Sensor panel

Abstract

The invention provides a sensor panel capable of narrowing a bezel of a tablet-type electronic device. A sensor panel is used by being disposed so as to overlap a display panel, is connected to a sensor controller that detects at least the position of an active pen within an active region (A) of the display panel, and is provided with: a plurality of linear electrodes (5x) that extend in the y-direction, are disposed in parallel in the x-direction, and are connected to the sensor controller via mutually different wirings (6x); and a plurality of linear electrodes (5y) which extend in the x direction, are arranged in parallel in the y direction, and are connected to the sensor controller via mutually different wirings (6y). The width (W2) in the x-direction of the outer electrode (5xa) closest to the end of the plurality of linear electrodes (5x) is set to be smaller than the width (W1) in the x-direction of each of the linear electrodes (5x) located on the inner side.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on December 18, 2018, with application number 201811548761.5 and invention name “Sensor Panel”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a sensor panel, and more particularly to a sensor panel that is arranged to be overlapped with a display device and used. Background Art

[0003] In tablet-type electronic devices capable of detecting the position of a finger or stylus, a sensor panel is arranged overlapping the display panel. The sensor panel has multiple linear electrodes in an area overlapping the active area (display area) of the display panel. These linear electrodes include multiple x-electrodes extending in the y-direction and spaced evenly in the x-direction, and multiple y-electrodes extending in the x-direction and spaced evenly in the y-direction. These linear electrodes are connected to an integrated circuit (sensor controller) that performs finger and stylus detection processing via multiple wiring lines and FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) connection terminals arranged in an area overlapping the display panel's frame.

[0004] An active stylus is also known as a type of stylus. An active stylus is a stylus that includes a power supply and a signal processing circuit and is configured to transmit a pen signal by supplying an electric charge corresponding to a signal generated by the signal processing circuit to an electrode (pen electrode) located near the pen tip. When detecting an active stylus, the pen signal is received by a linear electrode located near the pen tip among the multiple linear electrodes within the sensor panel. The pen signal is then supplied to the sensor controller via the aforementioned FPC connection terminal. The sensor controller determines the x-coordinate of the active stylus based on the reception level of the pen signal at each x-electrode and the y-coordinate of the active stylus based on the reception level of the pen signal at each y-electrode, thereby detecting the position of the active stylus within the touch surface.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a position detection device capable of detecting both a finger and an active pen.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-063249 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] However, when the sensor panel is arranged to overlap with the display device as described above, the area of the portion of the sensor panel that must be provided outside the active region may become larger, which hinders the recent progress in narrowing the frame and requires improvement.

[0011] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a sensor panel that can achieve narrow frame size of a tablet-type electronic device.

[0012] Solutions to Problems

[0013] The sensor panel on the first side of the present invention is used in an overlapping configuration with a display device, and is connected to an integrated circuit that detects the position of an active pen in at least an active area of the display device, wherein the sensor panel includes: a plurality of first electrodes, each extending in a first direction and arranged in parallel in a second direction different from the first direction, and connected to the integrated circuit through mutually different first wirings; and a plurality of second electrodes, each extending in the second direction and arranged in parallel in the first direction, and connected to the integrated circuit through mutually different second wirings, the plurality of first electrodes including: first and second outer electrodes closest to the end portions; and a plurality of first inner electrodes, each of which is the first electrode other than the first and second outer electrodes, the width of at least one of the first and second outer electrodes in the second direction being smaller than the width of each of the plurality of first inner electrodes in the second direction.

[0014] The sensor panel on the second side of the present invention is used in an overlapping configuration with a display device, and is connected to an integrated circuit that detects the position of an active pen in at least an active area of the display device, wherein the sensor panel includes: a plurality of first electrodes, each extending in a first direction and arranged in parallel in a second direction different from the first direction, and connected to the integrated circuit through mutually different first wirings; and a plurality of second electrodes, each extending in the second direction and arranged in parallel in the first direction, and connected to the integrated circuit through mutually different second wirings, at least one of the first and second outer electrodes closest to the end portions of the plurality of first electrodes is arranged in a manner having a first cover portion that covers at least a portion of the second wiring.

[0015] The sensor panel on the third side of the present invention is used in an overlapping configuration with a display device, and is connected to an integrated circuit that detects the position of an active pen in at least an active area of the display device, wherein the sensor panel includes: a plurality of first electrodes, each extending in a first direction and arranged in parallel in a second direction different from the first direction, and connected to the integrated circuit through mutually different first wirings; and a plurality of second electrodes, each extending in the second direction and arranged in parallel in the first direction, and connected to the integrated circuit through mutually different second wirings, the plurality of first electrodes including: first and second outer electrodes closest to the end parts; and a plurality of first inner electrodes, each of which is the first electrode other than the first and second outer electrodes, at least one of the first and second outer electrodes being composed of a mesh conductor formed in such a way that the mesh density outside the active area is higher than the mesh density inside the active area.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the first and third aspects of the present invention, the width of the portion of at least one of the first and second outer electrodes that is inevitably located outside the active area can be reduced compared to conventional methods. Consequently, the area of the portion of the sensor panel that is inevitably located outside the active area can be reduced compared to conventional methods. This allows for narrower bezels in tablet-type electronic devices.

