Touch and Pen Sensor Layer Using Multi-Mode Electrode Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices lack efficient methods for sensing inputs from a pen, particularly in devices with display layers, limiting intuitive input capabilities such as sketching or drawing.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a sensor layer with a specific arrangement of electrodes and trace lines, including first, second, third, and fourth electrodes, and loop trace lines, allowing for the detection of both touch and pen inputs through a multi-layer structure and various operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor layer is added to enable touch and pen input sensing, then input capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor layer uses a single multi-functional structure that can detect both touch inputs (from user's body) and pen inputs (from stylus) through different operational modes. The same electrode arrangement and trace lines serve dual purposes by switching between first mode (touch sensing) and second mode (pen sensing), eliminating the need for separate sensing systems for each input type.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor layer is divided into multiple operational modes that can be switched independently. The control circuit segments the sensing functionality into distinct modes: first mode for touch input detection and second mode for pen input detection. This segmentation allows the system to optimize performance for each input type while using the same physical hardware, reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes and trace lines are arranged to enable accurate coordinate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same electrode arrangement (first, second, third, and fourth electrodes with specific trace lines) serves dual functions: measuring coordinates for touch inputs in first mode and measuring coordinates for pen inputs in second mode. The control circuit switches between modes to utilize the same physical structure for different measurement purposes, avoiding the need for separate electrode systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor layer employs dynamic mode switching between first mode and second mode based on the type of input detected. The control circuit dynamically changes the operational configuration of the electrodes and trace lines, activating appropriate sensing pathways for touch or pen inputs. This dynamic adaptation allows precise coordinate measurement for both input types without requiring static, dedicated structures for each.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor layer structure is optimized for pen input sensing, then pen input detection is improved, but touch input sensing capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor layer uses dynamic mode switching to optimize performance for the current input type. When pen input is detected, the system switches to second mode with optimized signal pathways for pen sensing. When touch input is detected, the system switches to first mode optimized for touch sensing. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures high detection accuracy for pens while maintaining full touch sensing capability through mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (mode configuration) based on the detected input type. The control circuit modifies electrical parameters such as signal frequency, amplitude, or routing configuration when switching between first mode (touch optimized) and second mode (pen optimized). These parameter changes allow the same physical structure to achieve optimal performance for different input types without structural compromise.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for sensing a touch includes a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of third electrodes, a fourth electrode, a first loop trace line, and a trace line. The fourth electrode includes a plurality of sub-electrodes connected in parallel with each other. The first loop trace line is electrically connected to the plurality of third electrodes. The trace line is electrically connected to the fourth electrode and connected to one end of each of the plurality of sub-electrodes.