducing power consumption without increasing sensor area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the touch sensor continuously performs high-precision position detection (first touch detection function), then detection accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor dynamically switches between two detection modes: a low-power approximate detection mode (second touch detection function) and a high-precision position detection mode (first touch detection function). The system activates the high-precision mode only when the external object is detected in the active area, thereby adapting power consumption to actual detection needs while maintaining accuracy when required
Solution Approach 2:
The touch sensor performs periodic scanning using the second detection electrodes to monitor for approaching objects. This periodic low-power scanning replaces continuous high-power operation, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the capability to detect and respond to touch events in real-time
2Reliability
If the touch sensor area is increased to improve detection sensitivity, then detection capability is enhanced, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is segmented into multiple functional zones with different detection electrodes: second detection electrodes for approximate position detection and first detection electrodes for precise position detection. This segmentation allows each zone to perform specialized functions, improving overall detection sensitivity without requiring a proportional increase in total sensor area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by overlapping detection electrodes at different layers. The second detection electrodes are arranged to overlap with the first detection electrode in plan view, creating a multi-layer detection structure that enhances detection capability in the vertical dimension while maintaining a compact footprint
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional detection electrodes are added to improve detection functionality, then detection capability is enhanced, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first detection electrode serves multiple functions: it acts as both a high-precision position detection electrode and, when overlapped by second detection electrodes, as part of the approximate detection system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate electrode systems, thereby limiting the increase in circuit complexity while enhancing detection capabilities
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 efficient detection of external objects with reduced power consumption and maintains detection accuracy without increasing the sensor's area or circuit complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first detection electrode TR that detects a position of an external approaching object within a detection surface
Implementation Method 2
plural second detection electrodes FD that detect that an external approaching object approaches the detection surface
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for providing a detection function of detecting that an external approaching object approaches a sensor region of a touch sensor, without increasing an area of the touch sensor and making a circuit complex. According to an aspect, a display device includes a first detection electrode that detects a position of an external approaching object within a detection surface, and plural second detection electrodes that detect that the external approaching object approaches the detection surface. The second detection electrodes extend in a second direction and are arranged in a first direction intersecting the second direction. The second detection electrodes overlap the first detection electrode in a plan view.