Integrated Display Input Sensor Layout to Reduce Dead Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face inefficiencies in input sensor technology, particularly in managing dead space and integrating multiple input sensing methods effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a display panel incorporating a first sensor layer for electromagnetic induction and a second sensor layer for capacitance sensing, utilizing overlapping signal lines and insulating layers to optimize input detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate signal lines are used for electromagnetic induction sensing and capacitance sensing, then each sensing method can be implemented independently, but the dead space increases and input sensor efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electromagnetic induction sensing and capacitance sensing into a single integrated input sensor structure. The same electrode patterns serve dual purposes: detecting stylus inputs via electromagnetic induction and detecting user finger inputs via capacitance. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate signal lines and reduces dead space while maintaining independent sensing capabilities through time-division or frequency-division multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The input sensor is designed with multi-functionality where the same sensor layer and signal lines perform multiple sensing functions. The electrode structures are configured to respond to both electromagnetic induction from stylus pens and capacitance changes from user fingers, allowing a single component to serve universal input detection purposes without requiring dedicated separate pathways for each sensing method.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor layers are integrated for different sensing methods, then input detection capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the capacitance sensing electrode layer is integrated within the electromagnetic induction sensing structure. The same conductive patterns and signal lines are shared between the two sensing methods, with the capacitance sensing functionality nested within the existing electromagnetic induction framework. This nesting approach enhances input detection versatility while avoiding the complexity of completely separate layered structures.
3Area of stationary object
If signal lines overlap with the display region, then dead space is reduced, but signal interference with display may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces insulating layers as intermediary elements between the signal lines and the display region. These insulating layers act as mediators that allow signal lines to be positioned within or overlap the display region while preventing direct electrical interference with the display pixels. The insulating material blocks harmful electromagnetic coupling between the sensing signal lines and the display circuitry, enabling space optimization without compromising display performance.
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
Enhances input sensor efficiency by reducing dead space and improving the integration of different input sensing methods, enabling effective stylus pen and user input detection.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor layer configured to sense an external input using an electromagnetic induction method
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor layer configured to sense an external input using a capacitance method
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a display panel including a display region including pixels, and a non-display region adjacent to the display region; and an input sensor on the display panel. The input sensor includes: a first sensor layer to sense an external input using an electromagnetic induction method, and including first group electrodes; a second sensor layer to sense an external input using a capacitance method, and including second group electrodes insulated from the first group electrodes; a pad part including pads overlapping with the non-display region; first signal lines connected to the first group electrodes and the pads; and second signal lines connected to the second group electrodes and the pads. At least some of the first signal lines and the second signal lines overlap with the display region.