Touch display apparatus

Abstract

A touch display device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a display panel including a display surface; a light guide plate installed on the upper side of the display surface of the display panel and formed to emit light incident on one side to the upper surface; a first light source array including a plurality of infrared light sources installed on one side of the light guide plate and emitting infrared light to one side of the light guide plate; a camera installed on at least one side of the first light source array and formed to capture infrared light emitted through the entire area of ​​the upper surface of the light guide plate; and a processor that recognizes the coordinates of an input object adjacent to the upper surface of the light guide plate using an infrared image captured by the camera.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a touch display device having a touch function. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a touch panel is one of several methods for constructing an interface between an electronic device equipped with a display and a user, and is an input device that allows a user to operate an electronic device by directly touching the screen of the display with a hand or a stylus pen.

[0003] Touch panels allow for the intuitive operation of electronic devices simply by touching buttons and other elements displayed on the screen with a finger, so they are widely used in smartphones, tablets, various medical devices, ATMs, information kiosks for tourism and major institutions, traffic information kiosks, food ordering kiosks, and more.

[0004] Depending on the recognition method, these touch panels include resistive type touch panels, capacitive touch panels, ultrasonic touch panels, and infrared type touch panels.

[0005] Touch panels based on such conventional technology have the problem that electronic devices can only be operated by directly touching the display screen. The problem to be solved

[0007] The present disclosure was devised in consideration of the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a touch display device capable of operating an electronic device not only when the display surface is in contact but also when it is adjacent to the display surface. means of solving the problem

[0008] A touch display device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a display panel including a display surface; a light guide plate installed on the upper side of the display surface of the display panel and formed to emit light incident on one side to the upper surface; a first light source array including a plurality of infrared light sources installed on one side of the light guide plate and emitting infrared light to one side of the light guide plate; a camera installed on at least one side of the first light source array and formed to capture infrared light emitted through the entire area of ​​the upper surface of the light guide plate; and a processor that recognizes the coordinates of an input object adjacent to the upper surface of the light guide plate using an infrared image captured by the camera.

[0009] Additionally, the touch display device further includes a second light source array installed on the upper side of the first light source array and comprising a plurality of infrared light sources that emit infrared rays toward the upper side of the upper surface of the light guide plate; and the camera may be formed to capture infrared rays emitted from the second light source array.

[0010] At this time, a plurality of infrared light sources of the second light source array may be installed in a straight line parallel to a plurality of infrared light sources of the first light source array.

[0011] In addition, it may further include a printed circuit board in which a plurality of infrared light sources of the first light source array and a plurality of infrared light sources of the second light source array are installed in two rows.

[0012] In addition, the processor may be installed on the printed circuit board.

[0013] Additionally, the processor may be configured to recognize a reference touchable area from an upper surface image of the light guide plate captured by the camera while the first light source array is turned on and the second light source array is turned off, and when the processor recognizes the coordinates of the input object adjacent to the light guide plate, the processor may be configured to extract a touchable area by removing an area extending from the upper surface of the light guide plate from an adjacent upper surface image of the light guide plate captured by the camera while the first light source array and the second light source array are turned on, and to detect the coordinates of the input object by comparing the extracted touchable area with the reference touchable area.

[0014] Additionally, the light guide plate is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape and includes a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface where the display panel is installed, and four sides, and the first light source array is installed to allow infrared rays to be incident on the first side among the four sides of the light guide plate, and the light guide plate may be formed so that the infrared rays incident on the first side are emitted through the first surface.

[0015] In addition, a plurality of infrared light sources of the first light source array may be installed in a straight line along the first side of the light guide plate.

[0016] In addition, the second and third sides of the light guide plate, which are perpendicular to the first side among the four sides, may be formed so that infrared rays emitted from the first light source array are not emitted to the outside of the light guide plate.

[0017] In addition, the camera may include a wide-angle lens and an image sensor to capture infrared light emitted from the first light source array and emitted over the entire upper surface of the light guide plate.

[0018] In addition, the angle of view of the wide-angle lens may be greater than 90 degrees.

[0019] Additionally, the camera may include: a first camera installed on one side of the first light source array and formed to capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface of the light guide plate; and a second camera installed on the other side of the first light source array opposite to the first camera and formed to capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface of the light guide plate.

[0020] In addition, the first camera and the second camera each include a wide-angle lens and an image sensor, and the angle of view of the wide-angle lens may be greater than 90 degrees.

[0021] Additionally, the processor may be configured to recognize a reference touchable area from an upper surface image of the light guide plate captured by the camera while the first light source array is turned on, and when the processor recognizes the coordinates of the input object adjacent to the light guide plate, the processor may be configured to extract a touchable area by removing an area extending from the upper surface of the light guide plate from an adjacent upper surface image of the light guide plate captured by the camera while the first light source array is turned on, and to recognize the coordinates of the input object by comparing the extracted touchable area with the reference touchable area.

