Touch Sensor Electrode Layout for Combined Touch and Proximity Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors lack the capability to function as both touch and proximity sensors, limiting their functionality and interaction with users.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor design that integrates first and second electrode members for touch detection and first conductive members for proximity sensing, with a touch controller capable of switching between touch and proximity sensing modes, enhancing user interaction and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touch sensor uses only touch detection electrodes, then touch sensing function is achieved, but proximity sensing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode members serve dual purposes: they function as touch detection electrodes when a touch occurs and as proximity detection electrodes when no touch is present. This multi-functionality allows the sensor to detect both touch and proximity events using the same physical structure, eliminating the need for separate electrode sets and reducing device complexity while enhancing sensing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing mode dynamically switches between touch detection and proximity detection based on the operational state. When a touch event is detected, the system activates touch sensing mode; when no touch is present, it transitions to proximity sensing mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the same electrode structure to effectively perform different sensing functions according to real-time conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate touch and proximity sensor structures are used, then both sensing functions are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is designed so that the first electrode members can serve as both touch detection electrodes and proximity detection electrodes. By making the same physical structure perform multiple sensing functions, the patent eliminates the need for separate touch and proximity sensor structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the touch sensing function and proximity sensing function into a single integrated sensor structure. The first electrode members are combined to perform both touch detection (when touched) and proximity detection (when not touched), consolidating what would traditionally require separate sensor systems into one unified structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a touch sensor is designed for single function, then manufacturing is simpler, but functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is manufactured as a single integrated structure where the first electrode members are configured to perform both touch and proximity sensing functions. This multi-functional design allows the manufacturing process to remain relatively simple (comparing to having two separate sensors) while dramatically enhancing user interaction capability through dual sensing modes.
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
Enables simultaneous touch and proximity sensing, improving user interaction and functionality in display devices by detecting touch inputs and object proximity.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first electrode members may include a plurality of first electrodes arranged along a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction that intersects the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a touch controller that sequentially provides a sensing signal to the first electrode members and receives a sensing signal from each of the first electrode members
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A touch sensor capable of detecting a touch and proximity of an object includes a base layer; a first electrode member that includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged on the base layer along a first direction and electrically connected to each other along the first direction, each of the plurality of first electrodes including a first opening; a second electrode member that includes a plurality of second electrodes arranged on the base layer along a second direction that intersects the first direction and electrically connected to each other along the second direction; a conductive member that includes a plurality of conductive patterns electrically connected to each other along the first direction; and a proximity detector that is electrically connected to the conductive member and configured to detect proximity of an object by receiving a proximity sensing signal from the conductive member, wherein each of the plurality of conductive patterns is located in the first opening of each of the plurality of first electrodes and spaced apart from each of the plurality of first electrodes, respectively.