Zigzag Input Sensor Electrodes for Active Pen Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in providing enhanced input sensing performance, particularly for active pens, which are not adequately addressed by current touch-based input systems.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a display panel with a unique input sensor design featuring transmission and reception electrodes with zigzag patterns, connection patterns, and dummy electrodes, along with buffer electrodes, to improve sensing accuracy and precision for both touch and active pen inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional touch-based input sensors are used, then basic touch input is supported, but sensing performance for active pen inputs is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing performanceVSAvoidinput type support

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The input sensor is divided into multiple electrode types including first transmission electrodes, second transmission electrodes, first reception electrodes, and second reception electrodes. Each electrode type is optimized for specific input detection, allowing the sensor to distinguish between different input types (touch, active pen, passive pen) and provide enhanced sensing performance for active pen inputs while maintaining basic touch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If zigzag patterns are used for transmission and reception patterns, then sensing accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing accuracyVSAvoidpattern fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission and reception patterns are designed with zigzag shapes instead of conventional straight lines. This parameter change in the geometric configuration of the patterns enhances the sensing accuracy by improving the capacitive coupling characteristics and signal differentiation capability. The zigzag patterns create more effective electrode intersections and field distribution, thereby improving detection precision for active pen inputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection patterns are added to connect transmission and reception electrodes, then input detection coverage is expanded, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput detection coverageVSAvoidelectrode structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection patterns are integrated into the electrode structure to expand input detection coverage. These connection patterns link the first and second transmission electrodes as well as the first and second reception electrodes, creating a unified sensing matrix that can detect various input types across different regions. By merging these connection functions into the existing electrode architecture, the system achieves enhanced versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The input sensor is designed with multi-functional capability to detect different input types (touch, active pen, passive pen) using the same electrode structure. The multiple connection patterns enable the sensor to serve multiple detection purposes simultaneously, expanding input detection coverage while maintaining a unified and efficient device architecture that avoids redundant components.

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 design enhances the sensing performance of electronic devices, allowing for precise detection of both user touches and active pen inputs, thereby improving user interaction and input accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The input sensor may sense a first input in a first mode and sense a second input in a second mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

an input sensor disposed on the display panel. The input sensor includes a transmission electrode and a reception electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12493376B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device including a display panel including a plurality of light emitting elements, and an input sensor on the display panel. The input sensor includes a transmission electrode including a plurality of first transmission patterns arranged in a first direction, and a reception electrode crossing the transmission electrode and including a plurality of first reception patterns arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction. Each of the first transmission patterns extends in the first direction and has a zigzag shape, and each of the first reception patterns extends in the second direction and has a zigzag shape.