MEMS display with touch control function

A display system using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) is disclosed. The display system includes a first substrate, a touch control unit and a plurality of MEMS display units. The first substrate has a control array. The MEMS display units are disposed in the first substrate. The control array controls the MEMS display units.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a display system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a display system with touch control function.

2. Description of Related Art

Due to being lightweight and small in size, a display panel is favorable in the market of portable displays and displays with space limitations. To date, the liquid crystal display (LCD) has been assembled in many electronic apparatus. However, the typical liquid crystal display needs a backlight source to illuminate the liquid crystal molecules to display images, which will consume a lot of power. Moreover, the backlight source also increases the thickness of the liquid crystal display.

A new display system using microelectromechanical system, MEMS, is developed. MEMS devices generally range in micrometers size. Therefore, the volume of the display system using microelectromechanical system is small. Moreover, this kind of display system displays images by reflecting the environment light. It is not necessary to assemble a backlight source in the display system, which can save much power. Therefore, such display system is very fit to dispose in a portable device.

Accordingly, how to improve the operation convenience of the display system using microelectromechanical system is required.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a display system using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) that may be controlled by a touch control system.

Accordingly, a display system using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) is disclosed. The display system includes a first substrate, a touch control unit and a plurality of MEMS display units. The first substrate has a control array. The MEMS display units are disposed in the first substrate. The control array controls the MEMS display units.

In an embodiment, the MEMS display units are optical interference display units, wherein each of the optical interference display unit has a single cavity or a plurality of cavities.

In an embodiment, a cover lens disposed over the optical interference display units, the touch control unit is disposed on the cover lens, or disposed between the cover lens and the optical interference display units.

In an embodiment, each of the optical interference display units further comprises: a first electrode formed on the first substrate; a second electrode formed over the first electrode; and a post disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode to support the second electrode, a cavity is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode; wherein the control array moves the second electrode related to the first electrode.

In an embodiment, the MEMS display units are micro-lens apparatus, the micro-lens apparatus includes a plurality of micro-lens arranged in array and located on the first substrate, wherein each of the micro-lens includes a mirror and at least two control electrodes. The control array controls tilt angle, and tilt direction of the micro-lens, wherein the tilt angle is between −25 degrees to +25 degrees.

In an embodiment, further comprises a cover lens disposed over the micro-lens apparatus, wherein the touch control unit is disposed on the cover lens, or disposed between the cover lens and the micro-lens apparatus.

In an embodiment, further comprises a color filter disposed over the MEMS display units, and a cover lens disposed over the color filter, wherein the touch control unit is disposed on the cover lens, or disposed between the cover lens and the color filter, or disposed between the color filter and the MEMS display units.

In an embodiment, the touch control unit detects a touch position by a resistive touch sensing technology, an electromagnetic touch sensing technology, a capacitive touch sensing technology, an optical sensing technology, an Ultrasonic sensing technology, a pressure sensing technology, a Surface acoustic wave sensing technology or any combination of the above.

In an embodiment, a front light source is disposed over the MEMS display units, wherein the front light source is a white light source or comprises a plurality of color light source. The touch sensing process is performed on the MEMS display units when the front light source is turned off. The touch control unit is disposed over the front light source.

In an embodiment, the touch control unit includes a sensor, a first selective unit, a second selective unit, a first control unit, a second control unit, first conductive lines and second conductive lines. The first conductive lines are arranged in a first direction. Each first conductive line has a first end and a second end. The first end couples with the first control unit and the second end couples with the first selective unit. Second conductive lines are arranged in a second direction. Each second conductive line has a first end and a second end, the first end couples with the second control unit and the second end couples with the second selective unit.

In an embodiment, when the touch control unit performs an electromagnetic touch sensing technology, the first control unit connects the first end of each of the first conductive lines to a first transmission line and the first selective unit sequentially connects the second ends of the first conductive lines based on an order to form sensing loops in the first direction; the second control unit connects the first end of each of the second conductive lines to a second transmission line, the second selective unit sequentially connects the second end of the second conductive lines based on an order to form sensing loops in the second direction; and a first sensing method is performed to sense the magnetic flux, electromagnetic induction, current or frequency of sensing loops to determine, distance, height, strength, a touch position or a touch strength.

In an embodiment, further comprising: grouping the first conductive lines and the second conductive lines, wherein each group includes at least two first conductive lines, or at least two second conductive lines; the first selective unit sequentially connects the second ends of the first conductive lines in each group based on an order to form sensing loops in the first direction; the second selective unit sequentially connects the second end of the second conductive lines in each group based on an order to form sensing loops in the second direction; transferring a sensing signal to the sensing loops; and performing the first sensing method to sense the magnetic flux, electromagnetic induction, current or frequency of sensing loops to determine, distance, height, strength, a touch position or a touch strength.

In an embodiment, the first sensing method is to transfer a sensing signal with a special frequency to the sensing loops to sense the magnetic flux, electromagnetic induction, current or frequency of the sensing loops, wherein the sensor determine whether or not the magnetic flux, electromagnetic induction, current or frequency of the sensing loops are changed.

In an embodiment, when touch control unit performs a capacitive touch sensing technology, the first control unit disconnects the connection between the first end of each of the first conductive lines and a first transmission line, and the second control unit disconnects the connection between the first end of each of the second conductive lines and a second transmission line, and a second sensing method is performed to sense the capacitance, current or voltage to determine, distance, height, strength, a touch position or a touch strength.

