pen sensor

Abstract

A pen sensor is provided for detecting an active pen. The pen sensor comprises a first layer with a group of first sensor electrodes and a group of first dummy structures, and a second layer with a group of second sensor electrodes and a group of second dummy structures. The first dummy structures and the second dummy structures are stacked on top of each other when viewed from above the pen sensor.

Description

STATE OF THE ARTTechnical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pen sensor. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a pen sensor that receives a pen signal transmitted by an active pen. Description of the state of the art

[0002] There are electronic devices of the corresponding technology that enable pen inputs by inferring the position of an active pen on a control panel plane. This type of electronic device has a sensor within the control panel plane to detect the pen signal transmitted by the active pen (the sensor is referred to as a pen sensor below). The pen sensor consists of a plurality of sensor electrodes arranged at equal intervals in the y-direction and parallel to each other in the x-direction, as well as a plurality of sensor electrodes arranged at equal intervals in the x-direction and parallel to each other in the y-direction.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7025606 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) describes an example of an electronic device including such a pen sensor. As described in Patent Document 1, the pen sensor may be prone to the problem of not correctly detecting the position of the active pen due to a reduced signal level from the sensor electrodes peripheral to (peripheral sensor electrodes) the sensor electrode directly below (central sensor electrode) a pen tip electrode of the active pen. The electronic device described in Patent Document 1 is arranged to have a conductive cover film covering the upper surface of the pen sensor in a manner that forms pen signal flow channels radiating obliquely from the position of the pen tip electrode. This arrangement is intended to allow the peripheral sensor electrodes to fully receive the pen signal.

[0004] However, according to the technology described in Patent Document 1, the cover film must be conductive. This requirement introduces new problems such as rising costs and reduced transmittance. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that allows the peripheral sensor electrodes to fully receive the pen signal while avoiding these new problems. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pen sensor and electronic devices configured so that the peripheral sensor electrodes can fully receive the pen signal without increasing costs and reducing transmittance.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a stylus sensor for use in detecting an active stylus is provided, the stylus sensor comprising a first layer having a plurality of first sensor electrodes and a plurality of first dummy patterns (dummy structures), and a second layer having a plurality of second sensor electrodes and a plurality of second dummy patterns (dummy structures).The first dummy patterns (dummy structures) and the second dummy patterns (dummy structures) overlap each other when viewed from above the pen sensor, or when viewed from a position at a distance from a plane defined by the first and / or the second layer, or when viewed from a position at a distance from the first and / or the second layer in a direction normal or perpendicular to a plane defined by the first and / or the second layer, or when viewed from a position in a z-direction when the first layer and / or the second layer define an xy-plane, wherein the z-direction is normal to the xy-plane.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a stylus sensor for use in detecting an active stylus is provided, the stylus sensor comprising a first layer comprising a plurality of first sensor electrodes and a plurality of first dummy patterns (dummy structures), and a second layer comprising a plurality of second sensor electrodes and a plurality of second dummy patterns (dummy structures).The first sensor electrodes and the second dummy patterns (dummy structures) overlap each other when viewed from above the pin sensor, or when viewed from a position at a distance from a plane defined by the first and / or the second layer, or when viewed from a position at a distance from the first and / or the second layer in a direction normal or perpendicular to a plane defined by the first and / or the second layer, or when viewed from a position in a z-direction when the first layer and / or the second layer define an xy-plane, wherein the z-direction is normal to the xy-plane.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a stylus sensor for use in detecting an active stylus is provided, the stylus sensor comprising a first layer including a plurality of first sensor electrodes and a plurality of first conductor patterns formed from a plurality of first dummy patterns (dummy patterns), and a second layer including a plurality of second sensor electrodes and a plurality of second conductor patterns formed from a plurality of second dummy patterns (dummy patterns). The plurality of first conductor patterns and the plurality of second conductor patterns are arranged such that a stylus signal transmitted from the active stylus propagates in a planar direction through the capacitance generated between the first conductor patterns and the second conductor patterns, which are formed to overlap each other.when viewed from above the pin sensor, when viewed from a position that is at a distance from a plane defined by the first and / or the second layer, or when viewed from a position that is at a distance from the first and / or the second layer in a direction that is normal or perpendicular to a plane defined by the first and / or the second layer, or when viewed from a position in a z-direction when the first layer and / or the second layer define an xy-plane, where the z-direction is normal to the xy-plane.