[0022] In addition, the infrared light source may include an infrared LED. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10a is a diagram showing the region of infrared light emitted from the first light source array; FIG. 10b is a diagram showing the region of infrared radiation emitted from the first light source array and the region of infrared radiation emitted from the second light source array; FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a case where a first camera and a second camera used in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are installed on a printed circuit board; FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] The embodiments described below are provided as examples to aid in understanding the present disclosure, and it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented with various modifications different from the embodiments described herein. However, in describing the present disclosure below, detailed descriptions and specific illustrations of related known functions or components are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure. Additionally, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale to aid in understanding the disclosure, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

[0026] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. Such terms may be used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, the terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be interpreted in the sense commonly known to those skilled in the art.

[0028] Additionally, terms such as 'front end', 'rear end', 'upper part', 'lower part', 'upper part', and 'lower part' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0029] Hereinafter, a touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a touch display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel (10), a light guide plate (20), a light source array (30), a camera (51, 52), and a processor (90).

[0032] The display panel (10) is formed to display an image. The display panel (10) may be formed in a roughly rectangular flat shape. The display panel (10) may include a display surface (11) on which an image is displayed.

[0033] The display panel (10) can be implemented in various forms. For example, the display panel (10) can be a variety of display panels such as a Liquid Crystal Display panel, an Organic Light Emitting Diodes Display panel, a Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes panel, a Micro LED panel, etc. Since the display panel (10) can be a display panel according to the prior art, a detailed description is omitted.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the light guide plate (20) may be installed on the upper side of the display panel (10). Specifically, the light guide plate (20) may be installed on the upper side of the display surface (11) of the display panel (10). Based on FIG. 1, the light guide plate (20) may be positioned in front of the display panel (10). In the following description, based on FIG. 2, the light guide plate (20) is described as being installed on the upper side of the display panel (10).

[0035] The light guide plate (20) is formed in a rectangular flat shape and may include a first surface (25), a second surface (26) facing the first surface (25), and four sides. Specifically, the first surface (25) and the second surface (26) are formed in a rectangular shape and face each other parallel, and the first surface (25) may form the upper surface of the light guide plate (20), and the second surface (26) may form the lower surface of the light guide plate (20).

[0036] The four sides may include a first side (21), a second side (22), a third side (23), and a fourth side (24) connecting the first side (25) and the second side (26). The second side (22) and the third side (23) are perpendicular to the first side and parallel to each other. The fourth side (24) is parallel to the first side (21) and perpendicular to the second side (22) and the third side (23).

[0037] A display panel (10) is installed on the lower surface (26) of the light guide plate (20), that is, on the second surface. Accordingly, the lower surface (26) of the light guide plate (20) and the display surface (11) of the display panel (10) face each other. The light guide plate (20) can be formed to be larger than the size of the display surface (11) of the display panel (10).

[0038] The light guide plate (20) can be formed to emit light incident from one side through the upper surface (25). For example, the light guide plate (20) can be formed to emit light incident from the first side (21) to the outside through the upper surface (25), i.e., the first surface.

[0039] The second side (22) and the third side (23), which are perpendicular to the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20), may be formed so that light incident from the first side (21) is not emitted to the outside. For example, the inner surface of the second side (22) and the inner surface of the third side (23) may be formed to reflect or block light. Alternatively, the second side (22) and the third side (23) of the light guide plate (20) may be formed to transmit light, and a blocking plate that blocks light or a reflecting plate that reflects light may be installed on the second side (22) and the third side (23).

[0040] In addition, a fourth side (24) parallel to and facing the first side (21) can also be formed so that incident light is not emitted to the outside.

[0041] In this way, if the second side (22), third side (23), and fourth side (24) of the light guide plate (20) are formed so that light is not emitted, light incident from the first side (21) is not emitted to the second side (22), third side (23), and fourth side (24), but is emitted only through the first side (25). Therefore, when the camera (51, 52) captures the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), the processor (90) can recognize the area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) from the infrared image of the light guide plate (20) captured by the camera (51, 52). Therefore, the processor (90) can recognize the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) as a touchable area.

[0042] The light guide plate (20) can be formed of a transparent material through which light passes. For example, the light guide plate (20) can be formed of transparent plastic, resin, etc. Accordingly, the image displayed on the display surface (11) of the display panel (10) can be viewed by the user through the light guide plate (20).

[0043] The light source array (30) includes a plurality of infrared light sources (31) and can be formed to emit infrared light. The light source array (30) can be installed on one side of the light guide plate (20). For example, the light source array (30) can be installed adjacent to the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20). Alternatively, the light source array (30) can be installed to be in contact with the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20). Accordingly, infrared light emitted from the light source array (30) can be incident into the interior of the light guide plate (20) through the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20).

[0044] A plurality of infrared light sources (31) of the light source array (30) may be arranged in a straight line along one side of the light guide plate (20). The light source array (30) may include a printed circuit board (33) on which a plurality of infrared light sources (31) are installed.

