Variable Focus Touch Display Electrode Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices with touch detection functions face reduced detection sensitivity due to the placement of electrodes, where the liquid crystal lens unit's electrode is used for touch detection, potentially decreasing sensitivity on the lens surface.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a variable focus layer where the refractive index of transmitted light varies based on a signal applied between a first and second electrode, incorporating a touch detection unit that uses one of these electrodes as a touch detection electrode or drive electrode to improve detection sensitivity, with the electrodes divided into pieces and arranged in a specific pattern to enhance capacitance changes detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the liquid crystal lens unit's electrode is used for touch detection, then the structure is simplified, but the detection sensitivity on the lens surface is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple independent electrode pieces arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions: some electrode pieces are optimized for touch detection while others maintain lens functionality, thereby resolving the conflict between structural simplification and detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode structure are given different properties. The electrode pieces positioned for touch detection have optimized characteristics for capacitance measurement, while other regions maintain characteristics suitable for lens operation. This local differentiation enables both functions to coexist without compromising either.
2Measurement precision
If the electrode is divided into multiple pieces, then the touch detection sensitivity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch detection electrode pieces are integrated into the existing liquid crystal lens electrode structure rather than being added as separate components. This merging approach allows the electrode to serve dual purposes: maintaining lens functionality while enabling touch detection, thereby improving sensitivity without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the lens drive electrode and the touch detection electrode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrode structures, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving improved touch detection sensitivity through strategic division and arrangement of electrode pieces.
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
The solution enhances touch detection sensitivity by allowing the use of either electrode for touch detection, improving the accuracy and reliability of proximity object positioning, while also simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing potential lens surface deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
a variable focus layer that is provided between the first electrode side of the first substrate and the second electrode side of the second substrate and in which a refractive index of transmitted light varies depending on a certain signal applied between the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
a touch detection unit configured to detect a position of a proximity object using one of the first electrode and the second electrode as a touch detection electrode based on change in capacitance with respect to the drive electrode
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a display device with a touch detection function includes: a variable focus lens unit that includes a first substrate including a first electrode, a second substrate including a second electrode, and a variable focus layer that is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate; a display unit including a display region that displays an image via the variable focus lens unit; a drive electrode that is arranged in the display unit or at a position opposed to the display region, and divided into a plurality of pieces; and a touch detection unit configured to detect a position of a proximity object using one of the first electrode and the second electrode as a touch detection electrode based on change in capacitance with respect to the drive electrode.