Patent Publication Number: US-2021181860-A1

Title: Display device and method for operating same

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a field of display technology, and more particularly, to a display device and a method for operating the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     At present, a fingerprint identification area of smartphones is generally located in a non-display area of phones, and it is generally achieved by independently disposing a fingerprint identification module at a bottom of smartphones. However, this increases an area of the non-display area of the phones, and lowers screen-to-body ratio. In addition, to carry out such a design, it is required to form holes in a cover plate or to thin thickness of the cover plate during manufacturing process of smartphones. This increases process complexity and manufacturing cost of phones. As phones are developed in a direction to have a full-screen design, the screen-to-body ratio is getting higher and an edge frame of phones is getting narrower than before. Thus, there is no space to install a front fingerprint identification module and a “Home” button that functions to return to a home screen on a front side of smartphones. 
     Because of the demand of the full-screen design, there is no choice that a “Home” button with a fingerprint identification function, which has been used for years, is removed from smartphones, such as IPHONE X launched by APPLE Inc. Instead, three-dimensional (3D) facial recognition technology is used, or fingerprint identification module is modified to be installed on a back side of phones, such as phones launched by HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Nevertheless, for unlocking of phones, users do not have a better experience by use of 3D facial recognition technology than by use of fingerprint identification. Users are still used to use their fingers to press the front fingerprint identification module (also functioning as the “Home” button) to unlock a screen of phones, and after the screen is unlocked, users press the “Home” button having the fingerprint identification function to make phones return to the home screen. 
     Currently, smartphones having the fingerprint identification function under a display screen appeared on the market, where the fingerprint identification module is attached to a specific area under an active-matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen. As users&#39; fingers press this area of the display screen, a fingerprint identification unlocking function is realized. However, after the screen is unlocked, making phones return to the home screen, it is still required to use users&#39; fingers to initiate a sliding motion on phones. This reduces user experience of smartphones. In particular, for users who use such kinds of phones for the first time, users do not get accustomed to it. Due to unfamiliarity with such an operation, users feel inconvenient in operating phones. 
     In summary, users do not have an excellent experience by use of a fingerprint identification unlocking function and return-to-home screen function in conventional full-screen phones. There is a need to provide a display device and a method for operating the same to solve problems existing in prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE 
     Technical Problems 
     The present disclosure provides a display device in order to solve problems existing in prior art, where users do not have an excellent experience by use of fingerprint identification unlocking function and return-to-home screen function in conventional full-screen phones. 
     Technical Solutions 
     To solve the above-said problems, the present disclosure provides the technical schemes below. 
     The present disclosure provides a display device comprising a display module, the display module comprising: 
     a metal middle frame; 
     a display panel disposed in the metal middle frame, wherein a function area is defined on a top surface of the display panel; and 
     a sensing assembly, disposed between the function area of the display panel and the metal middle frame and comprising at least a fingerprint identification module and a pressure sensing module. 
     In the display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, one side of the fingerprint identification module is attached to a bottom surface of the display panel, and the pressure sensing module is disposed at the other side of the fingerprint identification module. 
     In the display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure sensing module is a capacitance type pressure sensor. 
     In the display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure sensing module is disposed on a surface of the metal middle frame, and a gap exists between the pressure sensing module and the fingerprint identification module. 
     In the display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure sensing module is attached to the other side of the fingerprint identification module, and a gap exists between the pressure sensing module and the metal middle frame. 
     In the display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure sensing module is a resistance type pressure sensor. 
     In the display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, one side of the pressure sensing module is attached to a surface of the metal middle frame, and the other side of the pressure sensing module is attached to the fingerprint identification module. 
     In addition, the present disclosure provides a method for operating the above-said display device, comprising: 
     a step S 10  of pressing the function area using a finger of a user, wherein the pressing step includes exerting at least a first force and a second force; 
     a step S 20  of identifying a fingerprint of the user by the fingerprint identification module to unlock a home screen or a payment function if the finger exerts the first force on the function area; 
     a step S 30  of making display interface of the display device return from an application screen to the home screen if the finger exerts the second force on the function area. 
     In the method for operating the display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: enabling a background application manager if the finger exerts the second force for a first duration. 