[0018] According to the second aspect of the present invention, since at least one of the first and second outer electrodes overlaps with the second wiring, the area of the sensor panel that must be located outside the active area can be reduced compared to conventional methods. This allows for narrower bezels in tablet-type electronic devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device 1 and the active pen 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 It will Figure 1 A portion of the sensor panel 5 is shown schematically in an enlarged view.

[0021] Figure 3 is with Figure 2 The line AA shown is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 .

[0022] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining detection of an indicated position by an active electrostatic coupling method.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a diagram schematically enlarging a portion of the sensor panel 5 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 is with Figure 5 The line BB shown is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 .

[0025] Figure 7 A diagram schematically showing an enlarged portion of a sensor panel 5 according to a first modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining problems that may occur in the sensor panel 5 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9 (a) to (c) are schematically enlarged views of a portion of the sensor panel 5 according to second to fourth modified examples of the second embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a diagram schematically enlarging a portion of a sensor panel 5 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematically enlarged view of a portion of a sensor panel 5 , which is the background art of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 12 is with Figure 11 The CC line shown corresponds to a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the electronic device 1 and the active pen 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It will Figure 1 A schematically enlarged view of a portion of the sensor panel 5 is shown, Figure 3 is with Figure 2 The AA line shown is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1. It should be noted that, Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram and may not necessarily correspond to Figure 1 consistent.

[0033] The electronic device 1 of this embodiment is, for example, a tablet computer. Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a host controller 2 , a display panel 3 (display device), a sensor controller 4 , and a sensor panel 5 .

[0034] The host controller 2 is a computer equipped with a processor and memory (neither shown). The processor reads and executes programs stored in the memory to perform various processes, such as controlling various components of the electronic device 1, including the display panel 3 and sensor controller 4 shown in the figure, and executing various application programs, including drawing applications. Memory includes main memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and auxiliary storage devices such as flash memory.

[0035] The display panel 3 is configured to have Figure 3 The active area A and the frame area B shown. The active area A is a rectangular area in which a plurality of pixels (not shown) are arranged in a matrix. The driving circuit (not shown) provided in the display panel 3 drives these pixels under the control of the host controller 2 to perform arbitrary display in the active area A. The frame area B is a strip-shaped area provided between the outer periphery Aa of the active area A and the outer edge of the display panel 3. The above-mentioned driving circuit and the wiring (not shown) connecting each pixel in the active area A to the driving circuit are arranged in the frame area B. Specific examples of the display panel 3 include liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, electronic paper, etc.

[0036] The sensor controller 4 and sensor panel 5 serve as input devices for the host controller 2. The sensor controller 4 is an integrated circuit (IC) that detects the position of the active stylus 10 and the user's finger (not shown) at least within the active area A of the display panel 3. It should be noted that the sensor controller 4 can also detect and output the position of the active stylus 10 and the user's finger outside the active area A, in addition to within the active area A. It is not essential for the sensor controller 4 to have the function of detecting the finger's position in the present invention. The sensor panel 5 is arranged to overlap with the display panel 3 and is connected to the sensor controller 4.

[0037] First, the sensor panel 5 is described in detail. The sensor panel 5 is composed of Figures 1 to 3 The plurality of linear electrodes 5x, 5y and the plurality of wirings 6x, 6y, Figure 1 The multiple protection wiring LG shown, Figure 3 The adhesive sheet 23, film 24, adhesive sheet 25 and cover glass 26 are shown.

[0038] The plurality of linear electrodes 5x and 5y are plate-shaped or mesh-shaped conductors. When the plurality of linear electrodes 5x and 5y are mesh-shaped conductors, Figure 1 The shape shown in the figure represents the overall shape, and the shape and arrangement of the linear electrodes 5x and 5y described below are applied to this shape. Figure 10 and Figure 11Specifically, an example of a mesh conductor is shown.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple linear electrodes 5x (first electrodes) extend in the y-direction (first direction) and are arranged in parallel in the x-direction (a second direction different from the first direction) perpendicular to the y-direction. Hereinafter, the two closest to the ends of the multiple linear electrodes 5x will be referred to as outer electrodes 5xa and 5xb (first and second outer electrodes), respectively, while the others will be referred to as inner electrodes 5x (first inner electrode). The outer electrodes 5xa and 5xb are each positioned to cover the outer periphery Aa of the active area A. Each linear electrode 5x is connected to the sensor controller 4 via distinct wiring 6x (first wiring) and FPC connection terminals T.