In an embodiment, further comprising: grouping the first conductive lines and the second conductive lines, wherein each group includes at least two first conductive lines, or at least two second conductive lines; transferring a sensing signal to each group; and performing the second sensing method to sense the capacitance, current or voltage to determine a touch position or a touch strength of each group to determine distance, height, strength, a touch position or a touch strength.

In an embodiment, the second sensing method is the sensor transfers a sensing signal through the first selective unit to the first conductive lines, and transfers a sensing signal through the second selective unit to the second conductive lines to sense the change of the capacitance, current or voltage of the first conductive lines and the second conductive lines to determine distance, height, strength, a touch position or a touch strength.

In an embodiment, the second sensing method is the sensor transfers a sensing signal through the first selective unit to the first conductive lines, and through the second selective unit to sense the capacitance, current or voltage of the second conductive lines to determine distance, height, strength, a touch position or a touch strength.

In an embodiment, the first control unit includes a control line and a plurality of switches or a plurality of switches in series coupling with the first conductive lines, wherein the sensor controls the control line to turn on the switches to make the first end of each of the first conductive lines connect to a first transmission line, and the sensor controls the control line to turn off the switches to disconnect the connection between the first end of each of the first conductive lines and the first transmission line.

In an embodiment, the second control unit includes a control line and a plurality of switches or a plurality of switches in series coupling with the second conductive lines, wherein the sensor controls the control line to turn on the switches to make the first end of each of the second conductive lines connect to a second transmission line, and the sensor controls the control line to turn off the switches to disconnect the connection between the first end of each of the second conductive lines and the second transmission line.

Accordingly, a touch sensor is integrated into the MEMS display system. Therefore, a user can use the touch panel to control the MEMS display system, which is convenience for the user. Moreover, the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn can be used to serve as the electrode of the dual-mode touch sensor of the present invention. Accordingly, it is not necessary to form additional electrodes for sensing the touch position. Therefore, the production cost is reduced and the production yield is kept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Regarding the developing of display technology, novel displays have been used in many types of portable device, such as a notebooks, a mobile phones, a digital camera and other electronic product. For avoiding these portable devices too heavy, the input apparatus have been changed from keyboards to touch panel.

Typically, many sensing control technologies are used in touch panel including resistive touch sensing technology, electromagnetic touch sensing technology, capacitive touch sensing technology, optical sensing technology, Ultrasonic sensing technology, pressure sensing technology, Surface acoustic wave sensing technology and so on. A resistive touchscreen panel comprises several layers, these layers face each other, with a thin gap between. One layer has conductive connections along its sides, the other along top and bottom. a voltage is passed through one layer, and sensed at the other. When an object, such as a fingertip or stylus tip, presses down on the outer surface, the two layers touch to become connected at that point: The panel then behaves as a pair of voltage dividers, one axis at a time. By rapidly switching between each layer, the position of a pressure on the screen can be read. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology uses ultrasonic waves that pass over the touchscreen panel. When the panel is touched, a portion of the wave is absorbed. This change in the ultrasonic waves registers the position of the touch event and sends this information to the controller for processing. In this Surface capacitance technology, only one side of the insulator is coated with a conductive layer. A small voltage is applied to the layer, resulting in a uniform electrostatic field. When a conductor, such as a human finger, touches the uncoated surface, a capacitor is dynamically formed. The sensor's controller can determine the location of the touch indirectly from the change in the capacitance as measured from the four corners of the panel. Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT) (also PCAP) technology is a variant of capacitive touch technology. All PCT touch screens are made up of a matrix of rows and columns of conductive material, layered on sheet of glass. Current applied to this grid creates a uniform electrostatic field, which can be measured. When a conductive object, such as a finger, comes into contact with a PCT panel, it distorts the local electrostatic field at that point. This is measurable as a change in capacitance. If a finger bridges the gap between two of the “tracks”, the charge field is further interrupted and detected by the controller. The capacitance can be changed and measured at every individual point on the grid (intersection). Therefore, this system is able to accurately track touches. On the other hand, a sensor board using the electromagnetic sensing technology includes a substrate with an antenna array, a control circuit for calculating the touch position and a sensing pen. The sensing pen is a transceiver and the substrate with the antenna array is a receiver. When a user uses the sensing pen to touch the electronic paper display, magnetic flux is changed. A micro-controller can detect the change of the magnetic flux to calculate the touch position.

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) display system is a flat panel including optical interference display panel and micro-mirror array display panel. The present invention is related to a MEMS display system. An optical interference display panel is sued to explain the present invention in the following embodiments.

FIG. 1illustrates a cross section view of an optical interference display panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Every optical interference display unit100comprises a substrate110and two electrodes, a first electrode102and a second electrode104, formed on the substrate100. The first electrode102and the second electrode104are supported by posts106to form a cavity108. The distance between the first electrode102and the second electrode104is the depth D of cavity108. The second electrode104is a light-incident electrode that is deformation by applying an electrical field on it. The first electrode102is a light-reflection electrode that is flexed when a voltage is applied to it.

When the incident light shines through the second electrode104and arrives at the cavity108, only the visible light with wavelengths corresponding to the formula 1.1 is reflected back, that is,
2D=Nλ(1.1)

wherein N is a natural number. When the depth of the cavity108, D, equals one certain wavelength λ1of the incident light multiplied by any natural number, N, a constructive interference is produced, and a light with the wavelength λ1is reflected back. Thus, an observer112viewing the panel from the direction of the incident light will observe light with the certain wavelength λ1reflected back at him. The optical interference display unit100here is in an “open” state.