[0009] The present disclosure enables propagation of the pin signal using the capacitance created between the conductor structures in the first layer and those in the second layer. This allows peripheral sensor electrodes to fully receive the pin signal while avoiding cost increases and reduced transmittance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1A is a view showing a configuration of electronic equipment according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 1B is a schematic view of a structure of a pin sensor; Fig. 2A is a plan view of a first layer of the pin sensor according to the first embodiment; Fig. 2B is a plan view of a second layer of the pin sensor according to the first embodiment; Fig. 3A is a plan view of the first and second layers of the pin sensor superimposed according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the pin sensor along line AA in Fig. 3A; Fig. Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the pin sensor along line BB in Fig. 3A; Fig. 4 is a view showing how a pen signal propagates in the pen sensor according to the first embodiment; Fig. 5A is a plan view of a first layer of a pin sensor according to the prior art of the present disclosure; Fig. 5B is a plan view of a second layer of the pin sensor according to the prior art; Fig. 5C is a plan view of the first and second layers of the pin sensor superimposed according to the prior art; Fig. 6A is a plan view of a first layer of a pin sensor according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 6B is a plan view of a second layer of the pin sensor according to the second embodiment; Fig. 7A is a plan view of the first and second layers of the pin sensor superimposed according to the second embodiment; Fig. Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the pin sensor taken along line EE in Fig. 7A; Fig. Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view of the pin sensor taken along line FF in Fig. 7A; Fig. 8A is a plan view of a first layer of a pin sensor according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 8B is a plan view of a second layer of the pin sensor according to the third embodiment; and Fig. 9 is a plan view of the first and second layers of the pin sensor superimposed according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Some advantageous embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Fig. Figure 1A is a view showing a configuration of an electronic device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device 1 is a device such as a tablet computer that processes pen inputs and finger touch inputs. As shown in Fig. 1A, the electronic device 1 includes a sensor controller 2, a host processor 3, a display device 4, a pen sensor 5, and a cover film 6.

[0012] Fig. 1A also shows an active stylus P that performs stylus inputs to the electronic device 1. The active stylus P is a stylus that operates according to the active capacitance method. The active stylus P is configured to transmit, to the sensor controller 2, a stylus signal that includes a burst signal as an unmodulated carrier signal and a data signal as a carrier signal modulated with various types of data. Here, the various types of data may include a stylus pressure value indicating the pressure exerted on a stylus tip of the active stylus P, on-off information indicating whether a switch on a housing of the active stylus P is on or off, and a stylus identifier (ID) stored in the active stylus P. The sensor controller 2 may preferably be configured to transmit an uplink signal to the active stylus P.In this case, the uplink signal is used to determine the timing of the pin signal transmission to the active pin P and to transmit commands to the active pin P.

[0013] The electronic device 1 has a panel plane 1a as a flat surface. In the following description, a direction normal to the panel plane 1a is referred to as the z-direction, a direction within the panel plane 1a perpendicular to the z-direction is referred to as the x-direction, and a direction within the panel plane 1a perpendicular to the x-direction is referred to as the y-direction. A user operates the active pen P on the panel plane 1a for pen input or moves their fingers across the panel plane 1a for finger touch input.

[0014] The sensor controller 2 is an integrated circuit that uses the pen sensor 5 to derive the position within the panel plane 1a to which a display body such as the active pen P or the user's finger is pointed, and to receive the data transmitted by the active pen P. The position of the active pen P is derived and the data transmitted by the active pen P is received by the active capacitance method, and the finger position is derived by the capacitance method. The sensor controller 2 is configured to sequentially output the derived position and the data received from the active pen P to the host processor 3.

[0015] The host processor 3 is a processor that controls the electronic device 1 as a whole. The operations of the components of the electronic device 1 are executed under the control of the host processor 3. The host processor 3 serves to generate digital ink and perform its representation based on the position and data input from the sensor controller 2. The host processor 3 also serves to generate a video signal for display on the display device 4 and deliver the generated signal thereto. The video signal generated by the host processor 3 may contain the result of the representation of the digital ink.

