Multi-Sensing Area Input Sensor for Display Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices with integrated input sensors face challenges in efficiently managing multiple sensing areas, leading to increased resistance and load on the input sensors.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a multi-sensing area input sensor system, where each sensing area is equipped with multiple conductive layers and insulating layers, and the input sensors are driven synchronously or independently to reduce signal interference and improve bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple sensing areas are integrated into a single input sensor, then the sensing coverage is improved, but the resistance of the electrodes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing coverageVSAvoidelectrode resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The input sensor is divided into multiple independent sensing areas (first sensing area, second sensing area, third sensing area), each with its own conductive layers and electrode structures. This segmentation allows each sensing area to have optimized electrode resistance independently, while collectively providing comprehensive sensing coverage across the entire display panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If multiple sensing areas share common conductive layers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different sensing areas are equipped with locally optimized conductive layer configurations. The first sensing area has a first conductive layer structure, while the second and third sensing areas have different conductive layer arrangements. This local differentiation minimizes signal interference between adjacent sensing areas while maintaining overall structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Insulating layers are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent sensing areas and between conductive layers. These insulating layers electrically isolate the conductive layers of different sensing areas, preventing signal interference while allowing the conductive layers to be positioned in close proximity for efficient sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the conductive layers are made thicker to reduce resistance, then the electrode resistance decreases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode resistanceVSAvoidlayer thickness control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layers are constructed using composite material structures, combining different conductive materials with insulating materials in a multi-layer configuration. This composite approach optimizes the electrical conductivity while maintaining manufacturable thickness parameters, avoiding the need for excessively thick single-layer conductive structures that would be difficult to manufacture with precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4350491B1Display device including input sensor with multiple sensing areas
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4350491B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4350491B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4350491B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes first and second input sensors and a display panel. The first and second input sensors are disposed in different sensing areas from each other. The first and second input sensors each include a first electrode and a second electrode crossing the first electrode. The first and second trace lines are connected to the first electrode. The trace line of the first and second trace lines, that overlaps the sensing area, overlaps the first electrode and does not overlap the second electrode in the sensing area.