Dual-Mode Sensor Layer for Precise Touch and Pen Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia electronic devices lack efficient methods for precise input sensing using a pen, particularly for applications requiring detailed touch inputs, such as sketching or drawing, without increasing thickness or weight by incorporating a digitizer.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a sensor layer comprising a plurality of electrodes and lines configured to operate in a touch input mode or a pen input mode, utilizing a sensor driver to selectively switch between these modes, allowing for precise pen input detection without a separate digitizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a digitizer is incorporated to enable precise pen input detection, then pen input sensing capability is improved, but device thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect both touch inputs (fingerprint sensing) and pen inputs (stylus sensing) using the same electrode structure. By configuring electrodes in different patterns and applying different driving voltages, the system achieves both functionalities without requiring separate digitizer hardware, thereby avoiding increased weight and thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines touch sensing and pen sensing capabilities into a single sensor layer structure. The same electrode patterns and control circuits are used for both functions, merging what would traditionally require separate systems into one integrated solution, thus preventing weight and thickness increases.
2Measurement precision
If a digitizer is incorporated to enable precise pen input detection, then pen input sensing capability is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect both touch inputs (fingerprint sensing) and pen inputs (stylus sensing) using the same electrode structure. By configuring electrodes in different patterns and applying different driving voltages, the system achieves both functionalities without requiring separate digitizer hardware, thereby avoiding increased thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines touch sensing and pen sensing capabilities into a single sensor layer structure. The same electrode patterns and control circuits are used for both functions, merging what would traditionally require separate systems into one integrated solution, thus preventing thickness increase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate touch sensing and pen sensing systems are implemented, then sensing functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor layer uses the same physical electrodes for both touch and pen sensing. The control circuit selectively configures electrode patterns and applies appropriate driving voltages to achieve different sensing modes, eliminating the need for separate hardware systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the electrode patterns and driving voltages based on the desired sensing mode (touch or pen). The same hardware infrastructure is flexibly adapted for different functions through software-controlled parameter changes, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining versatile functionality.
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 precise pen input detection without increasing device thickness or weight, enhancing user interaction for applications like sketching or drawing, while maintaining device flexibility and reducing the need for additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor layer may sense a touch or a pressure by the user
Implementation Method 2
the sensor driver is configured to drive the sensor layer, and selectively operate in a first mode of sensing a touch input or a second mode of sensing a pen input
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a sensor layer; and a sensor driver to drive the sensor layer, and selectively operate in a first mode of sensing a touch input or a second mode of sensing a pen input. The sensor layer includes: first electrodes, each extending in a first direction, and located along a second direction crossing the first direction; second electrodes, each extending in the first direction, and located along the second direction; first lines electrically connected to the first electrodes; and a second line electrically connected to the second electrodes. Each of the first electrodes includes: a first split electrode extending in the first direction; and a second split electrode extending in the first direction, and spaced from the first split electrode in the first direction. At least a portion of the second line connects adjacent ones of the second electrodes to each other inside a sensing area.