Display Sensor Electrode Segmentation for Multi-Input Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display devices face challenges in simultaneously sensing inputs from multiple input sources, such as touch and electronic pens, with existing technologies often resulting in interference and reduced display quality due to the complexity of managing multiple input signals.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a sensor controller that utilizes a combination of first and second sensing electrodes, insulated from each other, to receive and transmit signals for multiple input positions, allowing for simultaneous sensing and minimizing interference by adjusting signal frequencies and transmission periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensing electrodes are used to sense inputs from multiple input sources, then the capability to sense simultaneous inputs is improved, but signal interference between electrodes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to sense simultaneous inputsVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensing electrodes into multiple groups (first sensing electrodes and second sensing electrodes) that are insulated from each other. Each group can sense inputs from specific input sources independently, allowing simultaneous sensing of multiple inputs without interference between different sensing groups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an insulation layer between the first sensing electrodes and second sensing electrodes. This intermediary structure physically separates the electrodes while allowing them to coexist on the same sensor substrate, enabling simultaneous sensing capability while preventing signal interference through electrical isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensing electrodes are used to sense inputs from multiple input sources, then the versatility is improved, but display quality degradation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddisplay quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the sensing electrodes into insulated groups, the patent enables multiple sensing functions without requiring additional display layers or components that would compromise display quality. The segmented approach allows the display to maintain its original structure while adding sensing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the sensor substrate serve multiple functions: it acts as both the display substrate and the sensing substrate. The insulated sensing electrodes are integrated into the display structure without requiring separate sensing components, achieving multi-functionality that preserves display quality while adding versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If signal frequencies are adjusted to minimize interference, then signal interference is reduced, but the complexity of managing multiple input signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal interferenceVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple input signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation layer acts as a physical mediator that eliminates the need for complex frequency adjustment mechanisms. By providing electrical isolation between sensing electrode groups, the insulation structure naturally prevents signal interference without requiring additional signal processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the interference problem from the signal processing domain and resolves it in the physical structure domain. Instead of managing interference through complex frequency control, the solution removes the interference path physically through insulation, simplifying the overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11650693B2Display device sensing simultaneous inputs from a plurality of input devices

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel, an input sensor disposed on the display panel and including a plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes, and a sensor controller configured to control the input sensor. The sensor controller receives a first signal from the input sensor and transmits a second signal to the input sensor. The first signal received from the input sensor includes down-link signals from first sensing electrodes corresponding to a first input position and a second input position among the plurality of first sensing electrodes and down-link signals from second sensing electrodes corresponding to the first input position and the second input position among the plurality of second sensing electrodes. The first input position corresponding to a first input source, and the second input position corresponding to a second input source, are spaced apart from each other.