     In the method for operating the display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first force is less than the second force. 
     Advantageous Effects 
     The present disclosure provides a display device. The pressure sensing module is disposed below the fingerprint identification module. As the finger presses the function area using a smaller force, fingerprint identification unlocking function is realized. On the other hand, as the finger presses this area using a greater force during operation of the phone, return-to-home screen function is realized. Thus, it is convenient for users to operate the phones, and the uses can have an excellent experience of operating same. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       To detailedly explain the technical schemes of the embodiments or existing techniques, drawings that are used to illustrate the embodiments or existing techniques are provided. Apparently, the illustrated embodiments are just a part of those of the present disclosure. It is easy for any person having ordinary skill in the art to obtain other drawings without labor for inventiveness. 
         FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional view of a display module of a display device according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a display panel of the display device according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  shows an internal structure of the display device according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of a display module according to EMBODIMENT ONE of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of a display module according to EMBODIMENT TWO of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of a display module according to EMBODIMENT THREE of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram showing a flowchart of a method for operating the display device according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure. The same or similar elements and the elements having same or similar functions are denoted by like reference numerals throughout the descriptions. The embodiments described herein with reference to drawings are explanatory, illustrative, and used to generally understand the present disclosure. The embodiments shall not be construed to limit the present disclosure. 
     The present disclosure solves problems existing in prior art, where users do not have an excellent experience by use of a fingerprint identification unlocking function and a return-to-home screen function in conventional full-screen phones, and users feel inconvenient in operation of phones. 
     Please refer to  FIG. 1 , which shows a cross-sectional view of a display module of a display device according to the present disclosure. This figure shows some of the components constituting the display module of the present disclosure. The display module includes at least a cover glass  101 , a touch control screen  102  disposed below the cover glass  101 , a display panel  103  disposed below the touch control screen  102 , and a modular structural assembly disposed below the display panel  103 . 
     In the present embodiment, the display panel  103  is an active-matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen. The modular structural assembly includes at least a supporting film  104 , a buffer layer  105 , a graphite heat dissipation sheet  106 , and a copper foil shielding layer  107 . 
     Please see  FIG. 2 , which is a schematic diagram showing a structure of the display panel of the display device according to the present disclosure. The display device includes the display module. The display module includes at least a metal middle frame  201  and a display panel  202  disposed in the metal middle frame  201 . A fingerprint identification module, which is used to carry out fingerprint identification in a screen, is disposed below the display panel  202 . A pressure sensing module is disposed below the fingerprint identification module. A fingerprint identification area in the screen (i.e., a function area)  204  also functions as a virtual “Home” button. A working principle thereof is based on pressure sensitivity. As a finger  203  presses this area using a smaller force, the fingerprint identification unlocking function is realized. On the other hand, as the finger  203  presses this area with a greater force during the operation of the phone, the return-to-home screen function is realized, that is realizing the same function as a “Home” button if pressed by a greater force. Therefore, different functions can be achieved by different degree of forces exerted thereon. 
     Please refer to  FIG. 3 , which shows an internal structure of the display device according to the present disclosure. This figure shows the components constituting the display device of the present disclosure. The display module includes at least a metal middle frame  301  and the display panel disposed in the metal middle frame  301 . A sensing assembly is disposed between the display panel and the metal middle frame  301 . The sensing assembly includes the pressure sensing module  302  and the fingerprint identification module  305 . The pressure sensing module  302  includes a pressure sensor  303  and a flexible printed circuit board (PCB)  304 . The display panel includes: 
     an alignment film  306 ; 
     a thin film transistor (TFT) array  307 , wherein the TFT array  307  includes the buffer layer formed on the alignment film  306 , an active layer  308  and a source/drain electrode  309  formed on the buffer layer, a first gate insulation layer  310  formed on the active layer  308 , a first gate electrode  311  formed on the first gate insulation layer  310 , a second gate insulation layer  312  formed on the first gate electrode  311 , a second gate electrode  313  formed on the second gate insulation layer  312 , and an interlayer dielectric layer  314  formed on the second gate electrode  313 ; 
     a liquid crystal display, wherein the liquid crystal display includes a passivation layer formed on the TFT array  307 , an anode metal layer  315  formed on the passivation layer, a pixel defining layer  316 , an organic light-emitting layer  317  formed on the anode metal layer  315 , a cathode metal layer  318  formed on the organic light-emitting layer  317 , a spacer post  319 , a thin film encapsulation layer  320 , and a polarizer sheet  321 ; 
     an optically clear adhesive  322  disposed on the polarizer sheet  321 ; and 
     a cover glass  323  disposed on the optically clear adhesive  322 . 