FIG. 2illustrates a cross section view of applying a voltage to an optical interference display panel that according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Under the applied voltage, the second electrode104is flexed by electrostatic attraction toward the first electrode102. At this moment, the distance between the first electrode102and the second electrode104, the depth of cavity108, becomes d and may equal zero.

The D in the formula 1.1 is hence replaced with d, and only the visible light with another certain wavelength λ2satisfying the formula 1.1 produces a constructive interference and reflects back through the first electrode102. However, in the optical interference display unit100, the first electrode102is designed to have a high absorption rate for the light with the wavelength λ2. Thus, the incident visible light with the wavelength λ2is absorbed, and the light with other wavelengths has destructive interference. All light is thereby filtered, and the observer112is unable to see any reflected (or transmissive) visible light when the second electrode104is flexed. The optical interference display unit100is now in a “closed” state, i.e. a dark state.

As described above, under the applied voltage, the second electrode104is flexed by electrostatic attraction toward the first electrode102, such that the optical interference display unit100is switched from the “open” state to the “closed” state. When the optical interference display unit100is switched from the “closed” state to the “open” state, the voltage for flexing the second electrode104is removed, and the second electrode104elastically returns to the original state, i.e. the “open” state or light state, as illustrated inFIG. 1. The material of the substrate110is glass. The material of the first electrode102and the second electrode104is ITO or IZO. The first electrode102is a membrane, typically made of metal. Because the light is interfered by the depth of the cavity108to display different color, the color and the brightness of the light may be controlled by changing the depth of the cavity108. Moreover, by changing the switching frequency of the optical interference display unit100, a gray level is represented by the optical interference display unit100.

FIG. 3illustrates a cross section view of an optical interference display panel with a protection cover that according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. For protecting the optical interference display unit100, a flat protection structure120is adhered to the substrate110with an adhesive122to form a “” sharp. The substrate110is a glass substrate or a substrate transparent to visible light. Moreover, a second substrate124is selectively formed over the protection structure120to serve as an upper cover. The second substrate124and the flat protection structure120reduce the possibility that an external force reaches the optical interference display unit100. Moreover, the adhesive108seals the optical interference display unit100between the substrate110and the second substrate124and the flat protection structure120. The adhesive108is used to isolate the optical interference display unit100from an external environment and prevent it from being damaged by water, dust and oxygen in the air. A pattern can be formed in the second substrate124to beautify the display.

In another embodiment, for color displaying, an optical interference display unit200comprises three display units with different cavity lengths to create different interference for incident light.FIG. 4illustrates a cross section view of a color optical interference display unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Each color optical interference display unit200is composed of three optical interference display units100. Every optical interference display unit100comprises a substrate110, a post106and two electrodes, a first electrode102and a second electrode104, formed on the substrate100. The material of the substrate110is glass. The post106is formed on the substrate110to support the second electrode104. The first electrode102is disposed on the substrate110and is a transparent electrode. An absorption layer (not shown in the Fig.) is disposed under the first electrode102or under the substrate.

The second electrode104is disposed over the first electrode102and is supported by the post106. The second electrode104is a transparent electrode, too, and is made by Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Carbon nanotubes or IZO. As shown inFIG. 4, the color optical interference display unit200comprises three optical interference display units100with different cavity depth, d1, d2and d3, to create different interference for incident light. For example, the cavity with cavity depth d1may display blue light. The cavity with cavity depth d2may display green light. The cavity with cavity depth d3may display red light. In another embodiment, the cavity depth, d1, d2and d3may display cyan color light, magenta color light, and yellow color light respectively.

In other words, an incident light passing through the second electrode104and the cavity to illuminate the second electrode102is reflected by first electrode102. The wavelengths of the reflected light are different, for example, they are red light, green light and blue light. The reason to have reflected light with three different wavelengths is that the depths of the cavities of optical interference display units100are different. An observer112can see different color. Moreover, a voltage is applied to the optical interference display units100to make the second electrode104flex to close to the first electrode102. The cavity depths, d1, d2and d3, are changed to create a Desstructive Inteference. An observer112is unable to see any reflected visible light. The color optical interference display unit200is now in a “closed” state, i.e. a dark state. Moreover, for protecting the color optical interference display unit200, a protection unit, such as a second substrate124serving as an upper cover as illustrated inFIG. 3, may be formed over the color optical interference display unit200. In this embodiment, a circuit pattern of touch panel can be formed in the second substrate124.

For switching the states between an “open” state and a “closed” state of the optical interference display unit100, an active array including a plurality of control units is formed in the substrate110. Each optical interference display unit100is controlled by a corresponding control unit to form a pixel. Each control unit includes a thin film transistor, a CMOS or a switch and couples with a corresponding optical interference display unit100to control its state, an “open” state or a “closed” state. When a control unit wants to control a corresponding optical interference display unit100in a “closed” state, this control unit will apply a voltage to the optical interference display unit100to make the second electrode104flex to close to the first electrode102. An observer112is unable to see any reflected visible light. The optical interference display unit100is now in a “closed” state. In contrary, when a control unit wants to control a corresponding optical interference display unit100in a “open” state, this control unit does not apply any voltage to the optical interference display unit100. The incident light passes through the first electrode102. An observer112can see the visible light. The optical interference display unit100is now in a “open” state.

Accordingly, when the three optical interference display units100of a color optical interference display unit200are controlled by three control units respectively, the three control units may change the cavity depths d1, d2and d3respectively to make the three optical interference display units100to display three different color lights. By mixing the three different color lights, the observer112can see a full color display. In another embodiment, the color optical interference display unit200can be composed by three optical interference display units100that can display cyan color, prunus color and yellow color.