[0040] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of linear electrodes 5y (second electrodes) extend in the x-direction and are arranged side by side in the y-direction. Hereinafter, the two closest to the end of the plurality of linear electrodes 5y are sometimes referred to as outer electrodes 5ya and 5yb (third and fourth outer electrodes), and the others are referred to as inner electrodes 5y (second inner electrodes) to distinguish them. The outer electrodes 5ya and 5yb are respectively arranged at positions covering the outer periphery Aa of the active area A. Each linear electrode 5y is connected to the sensor controller 4 via a different wiring 6y (second wiring) and an FPC connection terminal T. It should be noted that in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the figures described below, all linear electrodes 5y are connected to the wiring 6y on the same side. However, the linear electrodes 5y may be connected to the wiring 6y alternately at the right and left ends of the figure from the outer electrode 5ya to the outer electrode 5yb.

[0041] The plurality of guard wirings LG are wirings that play a role of insulating the plurality of wirings 6x from the plurality of wirings 6y. Figure 1 As shown, the plurality of guard wires LG are arranged so as to sandwich both sides of the plurality of wires 6x and both sides of the plurality of wires 6y. The plurality of guard wires LG are also connected to the sensor controller 4 via the corresponding FPC connection terminals T. The sensor controller 4 is configured to supply a specific potential such as a ground potential to each guard wire LG.

[0042] It should be noted that multiple guard wires LG are not a necessary structure. In addition, the guard wires LG can be linear conductors or mesh conductors. Moreover, the guard wires LG can also be used as electrodes for detecting whether a pen is present in the frame position.

[0043] like Figure 3As shown, the adhesive sheet 23, film 24, adhesive sheet 25, and cover glass 26 are stacked in order from the side closest to the display panel 3. Adhesive sheets 23 and 25 are made of a transparent adhesive such as OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) or OCR (Optical Clear Resin). On the upper surface of the film 24 (the surface facing the cover glass 26), a plurality of linear electrodes 5x, a plurality of wirings 6x, a plurality of guard wirings LG, and a plurality of FPC connection terminals T connected to the plurality of wirings 6x and the plurality of guard wirings LG are arranged. The adhesive sheet 25 serves to secure these to the film 24. Furthermore, on the lower surface of the film 24, a plurality of linear electrodes 5y, a plurality of wirings 6y, a plurality of guard wirings LG, and a plurality of FPC connection terminals T connected to the plurality of wirings 6y and the plurality of guard wirings LG are arranged. The adhesive sheet 23 serves to secure these to the film 24. If necessary, the wiring formed on the upper surface of the film 24 and the wiring formed on the lower surface of the film 24 may be connected to each other using through-hole electrodes penetrating the film 24. Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of FPC connection terminals T are arranged in parallel along one side of the rectangular sensor panel 5 that is parallel to the x direction.

[0044] The top surface of the cover glass 26 constitutes a touch surface 26a, a flat surface for contact with the pen tip 10a of the active pen 10 or a user's finger (not shown). Each component of the sensor panel 5, including the cover glass 26, is made of a transparent material or a non-transparent material with a density designed to transmit light. This allows the user to view the image displayed in the active area A through the sensor panel 5, at least in the area overlapping the active area A.

[0045] Next, the sensor controller 4 includes a processor and memory (neither shown) and is mounted on a flexible printed circuit (FPC) substrate or a rigid substrate (not shown). The substrate on which the sensor controller 4 is mounted is press-fitted to a plurality of FPC connection terminals T arranged within the wiring area of the sensor panel 5. This press-fitting electrically connects the sensor controller 4 to the wiring within the sensor panel 5.

[0046] The sensor controller 4 is functionally configured to detect the indicated positions of the active pen 10 and the user's finger (not shown) on the touch surface 26a by having the processor read and execute programs stored in memory, and to receive data signals transmitted by the active pen 10. The indicated position of the active pen 10 is detected using active electrostatic coupling. Meanwhile, the position of the user's finger is detected using electrostatic capacitance.

[0047] The capacitive method uses changes in capacitance between the multiple linear electrodes 5x and 5y and the user's finger to determine the indicated position. When performing capacitive position detection, the sensor controller 4 sequentially supplies a predetermined detection signal to each of the multiple linear electrodes 5x, measuring the potential of each of the multiple linear electrodes 5y. When the user's finger approaches the intersection of a linear electrode 5x and a linear electrode 5y, a portion of the current flowing from the linear electrode 5x to the linear electrode 5y flows toward the user's body, causing the measured potential of the linear electrode 5y to decrease. The sensor controller 4 uses this change in potential to detect the indicated position.