     In the present embodiment, the organic light-emitting layer  317  emits light, which is reflected back by a user&#39;s finger  324 . Since light reflected from valleys and ridges of the user&#39;s finger  324  requires a different distance to reach the fingerprint identification module  305 , the timing that the fingerprint identification module  305  receives reflected light is different. Thus, the fingerprint identification unlocking function or fingerprint payment function can be realized based on different fingerprints of different users. In addition, because the pressure sensing module  302  is disposed below the fingerprint identification module  305 , as the finger  324  presses the fingerprint identification area using a smaller force, the fingerprint identification unlocking function is realized. On the other hand, as the finger  324  presses this area using a greater force during operation of the phone, the return-to-home screen function is realized, that is realizing the same function as the “Home” button if pressed by greater force. Preferably, a background application manager is enabled if the finger  324  exerts a greater force to press this area for a first duration. 
     Please see  FIG. 4 , which shows a cross-sectional view of the display module according to EMBODIMENT ONE of the present disclosure. This figure shows the components constituting the display module, and shows a relative position relationship between the components. The display device includes the display module. The display module includes at least a metal middle frame  401  and a display panel  405  disposed in the metal middle frame  401 . The function area is defined on a top surface of the display panel  405 . The sensing assembly is disposed between the function area of the display panel  405  and the metal middle frame  401 . The sensing assembly includes at least a fingerprint identification module  404  and a pressure sensing module  402 . A touch control screen  406  and a cover glass  407  are disposed on the display panel  405 . One side of the fingerprint identification module  404  is attached to a bottom surface of the display panel  405 . The pressure sensing module  402  is disposed at the other side of the fingerprint identification module  404 . 
     The pressure sensing module  402  is a capacitance type pressure sensor. A flexible printed circuit board  403  is connected to the capacitance type pressure sensor. The capacitance type pressure sensor is disposed on a surface of the metal middle frame  401 . A gap exists between the pressure sensor and the fingerprint identification module  404 . The capacitance type pressure sensor is based on a principle of self capacitance or mutual capacitance, wherein a film or a flexible printed circuit board is used as a single-layered sensor, and the pressure sensing module  402  is attached to a back side of the fingerprint identification module  404 . In operation, if the finger presses the function area (i.e., an area where the fingerprint identification module is located), the flexible printed circuit board  403  can detect a capacitance change of a cathode between the pressure sensing module  402  and the metal middle frame  401 , and thus determines the degree of applied force. If the applied force is greater than a threshold value, the phone can be directly returned to the home screen without the need to utilize a fingers&#39; sliding motion to make the phone return to the home screen. 
     Please see  FIG. 5 , which shows a cross-sectional view of the display module according to EMBODIMENT TWO of the present disclosure. This figure shows the components constituting the display module, and shows a relative position relationship between the components. The display device includes the display module. The display module includes at least a metal middle frame  501  and a display panel  505  disposed in the metal middle frame  501 . A function area is defined on a top surface of the display panel  505 . A sensing assembly is disposed between the function area of the display panel  505  and the metal middle frame  501 . The sensing assembly includes at least a fingerprint identification module  504  and a pressure sensing module  502 . A touch control screen  506  and a cover glass  507  are disposed on the display panel  505 . One side of the fingerprint identification module  504  is attached to a bottom surface of the display panel  505 . The pressure sensing module  502  is disposed at the other side of the fingerprint identification module  504 . 