In an embodiment, a conductive electrode structure of a touch panel can be integrated into a conductive electrode structure of a MEMS display system. The conductive electrode structure of a MEMS display system is the scan lines, the data lines, the bias lines, the power lines, the common lines, the reading lines, the control lines, the buffer lines, the auxiliary lines or the signal lines. In the following embodiment, the scan lines and the data lines of an optical interference display unit is used as the conductive electrode structure of a touch panel. It is noticed that the present invention can be also applied to other MEMS display system, such as a Micro Mirror Array. When the present invention is applied to a Micro Mirror Array, a conductive electrode structure of a touch panel is integrated into the electrode structure of a pixel array of the Micro Mirror Array.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a schematic diagram of a connection structure between an optical interference display panel and a control unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an active array formed in a first substrate110is used to form the electrode structure of the control unit. The electrode structure includes a plurality of data lines D1˜Dm and a plurality of scan lines G1˜Gn. Each pair of the data line and the scan line controls a pixel. For example, the data line D1and the scan line G1control the pixel402. Each pixel includes a thin film transistor403coupling with a corresponding optical interference display unit100to switch its state. In an embodiment, the first electrode102couples with a common electrode and the second electrode104couples with the thin film transistor403. When the scan signal selects the scan line G1, the thin film transistor403is turned on. The data signal transferred in the data line D1controls the movement, deformation, vibration or rotation of the second electrode104in the cavity108through the thin film transistor403so that the state of the optical interference display unit100is controlled. The sensor is also deposed in the substrate110. In other embodiment, the first electrode102couples with the thin film transistor403and the second electrode104couples with a common electrode. Similarly, the Micro Mirror Array has the same control structure.

FIG. 5Billustrates a schematic diagram of an electrode structure of an optical interference display panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The electrode structure of a touch panel includes a plurality of data lines D1˜Dm and a plurality of scan lines G1˜Gn of an active array. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the electrode structure of this active array. Accordingly, a sensing region is formed by the data lines D1and D2and the scan lines G1and G2. For preventing a sensing process interfere with the image display, a selective unit103is sued to control the connection between the sensor105and the data lines D1˜Dm. A selective unit107is sued to control the connection between the sensor105and the scan lines G1˜Gn. Moreover, the image signal and the sensing signal are transferred to the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn in different times. That is, when the image signal is transferred to the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm to display, there is no any sensing signal is transferred in the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm. Therefore, the image signal can be displayed normally.

When the data signal is transferred in the data lines D1˜Dm and the scan signal is transferred in the scan lines G1˜Gn, the selective units103and107disconnect the connection among the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and among the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn. In contrary, when a sensing process is performed by the sensor105, the selective units103and107connect the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn to form sensing loop. Then, the sensor105senses the touch position using resistive touch sensing is technology, electromagnetic touch sensing technology, capacitive touch sensing technology, optical sensing technology, Ultrasonic sensing technology, pressure sensing technology, Surface acoustic wave sensing technology and so on. The sensor105senses, detects and excites the data lines selected by the selective unit103. The sensor105also senses, detects and excites the scan lines selected by the selective unit107.

For example, the sensor105senses the touch position using a capacitive touch sensing technology. Typically, there are two types of the capacitive touch sensing technology. One is self-capacitance touch sensing technology. The other is Mutual-capacitance touch sensing technology. According to the self-capacitance touch sensing technology, the sensor105control the selective units103and107to select the data lines and the scan lines. Then, the sensor105sends sensing signal to the selected data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn to determine the position whose capacitance is changed. Then, the sensor105can calculate the touching position based on the change of the capacitance. On the other hand, when the mutual-capacitance touch sensing technology is performed to sense the touch position, the sensor105sends sensing signal to the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm through the selective unit103and receives the sensing signal from the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn through the selective unit107to determine the position whose capacitance is changed. Or, the sensor105sends sensing signal to the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn through the selective unit107and receives the sensing signal from the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm through the selective unit103to determine the position whose capacitance is changed. Then, the sensor105can calculate the touching position based on the change of the capacitance. It is noticed that the foregoing sensing method can be also used in resistive sensing technology, pressure sensing technology or optical sensing technology.

When an electromagnetic touch sensing technology is performed by the sensor105, the sensor105controls the selective unit103to select some of data lines D1, D2. . . Dm to form a sensing loops. The sensor105sends sensing signal through the selective unit103to the sensing loop to determine the touch position. On the other hand, the sensor105also controls the selective unit107to select some of scan lines G1˜Gn to form a sensing loops. The sensor105sends sensing signal through the selective unit107to the sensing loop to determine the touch position. In an embodiment, the sensing loop includes adjacent two data lines or scan lines. In another embodiment, the sensing loop includes separated data lines or scan lines. In further embodiment, the sensing loop includes multi-lines. Moreover, the sensing loops are formed sequentially or are formed in a same time. The sensor105detects the sensing loops to determine whether or not the sensing signal in the detected loops is changed. In an embodiment, the sensor105can determine whether or not the magnetic flux, electromagnetic induction, current or frequency is changed based on the sensing signal whether or not is changed. In an embodiment, the sensing signal is a square wave signal, a triangle wave signal, a like-triangle wave signal or a wave signal composed of a plurality of square wave signals. The change of the sensing signal includes the distorted of the wave, the change of the average value of the signal, the change of the peak value of the signal, the change of the current or the change of the voltage.