[0016] The display device 4 is a device that performs a display operation based on the video signal supplied from the host processor 3. For example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display can be suitably used as the display device 4, which is not limited to any particular type. Within the display device 4, there are a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged for each of the pixels arranged in a matrix structure, and a common electrode provided in common for each pixel.

[0017] The cover film 6 is a transparent membrane element that covers the upper surface of the pin sensor 5 for protection and serves to form the flat panel plane 1a. The cover film 6 and the pin sensor 5 are connected to each other by a transparent bonding layer disposed therebetween.

[0018] The pen sensor 5 includes a plurality of sensor electrodes arranged on the upper surface of the display device 4. Each sensor electrode is electrically separated from the pixel electrodes and the common electrode that constitute the display device 4. This type of electronic device 1 is referred to as an on-cell type or an out-cell type. Some of the sensor electrodes (e.g., a plurality of sensor electrodes 5a, which will be explained later) can simultaneously serve as a common electrode for the display device 4. The electronic device 1 in this case is referred to as an in-cell type.

[0019] Fig. 1B is a schematic view showing a structure of the pin sensor 5. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the pin sensor 5 has a two-layer structure consisting of a first layer with a plurality of sensor electrodes 5a (first sensor electrodes) and a second layer with a plurality of sensor electrodes 5b (second sensor electrodes). The plurality of sensor electrodes 5a in the first layer each extend in the y-direction and are arranged parallel to each other in the x-direction. Meanwhile, the plurality of sensor electrodes 5b in the second layer each extend in the x-direction and are arranged parallel to each other in the y-direction. The plurality of sensor electrodes 5a and 5b are each electrically connected to the sensor controller 2 by connecting lines (not shown).

[0020] Preferably, the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b can be formed by plate-like conductors as shown in Fig. 1B. Alternatively, the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b may be formed by mesh conductors, each of which is a collection of fine linear conductors. The first embodiment uses the example of the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b formed by plate-like conductors. A second and a third embodiment, which will be discussed later, use the example of the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b formed by mesh conductors. As the constituent material for the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b formed by plate-like conductors, a transparent conductor such as indium tin oxide (ITO) is used so that the display surface of the display device 4 is visible through the pen sensor 5.

[0021] Fig. 2A is a plan view of the first layer of the pin sensor 5 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2A, the first layer of the pin sensor 5 contains, in addition to the Fig. 1B, a plurality of conductor patterns (first conductor patterns), including a plurality of dummy patterns 5ad (first dummy patterns). Fig. 2B is a plan view of the second layer of the pin sensor 5 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2B, the second layer of the pin sensor 5 contains, in addition to the Fig. 1B, the sensor electrodes 5b comprise a plurality of conductor patterns (second conductor patterns), including a plurality of dummy patterns 5bd (second dummy patterns). The dummy patterns 5ad and 5bd are conductors formed of the same material as the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b, which are floating conductors insulated from the other conductors in the same layers, and which are not connected to the sensor controller 2.

[0022] The basic shape of the plurality of dummy structures 5ad is a square, with each side having the same length as the width of the sensor electrodes 5a. In the first layer, the square dummy structures 5ad are essentially arranged to cover the areas between each two adjacent sensor electrodes 5a, with a tiny gap between them. The same applies to the plurality of dummy structures 5bd, whose basic shape is also a square, with each side having the same length as the width of the sensor electrodes 5b. In the second layer, the square dummy structures 5bd are essentially arranged to cover the areas between each two adjacent sensor electrodes 5b, with a tiny gap between them.

[0023] As in Fig. 2A and Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, some of the dummy structures 5ad and 5bd are formed not as squares, but as rectangles. The design is such that the dummy structures 5ad and 5bd extend beyond the sensor electrodes 5b and 5a to prevent absorption of the pin signal by the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b and to spread the pin signal as widely as possible. This point will be discussed in more detail later.

