Electronic Device Electrode Configuration for Gesture and Touch Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic devices lack an efficient method to simultaneously sense coordinates and gestures from external inputs without increasing the device's size or complexity.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a first sensing group with electrodes arranged in a specific pattern to sense coordinates and a second sensing group with a central electrode and peripheral electrodes to detect gestures, allowing for the overlap of these functionalities within the active region without expanding the peripheral area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate sensing areas are provided for coordinate sensing and gesture sensing, then sensing functions are comprehensive, but the peripheral area of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing function comprehensivenessVSAvoiddevice peripheral area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines coordinate sensing and gesture sensing functions into a single sensing area by integrating a first sensing group (for coordinates) and a second sensing group (for gestures) that share the same physical space. The electrode arrangements are designed to perform both sensing functions simultaneously within the active region, eliminating the need for separate sensing areas and reducing the device's peripheral area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing structure is designed with multi-functionality where the same sensing area and electrode system serve dual purposes: the first sensing group detects touch coordinates while the second sensing group detects gestures. This universal design allows one sensing region to perform multiple sensing functions, comprehensively addressing both coordinate and gesture recognition without expanding the device footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple sensing groups are integrated in the same area, then device size is reduced, but signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensing area into multiple independent sensing groups with distinct electrode arrangements. The first sensing group uses electrodes arranged for coordinate detection, while the second sensing group uses a different electrode configuration for gesture detection. This segmentation allows each group to perform its specific function with minimal interference, as the electrode patterns are designed to be electrically distinct while sharing the same physical sensing area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions within the sensing area have locally optimized electrode configurations tailored to specific sensing functions. The first sensing group's electrodes are arranged with characteristics optimized for coordinate sensing, while the second sensing group's electrodes have arrangements optimized for gesture sensing. This local quality differentiation reduces signal interference by ensuring each electrode group operates with its optimal configuration in its designated local region.

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 configuration enables the device to accurately sense both 2D touch coordinates and 3D gestures without increasing the device's size, reducing signal interference and enhancing user interaction capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an electronic device includes a first sensing group that includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first direction and a plurality of second electrodes arranged in a second direction that crosses the first direction, and a second sensing group that includes a central electrode and a plurality of peripheral electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12260051B2Electronic device having central electrodes and peripheral electrodes and at least one electrode of a plurality of electrodes interposed therebetween

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes a first sensing group that includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first direction and a plurality of second electrodes arranged in a second direction that crosses the first direction, and a second sensing group that includes a central electrode and a plurality of peripheral electrodes disposed in a plurality of openings formed in some of the plurality of first electrodes. At least one first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes or at least one second electrode of the plurality of second electrodes is interposed between the central electrode and each of the plurality of peripheral electrodes.