[0045] The induction circuit board (33) is installed parallel to one side of the light guide plate (20), and on one side of the induction circuit board (33) facing one side of the light guide plate (20), a plurality of infrared light sources (31) may be provided in a straight line parallel to one side of the light guide plate (20).

[0046] Accordingly, infrared rays emitted from the light source array (30) may be incident on the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20) and emitted to the first surface (25), i.e., the upper surface, of the light guide plate (20). If some of the infrared rays leak out to the lower surface (26) of the light guide plate (20), the leaked infrared rays may be reflected by the display surface (11) of the display panel (10) and input to the lower surface (26) of the light guide plate (20), and then emitted to the outside through the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (10).

[0047] A plurality of infrared light sources (31) constituting the light source array (30) can be formed as infrared LEDs.

[0048] The camera (51, 52) is formed to capture infrared rays emitted from the light guide plate (20). The camera (51, 52) is provided to capture the entire upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). Specifically, the camera (51, 52) can be formed to capture infrared rays emitted through the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0049] To this end, the camera (51, 52) may include a wide-angle lens and an image sensor. The wide-angle lens has an angle of view capable of capturing the entire upper surface of the light guide plate (20). For example, the angle of view of the wide-angle lens may be 90 degrees or more.

[0050] The image sensor is formed to be able to generate an image of incident infrared light. For example, when the light source array (30) emits infrared light, the image sensor can generate an upper surface image of the infrared light emitted through the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0051] The camera (51, 52) may be installed on one side of the light source array (30). However, the location of the camera (51, 52) is not limited to this. As long as the camera (51, 52) can capture the entire upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), it may be installed at any location.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the camera may include a first camera (51) and a second camera (52).

[0053] The first camera (51) is installed on one side of the light source array (30) and can be configured to capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). The first camera (51) may include a wide-angle lens (51a) and an image sensor (51b) to capture infrared rays emitted from the light source array (30) and emitted from the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0054] The second camera (52) is installed on the other side of the first light source array (30) opposite to the first camera (51) and can be configured to capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). The second camera (52) may include a wide-angle lens (52a) and an image sensor (52b) to capture infrared rays emitted from the light source array (30) and emitted from the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, the angle of view of each of the wide-angle lens (51a) of the first camera (51) and the wide-angle lens (52a) of the second camera (52) may be 90 degrees or more.

[0056] The first camera (51) and the second camera (52) can be installed on both sides of the light source array (30) on the circuit board (33).

[0057] The first camera (51) can generate an image of the upper surface of the light guide plate (20), and the second camera (52) can also generate an image of the upper surface of the light guide plate (20). By configuring the two cameras (51, 52) to generate an image of the upper surface of the light guide plate (20) in this way, the coordinates of an input object (70) (see FIG. 4) that is in contact with or adjacent to the light guide plate (20) can be accurately calculated.

[0058] The processor (90) is configured to recognize the coordinates of an input object (70) that is in contact with or adjacent to the light guide plate (20) using an image captured by cameras (51, 52). The processor (90) can transmit the recognized coordinates of the input object (70) to the main processor (99). Here, the coordinates of the input object (70) recognized by the processor (90) refer to two-dimensional coordinates where the leading edge of the input object (70) is located on the display surface (11). That is, the coordinates of the input object (70) are two-dimensional coordinates based on the display surface (11).

[0059] Here, the input object (70) refers to one formed to select at least one point of an image displayed through the light guide plate (20). For example, the input object (70) may include a user's finger, stylus, pen, pointer, baton, antenna, stick, etc.

[0060] The processor (90) is configured to control the light source array (30) on / off. Additionally, after turning on the light source array (30), the processor (90) controls the cameras (51, 52) to capture infrared rays emitted through the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) when the input object (70) is not adjacent to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) to generate an upper surface image, and can receive the upper surface image generated by the cameras (51, 52) from the cameras (51, 52).

[0061] The processor (90) can recognize and store an image of an area corresponding to the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) from which infrared rays are emitted in the upper surface image received from the camera (51, 52) as a reference touchable area.

[0062] Additionally, the processor (90) can control the camera (51, 52) while the light source array (30) is turned on to capture infrared rays emitted from the upper surface of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays reflected from the input object (70) when the input object (70) is adjacent to or in contact with the light guide plate (20), thereby generating an adjacent upper surface image, and receive the adjacent upper surface image generated by the camera (51, 52).

[0063] Here, the case where the input object (70) is adjacent to the light guide plate (20) refers to the case where the first and second cameras (51, 52) are located close enough to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) to capture infrared rays reflected from the input object (70). Accordingly, the case where the input object (70) is adjacent to the light guide plate (20) may include the case where the input object (70) is in contact with the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and the case where it is located close without contacting the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0064] The processor (90) can be configured to recognize the coordinates of an input object (70) using an upper surface image captured by cameras (51, 52) and an adjacent upper surface image. Since the image processing technology by which the processor (90) recognizes the coordinates of the input object (70) using images can utilize image processing technology according to the prior art, a detailed description is omitted.