[0024] Fig. 3A is a plan view of the first and second layers of the pin sensor 5 superimposed on each other according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3A shows the sensor electrodes 5b and the dummy structures 5bd arranged above them by dashed lines, so that the superimposed state of the sensor electrodes and the dummy structures in each of the layers can be clearly understood. Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the pin sensor 5 along the line AA in Fig. 3A. Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the pin sensor 5 along the line BB in Fig. 3A.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, each of the plurality of dummy structures 5ad is arranged so that, as viewed from above, it is superimposed on at least one of the plurality of dummy structures 5bd. Some of the dummy structures 5ad are arranged so that, as viewed from above, they are superimposed on one of the plurality of sensor electrodes 5b. Some of the dummy structures 5bd are arranged so that, as viewed from above, they are superimposed on one of the plurality of sensor electrodes 5a. Between the conductor structures superimposed on one another as viewed from above (between the sensor electrodes, between the sensor electrodes and the dummy structures, and between the dummy structures; the same applies hereinafter), the capacitive coupling generates capacitance, as shown in Fig. 3B and Fig. 3C. Specific arrangements of the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b and the dummy structures 5ad and 5bd are determined such that the pen signal transmitted from the active pen P propagates across the generated capacitance in a planar direction (x-direction and y-direction).

[0026] The above arrangements of the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b and the dummy structures 5ad and 5bd allow the pen signal of the active pen P to propagate from the central sensor electrode, which is positioned directly below the pen tip electrode of the active pen P, to the peripheral sensor electrodes around the central sensor electrode via the capacitance generated between the conductor structures stacked on top of each other. This point will be discussed below with reference to Fig. 4 discussed in more detail.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a view showing how the pen signal propagates in the pen sensor 5. Fig. 4 shows the case where an x-coordinate of the active stylus P is detected using the plurality of sensor electrodes 5a. The same applies to the case where a y-coordinate of the active stylus P is detected using the plurality of sensor electrodes 5b.

[0028] Switching elements SW in Fig. 4 are each an element that controls the connection state between each of the plurality of sensor electrodes 5a and a common line 5c connected to the sensor controller 2. The switching elements SW are individually controlled by the sensor controller 2. Fig. 4 shows the case where, among five sensor electrodes 5a0 to 5a4 shown, sensor electrode 5a3 corresponds to a switched-on switching element SW, while the other switching elements SW are switched off. In this case, only sensor electrode 5a3 among the five sensor electrodes 5a0 to 5a4 is connected to sensor controller 2. Although not shown, similar switching elements SW are provided for each of the plurality of sensor electrodes 5b.

[0029] A ladder 4a in Fig. 4 represents the conductors, such as the pixel electrodes and the common electrode, included in the display device 4. The capacitance disposed between each sensor electrode 5a and the conductor 4a represents the parasitic capacitance generated between the sensor electrodes 5a and the conductor 4a.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the active stylus P comprises a stylus tip electrode 10 at the stylus tip and an oscillation circuit 11. The oscillation circuit 11 serves to transmit the stylus signal from the stylus tip electrode 10 by applying an alternating voltage v(t) to it. The stylus signal transmitted from the stylus tip electrode 10 generates electrical charges between each sensor electrode 5b and each dummy structure 5bd via the capacitance generated between the stylus tip electrode 10, on the one hand, and each sensor electrode 5b and each dummy structure 5bd, on the other.

[0031] Fig. 4 shows the case where the pen tip electrode 10 is positioned directly above the sensor electrode 5a2. In the example of Fig. 4, as described above, only the sensor electrode 5a3 of the five sensor electrodes 5a0 to 5a4 is connected to the sensor controller 2. In this case, the electric charges generated by the pin signal in each sensor electrode 5b and each dummy pattern 5bd are collected via the generated capacitance, as indicated by dashed lines, between the conductor patterns stacked on top of each other at the sensor electrode 5a3. As a result, a current flows from the sensor electrode 5a3 to the sensor controller 2. The current is received by the sensor controller 2 as a pin signal.

[0032] The shorter the distance between a particular sensor electrode 5a connected to the sensor controller 2 and the pen tip electrode 10, the greater the amount of electrical charge collected at that sensor electrode 5a. Consequently, the closer a particular sensor electrode 5a is to the pen tip electrode 10, the greater the amplitude of the pen signal that the sensor controller 2 receives from that sensor electrode 5a. The same applies to the sensor electrodes 5b. The sensor controller 2 detects a distribution of the amplitudes of the pen signal received from the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b to derive an approximate curve of the distribution. The sensor controller 2 then derives the coordinates of the vertex of the curve as the position of the active pen P.

