Integrated Sensor Layer for Touch and Pen Sensing Without Digitizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices struggle to efficiently sense inputs made by a pen without the need for a digitizer, which adds bulk and limits flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a sensor layer with specific electrode configurations and trace lines that allow for both touch and pen input sensing, utilizing differential computing operations to distinguish between the two input types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a digitizer is added to enable pen input sensing, then pen input capability is improved, but device thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pen input sensing and touch input sensing into a single sensor layer structure. The sensor layer includes electrode groups and trace lines that can detect both pen inputs (through induced current from the capacitive stylus) and touch inputs (through direct contact), eliminating the need for separate digitizer and touch panel layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it can sense both pen inputs and touch inputs using the same electrode groups and trace lines. The sensor driver selectively operates in different modes (pen input mode or touch input mode) to handle different input types, making the sensor layer universal for both functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a digitizer is added to enable pen input sensing, then pen input capability is improved, but device flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pen sensing and touch sensing functions into a single integrated sensor layer, removing the need for a separate rigid digitizer layer. This integration maintains device flexibility while enabling pen input capability through the capacitive stylus that induces current in the trace lines.
3Measurement precision
If trace lines are extended to improve pen input sensing, then sensing capability is improved, but trace line overlap with sensing region increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends trace lines in the second direction (perpendicular to the first direction of electrode groups) to improve pen input sensing. By changing the orientation and dimension of trace line extension, the patent achieves better sensing capability while managing the overlap area with the sensing region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different trace line configurations in different regions: in the sensing region, trace lines are configured to minimize overlap and maintain display quality, while in the peripheral region, trace lines can be extended to improve pen input sensing. This local optimization balances sensing capability with display 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
Enables thinner and lighter devices capable of sensing pen inputs without a digitizer, enhancing flexibility and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor layer may sense a touch or an input of a user... for a fine touch input for a corresponding application program (for example, an application program for sketching or drawing)
Implementation Method 2
capable of sensing an input made by a pen... sensing an input made by a pen
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a sensor layer including a sensing region, a peripheral region, first electrode groups in a first direction, second electrode groups crossing the first electrode groups in a second direction, first trace lines electrically connected to the first electrode groups, and second trace lines electrically connected to the second electrode groups, and including a (2-1)-th trace line electrically connected to one of the second electrode groups, and having a first length in the second direction, and a (2-2)-th trace line spaced apart from the (2-1)-th trace line in the first direction while extending in the second direction, and having a second length in the second direction that is substantially equal to the first length, and a sensor driver configured to drive the sensor layer, and to selectively operate in a first mode for sensing a touch input, or in a second mode for sensing a pen input.