Integrated Sensing Panel Layout for Thin Touch and Stylus Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of separate touch panels and digitizers in display devices increases the thickness, necessitating a technological solution to integrate both functionalities into a thinner form factor.

Innovation Solution

A sensing panel design that integrates stylus pen and touch sensing capabilities, featuring a base layer with conductive patterns and electrodes configured to overlap in specific directions, allowing for simultaneous detection of inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate touch panels and digitizers are used, then touch sensing and stylus pen sensing functions are provided, but the thickness of the display device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing functionsVSAvoidthickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the touch panel and digitizer into a single integrated sensing panel structure. The touch driving electrode and touch sensing electrode are positioned on the same panel, with the stylus pen driving electrode and stylus pen sensing electrode integrated into the same layered structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate touch panel and digitizer components, thereby reducing overall device thickness while maintaining both touch sensing and stylus pen sensing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing panel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it detects both finger touches and stylus pen inputs using the same structural framework. The touch driving electrode and touch sensing electrode work together for touch detection, while the stylus pen driving electrode and stylus pen sensing electrode enable stylus detection, all within a single integrated panel that serves universal sensing purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Length of stationary object

If touch panel and digitizer are integrated into a single sensing panel, then thickness is reduced, but electrode arrangement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethicknessVSAvoidelectrode arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing panel is segmented into distinct functional layers with clearly defined electrode roles. The touch driving electrode and touch sensing electrode are separated by a touch insulating layer, while the stylus pen driving electrode and stylus pen sensing electrode are positioned at different depths. This segmentation organizes the complex electrode arrangement into manageable, functionally-separated components, making the integrated structure more tractable despite the multiple electrodes involved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves electrode arrangement complexity by utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness direction) to position electrodes at different levels. The touch driving electrode and stylus pen driving electrode are positioned to overlap in plan view but are separated in the thickness direction by insulating layers. This dimensional separation allows multiple electrodes to coexist in a compact integrated structure without requiring complex lateral arrangement, thereby managing complexity through spatial layering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 a thinner display device by combining stylus pen and touch sensing functions without increasing thickness, enhancing user input capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

When the user moves the pen (e.g., a stylus pen) on the display device, the pen is driven by an alternating current signal to create a oscillating magnetic field, and the oscillating magnetic field induces a signal in the coils.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4668076A1Sensing panel, display device including the same, and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4668076A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4668076A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4668076A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sensing panel is disclosed that includes a base layer, a stylus pen driving electrode positioned on the base layer and including a first conductive pattern, a touch insulating layer positioned on the first conductive pattern, a touch driving electrode positioned on the touch insulating layer, including a second conductive pattern extending in a first direction, and positioned to overlap the stylus pen driving electrode in a third direction in a plan view, and a touch sensing electrode which is positioned on the touch insulating layer, includes the second conductive pattern extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and is positioned to overlap the stylus pen driving electrode in the third direction in the plan view.