[0033] In this way, the pin sensor 5 according to the first embodiment causes the electric charges generated by the pin signal in the sensor electrodes 5a and the dummy patterns 5bd to be collected at the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b connected to the sensor controller 2 via the capacitance generated between the conductor patterns stacked one on top of the other. Compared with the case where such capacitance is absent, the first embodiment can increase the amplitude of the pin signal in the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b functioning as peripheral sensor electrodes. This allows the peripheral sensor electrodes to fully receive the pin signal while avoiding the cost increase and reduced transmittance caused by applying a conductive cover film 6.

[0034] Furthermore, the pin sensor 5 according to the first embodiment includes the dummy patterns 5ad formed in a manner that protrudes beyond the sensor electrodes 5b (i.e., as rectangles) in a position where the dummy patterns 5ad and the sensor electrodes 5b are superimposed when viewed from above. The pin sensor 5 also includes the dummy patterns 5bd formed in a manner that protrudes beyond the sensor electrodes 5a (i.e., as rectangles) in a position where the dummy patterns 5bd and the sensor electrodes 5a are superimposed when viewed from above. This configuration enables efficient collection of electric charges at the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b connected to the sensor controller 2.

[0035] To further explain this point, the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b are formed larger than the dummy structures 5ad and 5bd and therefore have a larger self-capacitance. The electric charges flowing into the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b separated from the sensor controller 2 are ultimately collected in the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b. In contrast, according to the first embodiment, the dummy structures 5ad and 5b are formed to protrude beyond the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b, as explained above. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of electric charges flowing into the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b separated from the sensor controller 2 and to efficiently collect the electric charges at the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b connected to the sensor controller 2.

[0036] As described above, the pin sensor 5 according to the first embodiment is configured so that the peripheral sensor electrodes can fully receive the pin signal without increasing costs and reducing transmittance. The pin sensor 5 also enables efficient collection of electrical charges at the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b connected to the sensor controller 2.

[0037] Furthermore, the first and second layers of the pin sensor 5 according to the first embodiment are almost entirely equipped with the sensor electrodes or dummy structures. This offers the advantage of ensuring a uniform transmittance and constant reception sensitivity for the pin signal across the entire surface of the panel plane 1a. This point will be explained in more detail below by comparing it with the shapes of the sensor electrodes according to the prior art of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig. 5A is a plan view of a first layer of a pin sensor according to the prior art of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5B is a top view of a second layer of the prior art pin sensor. Fig. 5C is a top view of the first and second layers of the pin sensor superimposed according to the related art. As can be seen from these drawings, the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b in the pin sensor according to the related art are each shaped like an hourglass, with the electrodes crossing at their narrowest points. The purpose of the pin sensor of the related art adopting this electrode shape is to minimize the dimensions of the area where the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b are superimposed when viewed from above, while preventing the DC resistance of the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b from becoming excessively large.

[0039] The dummy structures 5ad and 5bd are arranged in a tiny gap between the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b, thus avoiding interference with the conductor structures in the other layer when viewed from above. The lack of interference with the conductor structures in the other layer negates the pin signal propagation function of the dummy structures 5ad and 5bd according to the related art.

[0040] The above-described pin sensor according to the related art of the present disclosure ensures a relatively high transmittance equivalent to that of a single conductor pattern over almost the entire area of ​​the panel plane 1a. Meanwhile, only the area where the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b overlap has a relatively low transmittance equivalent to that of two conductor patterns. This area may therefore be perceived by the user as a dark spot. Furthermore, uneven widths of the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b may vary the reception sensitivity for the pin signal depending on their position.

[0041] In the pen sensor 5 according to the first embodiment, however, the sensor electrodes 5a or the dummy structures 5ad in the first layer and the sensor electrodes 5b or the dummy structures 5bd in the second layer are superimposed over the entire surface. This ensures a uniform transmittance across the entire surface of the panel plane 1a, preventing the user from perceiving the dark spot. A uniform width of the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b makes it possible to maintain a constant reception sensitivity for the pen signal across the entire surface of the panel plane 1a.

