Sensor Layer Oblique Pattern Design for Tilted Input Linearity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with sensor layers face challenges in maintaining uniform capacitance and linearity, especially when inputs are provided at tilted angles, due to variations in sensing patterns and electrode arrangements.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a sensor layer with specific sensing patterns and extension patterns arranged in oblique directions, including bridge and dummy patterns, to ensure uniform capacitance and improved linearity across different input areas, even when the active pen is used at tilted angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensing patterns are arranged in a conventional grid pattern, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sensing linearity and capacitance uniformity deteriorate when inputs are provided at tilted angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing linearityVSAvoidsensing pattern arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by arranging sensing patterns in oblique directions rather than conventional orthogonal grid patterns. The first and second sensing patterns are positioned at angled orientations relative to each other, creating an asymmetric configuration that improves linearity for tilted inputs while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through systematic placement rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an additional dimensional aspect by incorporating oblique directional arrangements beyond the standard two-axis grid. The sensing patterns extend in multiple oblique directions, effectively adding angular dimensionality to the sensing matrix, which enhances capacitance uniformity across various input angles without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If sensing patterns are spaced closely together, then the sensing area coverage is improved, but the capacitance uniformity and linearity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing area coverageVSAvoidcapacitance uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the spacing and arrangement of sensing patterns based on their specific positions and orientations. Different groups of sensing patterns are arranged with optimized spacing in different local regions and directions, ensuring that each local area contributes optimally to overall capacitance uniformity while maintaining comprehensive area coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If extension patterns and dummy patterns are added to improve linearity, then the sensing precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing extension patterns and dummy patterns that serve multiple functions simultaneously. These patterns not only improve linearity and capacitance uniformity but also provide structural support, define sensing region boundaries, and facilitate electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration ensures consistent capacitance and enhanced linearity of the sensor layer, allowing for precise sensing regardless of the input angle, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the electronic device.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor layer includes a first sensing pattern and a second sensing pattern spaced apart from the first sensing pattern... sensing an external input

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

maintaining uniform capacitance and linearity, especially when inputs are provided at tilted angles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic induction: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11609669B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes a display layer, a sensor layer disposed on the display layer and including a first sensing pattern and a second sensing pattern spaced apart from the first sensing pattern. The first sensing pattern includes a first-first group including a first-first pattern and a first-second pattern spaced apart from the first-first pattern in a first oblique direction, a first-second group including a first-third pattern and a first-fourth pattern spaced apart from the first-third pattern in a second oblique direction crossing the first oblique direction. The second sensing pattern includes a second-first group adjacent to the first-first group and including a second-first pattern and a second-second pattern spaced apart from the second-first pattern in the second oblique direction and a second-second group including a second-third pattern and a second-fourth pattern spaced apart from the second-third pattern with the second-first group interposed therebetween in the first oblique direction.