Foldable Display Pen Input Detection via Sensor Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack efficient methods for detailed touch input using a pen, particularly in foldable devices, where the detection of pen inputs in folding areas is challenging due to the complexity of folding mechanisms and the need for precise coordinate calculation.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a display layer with defined non-folding and folding areas, a sensor layer with detection units, and digitizers to detect pen inputs, using a main driver to calculate coordinates based on signals from the sensor layer, first digitizer, and second digitizer, ensuring accurate pen input detection across the device's surface, including the folding area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pen input detection system is implemented in a foldable electronic device, then detailed touch input capability is improved, but the complexity of detecting pen inputs in folding areas increases due to the folding mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetailed touch input capabilityVSAvoidpen input detection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display area is divided into multiple detection areas (first detection area, second detection area, third detection area) corresponding to different regions including the folding area. Each detection area is associated with specific detection units that independently process pen input signals from their respective regions, simplifying the overall detection complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sensor layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the display layer and the digitizer layers. This sensor layer includes detection units that can detect pen inputs in the folding area and non-folding areas, mediating the signal detection process and enabling accurate coordinate calculation across the entire display surface including folded regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire display area is made usable for pen input, then pen utilization is improved, but the difficulty of calculating accurate coordinates in folding areas increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepen input area coverageVSAvoidcoordinate calculation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Different detection units are configured with different characteristics suited to their specific locations. The first detection unit in the folding area has different detection characteristics compared to the second and third detection units in the non-folding areas. This local optimization allows each region to accurately detect pen inputs according to its specific geometric and functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sensor layer that operates in an additional dimensional space between the display layer and digitizer layers. This extra dimension enables the system to detect pen inputs in the folding area by capturing signals from multiple detection units simultaneously, allowing the main driver to calculate accurate coordinates through multi-dimensional signal integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If detection units are placed in the folding area, then pen input detection coverage is improved, but the reliability of detection in the folding area decreases due to the folding mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverage areaVSAvoidfolding area detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor layer with detection units is positioned beforehand in the folding area to detect pen inputs before the folding mechanism causes any detection failures. By having detection capability pre-established in the folding area, the system can maintain reliable detection even when the display is in a folded state, cushioning against potential detection failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11836324B2Electronic device and driving method thereof

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes a display layer configured to define a first non-folding area, a second non-folding area, and a folding area between the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area, and display an image, a sensor layer disposed on the display layer to detect an external input, a first digitizer disposed under the display layer and overlapping the first non-folding area, a second digitizer disposed under the display layer and overlapping the second non-folding area, and a main driver configured to calculate coordinates of a pen based on a first signal obtained from the sensor layer, a second signal obtained from the first digitizer, and a third signal obtained from the second digitizer.