[0065] The processor (90) can transmit the coordinates of the input object (70) recognized using the upper surface image and the adjacent upper surface image to the main processor (99).

[0066] When the camera includes a first camera (51) and a second camera, the processor (90) can control the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) to receive an upper surface image and an adjacent upper surface image captured by the first camera (51) and the second camera (52), respectively.

[0067] Specifically, the processor (90) turns on the light source array (30) and, before the input object (70) is adjacent to the light guide plate (20), controls the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) to capture the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). Then, the first camera (51) captures the infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) to generate a first upper surface image, and the second camera (52) captures the infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) to generate a second upper surface image.

[0068] The first camera (51) transmits the generated first upper surface image to the processor (90), and the second camera (52) transmits the generated second upper surface image to the processor (90).

[0069] When the light source array (30) is turned on and an input object (70) is adjacent to or in contact with the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), the processor (90) controls the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) to capture the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). Then, the first camera (51) captures the infrared light emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and reflected by the input object (70) to generate a first adjacent upper surface image, and the second camera (52) captures the infrared light emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and reflected by the input object (70) to generate a second adjacent upper surface image.

[0070] The first camera (51) transmits the generated first adjacent upper surface image to the processor (90), and the second camera (52) transmits the generated second adjacent upper surface image to the processor (90).

[0071] The processor (90) can recognize the coordinates of the input object (70) using the first upper surface image and the first adjacent upper surface image captured by the first camera (51). Additionally, the processor (90) can recognize the coordinates of the input object (70) using the second upper surface image and the second adjacent upper surface image captured by the second camera (52). The processor (90) can store the first and second upper surface images and the first and second adjacent upper surface images in the memory (91) to calculate the coordinates of the input object (70) by performing image processing.

[0072] At this time, the processor (90) can recognize the coordinates of one input object (70) using images captured by two cameras, so the coordinates of the input object (70) can be recognized more accurately compared to the case where one camera is used.

[0073] The processor (90) can transmit the coordinates of the input object (70) recognized using the first and second upper surface images and the first and second adjacent upper surface images captured by the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) to the main processor (90).

[0074] The processor (90) may be configured to include various electronic components and / or program modules, such as processing circuits like electronic circuit boards, ASICs, ROMs, RAMs, etc.

[0075] The memory (91) can store a program for processing or controlling the processor (90) and an upper surface image and an adjacent upper surface image for calculating the coordinates of the input object (70). For example, the memory (91) can store a number of application programs for the processor (90) to calculate the coordinates of the input object (70) using the upper surface image and the adjacent upper surface image.

[0076] The memory (91) is accessed by the processor (90), and data reading / writing / modification / deletion / updating, etc., can be performed by the processor (90). This memory (91) can be implemented not only as a storage medium within the display panel (10), but also as an external storage medium, a removable disk including a USB memory, a web server via a network, etc.

[0077] In the case of this embodiment, the processor (90) and memory (91) may be installed on an induction circuit board (33) provided with a light source array (30).

[0078] The main processor (99) is configured to control the display panel (10) so that an image can be output to the display surface (11).

[0079] Additionally, the main processor (99) may be configured to control the display panel (10) to perform a corresponding event according to the coordinates of the input object (70) input from the processor (90).

[0080] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the main processor (99) and the processor (90) are formed separately. However, as another example, the processor (90) may be formed integrally with the main processor (99) that controls the display panel (10).

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source array (30) and the light guide plate (20) can be fixed and supported by a housing (60). The housing (60) can be formed to surround the light source array (30) installed on three sides of the light guide plate (20) and one side of the light guide plate (20).

[0082] The printed circuit board (33) of the light source array (30) is installed on the inner surface of the housing (60), and infrared rays emitted to the second side (22), third side (23), and fourth side (24) of the light guide plate (20) can be blocked or reflected by the housing (60).

[0083] The first camera (51) and the second camera (52) can be installed on a printed circuit board (33) or a housing (60) so as to be able to capture the entire upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0084] Additionally, the housing (60) may be formed to fix and support the display panel (10). That is, the display panel (10), the light guide plate (20), and the light source array (30) may be installed inside a single housing (60).

[0085] As another example, the display panel (10) may be implemented as a display device housed in a separately formed housing. Meanwhile, the light guide plate (20), light source array (30), first camera (51), second camera (52), processor (90), and housing may form a touch device. In this case, if the touch device is installed in front of the display surface (11) of the display device, a touch display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented.

[0086] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5, the operation of a touch display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] When the touch display device (1) is turned on, the processor (90) performs calibration. Specifically, when the touch display device (1) is turned on, the processor (90) turns on the light source array (30) (S50) and controls the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) respectively to capture the entire upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) (S51). That is, the processor (90) controls the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) respectively to capture the infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and generates a first upper surface image and a second upper surface image.

[0089] The processor (90) receives a first upper surface image captured by the first camera (51) and a second upper surface image captured by the second camera (52). The processor (90) recognizes an area corresponding to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), that is, an area where infrared rays are emitted, from the first upper surface image and the second upper surface image as a touchable area, and stores this as a reference touchable area in the memory (91) (S52).