FIG. 5Cillustrates a schematic diagram of a touch device of an optical interference display panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The touch device can perform a dual-mode touch sensing process. An active array of the optical interference display unit100is composed of a plurality of data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and a plurality of scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn. The data lines cross the scan lines. Each pair of data lines and scan line controls a pixel unit. For example, the data line D1and the scan line G1controls a pixel unit402. Each pixel unit402includes a thin film transistor403coupling with a corresponding optical interference display unit100to switch its state, a “closed” state or an “open” state. The scan signal in the scan line transferred by the gate driver401may turn on the thin film transistor403. Then, the image signal in the data line D1transferred by the source driver400is transferred to the pixel unit402and passes through the thin film transistor403to switch a state of a corresponding optical interference display unit100to display image. In an embodiment, the data lines D1˜Dm and the scan lines G1˜Gn have an included angle of 90 degrees. However, in another embodiments, the first direction and the second direction can have another included angle, such as 60 degrees, 45 degrees, 36 degrees or 30 degrees. The material for forming the data lines D1˜Dm and the scan lines G1˜Gn is metal, compound metal, Carbon Nanotubes, transparent conductor material, such as ITO, IZO. The data lines D1˜Dm and the scan lines G1˜Gn can be used to serve as the electrode of the dual-mode touch device of the present invention. Accordingly, it is not necessary to form additional electrodes for sensing the touch position. Therefore, the production cost is reduced and the production yield is kept. Accordingly, when an electromagnetic touch sensing technology is performed by the sensor105, the sensor105controls the selective unit103to select data lines D1and D20to form a sensing loop and select scan lines G1and G20to form a sensing loop.

Moreover, to prevent the image signal from being interfered by the sensing signal, a control unit123and a selective unit103are formed between the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the sensor105to control the connection between the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm. A control unit124and a selective unit107are also formed between the scan lines G1˜Gn and the sensor105to control the connection between the scan lines G1˜Gn. Moreover, the image signal and the sensing signal are transferred to the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn in different times. That is, when the image signal is transferred to the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm to display, the selective units193and197and the control units123and124disconnect the connection among the data lines D1˜Dm and scan lines G1˜Gn. That is, there is no any sensing signal transferred to the data lines and scan lines. Therefore, the image signal can be displayed normally. On the other hand, when an electromagnetic touch sensing technology is performed by the sensor105, the sensor105controls the selective unit103and107and the control units123and124to select some of data lines D1˜Dm and the scan lines G1˜Gn to form sensing loops. The sensor105sends sensing signal through the selective units103and107to the sensing loops to determine the touch position.

In other words, displaying image and sensing process are performed in three different time segments. In the first time segment, the pixels in the display are scanned to display image. The selective units103and107and the sensor105do not work. In the second time segment, the electromagnetic touch sensing technology is performed. The selective units103and104select some of the data lines D1˜Dm and some of the scan lines G1˜Gn to form the sensing loops. The sensor105performs the electromagnetic touch sensing technology to determine the touch position. Then, in the third time segment, the capacitive touch sensing technology is performed. The sensor105senses the change of the capacitance between data lines D1˜Dm and the scan lines G1˜Gn to determine the touch position. The sensor105can calculate the touching position based on the change of the capacitance. It is noticed that the foregoing sensing method can be also used in resistive sensing technology, pressure sensing technology or optical sensing technology.

FIG. 5Dillustrates a schematic diagram of an electrode structure of an optical interference display panel according to another embodiment of the present invention. Each of the selective units103and107includes a selective line and a transmission line. The switch, such as a thin film transistor, forms in the position that the selective line crosses the transmission line, the data lines D1˜Dm and the scan lines G1˜Gn are connected to the transmission line through the switches. In another embodiment, each of the selective units103and107includes a plurality of switches. By switching the switches, some of the data lines D1˜Dm and some of the scan lines G1˜Gn are connected together for forming sensing loops.

Moreover, to prevent the image signal from being interfered by the sensing signal, a control unit223is formed between the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the transmission line221to control the connection between the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the transmission line221. Moreover, the image signal and the sensing signal are transferred to the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn in different times. That is, when the image signal is transferred to the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm to display, there is no any sensing signal is transferred in the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm. Therefore, the image signal can be displayed normally.

The control unit223includes a control line220, a plurality of switch2231˜223mand a transmission line221. The control line220switches the switches2231˜223m. The data lines D1, D2. . . Dm are connected to the transmission line221through the switches2231˜223m. Therefore, the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm can be connected together through the transmission line221. In an embodiment, the switches2231˜223mare thin film transistors (TFT). The gate electrodes of the TFTs are connected to the control line220. When the control line220controls the TFTs to an off state, the connection between the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the transmission line221is disconnected. The display displays image. When the control line220controls the TFTs to an on state, the control line220turns on the switches2231˜123mto make the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm connect with the transmission line221to form a sensing loop to perform an electromagnetic touch sensing technology.

On the other hand, a control unit224is formed between the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn and the transmission line222to control the connection between the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn and the transmission line222. The control unit224includes a control line226, a plurality of switch2241˜224nand a transmission line222. The control line226switches the switches2241˜224n. The scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn are connected to the transmission line222through the switches2241˜224n. Therefore, the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn can be connected together through the transmission line222. In an embodiment, the switches2241˜1224nare thin film transistors (TFT). The gate electrodes of the TFTs are connected to the control line226. When the control line226controls the TFTs to an off state, the connection between the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn and the transmission line222is disconnected. When the control line226controls the TFTs to an on state, the control line226turns on the switches2241˜224nto make the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn connect with the transmission line222to form a sensing loop to perform an electromagnetic touch sensing technology.

