Input Sensing Unit for Thin Display Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of touch panels and digitizers in display devices adds to the thickness of the device, which is not ideal.
Innovation Solution
An input sensing unit with a base layer, insulating layer, and sensing electrodes, including first and second sensing electrodes and pen-sensing electrodes, connected by lines to minimize thickness and enhance sensing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If touch panel and digitizer are used for input sensing, then sensing capability is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines touch sensing and pen sensing functions into a single integrated input sensing unit. The sensing electrodes serve dual purposes: detecting finger touches through capacitive coupling and detecting pen inputs through electromagnetic induction. This merging eliminates the need for separate touch panel and digitizer layers, thereby maintaining comprehensive sensing capability while reducing overall device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing electrodes in the input sensing unit are designed to perform multiple functions. The same electrode structure detects both capacitive touches (when a finger approaches) and electromagnetic signals (when a pen with electromagnetic resonance technology is used). This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized components, thus reducing thickness while preserving sensing versatility.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple sensing electrodes are integrated in a single layer, then device thickness is reduced, but sensing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The input sensing unit is divided into distinct functional regions within the same layer: sensing electrodes for touch detection, pen-sensing electrodes for electromagnetic pen detection, and dedicated line structures for signal transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration. The spatial separation of different sensing functions within the single layer prevents signal interference and maintains reliable detection for both touch and pen inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary between the sensing electrodes and the base layer. This insulating layer serves as a mediator that electrically isolates the sensing electrodes from the base layer while allowing electromagnetic fields to pass through for pen detection. This intermediary structure ensures reliable sensing by preventing unwanted electrical contact and signal leakage, thereby maintaining sensing reliability in the integrated thin design.
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 input sensing unit effectively detects inputs while reducing the overall thickness of the display device, improving sensing reliability and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the pen is driven by an AC signal to generate an oscillating magnetic field, which induces a signal in the coils. The position of the pen is detected through reading the signal induced in the coils. The digitizer detects the electromagnetic change caused by the approach of the pen to determine the position of the pen.
Data Source
AI summary
An input sensing unit includes a first sensing electrode, a second sensing electrode crossing the first sensing electrode, a first pen-sensing electrode adjacent to the first sensing electrode and crossing the second sensing electrode, and a second pen-sensing electrode adjacent to the second sensing electrode and crossing the first sensing electrode. A first sensing line is electrically connected to the first sensing electrode. A second sensing line is electrically connected to the second sensing electrode via the active area. A first pen-sensing line is electrically connected to the first pen-sensing electrode. A second pen-sensing line is electrically connected to the second pen-sensing electrode via the active area and disposed between the first sensing electrode and the second sensing line in the active area.