Display Sensor Layer Signal Segmentation for Stable Input Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in maintaining consistent sensing reliability due to varying noise levels during data and blank periods, affecting the accuracy of input detection.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device employs a sensor layer that operates in two modes, using different downlink signals with varying waveforms and phases to maintain a consistent signal-to-noise ratio across data and blank periods, enhancing sensing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single downlink signal is used for both data period and blank period, then device complexity is reduced, but sensing reliability deteriorates due to varying noise levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission complexityVSAvoidsensing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the downlink signal transmission into two distinct modes: first downlink signals transmitted during the blank period and second downlink signals transmitted during the data period. This segmentation allows each signal type to be optimized for its specific operational context, with first downlink signals using waveforms suitable for low-noise conditions and second downlink signals using waveforms optimized for high-noise conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and sensing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic signal transmission by switching between different downlink signal types based on the operational period. The sensor driver dynamically selects whether to transmit first or second downlink signals depending on whether the system is in the blank period or data period, allowing the signal characteristics to adapt to varying noise conditions and maintain optimal sensing reliability throughout different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If downlink signals are transmitted during both data and blank periods, then sensing reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by transmitting downlink signals at specific intervals corresponding to the display refresh cycle. Downlink signals are transmitted during both the blank period and data period of each display frame, synchronizing signal transmission with the periodic display operation. This periodic transmission pattern ensures consistent sensing reliability across different operational phases while managing energy consumption through structured, predictable transmission timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If different waveforms are used for first and second downlink signals, then sensing accuracy is improved, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different waveform characteristics for first downlink signals and second downlink signals based on the specific requirements of each transmission period. First downlink signals use waveforms optimized for the blank period conditions, while second downlink signals use waveforms optimized for data period conditions. This localized optimization of signal quality for specific operational contexts improves sensing accuracy without requiring complex adaptive processing across all conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 approach ensures improved sensing reliability by stabilizing the signal-to-noise ratio, thereby enhancing the accuracy of input detection regardless of noise fluctuations.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor layer senses the user's body based on a self-capacitance in the first touch mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-capacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

senses the user's body based on a mutual capacitance in the second touch mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMutual capacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20250306706A1Electronic device and interface device including the same

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An interface device includes an electronic device and an input device communicating with the electronic device. The electronic device includes a display layer operating in a unit of display frame including a blank period and a data period, a sensor layer disposed on the display layer and operating in a first mode to sense a first input generated by the input device, and a sensor driver driving the sensor layer and transmitting an uplink signal to the input device. The input device transmits a plurality of first downlink signals including first information and a plurality of second downlink signals including second information different from the first information, and the sensor driver successively receives the plurality of first downlink signals during the blank period and successively receives the plurality of second downlink signals during the data period.