Touch display having proximity sensor electrode pair with each electrode formed on the top face of the display panel so as to overlap the display region

• US 9,383,867 B2
• Filed: 11/02/2010
• Issued: 07/05/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: ROHM Co., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: ROHM Co., Ltd.
• Inventors: Hirakawa, Masaya, Yano, Shigehide
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Chanh
• Assistant Examiner(s): LINGARAJU, NAVIN B
• Application Number:
  US13/505,945
• Publication Number:
  US 20120268422A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,072 Days
• Field of Search: 345173-184, 178 1803- 1907
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3203 Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3287 by switching off individual functional units in the computer system
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04108 Touchless 2D- digitiser, i.e. digitiser detecting the X/Y position of the input means, finger or stylus, also when it does not touch, but is proximate to the digitiser's interaction surface without distance measurement in the Z direction
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0446 using a grid-like structure of electrodes in at least two directions, e.g. using row and column electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management

Abstract

Multiple sensor electrodes are formed such that they overlap a display panel, and each have an electrostatic capacitance that changes according to the user'"'"'s touch. Furthermore, a proximity sensor electrode pair is formed as a transparent electrode such that they overlap the display panel. An electrostatic capacitance detection circuit detects change in the electrostatic capacitance of each sensor electrode due to the user'"'"'s touch, thereby detecting a position touched by the user. A proximity detection circuit detects change in the electric field generated between the proximity sensor electrode pair due to the proximity of the user, thereby detecting the proximity of the user to the display panel. An electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is configured to have at least a component that is switchable between an operating state and a non-operating state. When detecting that the user is in proximity, this component transits from the non-operating state to the operating state.

Claims

1. A display apparatus furnished with a touch sensor, comprising:

a display module having a touch sensor comprising;

a display panel;

a plurality of sensor electrodes formed in a region where they overlap the display panel, and each having an electrostatic capacitance that changes according to a state of being touched by a user; and

a proximity sensor electrode pair comprising an electric field generating electrode and an electric field detection electrode each formed as a transparent electrode in a region where they overlap the display panel;

an electrostatic capacitance detection circuit configured to detect change in the electrostatic capacitance that occurs at each of the plurality of sensor electrodes according to being touched by the user so as to detect a position touched by the user; and

a proximity detection circuit configured to detect change in the electric field generated between the proximity sensor electrode pair, which corresponds to the user being in proximity thereto, so as to detect the user being in proximity to the display panel,

wherein the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is configured to have at least a component that is switchable between an operating state and a non-operating state,

wherein, when detecting the proximity of the user by means of the proximity detection circuit, said at least one component transits from the non-operating state to the operating state,

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes and the proximity sensor electrode pair are formed in the same wiring layer,

wherein the electric field generating electrode is formed along a first edge of the display panel, and the electric field generating electrode is positioned between the first edge and one side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed,

wherein the electric field detection electrode is formed along a second edge of the display panel that is opposite to the first edge, and the electric field detection electrode is positioned between the second edge and another side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed;

wherein the electric field generating electrode comprises a first plurality of approximately triangular shapes;

wherein the electric field detection electrode comprises a second plurality of approximately triangular shapes;

wherein bases of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the first edge of the display panel;

vertices of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

bases of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the second edge of the display panel;

vertices of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns;

each of the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed in an approximately rectangular shape;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a row of the plurality of rows are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the row;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a column of the plurality of columns are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the column; and

wherein the electric field generating electrode and a first column of sensor electrodes adjacent to the electric field generating electrode are arranged such that the vertices of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are interposed between sides of adjacent sensor electrodes of the first column of sensor electrodes.

2. A display apparatus furnished with a touch sensor, comprising:

a display module having a touch sensor comprising;

a display panel;

a plurality of sensor electrodes formed in a region where they overlap the display panel, and each having an electrostatic capacitance that changes according to a state of being touched by a user; and

a proximity sensor electrode pair comprising an electric field generating electrode and an electric field detection electrode each formed as a transparent electrode in a region where they overlap the display panel;

an electrostatic capacitance detection circuit configured to detect change in the electrostatic capacitance that occurs at each of the plurality of sensor electrodes according to being touched by the user so as to detect a position touched by the user; and

a proximity detection circuit configured to detect change in the electric field generated between the proximity sensor electrode pair, which corresponds to the user being in proximity thereto, so as to detect the user being in proximity to the display panel,

wherein the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is configured to have at least a component that is switchable between an operating state and a non-operating state,

wherein, when detecting the proximity of the user by means of the proximity detection circuit, said at least one component transits from the non-operating state to the operating state,