When a capacitive touch sensing technology is performed, the sensor105controls the control unit223to disconnect the connection among the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and controls the control unit224to disconnect the connection among the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn. Next, the sensor105senses the touch position. Typically, there are two types of the capacitive touch sensing technology. One is self-capacitance touch sensing technology. The other is Mutual-capacitance touch sensing technology.

According to the self-capacitance touch sensing technology, capacitance exists between the data lines D1˜Dm and the ground, and between the scan lines G1˜Gn and the ground. When a finger touches the touch panel, the capacitance exists between the data lines D1˜Dm and the ground, and between the scan lines G1˜Gn and the ground is changed by this touch. By detecting the change, a touch position can be determined. Therefore, in the self-capacitance touch sensing technology, the sensor105control the selective units103and107to select some of the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and some of the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn. Then, the sensor105sends sensing signal to the selected data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the selected scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn to determine the position whose capacitance is changed. The sensor105can calculate the touching position based on the change of the capacitance.

On the other hand, in the mutual-capacitance touch sensing technology, the sensing capacitors are formed in the positions where the data lines D1˜Dm crossing the scan lines G1˜Gn. That is, the data lines D1˜Dm and the scan lines G1˜Gn are electrodes of capacitors. When a finger touches the touch panel, the capacitance of the capacitor is changed. By detecting the change, a touch position can be determined. Therefore, when the mutual-capacitance touch sensing technology is performed, the sensor105sends sensing signal from the selective unit103to the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and receives the sensing signal from the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn, or the sensor105sends sensing signal from the selective unit107to the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn and receives the sensing signal from the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm to determine the position whose capacitance is changed. Then, the sensor105can calculate the touching position based on the change of the capacitance. It is noticed that the foregoing sensing method can be also used in resistive sensing technology, pressure sensing technology or optical sensing technology.

When an electromagnetic touch sensing technology is performed, the sensor105controls the control unit223to connect the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and controls the control unit224to connect the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn. Next, the sensor105controls the selective unit103to select some of the data lines D1to form sensing loops, and controls the selective unit107to select some of the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn to form sensing loops. By detecting the sensing loops, a touch position is determined by the sensor105. In an embodiment, the sensor105can determine whether or not the magnetic flux, electromagnetic induction, current or frequency is changed based on the sensing signal whether or not is changed. In an embodiment, the sensing signal is a square wave signal, a triangle wave signal, a like-triangle wave signal or a wave signal composed of a plurality of square wave signals. The change of the sensing signal includes the distorted of the wave, the change of the average value of the signal, the change of the peak value of the signal, the change of the current or the change of the voltage.

Moreover, because the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn are arranged in highly concentrated in the panel, when a user touch this panel, it is very possible for this user to touch many data lines and scan lines at same time. Such case may cause many positions whose capacitance are changed, which makes the sensor105can not determine the exactly touch position. For resolving this problem, a plurality of data lines, such as 30 data lines, are grouped together to serve as a touch line and a plurality of scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn, such as 30 scan lines, are grouped together to serve as a touch line.

As shown inFIG. 5A, the data lines D1˜D90are grouped together to serve as a first touch line and the data lines D91˜D180are grouped together to serve as a second touch line. The rest may be deduced by analogy. The scan lines G1˜G30are grouped together to serve as a first touch line and the scan lines G31˜G60are grouped together to serve as a second touch line. The rest may be deduced by analogy. The sensing signal is transferred to the first touch line and the second touch line. In another embodiment, the grouped method is also according to the size of a finger, such as 2 mm˜5 mm.

Furthermore, for forming sensing loops among the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn, two selective units103and107are formed on the display panel. The selective unit103connects some of the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm to form a sensing loop. The selective unit107also connects some of the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn, to form a sensing loop.

It is noticed that, the sensing loops can be formed by connecting two adjacent data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and formed by connecting two adjacent scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn. However, in another embodiments, the sensing loops are formed by connecting separated data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn. For example, the sensor105controls the selective unit103to select data lines D1and D30to form the sensing loop. The sensing loops can be also formed by a first main line and a second main line connected with the first main line, wherein the first main line and the second main line are formed by connecting some data lines D1, D2. . . Dm or scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn respectively. For example, the data lines D1˜D20are connected together through the transmission line120to be the first main line. The data lines D121˜D140are connected together through the transmission line120to be the second main line. Then, the first main line and the second main line are connected together to form a sensing loop. Accordingly, when the electromagnetic touch sensing technology is performed, the sensor105sends a sensing signal through the selective unit103to the data lines D1˜D20and receives the sensing signal through the data lines D121˜D140to determine whether or not a touching event happens in the sensing loop. The sensing loops can be formed sequentially or formed at the same time. The sensing loops can overlap to one another to prevent a “sensing miss” case. For example, a sensing loop A and a sensing loop B are formed sequentially. The sensing loop A has a first main line composed of data lines D1˜D10and a second main line composed of data lines D111˜D120. The sensing loop B has a first main line composed of data lines D100˜D110and a second main line composed of data lines D211˜D220. Accordingly, the sensing loop A and the sensing loop B has a overlap region composed of data lines D100˜D120to prevent a “sensing miss” case.

In an embodiment, the switches are thin film transistors or other devices with the same function as the thin film transistors. When the switches are thin film transistors, the switches can be formed on the array substrate of the optical interference display unit100. In another embodiment, the switches in the selective unit103can be integrated into the source driver400, the switches in the selective unit107can be integrated into the gate driver401.