[0090] As shown in FIG. 4, when a finger (input object) (70) is placed adjacent to the display panel (10) to make an input (S53), infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) are reflected by the finger (70).

[0091] At this time, the processor (90) controls the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) to capture the entire upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) (S54). Then, an adjacent upper surface image is generated that includes infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays reflected by the finger (70).

[0092] Specifically, the first camera (51) generates a first adjacent upper surface image including infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays reflected by the finger (70) and transmits it to the processor (90), and the second camera (52) generates a second adjacent upper surface image including infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays reflected by the finger (70) and transmits it to the processor (90).

[0093] The processor (90) extracts a touchable area from the transmitted adjacent upper surface image (S55). Then, the processor (90) calculates the position of the input object (70) by comparing the extracted touchable area with a reference touchable area stored in the memory (91) (S56).

[0094] Specifically, the processor (90) extracts an image of an area corresponding to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) from the transmitted first adjacent upper surface image as a first touchable area. Subsequently, the processor (90) compares the first touchable area with a reference touchable area stored in the memory (91) to calculate a first coordinate where the tip of the finger (70) is located.

[0095] Additionally, the processor (90) extracts an image of an area corresponding to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) from the transmitted second adjacent upper surface image as a second touchable area. Subsequently, the processor (90) compares the second touchable area with a reference touchable area stored in the memory (91) to calculate a second coordinate where the tip of the finger (70) is located. At this time, since the finger (70) is located at any point on the light guide plate (20), the first coordinate and the second coordinate calculated by the processor (90) are identical.

[0096] The touch display device according to the present embodiment can recognize the coordinates of the tip of an input object (70) while it is spaced apart from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) at a certain distance, without the tip of the input object (70) directly touching the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). This can be called spatial touch. In FIG. 4, H1 represents the spatial touch height (H1), which is the distance from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) to the tip of the input object (70) capable of spatial touch.

[0097] As described above, the touch display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure recognizes the coordinates of an input object (70) using two cameras, namely a first camera (51) and a second camera (52), so that the coordinates of the input object (70) can be recognized even if one of the two cameras (51, 52) fails to recognize the input object (70). Therefore, compared to the case where only one camera is used, the error of failing to recognize the coordinates of the input object (70) can be minimized.

[0098] Although a touch display device (1) that calculates the coordinates of an input object (70) using two cameras (51, 52) has been described above, the touch display device according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A touch display device (1') according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include only one camera (51) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0099] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 6, a touch display device (1') according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel (10), a light guide plate (20), a light source array (30), a camera (51), and a processor (90).

[0101] The touch display device (1') illustrated in FIG. 6 is identical to the touch display device (1) according to the above embodiment except that one camera (51) is installed to capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), so a detailed description is omitted.

[0102] In the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the processor (90) is configured to capture an upper surface image and an adjacent upper surface image using one camera (51) and to calculate the coordinates of the input object (70) using this.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 6, a touch display device (1') equipped with one camera (51) may have a higher probability of an error occurring in which the coordinates of an input object (70) cannot be calculated compared to a touch display device (1) equipped with two cameras (51, 52) as in the embodiment described above.

[0104] Hereinafter, a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0105] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, a touch display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel (10), a light guide plate (20), a light source array (30, 40), a camera (51, 52), and a processor (90).

[0107] The display panel (10) is formed to display an image. The display panel (10) may be formed in a roughly rectangular flat shape. The display panel (10) may include a display surface (11) on which an image is displayed.

[0108] The display panel (10) can be implemented in various forms. For example, the display panel (10) may be a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light-emitting diodes display panel, a quantum dot light-emitting diodes panel, a micro LED panel, and various other types of display panels (10). Since the display panel (10) may be a display panel according to the prior art, a detailed description is omitted.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 8, the light guide plate (20) can be installed on the upper side of the display panel (10). Specifically, the light guide plate (20) can be installed on the upper side of the display surface (11) of the display panel (10).

[0110] The light guide plate (20) is formed in a rectangular flat shape and may include a first surface (25), a second surface (26) facing the first surface (25), and four sides. Specifically, the first surface (25) and the second surface (26) are formed in a rectangular shape and face each other parallel, and the first surface (25) may form the upper surface of the light guide plate (20), and the second surface (26) may form the lower surface of the light guide plate (20).

[0111] The four sides may include a first side (21), a second side (22), a third side (23), and a fourth side (24) connecting the first side (25) and the second side (26). The second side (22) and the third side (23) are perpendicular to the first side (21) and are parallel to each other. The fourth side (24) is parallel to the first side (21) and perpendicular to the second side (22) and the third side (23).

[0112] A display panel (10) is installed on the lower surface (26) of the light guide plate (20). The lower surface (26) of the light guide plate (20) may be installed to face the display surface (11) of the display panel (10). The light guide plate (20) may be formed to be larger than the size of the display surface (11) of the display panel (10).

