Display Sensor Electrode Layout for Electromagnetic Pen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia electronic devices lack an efficient means to intuitively sense an input by a pen.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a display layer and a sensor layer, including a base layer, a circuit layer with pixel driving circuits and auxiliary electrodes, and a sensor layer with electrodes, capable of sensing inputs by a pen through electromagnetic resonance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional touch sensor is used, then basic touch input is enabled, but pen input sensing capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor layer is segmented into multiple independent electrode layers: a first electrode layer with first electrodes extending in a first direction, a second electrode layer with second electrodes extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and auxiliary electrode layers. This segmentation allows each electrode layer to be optimized for specific sensing functions, enabling both touch and pen input detection with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Auxiliary electrodes are introduced as intermediary elements between the display layer and the main sensing electrodes. These auxiliary electrodes extend in directions crossing the main electrode directions and are electrically connected to form a network that enhances the sensing of pen inputs by detecting electromagnetic resonance signals from the pen, thereby improving pen input detection accuracy without interfering with basic touch sensing.
2Measurement precision
If auxiliary electrodes are added to enhance pen sensing, then pen input detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary electrodes serve multiple functions: they detect electromagnetic resonance from pen inputs, provide additional sensing pathways for improved accuracy, and maintain electrical connectivity across the display layer. By making the auxiliary electrode structure multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved pen input detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary electrode layers are merged with the existing electrode structure of the display device. The auxiliary electrodes are integrated into the sensor layer alongside the first and second electrodes, sharing the same substrate and manufacturing process. This merging approach allows the auxiliary electrodes to be added without requiring separate assembly steps or additional structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrode layers are implemented, then sensing accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process employs periodic deposition and patterning steps to form the multiple electrode layers. Each electrode layer (first electrodes, second electrodes, auxiliary electrodes) is formed through sequential cycles of material deposition, photolithography patterning, and etching. This periodic manufacturing approach allows complex multi-layer structures to be built using repeated, standardized process steps, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of layers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and intuitive input sensing by a pen, enhancing user interaction in applications like sketching and drawing.
Implementation Method 1
capable of sensing inputs by a pen through electromagnetic resonance
Implementation Method 2
a sensor layer on the display layer, and including: a plurality of first electrodes located along the first direction, and extending in the second direction; and a plurality of second electrodes located along the second direction, and extending in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a display layer having a display area, and a non-display area adjacent to the display area, the display layer including: a base layer; a circuit layer on the base layer, and including: a pixel driving circuit; and a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes electrically connected with one another, the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes located along a first direction, and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction; a light emitting element layer on the circuit layer, and including a light emitting element electrically connected with the pixel driving circuit; and an encapsulation layer on the light emitting element layer; and a sensor layer on the display layer, and including: a plurality of first electrodes located along the first direction, and extending in the second direction; and a plurality of second electrodes located along the second direction, and extending in the first direction.