[0048] The active electrostatic coupling method uses the sensor panel 5 to receive pen signals transmitted by the active pen 10 and detect the indicated position of the active pen 10 based on the received signals. The pen signal includes an unmodulated pulse train signal, namely a position signal, and a data signal representing various data associated with the active pen 10. This data includes pen pressure data indicating the pressure applied to the tip 10a of the active pen 10. It should be noted that the active pen 10 can also transmit pen signals based on an uplink signal transmitted by the sensor controller 4 via the multiple linear electrodes 5x and 5y. In this case, the active pen 10 preferably determines the specific content of the data transmitted using the data signal based on the instructions contained in the uplink signal.

[0049] When detecting the indicated position using active electrostatic coupling, the sensor controller 4 receives position signals from each of the multiple linear electrodes 5x and 5y and detects the indicated position of the active stylus 10 based on the received signals. The specific method for this detection will be described in detail later. Furthermore, the sensor controller 4 detects the data signal transmitted by the active stylus 10 using the linear electrode closest to the detected indicated position among the multiple linear electrodes 5x and 5y.

[0050] Figure 4 This figure illustrates detection of the indicated position using active electrostatic coupling. The following describes, with reference to this figure, the situation in which the area of the sensor panel, which is inevitably located outside the active area, increases. It should be noted that the indicated position detection method described below is based on an invention by the inventors of this application and was not publicly known at the priority date of this application.

[0051] Figure 4 The outer electrode 5xa and three inner electrodes 5x-1 to 5x-3 from the side close to the outer electrode 5xa are shown. The following description focuses on these four electrodes, but the same applies to the other linear electrodes 5x and 5y.

[0052] Figure 4The region DA0 shown shows the region where the reception intensity of the position signal reaches its maximum at the outer electrode 5xa. Similarly, the regions DA1 to DA3 show the regions where the reception intensity of the position signal reaches its maximum at the inner electrodes 5x-1 to 5x-3, respectively.

[0053] When the tip 10a of the active pen 10 is within area DA1, the sensor controller 4 detects the x-coordinate of the tip 10a by referring to the received strength of the position signals received from the inner electrode 5x-1 and the two linear electrodes 5x on either side of it: the outer electrode 5xa and the inner electrode 5x-2. Specifically, based on the received strength at the inner electrode 5x-1, the sensor controller 4 determines whether the tip 10a is on the x-centerline of the inner electrode 5x-1 or slightly offset in the x-direction. This determination utilizes the property of received strength that the farther the tip 10a is from the x-centerline, the weaker the received strength.

[0054] If the former is the case, the sensor controller 4 determines the x-coordinate of the centerline of the inner electrode 5x-1 in the x-direction as the x-coordinate of the pen tip 10a. On the other hand, if the latter is the case, the sensor controller 4 determines the direction of the deviation, i.e., whether it is toward the outer electrode 5xa or toward the inner electrode 5x-2, based on the ratio of the received intensity at the outer electrode 5xa to the received intensity at the inner electrode 5x-2. The magnitude of the deviation is then determined based on the received intensity at the outer electrode 5xa or the inner electrode 5x-2 that is in the direction of the deviation. The x-coordinate of the pen tip 10a is then determined based on this result. The sensor controller 4 sequentially determines the presence, direction, and magnitude of the deviation in this manner, and detects the x-coordinate of the pen tip 10a based on these results.

[0055] Here, according to this position detection method, the sensor controller 4 cannot determine the x-coordinate when the maximum received intensity is observed at the outer electrode 5xa. This is because there are no other linear electrodes 5x on the x-direction side of the outer electrode 5xa, making it impossible to determine the direction of deviation. Therefore, the sensor controller 4 is configured to consider the direction of the inner electrode 5x-1 as the direction of deviation when the maximum received intensity is observed at the outer electrode 5xa. However, if the sensor controller 4 is configured solely in this way, it cannot detect the x-coordinate outside the centerline of the outer electrode 5xa (the side without adjacent linear electrodes 5x). Therefore, the arrangement of the multiple linear electrodes 5x is determined so that the x-direction centerline of the outer electrode 5xa overlaps (i.e., coincides) with the outer perimeter Aa of the active area A or is located outside of the outer perimeter Aa. The inventors of this application refer to this arrangement of linear electrodes as the "active area outer perimeter covering method." The same applies to the outer electrode 5xb located at the opposite end and the outer electrodes 5ya and 5yb of the multiple linear electrodes 5y.

