Electromagnetic Pen Position Sensing in a Thin Display Stack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional position detecting devices have a thick stack structure due to separate layers for touch sensors, displays, and electromagnetic sensors, impairing designability.
Innovation Solution
A position detecting device with a first electrode layer generating an alternating magnetic field and a second electrode layer detecting the pen's magnetic field, both integrated in separate layers, and a display device with integrated touch and electromagnetic sensors, allowing for a thinner stack structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate layers for touch sensors, displays, and electromagnetic sensors are used, then each component can be independently optimized, but the overall stack structure becomes thick and designability is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch sensor electrode layer and electromagnetic sensor electrode layer into a single substrate structure. The first electrode layer serves dual functions as both the touch sensor detection electrode and the electromagnetic sensor transmission electrode, eliminating the need for separate layers and reducing overall stack thickness while maintaining independent optimization capabilities for each sensor type
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrode layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the detection electrode for touch sensors and as the transmission electrode for electromagnetic sensors. This multi-functional design allows both sensor systems to operate independently while sharing common structural resources, thereby reducing the number of layers needed in the stack structure
2Reliability
If multiple separate layers are used for different sensor functions, then each layer can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch sensor electrode layer and electromagnetic sensor electrode layer into a single integrated structure on one substrate. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete layers and interfaces, simplifying the overall device architecture while preserving the ability to optimize each sensor type's performance through dedicated electrode patterns and materials within the unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
While combining layers, the patent segments the electrode functions within the first electrode layer by creating distinct electrode groups: one set for touch sensor detection and another set for electromagnetic sensor transmission. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each sensor type's electrical characteristics while maintaining a simplified overall layer structure
3Length of stationary object
If integrated electrode layers are used, then the stack structure becomes thinner, but it may be difficult to maintain both touch sensor and electromagnetic sensor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode layer is segmented into functionally distinct electrode groups: touch sensor electrodes arranged for capacitive touch detection and electromagnetic sensor electrodes arranged for magnetic field transmission and reception. This segmentation ensures that each sensor type maintains its optimized performance characteristics while sharing the same substrate layer, preventing performance degradation despite the reduced layer count
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the first electrode layer are designed with locally optimized properties: touch sensor electrode regions use materials and geometries optimized for capacitive coupling, while electromagnetic sensor electrode regions use configurations optimized for magnetic field generation and detection. This local quality differentiation maintains both sensor types' performance within the integrated structure
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 solution thins the stack structure while maintaining performance and improving designability without impairing display visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode layer provided with a first electrode configured to generate an alternating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a second electrode layer provided with a plurality of second electrodes configured to detect a pen alternating magnetic field generated by the pen that has stored energy by the alternating magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A position detecting device is provided for detecting a position of a pen by using electromagnetic induction action. The position detecting device includes a first electrode layer provided with a first electrode configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, a display layer configured to control display pixels and blinking of the display pixels, and a second electrode layer provided with a plurality of second electrodes configured to detect a pen alternating magnetic field generated by the pen that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field. The second electrode layer is on an opposite side of the display layer from a side provided with the first electrode layer.