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes and the proximity sensor electrode pair are formed in the same wiring layer,

wherein the electric field generating electrode is formed along a first edge of the display panel, and the electric field generating electrode is positioned between the first edge and one side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed,

wherein the electric field detection electrode is formed along a second edge of the display panel that is opposite to the first edge, and the electric field detection electrode is positioned between the second edge and another side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed;

wherein the electric field generating electrode comprises a first plurality of approximately triangular shapes;

wherein the electric field detection electrode comprises a second plurality of approximately triangular shapes;

wherein bases of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the first edge of the display panel;

vertices of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

bases of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the second edge of the display panel;

vertices of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns;

each of the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed in an approximately rectangular shape;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a row of the plurality of rows are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the row;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a column of the plurality of columns are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the column; and

wherein the electric field detection electrode and a second column of sensor electrodes adjacent to the electric field detection electrode are arranged such that the vertices of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are interposed between sides of adjacent sensor electrodes of the second column of sensor electrodes.

3. An electronic device comprising a display apparatus furnished with a touch sensor, wherein the display apparatus comprises:

a display module having a touch sensor comprising;

a display panel;

a plurality of sensor electrodes formed in a region where they overlap the display panel, and each having an electrostatic capacitance that changes according to a state of being touched by a user; and

a proximity sensor electrode pair comprising an electric field generating electrode and an electric field detection electrode each formed as a transparent electrode in a region where they overlap the display panel;

an electrostatic capacitance detection circuit configured to detect change in the electrostatic capacitance that occurs at each of the plurality of sensor electrodes according to being touched by the user so as to detect a position touched by the user; and

a proximity detection circuit configured to detect change in the electric field generated between the proximity sensor electrode pair, which corresponds to the user being in proximity thereto, so as to detect the user being in proximity to the display panel,

wherein the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is configured to have at least a component that is switchable between an operating state and a non-operating state,

wherein, when detecting the proximity of the user by means of the proximity detection circuit, said at least one component transits from the non-operating state to the operating state,

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes and the proximity sensor electrode pair are formed in the same wiring layer,

wherein the electric field generating electrode is formed along a first edge of the display panel, and the electric field generating electrode is positioned between the first edge and one side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed,

wherein the electric field detection electrode is formed along a second edge of the display panel that is opposite to the first edge, and the electric field detection electrode is positioned between the second edge and another side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed;

wherein the electric field generating electrode comprises a first plurality of approximately triangular shapes;

wherein the electric field detection electrode comprises a second plurality of approximately triangular shapes;

wherein bases of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the first edge of the display panel;

vertices of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

bases of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the second edge of the display panel; and

vertices of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns;

each of the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed in an approximately rectangular shape;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a row of the plurality of rows are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the row; and

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a column of the plurality of columns are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the column; and

wherein the electric field generating electrode and a first column of sensor electrodes adjacent to the electric field generating electrode are arranged such that the vertices of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are interposed between sides of adjacent sensor electrodes of the first column of sensor electrodes.

4. An electronic device comprising a display apparatus furnished with a touch sensor, wherein the display apparatus comprises:

a display module having a touch sensor comprising;

a display panel;

a plurality of sensor electrodes formed in a region where they overlap the display panel, and each having an electrostatic capacitance that changes according to a state of being touched by a user; and

a proximity sensor electrode pair comprising an electric field generating electrode and an electric field detection electrode each formed as a transparent electrode in a region where they overlap the display panel;

an electrostatic capacitance detection circuit configured to detect change in the electrostatic capacitance that occurs at each of the plurality of sensor electrodes according to being touched by the user so as to detect a position touched by the user; and

a proximity detection circuit configured to detect change in the electric field generated between the proximity sensor electrode pair, which corresponds to the user being in proximity thereto, so as to detect the user being in proximity to the display panel,

wherein the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is configured to have at least a component that is switchable between an operating state and a non-operating state,

wherein, when detecting the proximity of the user by means of the proximity detection circuit, said at least one component transits from the non-operating state to the operating state,