[0056] While the active area outer perimeter coverage method allows for excellent coordinate detection without coordinate fluctuation all the way to the ends of the active area A, it also requires the placement of linear electrodes outside the active area A. This increases the area of the sensor panel 5 that must be located outside the active area A. This can hinder the recent progress in narrowing bezels. This embodiment addresses this issue by providing a sensor panel 5 that can achieve narrow bezels for tablet-type electronic devices 1.

[0057] return Figures 1 to 3 The sensor controller 4 is configured to report the coordinates indicating the indicated positions of the active pen 10 and the user's finger detected as described above, and various data included in the data signal received from the active pen 10, to the host controller 2. Furthermore, the sensor controller 4 is configured to acquire pen-down information indicating that the active pen 10 has contacted the touch surface and pen-up information indicating that the active pen 10 has left the touch surface based on the pen pressure data received from the active pen 10, and report these to the host controller 2 at the respective timings.

[0058] The host controller 2 receives coordinates from the sensor controller 4 and at least displays a pointer or generates ink data. The pointer is displayed by displaying a predetermined pointer image at a position corresponding to the input coordinates on the active area A of the display panel 3 .

[0059] The ink data is data including control points respectively constituted by a plurality of coordinates supplied sequentially from the sensor controller 4 and curve data interpolated between the control points using a predetermined interpolation curve. With respect to the user's finger, the host controller 2 starts generating ink data upon the start of the input of the coordinates and ends generating ink data upon the end of the input of the coordinates. On the other hand, with respect to the active pen 10, the host controller 2 starts generating ink data upon the input of the pen-down information and ends generating ink data upon the input of the pen-up information. It should be noted that when generating ink data with respect to the active pen 10, the host controller 2 also controls the width and / or transparency of the curve data constituting the ink data based on the pen pressure data received from the active pen 10. The host controller 2 renders the generated ink data and displays it on the display panel 3, and stores the generated ink data in its own memory.

[0060] The basic structure of electronic device 1 has been described above. Next, the characteristic features of the sensor panel 5 of the present invention will be described. The following first describes background art issues with reference to the drawings, and then describes the characteristic features of the sensor panel 5 of the present invention in detail.

[0061] Figure 11 This is a diagram schematically enlarging a portion of the sensor panel 5 of the background art of the present invention. Figure 12 is with Figure 11 The CC line shown corresponds to a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 .

[0062] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in the sensor panel 5 of the prior art, the x-direction width of the plurality of linear electrodes 5x and the y-direction width of the plurality of linear electrodes 5y are both set to a fixed value W1 (e.g., 4 mm). Therefore, if the plurality of linear electrodes 5x are arranged so that the x-direction center line of the outer electrode 5xa overlaps the outer periphery Aa of the active area A, the width WP of the outer electrode 5xa protruding outward from the active area A within the width W1 is equal to W1 / 2 (e.g., 2 mm). The same applies to the other outer electrodes 5xb, 5ya, and 5yb.

[0063] However, if the outer electrodes 5xa, 5xb, 5ya, and 5yb are made to protrude W1 / 2 outside the active area A, the area of the sensor panel 5 that must be located outside the active area A will increase. This hinders the recent progress in narrowing the bezel of the electronic device 1, and therefore requires improvement. The sensor panel 5 of this embodiment was invented in response to this problem. Compared to the background art, it reduces the area of the sensor panel 5 that must be located outside the active area A, thereby achieving a narrow bezel of the electronic device 1.

[0064] Hereinafter, referring again to Figure 2 the characteristic part of the present invention of the sensor panel 5 will be described in detail.

[0065] In the sensor panel 5 of the present embodiment, the widths of the respective inner electrodes 5x and 5y are the same as those of the sensor panel 5 shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 and are both fixed values W1. On the other hand, the widths of the respective outer electrodes 5xa, 5xb, 5ya, and 5yb are set to a fixed value W2 (<W1) smaller than the fixed value W1. Therefore, for example, when the arrangement of the plurality of linear electrodes 5x is determined such that the center line in the x direction of the outer electrode 5xa overlaps with the outer periphery Aa of the active region A, the width WP protruding outward from the active region A in the width W2 of the outer electrode 5xa is equal to W2 / 2. The same applies to the other outer electrodes 5xb, 5ya, and 5yb.

[0066] W2 / 2 is a value smaller than W1 / 2. Therefore, according to the sensor panel 5 of the present embodiment, it can be said that the widths of the portions of the respective outer electrodes 5xa, 5xb, 5ya, and 5yb that have to be provided outside the active region A are made smaller than those in Figure 11 and Figure 12 the background art shown.