[0042] Next, the electronic device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained. The electronic device 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment in that the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b and the dummy patterns 5ad and 5bd are formed by mesh conductors each having a substantially square shape. The other points are similar to the corresponding points of the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description focuses on the differences of the electronic device 1 between the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 6A is a plan view of a first layer of a pin sensor 5 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6B is a plan view of a second layer of the pin sensor 5 according to the second embodiment. A plurality of approximate squares (more precisely, squares without corners) in these drawings are mesh conductors, each formed of fine linear conductors arranged along their sides. They form the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b or the dummy structures 5ad and 5bd. The central part of each mesh conductor (i.e., the area surrounded by the sides of the approximate square) is a void, i.e., an area where no conductor is formed. Each mesh conductor is provided for each pixel of the display device 4 and arranged so that a light-emitting part of a corresponding pixel is positioned at the center of the mesh conductor when viewed from above. This arrangement allows each mesh conductor to transmit the light from the display device 4.

[0044] Each mesh conductor is corner-free, so that two mesh conductors arranged diagonally adjacent to each other do not come into electrical contact. In contrast, two mesh conductors arranged adjacent to each other in the x- or y-direction share the side between them and are thus physically and electrically integrated. Utilizing these features of the mesh conductors, the pin sensor 5 includes the sensor electrodes 5a formed by a row of mesh conductors arranged without a gap in the y-direction and by a plurality of mesh conductors arranged adjacent to a part of the row of mesh conductors in the x-direction, and the sensor electrodes 5b formed by a row of mesh conductors arranged without a gap in the x-direction and by a plurality of mesh conductors arranged adjacent to a part of the row of mesh conductors in the y-direction.The pin sensor 5 also includes dummy patterns 5ad and 5bd formed by a plurality of mesh conductors arranged obliquely side by side in a lattice-like structure. Note that, in the position where they overlap the sensor electrodes 5b and 5a as viewed from above, the dummy patterns 5ad and 5bd are formed using three mesh conductors arranged side by side in a row in the x- or y-direction. This is the same configuration as the first embodiment, in which some dummy patterns 5ad and 5bd are formed of rectangles.

[0045] In a case where the linear conductors forming each side of the mesh conductors are formed at the same position in the first and second layers when viewed from above, a capacitance is generated between the linear conductors due to capacitive coupling. Fig. 6A, the region C indicated by a dashed ellipse is a section in which the linear conductors forming the sensor electrodes 5a are not superimposed with the linear conductors in the second layer when viewed from above. In the other sections, the linear conductors forming the sensor electrodes 5a generate a capacitance relative to the linear conductors in the second layer. Likewise, a region D, which is Fig. 6B is indicated by a dashed ellipse, a section in which the linear conductors forming the sensor electrodes 5b are not superimposed with the linear conductors in the first layer when viewed from above. In the other sections, the linear conductors forming the sensor electrodes 5b generate a capacitance relative to the linear conductors in the first layer.

[0046] Fig. 7A is a plan view of the first and second layers of the pin sensor 5 superimposed according to the second embodiment. In Fig. In Figure 7A, the sensor electrodes 5b and the dummy structures 5bd in the second layer arranged above are indicated by dashed lines, with the second layer shown slightly shifted relative to the first layer to facilitate understanding of the superimposed state of the sensor electrode and the dummy structures in each of the layers. The mesh conductors corresponding to the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b are drawn with hatching on the inside. The hatching is intended to clarify the positions of the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b; it does not imply that the interior of the mesh conductors functions as conductors. Fig. Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the pin sensor 5 taken along the line EE in Fig. 7A. Fig. Fig. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the pin sensor 5 taken along the line FF in Fig. 7A.

[0047] In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7A to 7C, the plurality of dummy structures 5bd are also each arranged so as to be superimposed on at least one of the plurality of dummy structures 5bd when viewed from above. Some of the dummy structures 5ad are arranged so as to be superimposed on one of the plurality of sensor electrodes 5b when viewed from above. Some of the dummy structures 5bd are arranged so as to be superimposed on one of the plurality of sensor electrodes 5a when viewed from above. As in the first embodiment, a capacitance is generated between the conductor structures superimposed on one another in plan view by capacitive coupling. Specific arrangements of the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b and the dummy structures 5ad and 5bd are determined so that the pen signal transmitted from the active pen P propagates across the generated capacitance in the planar direction (x and y directions). Fig. 7B, capacitance is generated between the conductor structures, which are obviously not directly superimposed. This is because the conductor structures are superimposed along the sides running in the x-direction. The same applies to Fig. 7C.

