Display Sensor Electrode Layout for Accurate Edge Pen Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in increasing the sensing area and improving sensing accuracy, particularly at the outskirts of the display area, especially when using pens for input methods.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a sensor layer with electrodes arranged in a specific pattern, including overlapping electrodes in both display and non-display areas, and a sensor driver capable of switching between touch and pen input modes, enhancing sensing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the sensing area is extended to the non-display area, then the sensing coverage is improved, but the sensing accuracy at the outskirts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different electrode configurations in different regions: in the display area, interdigitated electrode patterns are used, while in the non-display area, extended electrode structures with adjusted spacing and orientations are implemented. This local differentiation ensures high sensing accuracy in the display area while extending sensing coverage to the non-display area with optimized electrode density and arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the sensing capability from the two-dimensional display area into the third spatial dimension by utilizing the non-display area beneath the display surface. The electrode structures are designed to sense inputs that occur in the peripheral regions, effectively expanding the sensing volume and coverage area without compromising the accuracy in the primary display region.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrode layers are added to improve sensing accuracy, then the sensing precision is improved, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a display layer and a sensor layer, with the sensor layer further divided into multiple electrode sub-layers. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific sensing functions while maintaining overall system thinness, as each segment contributes only the necessary thickness for its designated purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested electrode structure where multiple electrode patterns are stacked in overlapping configurations. The first and second electrodes are arranged in interdigitated patterns, with additional electrode layers nested between them. This nesting approach maximizes the sensing functionality within a compact vertical footprint, achieving high sensing accuracy without proportionally increasing device thickness.
3Area of stationary object
If the electrode length is increased to cover the non-display area, then the sensing coverage is improved, but the electrode complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structures are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide sensing capability in both the display and non-display areas, establish electrical connections across different regions, and define sensing zones with varying densities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized electrode structures, thereby simplifying the overall design while achieving extended sensing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric electrode configurations where the electrode patterns in the non-display area differ from those in the display area. The electrodes are extended asymmetrically into the non-display region with adjusted spacing and orientations, allowing optimized sensing performance in each region without requiring symmetric duplication of complex patterns throughout the entire structure.
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
This configuration increases the sensing area and improves accuracy, allowing for precise pen input detection even at the edges of the display area without increasing device thickness or weight.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor layer may sense a user's touch or pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a display layer including a display area to display an image, and a non-display area adjacent to the display area; and a sensor layer on the display layer, and including: a plurality of first electrodes along a first direction; a plurality of second electrodes along a second direction crossing the first direction; a plurality of third electrodes along the first direction, and overlapping with the plurality of first electrodes; and a plurality of fourth electrodes along the second direction, and overlapping with the plurality of second electrodes. At least a part of the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, the plurality of third electrodes, and the plurality of fourth electrodes overlaps with the non-display area.