[0067] As described above, according to the sensor panel 5 of the present embodiment, for at least one of the respective outer electrodes 5xa, 5xb, 5ya, and 5yb, the width of the portion that has to be provided outside the active region A can be made smaller than in the past. Therefore, the area of the portion of the sensor panel 5 that has to be provided outside the active region A can be made smaller than in the past, and thus the narrow bordering of the flat electronic device 1 can be achieved.

[0068] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram schematically enlarging a part of the sensor panel 5 of the present embodiment. In addition, Figure 6 is Figure 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 corresponding to the B-B line shown in

[0069] The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that at least one of the respective outer electrodes 5xa and 5xb is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the plurality of wirings 6y, and at least one of the respective outer electrodes 5ya and 5yb is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the wiring 6x. Other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those of the first embodiment, and the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0070] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the outer electrode 5xa is provided with a cover portion Cx (first cover portion) that covers at least a portion (preferably two or more) of the plurality of wirings 6y. Although not shown, the same applies to the outer electrode 5xb. Figure 5 As shown, the outer electrode 5ya is provided with a cover portion Cy (second cover portion) covering at least a portion (preferably two or more) of the plurality of wirings 6x. Figure 1 It is understood that the wiring 6x does not exist in the corresponding area, so the cover portion can be omitted. It should be noted that the width of each outer electrode 5xa, 5xb, 5ya, and 5yb in this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, which is W2 smaller than the width W1 of the inner electrodes 5x and 5y.

[0071] According to this embodiment, since at least one of the outer electrodes 5xa, 5xb, 5ya, and 5yb can be arranged to overlap with the wirings 6x and 6y, the area of the portion of the sensor panel 5 that must be provided outside the active area A can be reduced compared to conventional methods. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a narrow frame can also be achieved for the tablet-type electronic device 1.

[0072] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the linear electrodes 5 x and 5 y are arranged in most of the frame area, a further effect is achieved in that the active pen 10 located in the frame area can also receive the above-mentioned uplink signal.

[0073] Figure 7 This diagram schematically shows an enlarged portion of the sensor panel 5 according to a first variation of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the width of each outer electrode 5xa, 5xb, 5ya, and 5yb is set to W2, the same as in the first embodiment. However, in this variation, the width of each outer electrode 5xa, 5xb, 5ya, and 5yb is set to W1, the same as that of the inner electrodes 5x and 5y. Even so, as in this embodiment, the area of the portion of the sensor panel 5 that is inevitably located outside the active area A is reduced compared to conventional methods, thereby achieving a narrower frame for the tablet-type electronic device 1.

[0074] It should be noted that, according to this embodiment, completely different problems may arise. Therefore, the following describes the problems and the structure of the sensor panel 5 for solving the problems.

[0075] Figure 8 1 is a diagram illustrating a possible problem that may occur in the sensor panel 5 of this embodiment. As described above, a plurality of FPC connection terminals T are arranged in parallel along one side of the rectangular sensor panel 5 parallel to the x direction (see FIG. Figure 1As a result, the density of the wiring 6y differs between the distant area Ar (relatively far from the area where the multiple FPC connection terminals T are arranged, hereinafter referred to as the terminal area TA) and the nearby area An (relatively close to the terminal area TA) in the region overlapping the outer electrode 5xa. This results in a difference in the reception strength of the pen signal between the two areas. Specifically, the parasitic capacitance between the distant area Ar and the wiring 6y is smaller than that between the nearby area An, resulting in a stronger reception of the pen signal.

[0076] If the pen signal reception strength differs between the distant area Ar and the nearby area An, the x-coordinates calculated for the two areas will differ. In other words, even if the tip of the active pen 10 is actually at the same position when viewed in the x-direction, an x-coordinate farther out will be detected near the distant area Ar than near the nearby area An. This difference in x-coordinates calculated between the distant area Ar and the nearby area An is undesirable and requires improvement.

[0077] Figure 9 Figures (a) through (c) schematically illustrate enlarged portions of the sensor panel 5 according to the second through fourth variations of the second embodiment of the present invention. Each of these features a structure that prevents discrepancies between the coordinates calculated for the distant area Ar and the nearby area An. Note that the linear electrodes 5x other than the outer electrodes 5xa are omitted in these figures. Each of these is described in detail below.

[0078] Figure 9 The sensor panel 5 of the second modified example shown in (a) includes dummy wiring D arranged overlapping with the outer electrode 5xa. Dummy wiring D is provided in the same layer as the plurality of wirings 6y, disconnected from the plurality of wirings 6x and 6y. Dummy wiring D is arranged more densely in areas where the density of wirings 6y decreases. Similar to the guard wiring LG described above, the dummy wiring D is supplied with a ground potential from the sensor controller 4.