[0113] The light guide plate (20) can be formed to emit infrared rays incident from one side through the upper surface (15). For example, the light guide plate (20) can be formed to emit infrared rays incident from the first side (21) to the outside through the upper surface (25), i.e., the first surface.

[0114] The second side (22) and the third side (23), which are perpendicular to the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20), can be formed so that infrared rays incident from the first side (21) are not emitted to the outside. For example, the inner surface of the second side (22) and the inner surface of the third side (23) can be formed to reflect or block infrared rays.

[0115] As another example, the second side (22) and the third side (23) of the light guide plate (20) are formed to transmit infrared rays, and a blocking plate that blocks infrared rays or a reflecting plate that reflects infrared rays can be installed on the second side (22) and the third side (23). The blocking plate and the reflecting plate can be implemented on the inner surface of the housing (60) described later.

[0116] In addition, a fourth side (24) facing and parallel to the first side (21) can also be formed so that incident infrared rays are not emitted to the outside of the light guide plate (20), just like the second and third sides.

[0117] In this way, if the second side (22), third side (23), and fourth side (24) of the light guide plate (20) are formed so that infrared rays are not emitted, the infrared rays incident from the first side (21) are not emitted to the second side (22), third side (23), and fourth side (24), but are emitted only through the first side (25).

[0118] Accordingly, when the camera captures the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), the processor (90) can recognize the area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) from the infrared image of the light guide plate (20) captured by the camera. In other words, the processor (90) can recognize the touchable area from the infrared image of the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). That is, the processor (90) can recognize the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) from which infrared rays are emitted as a touchable area.

[0119] The light guide plate (20) can be formed of a transparent material through which infrared rays pass. For example, the light guide plate (20) can be formed of transparent plastic, resin, etc. Thus, the user can view an image displayed on the display surface (11) of the display panel (10) through the light guide plate (20).

[0120] The light source array can be formed to emit infrared rays. The light source array can be installed on one side of the light guide plate (20). For example, the light source array can be installed adjacent to the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20).

[0121] The light source array may include a first light source array (30) and a second light source array (40).

[0122] The first light source array (30) includes a plurality of infrared light sources (31) and may be installed adjacent to the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20). Alternatively, the first light source array (30) may be installed to be in contact with the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20). Accordingly, infrared rays emitted from the first light source array (30) may be incident into the interior of the light guide plate (20) through the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20).

[0123] A plurality of infrared light sources (31) of the first light source array (30) may be arranged in a straight line along the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20). A plurality of infrared light sources (31) of the first light source array (30) may be installed on a printed circuit board (33). The printed circuit board (33) is installed parallel to the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20), and a plurality of infrared light sources (31) may be arranged in a straight line on one side of the printed circuit board (33) facing the first surface of the light guide plate (20).

[0124] Accordingly, infrared rays emitted from the first light source array (30) may be incident on the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20) and emitted to the first surface (25), i.e., the upper surface, of the light guide plate (20). When some of the infrared rays leak out to the lower surface (26) of the light guide plate (20), the leaked infrared rays are reflected by the display surface (11) of the display panel (10) and incident on the lower surface (26) of the light guide plate (20), and may be emitted to the outside through the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0125] The second light source array (40) includes a plurality of infrared light sources (41) and can be installed above the first light source array (30). That is, the second light source array (40) can be installed above the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20) on which the first light source array (30) is installed. Accordingly, the second light source array (40) is located above the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0126] Accordingly, infrared rays emitted from the second light source array (40) may not be incident into the interior of the light guide plate (20) but may be emitted upward from the light guide plate (20). That is, infrared rays emitted from the second light source array (40) may move over the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) in a direction parallel to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate.

[0127] A plurality of infrared light sources (41) of the second light source array (40) can be arranged in a straight line parallel to the plurality of infrared light sources (31) of the first light source array (30). A plurality of infrared light sources (41) of the second light source array (40) can be installed on a printed circuit board (33) on which the first light source array (30) is installed.

[0128] A plurality of infrared light sources (41) of the second light source array (40) may be arranged in a straight line parallel to the plurality of infrared light sources (31) of the first light source array (30) on one surface of the printed circuit board (33) on which the first light source array (30) is installed. The second light source array (40) may be installed on the printed circuit board (33) at a certain distance from the first light source array (30).

[0129] A plurality of infrared light sources (41) of the second light source array (40) are installed so that the emitted infrared light can cover the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). For example, as shown in FIG. 10b, the second light source array (40) can be formed such that the area of ​​infrared light emitted from the plurality of infrared light sources (41) is larger than the area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0130] FIG. 10a is a diagram showing the region of infrared rays emitted from the first light source array, and FIG. 10b is a diagram showing the region of infrared rays emitted from the first light source array and the region of infrared rays emitted from the second light source array.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 10a, infrared rays emitted from the first light source array (30) are incident into the interior of the light guide plate (20) through the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20) and are emitted to the outside through the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). At this time, since the second side (22), third side (23), and fourth side (24) of the light guide plate (20) are formed so as not to emit infrared rays, the region (TA) of the infrared rays emitted from the first light source array (30) is limited to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). This region (TA) corresponds to a touchable area.