     The pressure sensing module  502  is a capacitance type pressure sensor. A flexible printed circuit board  503  is connected to the capacitance type pressure sensor. The capacitance type pressure sensor is attached to the other side of the fingerprint identification module  504 . A gap exists between the capacitance type pressure sensor and a surface of a metal middle frame  510 . The capacitance type pressure sensor is based on the principle of self-capacitance or mutual capacitance, wherein a film or a flexible printed circuit board is used as a single-layered sensor, and the pressure sensing module  502  is attached to the metal middle frame  501  under an area where the fingerprint identification module  504  is disposed. In operation, if the finger presses the function area (i.e., the area where the fingerprint identification module is located), the flexible printed circuit board  503  can detect a capacitance change of a cathode between the pressure sensing module  502  and the display panel  505 , and thus determines the degree of applied force. If the applied force is greater than a threshold value, the phone can be directly returned to the home screen without the need to utilize a fingers&#39; sliding motion to make the phone return to the home screen. 
     Please see  FIG. 6 , which shows a cross-sectional view of the display module according to EMBODIMENT THREE of the present disclosure. This figure shows the components constituting the display module, and shows relative position relationship between the components. The display device includes the display module. The display module includes at least a metal middle frame  601  and a display panel  605  disposed in the metal middle frame  601 . A function area is defined on a top surface of the display panel  605 . A sensing assembly is disposed between the function area of the display panel  605  and the metal middle frame  601 . The sensing assembly includes at least a fingerprint identification module  604  and a pressure sensing module  602 . A touch control screen  606  and a cover glass  607  are disposed on the display panel  605 . One side of the fingerprint identification module  604  is attached to a bottom surface of the display panel  605 . The pressure sensing module  602  is disposed at the other side of the fingerprint identification module  604 . 
     The pressure sensing module  502  is a resistance type pressure sensor. A flexible printed circuit board  603  is connected to the resistance type pressure sensor. One side of the resistance type pressure sensor is attached to a surface of the metal middle frame  601 . The other side of the resistance type pressure sensor is attached to the fingerprint identification module  604 . In operation, if the finger presses the function area (i.e., the area where the fingerprint identification module is located), the flexible printed circuit board  603  can detect resistance change of the resistance type pressure sensor to determine the applied force on the screen. If the applied force is greater than a threshold value, the phone can be directly returned to the home screen without the need to utilize fingers&#39; sliding motion to make the phone return to the home screen. 
     Correspondingly, the resistance type pressure sensor can be a pressure sensitive resistance type sensor. The pressure sensitive resistance type sensor is a pressure sensitive resistor based on quantum tunneling composites. With applied force on the pressure sensitive resistor getting greater, distance between conductive particles is getting shorter, and barrier between particles is lowered. Because of quantum tunneling effect, electron migration is increased, resistance is lowered, and analogical signals are converted to digital signals. 
     Correspondingly, the resistance type pressure sensor can be a strain type pressure sensor. Because mechanical deformation occurs on resistance wire of metal strain gauge due to external force, resistance of the resistance wire changes. When resistance wire is stretched, resistance is increased. When resistance wire is compressed, resistance is decreased. 
     Please refer to  FIG. 7 , which is a schematic diagram showing a flowchart of a method for operating the display device according to the present disclosure. The method for operating the display device includes: 
     a step S 701  of pressing the function area using a finger of a user, wherein the pressing step includes exerting at least a first force and a second force; 
     a step S 702  of identifying a fingerprint of the user by the fingerprint identification module to unlock a home screen or a payment function if the finger exerts the first force on the function area; 
     a step S 703  of making a display interface of the display device return from an application screen to the home screen if the finger exerts the second force on the function area. 
     The method further includes a step S 704  of enabling a background application manager if the finger exerts the second force for a first duration. 
     Correspondingly, the first force is less than the second force. 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure provides the display device. The pressure sensing module is disposed below the fingerprint identification module. As the finger presses the function area using a smaller force, a fingerprint identification unlocking function is realized. On the other hand, as the finger presses this area using a greater force during operation of the phone, a return-to-home screen function is realized. Thus, it is convenient for users to operate the phones, and the uses can have an excellent experience of operating the same. The present disclosure solves problems existing in prior art, where users do not have an excellent experience by use of the fingerprint identification unlocking function and the return-to-home screen function in conventional full-screen phones, and users feel inconvenient in operation of phones. 
     Detailed description has been provided above for a display device and a method for operating same according to the present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments provided herein are just examples used to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting of the present disclosure.