[0079] According to this variation, the magnitude of the parasitic capacitance generated between the outer electrode 5xa and the overlapping wiring can be made uniform in the distant area Ar and the nearby area An. Consequently, the received strength of the pen signal can be made uniform, thereby preventing any difference in the x-coordinates calculated in the distant area Ar and the nearby area An.

[0080] Figure 9In the sensor panels 5 of the third and fourth modified examples shown in (b) and (c), the outer electrodes 5xa are formed so that the width Wr in the x-direction in the distant region Ar is smaller than the width Wn in the x-direction in the nearby region. The difference between the third and fourth modified examples is that, in the third modified example, the outer electrodes 5xa gradually taper in accordance with the number of wirings 6y, whereas in the fourth modified example, the outer electrodes 5xa taper in accordance with the distance from the terminal area TA.

[0081] According to the third and fourth variations, the magnitude of the parasitic capacitance generated between the outer electrode 5xa and the overlapping wiring can be made uniform in both the distant area Ar and the nearby area An. This makes it possible to make the received pen signal strength uniform, thereby preventing differences in the x-coordinates calculated in the distant area Ar and the nearby area An.

[0082] It should be noted that, although the second to fourth modified examples are described with attention paid to the outer electrode 5xa, these modified examples can also be applied to the outer electrodes 5xb and 5ya. Figure 1 As can be seen, there are no overlapping wirings 6x, so the second to fourth modifications do not need to be applied. However, if the pen signal reception strength needs to be uniform between the outer electrodes 5ya and 5yb, a dummy wiring D may also be provided for the outer electrode 5yb. Alternatively, the outer electrode 5yb may be made thinner than the outer electrode 5ya.

[0083] Furthermore, the phenomenon of coordinate differences depending on the region is limited to a portion of the active area A. Therefore, depending on the accuracy of the calculated coordinates, the second embodiment may be used instead of the second through fourth modifications. Furthermore, the specific extent of the difference in coordinates calculated for the distant area Ar and the nearby area An is determined by the structure of the sensor panel 5. Therefore, rather than using physical structural corrections as in the second through fourth modifications, this can be addressed by incorporating corrections into the coordinate calculation process of the sensor controller 4.

[0084] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 10 This is a diagram schematically showing a portion of the sensor panel 5 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, a structure that can be particularly adopted when the plurality of linear electrodes 5x and 5y are each composed of a mesh conductor is described. The overall structure of the electronic device 1 is as follows, except for the structure of the sensor panel 5. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The configuration other than that shown is the same as that described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0085] Figure 10 The mesh conductors constituting the plurality of linear electrodes 5x are specifically depicted. The plurality of linear electrodes 5y are also mesh conductors, but their depiction is omitted because it would complicate the drawing.

[0086] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer electrode 5xa is formed of a mesh conductor formed so that the mesh density outside the active area A is higher than the mesh density inside the active area A. More specifically, the outer electrode 5xa is preferably formed so that the mesh density gradually or stepwise increases from inside the active area A toward outside the active area A. Although not shown, the same applies to the outer electrodes 5xb, 5ya, and 5yb.

[0087] According to this embodiment, compared to a case where the outer electrode 5xa is formed of a uniform mesh conductor or a uniform plate-shaped conductor, the intensity distribution of the pen signal near the outer electrode 5xa can be shifted outward. As a result, the sensor controller 4 can detect the x-coordinate well beyond the center line of the outer electrode 5xa in the x-direction. Therefore, the width WP of the portion of the outer electrode 5xa that needs to protrude outside the active area A can be reduced to a value such as Figure 10 This means that the active area A can be expanded outward compared to the prior art. Therefore, according to the present invention, it can be said that the frame of the tablet-type electronic device 1 can be narrowed as in the first and second embodiments.

[0088] It should be noted that the third embodiment can also be applied to an outer electrode other than a mesh electrode. Specifically, the outer electrode can be configured so that, when the pen tip 10a of the active stylus 10 is located outside the active area A, the coupling capacitance formed between the electrode provided at the pen tip 10a and the outer electrode is greater than when located inside the active area A.

[0089] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments at all, and the present invention can of course be implemented in various forms within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0090] For example, the sensor panel may also include linear electrodes further outward from the outer electrodes. Such linear electrodes are used, for example, to detect the presence of an active stylus within the frame area. In this case, the outer electrodes referred to in the present invention are located closest to the ends of the multiple linear electrodes used for coordinate detection within the active area.

[0091] In addition, all of the outer electrodes may be located outside the active region. The sensor panel 5 described in the second embodiment is an example of a sensor panel having outer electrodes configured in this manner.

