On-Cell Touch and Pen Sensor Layout for Thinner Display Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional position detection apparatuses incorporating a touch sensor, display, and electromagnetic resonance sensor in separate substrates increase thickness and degrade design aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an on-cell mutual-capacitance touch sensor with an RX electrode layer and electromagnetic induction sensor, where RX electrode patterns are connected by jumper wires, reducing the stack structure to three or fewer layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If touch sensor, display, and electromagnetic resonance sensor are provided in different substrates, then each component can be independently designed and manufactured, but the thickness of the stack structure increases and design aesthetics are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch sensor and electromagnetic resonance sensor into the same substrate layer. The RX electrode layer serves dual purposes: it detects touch events through capacitance changes and simultaneously functions as the reception coil for electromagnetic resonance-based pen detection. This merging eliminates the need for separate substrates, reducing overall thickness while maintaining independent design capabilities through modular electrode patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The RX electrode layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the reception electrode for touch sensing and the reception coil for electromagnetic induction-based pen detection. By making the same structural element serve multiple sensing modalities, the patent reduces the number of required layers and substrates, thereby reducing thickness without compromising manufacturing flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor layers are stacked to achieve both touch sensing and electromagnetic resonance detection, then sensing functionality is comprehensive, but the stack structure thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges touch sensing electrodes and electromagnetic resonance reception coils into a single RX electrode layer. The same conductive patterns detect both capacitive touch events and electromagnetic induction signals from pens, eliminating the need for separate sensor layers and reducing overall stack thickness while maintaining comprehensive sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The RX electrode layer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs touch event detection through capacitance measurement and pen detection through electromagnetic induction. This universal design allows a single layer to provide comprehensive sensing functionality across different interaction modes, reducing the need for additional layers.
3Length of stationary object
If RX electrode patterns are integrated into the touch sensor layer, then stack thickness is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases due to jumper wire connections
Solution Approach 1:
The RX electrode layer is segmented into multiple independent electrode patterns that can be selectively activated. Each electrode pattern can function independently or in combination with others, allowing flexible configuration for different sensing zones. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling modular production and assembly of electrode arrays with jumper wire connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional stacked sensor layers to a two-dimensional planar integration of touch and electromagnetic resonance sensing within the same layer. By arranging electrode patterns and jumper wires in a planar configuration rather than stacking them vertically, the patent reduces thickness while managing manufacturing complexity through flat-panel fabrication techniques.
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
Reduces the thickness of the stack structure while maintaining performance, improving design aesthetics without impairing visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The TX electrode layer includes a TX electrode that generates an alternating magnetic field for detecting a position of the pen by using an electromagnetic induction effect
Implementation Method 2
The RX electrode layer includes a plurality of RX electrodes that detect an alternating magnetic field generated by a pen
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor is provided, which includes an on-cell mutual-capacitance touch sensor and a RX electrode layer (RX sensor coil group) including a plurality of RX electrodes that detect a pen alternating magnetic field generated by a pen, which has accumulated energy through an alternating magnetic field from a TX electrode layer (TX sensor coil group). The TX electrode generates the alternating magnetic field for detecting a position of the pen by using an electromagnetic induction effect. In the RX electrode layer (RX sensor coil group), floating patterns, which are surrounded by touch electrodes formed by a mesh electrode pattern provided in an on-cell touch layer of the on-cell mutual-capacitance touch sensor and which are adjacent to one another in an extension direction of the RX electrodes, are connected to one another by jumper wires to linearly form RX electrode wires.