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes and the proximity sensor electrode pair are formed in the same wiring layer,

wherein the electric field generating electrode is formed along a first edge of the display panel, and the electric field generating electrode is positioned between the first edge and one side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed,

wherein the electric field detection electrode is formed along a second edge of the display panel that is opposite to the first edge, and the electric field detection electrode is positioned between the second edge and another side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed;

wherein the electric field generating electrode comprises a first plurality of approximately triangular shapes;

wherein the electric field detection electrode comprises a second plurality of approximately triangular shapes;

wherein bases of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the first edge of the display panel;

vertices of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

bases of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the second edge of the display panel; and

vertices of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns;

each of the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed in an approximately rectangular shape;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a row of the plurality of rows are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the row; and

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a column of the plurality of columns are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the column; and

wherein the electric field detection electrode and a second column of sensor electrodes adjacent to the electric field detection electrode are arranged such that the vertices of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are interposed between sides of adjacent sensor electrodes of the second column of sensor electrodes.

5. A control circuit for a display module furnished with a touch sensor, wherein the display module comprises:

a display panel;

a plurality of sensor electrodes formed in a region where they overlap the display panel, and each having an electrostatic capacitance that changes according to a state of being touched by a user; and

a proximity sensor electrode pair comprising an electric field generating electrode and an electric field detection electrode each formed as a transparent electrode in a region where they overlap the display panel, and configured to generate an electric field between these two electrodes,

wherein the control circuit comprises an electrostatic capacitance detection circuit configured to detect change in the electrostatic capacitance that occurs at each of the plurality of sensor electrodes so as to detect a position touched by a user, and comprising at least a component that is switchable between an operating state and a non-operating state,

wherein the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is connected to a proximity detection circuit configured to detect the user being in proximity to the display panel by monitoring change in the electric field generated between the proximity sensor electrode pair,

wherein said at least one component of the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is configured to switch from the non-operating state to the operating state upon detection by means of the proximity detection circuit that the user is in proximity thereto,

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes and the proximity sensor electrode pair are formed in the same wiring layer,

wherein the electric field generating electrode is formed along a first edge of the display panel, and the electric field generating electrode is positioned between the first edge and one side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed,

wherein the electric field detection electrode is formed along a second edge of the display panel that is opposite to the first edge, and the electric field detection electrode is positioned between the second edge and another side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed;

wherein the electric field generating electrode comprises a first plurality of approximately triangular shapes; and

wherein the electric field detection electrode comprises a second plurality of approximately triangular shapes;

wherein bases of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the first edge of the display panel;

vertices of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

bases of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the second edge of the display panel;

vertices of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns;

each of the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed in an approximately rectangular shape;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a row of the plurality of rows are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the row;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a column of the plurality of columns are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the column; and

wherein the electric field generating electrode and a first column of sensor electrodes adjacent to the electric field generating electrode are arranged such that the vertices of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are interposed between sides of adjacent sensor electrodes of the first column of sensor electrodes.

6. A control circuit for a display module furnished with a touch sensor, wherein the display module comprises:

a display panel;

a plurality of sensor electrodes formed in a region where they overlap the display panel, and each having an electrostatic capacitance that changes according to a state of being touched by a user; and

a proximity sensor electrode pair comprising an electric field generating electrode and an electric field detection electrode each formed as a transparent electrode in a region where they overlap the display panel, and configured to generate an electric field between these two electrodes,

wherein the control circuit comprises an electrostatic capacitance detection circuit configured to detect change in the electrostatic capacitance that occurs at each of the plurality of sensor electrodes so as to detect a position touched by a user, and comprising at least a component that is switchable between an operating state and a non-operating state,

wherein the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is connected to a proximity detection circuit configured to detect the user being in proximity to the display panel by monitoring change in the electric field generated between the proximity sensor electrode pair,

wherein said at least one component of the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is configured to switch from the non-operating state to the operating state upon detection by means of the proximity detection circuit that the user is in proximity thereto,

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes and the proximity sensor electrode pair are formed in the same wiring layer,

wherein the electric field generating electrode is formed along a first edge of the display panel, and the electric field generating electrode is positioned between the first edge and one side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed,

wherein the electric field detection electrode is formed along a second edge of the display panel that is opposite to the first edge, and the electric field detection electrode is positioned between the second edge and another side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed;

wherein the electric field generating electrode comprises a first plurality of approximately triangular shapes; and

wherein the electric field detection electrode comprises a second plurality of approximately triangular shapes;

wherein bases of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the first edge of the display panel;

vertices of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

bases of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the second edge of the display panel;

vertices of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns;

each of the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed in an approximately rectangular shape;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a row of the plurality of rows are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the row;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a column of the plurality of columns are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the column; and

wherein the electric field detection electrode and a second column of sensor electrodes adjacent to the electric field detection electrode are arranged such that the vertices of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are interposed between sides of adjacent sensor electrodes of the second column of sensor electrodes.

