Apple Granted In-Cell Touchscreen LCD Patent

Apple has been granted a patent that describes methods of integrating touch sensing elements into a LCD.

Disclosed herein are liquid-crystal display (LCD) touch screens that integrate the touch sensing elements with the display circuitry. The integration may take a variety of forms. Touch sensing elements can be completely implemented within the LCD stackup but outside the not between the color filter plate and the array plate. Alternatively, some touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates with other touch sensing elements not between the plates. In another alternative, all touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates. The latter alternative can include both conventional and in-plane-switching (IPS) LCDs. In some forms, one or more display structures can also have a touch sensing function. Techniques for manufacturing and operating such displays, as well as various devices embodying such displays are also disclosed.

Apple has long been rumored to be using in-cell touch panels for the next generation iPhone. It's been suggested that these panels could significantly reduce the thickness of the device.


You can read the full patent filing at the link below...

Read More [via AppleInsider]