Electrooptic Device Touch Sensor Placement Outside Display Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrooptic devices with touch panels integrated into the image display area face issues where the operator's finger conceals the image, and adding multiple touch panels increases device size and cost.
Innovation Solution
An electrooptic device design featuring a touch panel with an input position detecting electrode and a touch sensor located outside the input area, connected via a wiring board that includes first and second touch sensors, allowing inputs on the same surface without obscuring the image display and reducing the need for additional panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch panel is provided only at the image display area, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but the operator's finger conceals the image during input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the input functionality from the two-dimensional image display area to the three-dimensional space by placing touch sensors on the side surfaces and edges of the display panel. This allows operators to input information from lateral positions without obscuring the central display area, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the input interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch sensing function is segmented into multiple locations: the main image display area retains its traditional touch panel, while additional touch sensors are placed on side surfaces and edges. This segmentation allows simultaneous display and input operations without mutual interference.
2Ease of operation
If multiple touch panels are provided to eliminate image concealment, then input convenience is improved, but device size and cost are remarkably increased
Solution Approach 1:
The side surfaces and edges of the display panel, which are structurally necessary components of the device, are given additional functionality by integrating touch sensors into them. This multi-functionality allows these surfaces to serve both as structural elements and as input interfaces, eliminating the need for separate additional touch panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural components (side surfaces and edges of the display panel) with the input function by integrating touch sensors into these surfaces. This combination creates a unified structure that serves dual purposes: maintaining device integrity and enabling input operations without requiring separate additional components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If touch sensors are placed within the input area, then input functionality is provided, but the finger obscures the displayed image during input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves touch sensor placement from the central two-dimensional input area to the lateral three-dimensional surfaces (side surfaces and edges) of the display panel. This spatial relocation allows input operations to occur in peripheral zones that do not interfere with the visibility of the main display content.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an electrooptic device having an input function including: an electrooptic panel; a touch panel having an input position detecting electrode in an input area aligned to an image display area of the electrooptic panel; and a wiring board connected to any one of the electrooptic panel and the touch panel, the wiring board having a touch sensor located outside the input area of the touch panel as viewed from an input surface of the touch panel.