[0092] Description of labels

[0093] 1 Electronic devices

[0094] 2 Host Controller

[0095] 3 Display Panel

[0096] 4 Sensor Controller

[0097] 5 Sensor Panel

[0098] 5x, 5y linear electrodes (inner electrodes)

[0099] 5xa, 5xb, 5ya, 5yb outer electrodes

[0100] 6x, 6y wiring

[0101] 10 Active Pen

[0102] 10a: Tip of the active pen 10

[0103] 23, 25 bonding sheet

[0104] 24 membrane

[0105] 26 Cover glass

[0106] 26a Contact surface

[0107] A Active area

[0108] Aa Outer periphery of active area A

[0109] An nearby area

[0110] Ar remote region

[0111] B Border area

[0112] Cx, Cy cover

[0113] D Pseudo wiring

[0114] LG protective wiring

[0115] T FPC connection terminal

[0116] TA terminal area.

Claims

1. A sensor panel configured to overlap a display device and connected to an integrated circuit for detecting at least the position of an active stylus within an active area of the display device, wherein: include: a plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction, arranged in parallel in a second direction different from the first direction, and connected to the integrated circuit via different first wirings; and A plurality of second electrodes each extending in the second direction and arranged in parallel in the first direction, and connected to the integrated circuit via mutually different second wirings, The plurality of first electrodes include: a first outer electrode and a second outer electrode closest to the end portion; and a plurality of first inner electrodes disposed between the first outer electrode and the second outer electrode, A width of at least one of the first and second outer electrodes in the second direction is smaller than a width of each of the plurality of first inner electrodes in the second direction.

2. The sensor panel according to claim 1, At least one of the first and second outer electrodes is disposed at a position covering an outer periphery of the active region.

3. The sensor panel according to claim 2, At least one of the first and second outer electrodes is arranged such that a center position in the second direction overlaps with the outer periphery or is located outside the outer periphery.

4. The sensor panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The plurality of second electrodes include: a third outer electrode and a fourth outer electrode closest to the end; and a plurality of second inner electrodes disposed between the third outer electrode and the fourth outer electrode, A width of at least one of the first and second outer electrodes in the first direction is smaller than a width of each of the plurality of second inner electrodes in the first direction.

5. The sensor panel according to claim 1, The plurality of first electrodes are plate-shaped conductors.

6. The sensor panel according to claim 1, The plurality of first electrodes are mesh-shaped conductors.

7. A sensor panel overlapping a display device and connected to an integrated circuit for detecting the position of an active stylus within an active area of the display device, the sensor panel comprising: a plurality of first mesh conductors extending in a first direction and arranged in parallel in a second direction different from the first direction; and a plurality of second mesh conductors extending in the second direction and arranged in parallel in the first direction; in: The plurality of first mesh conductors include: a first outer electrode located at a first outermost edge of the sensor panel; The first outer electrode overlaps with the outer periphery of the active region, The mesh density of the first outer electrode outside the active region is higher than the mesh density inside the active region, and The mesh density of the first outer electrodes gradually increases from inside the active region toward outside the active region.

8. The sensor panel according to claim 7, further comprising: a plurality of first wirings connected to the plurality of first mesh conductors and the integrated circuit; and A plurality of second wirings are connected to the plurality of second mesh conductors and the integrated circuit.

9. The sensor panel according to claim 7, wherein: The mesh density of the first outer electrode gradually increases from inside the active region toward outside the active region.

10. The sensor panel according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of second mesh conductors include: a second outer electrode located at the second outermost edge of the sensor panel; The second outer electrode overlaps the outer periphery of the active region, and The mesh density of the second outer electrodes outside the active region is higher than the mesh density within the active region.

11. The sensor panel according to claim 10, wherein: The mesh density of the second outer electrode gradually increases from inside the active region toward outside the active region.

12. The sensor panel according to claim 10, wherein: The mesh density of the second outer electrode increases stepwise from inside the active region toward outside the active region.

13. A sensor panel overlapping a display device and connected to an integrated circuit for detecting the position of an active stylus within an active area of the display device, the sensor panel comprising: a plurality of first mesh conductors extending in a first direction and arranged in parallel in a second direction different from the first direction; and a plurality of second mesh conductors extending in the second direction and arranged in parallel in the first direction; in: The plurality of first mesh conductors include: a first outer electrode located at a first outermost edge of the sensor panel; The first outer electrode overlaps with the outer periphery of the active region, The mesh density of the first outer electrode outside the active region is higher than the mesh density inside the active region. The plurality of second mesh conductors include: a second outer electrode located at the second outermost edge of the sensor panel; The second outer electrode overlaps the outer periphery of the active region, The mesh density of the second outer electrodes outside the active region is higher than the mesh density inside the active region, and The mesh density of the second outer electrode gradually increases from inside the active region toward outside the active region.

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