7. An electronic device comprising a control circuit, wherein the display module comprises:

a display panel;

a plurality of sensor electrodes formed in a region where they overlap the display panel, and each having an electrostatic capacitance that changes according to a state of being touched by a user; and

a proximity sensor electrode pair comprising an electric field generating electrode and an electric field detection electrode each formed as a transparent electrode in a region where they overlap the display panel, and configured to generate an electric field between these two electrodes,

wherein the control circuit comprises an electrostatic capacitance detection circuit configured to detect change in the electrostatic capacitance that occurs at each of the plurality of sensor electrodes so as to detect a position touched by a user, and comprising at least a component that is switchable between an operating state and a non-operating state,

wherein the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is connected to a proximity detection circuit configured to detect the user being in proximity to the display panel by monitoring change in the electric field generated between the proximity sensor electrode pair,

wherein said at least one component of the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is configured to switch from the non-operating state to the operating state upon detection by means of the proximity detection circuit that the user is in proximity thereto,

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes and the proximity sensor electrode pair are formed in the same wiring layer,

wherein the electric field generating electrode is formed along a first edge of the display panel, and the electric field generating electrode is positioned between the first edge and one side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed,

wherein the electric field detection electrode is formed along a second edge of the display panel that is opposite to the first edge, and the electric field detection electrode is positioned between the second edge and another side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed;

wherein the electric field generating electrode comprises a first plurality of approximately triangular shapes; and

wherein the electric field detection electrode comprises a second plurality of approximately triangular shapes;

wherein bases of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the first edge of the display panel;

vertices of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

bases of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the second edge of the display panel;

vertices of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns;

each of the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed in an approximately rectangular shape;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a row of the plurality of rows are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the row;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a column of the plurality of columns are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the column;

wherein the electric field generating electrode and a first column of sensor electrodes adjacent to the electric field generating electrode are arranged such that the vertices of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are interposed between sides of adjacent sensor electrodes of the first column of sensor electrodes.

8. An electronic device comprising a control circuit, wherein the display module comprises:

a display panel;

a plurality of sensor electrodes formed in a region where they overlap the display panel, and each having an electrostatic capacitance that changes according to a state of being touched by a user; and

a proximity sensor electrode pair comprising an electric field generating electrode and an electric field detection electrode each formed as a transparent electrode in a region where they overlap the display panel, and configured to generate an electric field between these two electrodes,

wherein the control circuit comprises an electrostatic capacitance detection circuit configured to detect change in the electrostatic capacitance that occurs at each of the plurality of sensor electrodes so as to detect a position touched by a user, and comprising at least a component that is switchable between an operating state and a non-operating state,

wherein the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is connected to a proximity detection circuit configured to detect the user being in proximity to the display panel by monitoring change in the electric field generated between the proximity sensor electrode pair,

wherein said at least one component of the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit is configured to switch from the non-operating state to the operating state upon detection by means of the proximity detection circuit that the user is in proximity thereto,

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes and the proximity sensor electrode pair are formed in the same wiring layer,

wherein the electric field generating electrode is formed along a first edge of the display panel, and the electric field generating electrode is positioned between the first edge and one side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed,

wherein the electric field detection electrode is formed along a second edge of the display panel that is opposite to the first edge, and the electric field detection electrode is positioned between the second edge and another side of the region in which the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed;

wherein the electric field generating electrode comprises a first plurality of approximately triangular shapes; and

wherein the electric field detection electrode comprises a second plurality of approximately triangular shapes;

wherein bases of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the first edge of the display panel;

vertices of the first plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

bases of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes are proximate to the second edge of the display panel;

vertices of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are proximate to the plurality of sensor electrodes;

wherein the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns;

each of the plurality of sensor electrodes are formed in an approximately rectangular shape;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a row of the plurality of rows are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the row;

the plurality of sensor electrodes are arranged such that radii of sensor electrodes in a column of the plurality of columns are collinear with an imaginary line running through centers of the sensor electrodes in the column; and

wherein the electric field detection electrode and a second column of sensor electrodes adjacent to the electric field detection electrode are arranged such that the vertices of the second plurality of approximately triangular shapes opposite to the bases are interposed between sides of adjacent sensor electrodes of the second column of sensor electrodes.