Transparent Cover Deformed Edge for Flexible Touch Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch panel technologies in display devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have fixed operation positions and input modes, limiting user flexibility and increasing the likelihood of input errors due to the need for the user to gaze at the screen during operations.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a transparent cover having a deformed outer peripheral line that allows touch sensing, enabling flexible operation modes by detecting contact or approach at the boundary between the top surface and side surface, using a touch panel with electrodes to sense capacitance changes, and a display control unit to adjust the image display accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional flat transparent cover is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the operation position is fixed and user flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent cover incorporates a deformed part with curved surface at the outer peripheral line, replacing the traditional flat structure. This curvature enables multiple operation modes (contact and approach sensing) and allows users to operate from different positions and angles, thereby improving adaptability while the deformation is integrated into the cover itself without adding separate components
2Ease of operation
If the touch panel sensing area is extended to the outer peripheral line, then operation flexibility is improved, but the likelihood of input error increases due to need for screen gazing
Solution Approach 1:
The deformed part of the transparent cover features a different surface curvature that creates visual distinction without requiring screen gazing. The curved portion at the outer peripheral line provides tactile and visual feedback that indicates the operation area, allowing users to perform operations accurately while maintaining natural gaze direction, thus improving both ease of operation and input reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a deformed part is formed on the outer peripheral line, then multiple operation modes are enabled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deformed part is integrated directly into the transparent cover as a curved surface feature, utilizing the cover's inherent flexibility and formability. This approach enables complex geometries at the outer peripheral line to support multiple operation modes while avoiding the need for separate precision-manufactured components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements
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
Facilitates flexible user operations without needing to gaze at the screen, improving accuracy and reducing input errors by allowing operations to be performed on the transparent cover's deformed part, enhancing user experience and operability.
Implementation Method 1
a touch panel for sensing contact or approach of an object with respect to the transparent cover
Data Source
AI summary
A display device (1) is provided that includes a display panel having a display region P; a transparent cover (16) having a top surface parallel to a surface for displaying the image, and a side surface connected to the top surface; a touch panel; and a case (17) for housing the display panel and the touch panel. The touch panel is capable of sensing contact or approach of an object at at least a part of an outer peripheral line of the top surface of the transparent cover (16). At the part of the outer peripheral line of the transparent cover (16), at which contact or approach of an object can be sensed by the touch panel, a part of the outer peripheral line that is recessed inward or is protruded outward is formed as a deformed part (16a).