Sensor Driver With In-Phase and Quadrature Filters for Pen Sensing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack efficient methods to sense inputs from pens without increasing thickness, weight, or reducing flexibility due to the need for digitizers.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sensor layer with intersecting electrodes and a sensor driver that includes in-phase and quadrature phase filters, along with a current conveyor circuit, to test and sense inputs from pens, allowing for pen-based inputs without a digitizer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepen input capabilityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pen sensing function with the existing display structure by integrating a sensor layer directly into the display device. The sensor layer includes first and second electrodes that form capacitive sensing elements, allowing the display itself to function as the sensing component, thereby eliminating the need for a separate digitizer layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the visual display component and the input sensing component. The sensor layer integrated into the display structure enables the display to detect pen inputs through capacitive coupling, making the display system universal for both output and input functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a digitizer is added to enable pen input sensing, then pen input capability is improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepen input capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pen sensing function with the existing display structure by integrating a sensor layer directly into the display device. The sensor layer includes first and second electrodes that form capacitive sensing elements, allowing the display itself to function as the sensing component, thereby eliminating the need for a separate digitizer layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the visual display component and the input sensing component. The sensor layer integrated into the display structure enables the display to detect pen inputs through capacitive coupling, making the display system universal for both output and input functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a digitizer is added to enable pen input sensing, then pen input capability is improved, but device flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepen input capabilityVSAvoiddevice flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pen sensing function with the existing display structure by integrating a sensor layer directly into the display device. The sensor layer includes first and second electrodes that form capacitive sensing elements, allowing the display itself to function as the sensing component, thereby eliminating the need for a separate digitizer layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor layer is implemented as a thin film structure that can be integrated into flexible display devices. The capacitive sensing elements are formed using thin conductive layers and insulating films that maintain flexibility while enabling pen input detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 accurate sensing of pen inputs while maintaining device thickness and flexibility, enhancing user interaction through pen-based inputs without the need for additional hardware.

Implementation Method 1

the receiving of the sensing signal may include measuring mutual capacitance between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMutual capacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20250321263A1Sensor driver, electronic device including the same, and electronic device testing method

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device testing method includes providing an electronic device including a sensor layer and a sensor driver, and testing the electronic device as the sensor driver transmits a test signal to the sensor layer. The sensor layer includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes. The sensor driver includes an in-phase filter and a quadrature phase filter. The testing of the electronic device includes testing the sensor driver. The testing of the sensor driver includes transmitting the test signal to the plurality of first electrodes and receiving a sensing signal through the plurality of second electrodes, outputting a first test value, outputting a second test value, and comparing the first test value and the second test value.