[0048] In the pin sensor 5 according to the second embodiment, the above configuration, like the pin sensor 5 according to the first embodiment, allows the pin signal from the active pin P to propagate from the central sensor electrode positioned directly below the pin tip electrode of the active pin P to the peripheral sensor electrodes around the central sensor electrode. This allows the pin sensor 5 of the second embodiment to allow the peripheral sensor electrodes to fully receive the pin signal without resulting in increased costs and reduced transmittance.

[0049] As with the pin sensor 5 according to the first embodiment, the pin sensor 5 according to the second embodiment further includes the dummy patterns 5ad formed to protrude beyond the sensor electrodes 5b (i.e., by forming three mesh conductors adjacent to each other in the y direction) at the position where the dummy patterns 5ad and the sensor electrodes 5b are superimposed when viewed from above, and the dummy patterns 5bd formed to protrude beyond the sensor electrodes 5a (i.e., by forming three mesh conductors adjacent to each other in the x direction) at the position where the dummy patterns 5bd and the sensor electrodes 5a are superimposed when viewed from above. This offers the advantage of efficiently conducting electric charges to the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b connected to the sensor controller 2, as in the case of the pin sensor 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0050] Next, the electronic device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained. The electronic device 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the electronic device 1 according to the second embodiment in that the specific shapes of the mesh conductors constituting the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b and the dummy patterns 5ad and 5bd are different from those of the electronic device 1 according to the second embodiment. The other points are similar to the corresponding points in the electronic device 1 according to the second embodiment. Therefore, the following description focuses on the differences of the electronic device 1 between the third embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0051] Fig. 8A is a plan view of a first layer of a pin sensor 5 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8B is a plan view of a second layer of the pin sensor 5 according to the third embodiment. As shown in these drawings, the mesh conductors of the third embodiment are formed by linear conductors parallel to two directions (labeled as v and w directions) that are oblique to the x and y directions, respectively. By combining these linear conductors, the dummy structures 5ad and 5bd are formed in an X-shape or in a combination of Xs, and the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b are formed in a series of diamonds. The X-shaped dummy structures 5ad and 5bd are also arranged within some of the diamonds that form the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b. Although Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B indicate by thick lines only the linear conductors constituting the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b, in practice, the line width of the linear conductors constituting the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b may be the same as the line width of the linear conductors constituting the dummy structures 5ad and 5bd to facilitate understanding of their structure.

[0052] Fig. Figure 9 is a plan view of the first and second layers of the pin sensor 5 superimposed according to the third embodiment. In this drawing, the sensor electrodes 5a and the dummy structures 5ad in the underlying first layer are indicated by hollow lines to facilitate understanding of the superimposed state of the sensor electrodes and dummy structures in the layers.

[0053] According to the third embodiment, as shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 9, the plurality of dummy patterns 5ad are each arranged to be superimposed on at least one of the plurality of dummy patterns 5bd when viewed from above. Some of the dummy patterns 5ad are arranged to be superimposed on one of the plurality of sensor electrodes 5b when viewed from above. Some of the dummy patterns 5bd are arranged to be superimposed on one of the plurality of sensor electrodes 5a when viewed from above. As in the second embodiment, a capacitance is generated between the superimposed conductor patterns when viewed from above. Specific arrangements of the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b and the dummy patterns 5ad and 5bd are determined so that the stylus signal transmitted from the active stylus P propagates across the generated capacitance in the planar direction (x and y directions).Thus, the pin sensor 5 according to the third embodiment also enables the peripheral sensor electrodes to fully receive the pin signal while avoiding increased costs and reduced transmittance.

[0054] Furthermore, in the pin sensor 5 according to the third embodiment, the dummy structures 5ad are arranged within some of the diamonds that form the sensor electrodes 5a. These dummy structures 5ad electrically connect the dummy structures 5bd arranged on both sides of the sensor electrodes 5a in the x-direction. Likewise, the dummy structures 5bd are arranged within some of the diamonds that form the sensor electrodes 5b. These dummy structures 5bd electrically connect the dummy structures 5ad arranged on both sides of the sensor electrodes 5b in the y-direction.Therefore, as in the pin sensor 5 according to the second embodiment, the dummy structures are formed to exceed the sensor electrodes 5b in the position where the dummy structures 5ad and the sensor electrodes 5b are superimposed when viewed from above, and the dummy structures are formed to exceed the sensor electrodes 5a in the position where the dummy structures 5bd and the sensor electrodes 5a are superimposed when viewed from above. With this configuration, the pin sensor 5 of the third embodiment offers the advantage of efficiently collecting electric charges at the sensor electrodes 5a and 5b connected to the sensor controller 2.