FIG. 5Eillustrates a schematic diagram of an electrode structure of an optical interference display panel according to another embodiment of the present invention. The selective units103and107are controlled by the sensor105. The control unit243includes a control line240, a plurality of switch2431˜243mand transmission lines2411˜241k. The control line240switches the switches2431˜243m. The data lines D1, D2. . . Dm are connected to the transmission lines2411˜241kthrough the switches2431˜243m. Therefore, the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm can be connected to the sensor105through the transmission lines2411˜241k. In this embodiment, data lines D1, D2are connected to the transmission line2411through the switches2431and2432. Therefore, the data lines D1, D2can be connected to the sensor105through the transmission line2411. Data lines D3, D4are connected to the transmission line2411through the switches2433and2434. Therefore, the data lines D3, D4can be connected to the sensor105through the transmission line2412.

The sensor105controls the control line240to switch the switches2431˜243mto make the data lines D1˜Dm to connect to corresponding transmission lines. The switches2431˜243mare thin film transistors (TFT). The gate electrodes of the TFTs are connected to the control line240. When the control line240controls the TFTs to an off state, the connection between the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the transmission line2411˜241kis disconnected. When the control line240controls the TFTs to an on state, the control line240turns on the switches2431˜243mto make the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm connect with the transmission line2411˜241kto form a sensing loop to perform an electromagnetic touch sensing technology.

The control unit244includes a control line246, a plurality of switch2441˜244nand a transmission lines2421˜242k. The control line246switches the switches2441˜244n. The scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn are connected to the transmission lines2421˜242kthrough the switches2441˜244n. Therefore, the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn can be connected to the sensor105through the transmission lines2421˜242k. In this embodiment, scan lines G1, G2are connected to the transmission line2421through the switches2441and2442. Therefore, the Scan lines G1. G2can be connected to the sensor105through the transmission line2421. Scan lines G3. G4are connected to the transmission line2422through the switches2443and2444. Therefore, the scan lines G3, G4can be connected to the sensor105through the transmission line2422.

The sensor105controls the control line246to switch the switches2441˜244nto make the scan lines G1˜Gn connect with corresponding transmission line to form a sensing loop to perform an electromagnetic touch sensing technology. In an embodiment, the switches2441˜244nare thin film transistors (TFT). The gate electrodes of the TFTs are connected to the control line246. When the control line246controls the TFTs to an off state, the connection between the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn and the transmission lines2421˜242kis disconnected. When the control line246controls the TFTs to an on state, the control line246turns on the switches2441˜244nto make the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn connect with the transmission lines2421˜242kto form a sensing loop to perform an electromagnetic touch sensing technology.

When a capacitive touch sensing technology is performed, the sensor105controls the control unit243to disconnect the connection among the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and controls the control unit244to disconnect the connection among the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn. Next, the sensor105senses the touch position. Typically, there are two types of the capacitive touch sensing technology. One is self-capacitance touch sensing technology. The other is Mutual-capacitance touch sensing technology.

In the foregoing embodiment, the electrode structure of a touch device is integrated into the electrode structure of the optical interference display panel. However, in another embodiment, the electrode structure of a touch device is formed in different position in the optical interference display panel.FIG. 6illustrates a cross section view of an optical interference display device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein only one optical interference display unit is illustrated. The optical interference display device includes a first substrate110, a second substrate131and an optical interference display unit100located between the first substrate110and the second substrate131. The second substrate131is a cover lens. In another embodiment, the cover lens is formed over the second substrate131.

In an embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed over the second substrate131. In another embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed under the second substrate131. In further embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed between the second substrate131and the optical interference display unit100. In further embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed under the first substrate110. That is, this touch panel150is disposed on a surface where no active array is formed.

Moreover, in another embodiment, for getting a uniform reflected light, a diffuser film132is disposed on the second substrate131to uniform the light. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the touch panel150is disposed over the diffuser film132. Moreover, when a cover lens is disposed over the second substrate131, the touch panel150is disposed over the cover lens. Or, in another embodiment, the touch panel150is disposed under the cover lens.

FIG. 7illustrates a cross section view of a color optical interference display device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein only one optical interference display unit is illustrated. In this embodiment, a color filter130is disposed over the second substrate131of an optical interference display unit100to form a color optical interference display unit. The color optical interference display device includes a first substrate110, a second substrate131, a color filter130disposed on the second substrate131and an optical interference display unit100located between the first substrate110and the color filter130. In another embodiment, the second substrate131further includes a cover lens. The cover lens is a protection glass.

In an embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed over the second substrate131. In another embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed under the second substrate131. In further embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed between the second substrate131and the optical interference display unit100. In further embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed under the first substrate110. That is, this touch panel150is disposed on a surface where no active array is formed.

Moreover, in another embodiment, for getting a uniform reflected light, a diffuser film132is disposed on the second substrate131to uniform the light. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the touch panel150is disposed over the diffuser film132. Moreover; when a cover lens is disposed over the second substrate131, the touch panel150is disposed over the cover lens. Or, in another embodiment, the touch panel150is disposed under the cover lens.

FIG. 8illustrates a cross section view of an optical interference display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein only one color optical interference display unit is illustrated. The color optical interference display device includes a first substrate110, a second substrate131, a color optical interference display unit200located between the first substrate110and the second substrate131. In another embodiment, the second substrate131further includes a cover lens. The cover lens is a protection glass.

In an embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed over the second substrate131. In another embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed under the second substrate131. That is, the touch panel150is disposed between the second substrate131and the color optical interference display unit200. In further embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed under the first substrate110. That is, this touch panel150is disposed on a surface where no active array is formed.