[0132] A plurality of infrared light sources (41) of the second light source array (40) emit infrared rays in a direction parallel to the light guide plate (20) toward the upper side of the light guide plate (20), and the emitted infrared region (A) can be formed to be larger than the region of the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0133] Infrared rays emitted from the infrared light source (41) may spread out at a certain angle rather than being parallel light. That is, the infrared rays emitted from the infrared light source (41) may form a roughly conical shape. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10b, a portion (A1) of the infrared rays emitted from the two infrared light sources (41) installed at both ends of the second light source array (40) may extend beyond the light guide plate (20).

[0134] Accordingly, infrared rays from the first light source array (30) are incident on the first side (21) of the light guide plate (20) and are emitted to the first surface (25), i.e., the upper surface, of the light guide plate (20), and infrared rays from the second light source array (40) can be emitted in a direction approximately parallel to the light guide plate (20) to the upper side of the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0135] A touch display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can define an infrared region (A) emitted from a second light source array (40) using an infrared region (TA) determined by a first light source array (30) and a light guide plate (20). That is, as shown in FIG. 10b, among the infrared region (A) emitted from the second light source array (40), an infrared region (A1) that extends beyond the light guide plate (20) is excluded, and the portion overlapping with the infrared region emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) can be recognized as a touchable region (TA).

[0136] A plurality of infrared light sources (31, 41) constituting the first light source array (30) and the second light source array (40) can be formed as infrared LEDs.

[0137] The camera (51, 52) is formed to capture infrared rays emitted from the light guide plate (20) and the second light source array (40). The camera (51, 52) is provided to capture the entire upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). Specifically, the camera (51, 52) may be formed to capture infrared rays emitted through the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays emitted toward the upper side of the light guide plate (20).

[0138] To this end, the camera (51, 52) may include a wide-angle lens and an image sensor. The wide-angle lens has a field of view capable of capturing the entire upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). For example, the field of view of the wide-angle lens may be 90 degrees or more.

[0139] The image sensor is formed to be able to generate an image of incident infrared light. For example, when the first and second light source arrays (30, 40) emit infrared light, the image sensor can generate an upper surface image of the infrared light emitted through the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0140] The camera (51, 52) may be installed on one side of the second light source array (40). However, the location of the camera (51, 52) is not limited to this. As long as the camera (51, 52) can capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), it may be installed at any location.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 7, the camera may include a first camera (51) and a second camera (52).

[0142] The first camera (51) is installed on one side of the second light source array (40) and can be configured to capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). The first camera (51) may include a wide-angle lens (51a) and an image sensor (51b) to capture infrared rays emitted from the first light source array (30) and emitted upward from the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), as well as infrared rays emitted from the second light source array (40) toward the upper side of the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0143] The second camera (52) is installed on the other side of the second light source array (40) opposite to the first camera (51) and can be configured to capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). The second camera (52) may include a wide-angle lens (52a) and an image sensor (52b) to capture infrared rays emitted from the first light source array (30) and emitted upward from the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), as well as infrared rays emitted from the second light source array (40) toward the upper side of the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0144] As shown in FIG. 7, the angle of view of each of the wide-angle lens (51a) of the first camera (51) and the wide-angle lens (52a) of the second camera (52) may be 90 degrees or more.

[0145] The first camera (51) and the second camera (52) can be installed on both sides of the second light source array (40) on a printed circuit board (33) as shown in FIG. 11.

[0146] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a case where a first camera and a second camera used in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are installed on a printed circuit board.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 11, a plurality of infrared light sources (31) of the first light source array (30) and a plurality of infrared light sources (41) of the second light source array (40) are installed in two rows side by side on a printed circuit board (33).

[0148] Additionally, the first camera (51) is installed on the printed circuit board (33) to the left of the second light source array (40), and the second camera (52) is installed on the printed circuit board (33) to the right of the second light source array (40). At this time, the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) are each installed on the printed circuit board (33) so as to be able to capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0149] The first camera (51) and the second camera (52) can each generate an image of the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). If the two cameras (51, 52) are configured to each generate an image of the upper surface (20) of the light guide plate (20) in this way, the coordinates of an input object (70) that is in contact with or adjacent to the light guide plate (20) can be accurately calculated.

[0150] The processor (90) is configured to recognize the coordinates of an input object (70) that is in contact with or adjacent to the light guide plate (20) using images captured by the first camera (51) and the second camera (52). The processor (90) can transmit the recognized coordinates of the input object (70) to the main processor (99). Here, the coordinates of the input object (70) recognized by the processor (90) refer to two-dimensional coordinates where the leading edge of the input object (70) is located on the display surface (11). That is, the coordinates of the input object (70) are two-dimensional coordinates based on the display surface (11).

