Display-Integrated Pen Sensing Electrodes for Thin Touch Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack efficient methods to accurately sense inputs from pens, particularly in applications requiring precise touch inputs, such as sketching or drawing, without increasing thickness or weight due to the inclusion of digitizers.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a display layer and a sensor layer incorporating pen sensing electrodes, including first, second, and third electrodes arranged in specific directions and configurations, along with a sensor driver capable of switching between touch and pen input sensing modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a digitizer is included to enable pen input sensing, then pen input detection capability is improved, but device thickness and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepen input detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pen sensing function with the existing display panel structure by integrating pen sensing electrodes directly into the display layer. This combination eliminates the need for a separate digitizer layer, achieving both touch and pen input sensing capabilities while maintaining a thin profile without additional thickness from a separate sensing component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the display interface and the pen sensing interface. The pen sensing electrodes are integrated within the display structure, allowing the same component to handle both visual output and input sensing, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated separate sensing layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a digitizer is included to enable pen input sensing, then pen input detection capability is improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepen input detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pen sensing function with the existing display panel structure by integrating pen sensing electrodes directly into the display layer. This combination eliminates the need for a separate digitizer layer, achieving both touch and pen input sensing capabilities while maintaining a thin profile without additional thickness from a separate sensing component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the display interface and the pen sensing interface. The pen sensing electrodes are integrated within the display structure, allowing the same component to handle both visual output and input sensing, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated separate sensing layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple electrode layers are added for pen sensing, then sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepen input sensing accuracyVSAvoidelectrode structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrode structure into distinct functional groups: first electrodes for touch sensing, second electrodes for pen sensing, and third electrodes for additional sensing capabilities. This segmentation allows each electrode type to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing complexity through functional specialization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a third dimension by adding third electrodes that overlap with the first electrodes in the plan view. This vertical stacking approach allows additional sensing functionality without increasing the horizontal footprint, enabling enhanced sensing accuracy while maintaining a compact structure and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 pen input detection without the need for a digitizer, maintaining device flexibility and reducing thickness and weight, while supporting both touch and pen-based inputs effectively.

Implementation Method 1

calculate coordinates for a first input that causes a change in a capacitance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

calculate coordinates for a second input that emits a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250291446A1Electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes: a display layer; a sensor layer above an upper surface of the display layer; and a plurality of pen sensing electrodes under the upper surface of the display layer. The sensor layer includes: a plurality of first electrodes along a first direction; a plurality of second electrodes along a second direction crossing the first direction, the plurality of second electrodes crossing the plurality of first electrodes; and a plurality of third electrodes along the first direction, and overlapping with the plurality of first electrodes.