[0055] The present disclosure is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above and can obviously be implemented in various variations as long as they are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] For example, while in each of the embodiments described above, the conductor patterns in the first layer and those in the second layer are connected to each other via the capacitance generated by capacitive coupling, these conductor patterns may alternatively be connected to each other via via conductors. In this case, resistors of several hundred kiloohms (kΩ) should preferably be inserted between the conductor patterns to prevent the level difference of the pin signal between the sensor electrodes from becoming undetectable.

[0057] Instead of the dummy structures provided in the first and second layers, a film having a high transmittance and comprising tiny conductors in a floating relationship may be arranged between the cover film 6 and the pin sensor 5. The tiny conductors may be suitably formed from, for example, silver nanowires or carbon nanotubes. The sheet to be added should preferably be used in an insulated state to exclude resistive components, and the sheet is preferably configured so that the pin signal propagates via capacitance components rather than resistance.

[0058] The various embodiments described above may be combined to provide additional embodiments. All U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications, and non-patent publications referenced in this specification and / or listed in the Application Data Sheet are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments may be modified as needed to utilize concepts from the various patents, applications, and publications to provide yet additional embodiments.

[0059] These and other changes may be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments and the full scope of equivalents to which these claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 7025606

[0003]

Claims

[1] A pen sensor for use in detecting an active pen, the pen sensor comprising: a first layer comprising a plurality of first sensor electrodes and a plurality of first dummy patterns; and a second layer comprising a plurality of second sensor electrodes and a plurality of second dummy patterns, where the first dummy patterns and the second dummy patterns overlapped each other when viewed from above the pen sensor. [2] The pen sensor according to claim 1, wherein a pen signal transmitted from the active pen propagates in a planar direction through the capacitance generated between the first dummy patterns and the second dummy patterns. [3] Pin sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first dummy patterns of the first layer are isolated from each other, and wherein the second dummy patterns of the second layer are isolated from each other. [4] A pen sensor for use in detecting an active pen, the pen sensor comprising: a first layer comprising a plurality of first sensor electrodes and a plurality of first dummy patterns; and a second layer comprising a plurality of second sensor electrodes and a plurality of second dummy patterns, wherein the first sensor electrodes and the second dummy patterns overlap each other when viewed from above the pin sensor. [5] A pen sensor according to claim 4, wherein the second sensor electrodes and the first dummy patterns overlap each other when viewed from above the pen sensor. [6] Pin sensor according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first dummy patterns of the first layer are isolated from each other, and wherein the second dummy patterns of the second layer are isolated from each other. [7] A pen sensor for use in detecting an active pen, the pen sensor comprising: a first layer comprising a plurality of first sensor electrodes and a plurality of first conductor patterns formed from a plurality of first dummy patterns; and a second layer comprising a plurality of second sensor electrodes and a plurality of second conductor structures formed from a plurality of second dummy patterns, wherein the plurality of first conductor structures and the plurality of second conductor structures are arranged such that a pen signal transmitted by the active pen propagates in a planar direction through the capacitance generated between the first conductor structures and the second conductor structures, and wherein the first conductive patterns and the second conductive patterns overlap each other when viewed from above the pin sensor. [8] Pin sensor according to claim 7, wherein the first dummy patterns exceed the second sensor electrodes in a position in which the first dummy patterns are superimposed with the second sensor electrodes, and wherein the second dummy patterns exceed the first sensor electrodes in a position where the second dummy patterns are superimposed with the second sensor electrodes. [9] The pin sensor according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each of the plurality of first conductor patterns and the plurality of second conductor patterns is a plate-like conductor. [10] A pin sensor according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of first conductor patterns and the plurality of second conductor patterns comprises at least one mesh conductor. [11] The pin sensor of claim 10, wherein the at least one mesh conductor has the shape of a square without corners. [12] The pin sensor according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one mesh conductor comprises linear conductors in parallel with two directions that are oblique to a direction in which the plurality of first sensor electrodes extend and to a direction in which the plurality of second sensor electrodes extend.

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