Moreover, in another embodiment, for getting a uniform reflected light, a diffuser film132is disposed on the second substrate131to uniform the light. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the touch panel150is disposed over the diffuser film132. Moreover, when a cover lens is disposed over the second substrate131, the touch panel150is disposed over the cover lens. Or, in another embodiment, the touch panel150is disposed under the cover lens.

On the other hand, because the optical interference display unit100can not generate light, no reflected light is generated in the dark. That is, a person can not see anything in the optical interference display unit100. Therefore, a front light source is disposed in the optical interference display unit100for providing light to illuminate the optical interference display unit100.FIG. 9illustrates a cross section view of an optical interference display panel with a light source according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The optical interference display panel includes an optical interference display device141, a front light source140disposed over the optical interference display device141, and a cover lens or protection unit142over the front light source140. The cover lens142is a glass. The front light source140provides light to illuminate the optical interference display device141. The front light source140includes a light source140aand a light guide plate140b. The light guide plate140bguides the light to illuminate the optical interference display device141. The light source140ais disposed on a side of the light guide plate140b. The light from the light source140ais transferred to the light guide plate140b. The light guide plate140bguides the light from the surface of the light guide plate140bfacing the optical interference display device141to illuminate the optical interference display device141. Accordingly, a uniform light source is provided to the optical interference display device141.

In this embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed over the protection unit142. In another embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed under the protection unit142. That is, the touch panel150is disposed between the protection unit142and the front light source140. In further embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed under the first substrate110. That is, this touch panel150is disposed on a surface where no active array is formed. The light source140agenerates white light or generates different color lights in different time. The sensor of the touch panel150is disposed under the front light source141. Or, the sensor of the touch panel150is disposed under the protection unit412.

FIG. 10illustrates a cross section view of a micro-lens array according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The micro-lens array200includes a plurality of micro-lens301arranged in an array and disposed on the substrate302. Each micro-lens includes a mirror303and two control electrodes305and306. The mirror303is square. The length of the mirror303is about 5 um to 30 um. The mirror303includes a reflection surface307, a support platform308and an elastic handle309. The mirror303can be tilted about +25 degrees to −25 degrees from a tilt axle. The mirror303is connected to the substrate302through the elastic handle309. The elastic handle309moves the reflection surface307. The control electrode305and306are disposed on both sides of the elastic handle309. A control circuit located in the substrate302controls the two control electrodes305and306to tilt the mirror303. In an embodiment, the control electrodes305and306generate a static electricity attractive force to attract the elastic handle309to move the mirror303toward the control electrode305or306. The elastic handle309is a prop connected with the mirror303. Or, partial of the elastic handle309is expanded from the tilt axle to form a support wall to support the mirror303. The control circuit includes memory cell formed by CMOS SRAM. In other words, when a micro-lens array is fabricated, the memory cell304fabricated on the substrate302first. Then, the control electrodes305and306are fabricated.

In this structure, the electrode structure of the CMOS memory circuit can be used as the touch electrode of a touch device. It is noticed that the drive method for the optical interference display unit described in the above may be also used in the micro-lens array300. The sensor and the drive integrated circuit may be formed in the substrate of MEMS or Wafer. The volume can be reduced.

Moreover, the sensor and the drive integrated circuit are also formed in different positions of a display system with the micro-lens array apparatus300.FIG. 11illustrates a cross section view of a display system with micro-lens array apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The display system includes a micro-lens array apparatus300and a second substrate310. The second substrate310further includes a cover lens. The cover lens is a protection glass. In an embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed over the second substrate310. In another embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed under the second substrate310. In further embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed between the second substrate310and the micro-lens array apparatus300. In further embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed under the f micro-lens array apparatus300.

Because the micro-lens array apparatus300can not generate light, no reflected light is generated in the dark. That is, a person can not see anything in the micro-lens array apparatus300. Therefore, a front light source is disposed in the micro-lens array apparatus300for providing light to illuminate the micro-lens array apparatus300.

FIG. 12illustrates a cross section view of a micro-lens array apparatus with light source according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The micro-lens array panel includes the micro-lens array apparatus300, a front light source340disposed over the micro-lens array apparatus300, and a cover lens or protection unit310over the front light source340. The cover lens310is a glass. The front light source340provides light to illuminate the micro-lens array apparatus300. The front light source340includes a light source340aand a light guide plate340b. The light guide plate340bguides the light to illuminate the micro-lens array apparatus300. The light source340ais disposed on a side of the light guide plate340b. The light from the light source140ais transferred to the light guide plate340b. The light guide plate340bguides the light from the surface of the light guide plate340bfacing the micro-lens array apparatus300to illuminate the micro-lens array apparatus300. Accordingly, a uniform light source is provided to the micro-lens array apparatus300.

In this embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed over the protection unit310. In another embodiment, a touch panel150is disposed under the protection unit310. That is, the touch panel150is disposed between the protection unit310and the front light source340. The light source340agenerates white light or generates different color lights in different time.

When the micro-lens array apparatus300is disposed in HMD or pico display, the HMD or pico display can provide light source for the micro-lens array apparatus300. In these cases, a touch sensing process that is performed by the micro-lens array apparatus300is when the light source is turned off.

Accordingly, a touch sensor is integrated into the MEMS display system. Therefore, a user can use the touch panel to control the MEMS display system, which is convenience for the user. Moreover, the data lines D1, D2. . . Dm and the scan lines G1, G2, . . . , Gn can be used to serve as the electrode of the dual-mode touch sensor of the present invention. Accordingly, it is not necessary to form additional electrodes for sensing the touch position. Therefore, the production cost is reduced and the production yield is kept.