Dual-Region Input Sensor Layout for Precise Pen Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices lack effective input methods for precise touch inputs, particularly for users familiar with writing instruments, and there is a need for improved sensitivity in photo sensors.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a dual-region input sensor and a photo sensor, featuring specific line component configurations in conductive layers to enhance sensitivity and support both touch and pen-based inputs, utilizing a magnetic field-induced RLC resonant circuit for precise input detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional input sensor is used, then the device can provide basic touch input functionality, but it lacks sensitivity for precise pen-based input detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepen input detection sensitivityVSAvoidinput sensor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input sensor is divided into two distinct regions: a first region with first line components and a second region with second line components. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for different input detection requirements, with the first region providing baseline sensitivity and the second region enhancing pen-based input detection capability through its specific line component configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different line component configurations are applied to different regions of the input sensor. The first line components in the first region have different characteristics compared to the second line components in the second region, creating local quality variations that optimize sensitivity for specific input types in specific areas, thereby improving overall measurement precision without uniform complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the line width of conductive lines is increased to improve signal strength, then detection sensitivity improves, but the area available for light transmission decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephoto sensor sensitivityVSAvoidlight transmission area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-layer conductive structure to a multi-layer structure with conductive layers at different heights. The first and second line components are positioned in different conductive layers, allowing them to overlap in the planar view while being separated vertically. This dimensional change enables the conductive lines to occupy the same footprint area without physically blocking each other, thereby maintaining light transmission area while improving signal strength through optimized line configurations.

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

The solution enables intuitive and precise input methods, including touch and pen-based interactions, while improving the sensitivity of photo sensors for enhanced user experience.

Implementation Method 1

the first electrode is configured to induced a magnetic field in response to a current flowing therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a magnetic field-induced RLC resonant circuit for precise input detection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRLC resonant circuit: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4687013A1Display device and electronic device having the same
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4687013A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4687013A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4687013A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device includes a display panel and an input sensor. The input sensor includes a plurality of first line components and a plurality of second line components. The first line components include (1-1)-th line components in a first region of the input sensor and (1-2)-th line components in a second region of the input sensor, and the second line components include (2-1)-th line components in the first region and (2-2)-th line components in the second region. The (2-1)-th line component has a smaller line width than the (2-2)-th line component.