Touch Sensor With Integrated Temperature Sensing Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch sensors in display devices can only detect touch inputs and not environmental temperature changes, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor design that includes a base layer with a sensing area containing both touch electrodes and temperature sensing electrodes, where the temperature sensing electrodes are positioned between the touch sensing columns and rows, allowing for the detection of touch inputs and ambient temperature changes without interfering with each other's capacitance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If temperature sensing electrode is added to the sensing area, then temperature sensing capability is improved, but touch sensing accuracy may deteriorate due to capacitance interference
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing area is segmented into multiple independent sensing columns and rows formed by first and second sensor patterns. The temperature sensing electrode is integrated into this segmented structure without disrupting the orthogonal arrangement of touch sensing elements, allowing independent operation of touch and temperature sensing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing electrode is positioned specifically between the sensing columns and rows rather than overlapping with the sensor patterns themselves. This localized placement ensures that temperature sensing occurs in regions that do not interfere with the capacitance measurements between adjacent sensor patterns, maintaining touch sensing accuracy while enabling temperature detection.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensing electrode is positioned between sensing columns and rows, then interference with touch sensing is reduced, but temperature sensing coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor patterns are arranged in an orthogonal grid structure with sensing columns extending in a first direction and sensing rows extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This two-dimensional orthogonal arrangement allows temperature sensing electrodes to be positioned between columns and rows while still providing comprehensive temperature monitoring across the entire sensing area through the interconnected sensor network.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor patterns serve dual functions: they form the touch sensing electrodes for detecting touch inputs through capacitance changes, and simultaneously create a grid structure that defines regions for temperature sensing. The same sensor patterns that detect touch also establish the spatial framework for temperature measurement, enabling multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated temperature sensing structures.
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 the simultaneous detection of touch inputs and ambient temperature changes, enhancing the device's functionality without affecting the accuracy of touch sensing.
Implementation Method 1
a touch electrode positioned in the sensing area and including first sensor patterns extending in a first direction and second sensor patterns disposed to be spaced apart from the first sensor patterns and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensing electrode positioned in the sensing area and disposed to be spaced apart from the touch electrode. The temperature sensing electrode may include a first electrode and a second electrode disposed to be spaced apart from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor includes first sensor patterns, second sensor patterns, a conductive line, and a temperature sensing electrode set. The first sensor patterns are electrically connected in a first direction. The second sensor patterns are electrically insulated from first sensor patterns and are electrically connected in a second direction different from the first direction. The conductive line is electrically connected to at least one of the first sensor patterns or at least one of the second sensor patterns. The temperature sensing electrode set is positioned between two of the first sensor patterns, is positioned between two of the second sensor patterns, or is positioned between the conductive line and at least one of the first sensor patterns and the second sensor patterns. The temperature sensing electrode set includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from each other.