[0151] The processor (90) is configured to control the first light source array (30) and the second light source array (40) on / off. Additionally, after turning on the first light source array (30) and the second light source array (40), the processor (90) controls the cameras (51, 52) to capture infrared rays emitted through the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) when the input object (70) is not adjacent to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) to generate an upper surface image, and can receive the upper surface image generated by the first and second cameras (51, 52) from the first and second cameras (51, 52).

[0152] The processor (90) can recognize and store an image of an area corresponding to the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) from which infrared rays are emitted in the upper surface image received from the first and second cameras (51, 52) as a reference touchable area.

[0153] Additionally, the processor (90) controls the first and second cameras (51, 52) while the first light source array (30) and the second light source array (40) are turned on to capture infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays reflected from the input object (70) when the input object (70) is adjacent to or in contact with the light guide plate (20), thereby generating an adjacent upper surface image, and can receive the adjacent upper surface image generated by the first and second cameras (51, 52).

[0154] Here, the case where the input object (70) is adjacent to the light guide plate (20) refers to the case where the first and second cameras (51, 52) are positioned close enough to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) to capture infrared light emitted from the first and second light source arrays (30, 40) and reflected by the input object (70). Accordingly, the case where the input object (70) is adjacent to the light guide plate (20) may include the case where the input object (70) is in contact with the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and the case where it is positioned close without contacting the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0155] The processor (90) may be configured to recognize the coordinates of an input object (70) using an upper surface image captured by the first and second cameras (51, 52) and an adjacent upper surface image. Since the image processing technology by which the processor (90) recognizes the coordinates of the input object (70) using images can utilize image processing technology according to the prior art, a detailed description is omitted.

[0156] The processor (90) can transmit the coordinates of the input object (70) recognized using the upper surface image and the adjacent upper surface image to the main processor (99).

[0157] Specifically, the processor (90) turns on the first light source array (30) and, before the input object (70) is adjacent to the light guide plate (20), controls the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) to capture the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). Then, the first camera (51) can generate a first upper surface image by capturing infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), and the second camera (52) can generate a second upper surface image by capturing infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0158] The first camera (51) transmits the generated first upper surface image to the processor (90), and the second camera (52) transmits the generated second upper surface image to the processor (90).

[0159] Then, the processor (90) extracts an image of the area where infrared light is detected (i.e., the area corresponding to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20)) from the received first upper surface image and second upper surface image, recognizes it as a touchable area, and stores this image in the memory (91) as a reference touchable area.

[0160] After that, the processor (90) turns on the second light source array (40).

[0161] When the first and second light source arrays (30, 40) are turned on and an input object (70) is adjacent to or in contact with the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), the processor (90) controls the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) to capture an image of the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0162] Then, the first camera (51) can generate a first adjacent upper surface image by capturing infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays reflected by the input object (70), and the second camera (52) can generate a second adjacent upper surface image by capturing infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays reflected by the input object (70).

[0163] At this time, the first adjacent upper surface image and the second adjacent upper surface image are captured by the first and second cameras (51, 52), respectively, of the state in which infrared rays emitted from the first light source array (30) and emitted through the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays emitted from the second light source array (40) are reflected on the input object (70).

[0164] The first camera (51) transmits the generated first adjacent upper surface image to the processor (90), and the second camera (52) transmits the generated second adjacent upper surface image to the processor (90).

[0165] The processor (90) can recognize the coordinates of the input object (70) using a reference touchable area and a first adjacent upper surface image captured by the first camera (51). Additionally, the processor (90) can recognize the coordinates of the input object (70) using a reference touchable area and a second adjacent upper surface image captured by the second camera (52).

[0166] When the processor (90) recognizes the coordinates of the input object (70), the processor (90) removes the portion that extends beyond the light guide plate (20), i.e., the touchable area (TA), from the first adjacent upper surface image captured by the first camera (51), and extracts a touchable area corresponding to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). After that, the processor (90) can detect the coordinates of the input object (70) by comparing the touchable area extracted from the first adjacent upper surface image with a reference touchable area stored in the memory (91).

[0167] Additionally, the processor (90) removes the portion that extends beyond the light guide plate (20), i.e., the touchable area (TA), from the second adjacent upper surface image captured by the second camera (52), and extracts a touchable area corresponding to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20). After that, the processor (90) can detect the coordinates of the input object (70) by comparing the touchable area extracted from the second adjacent upper surface image with a reference touchable area stored in the memory (91).

[0168] The processor (90) can store the first and second upper surface images and the first and second adjacent upper surface images in memory (91) to calculate the coordinates of the input object (70) by performing image processing.

[0169] Since the processor (90) can recognize the coordinates of one input object (70) using images captured by two cameras (51, 52), it can accurately recognize the coordinates of the input object (70) compared to the case where one camera is used.

[0170] Additionally, since the processor (90) recognizes the coordinates of the input object (70) using a touchable area (TA) corresponding to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), the processor (90) can prevent an error in incorrectly recognizing the coordinates of the input object (70) due to infrared rays reflected from outside the light guide plate (20).

[0171] The processor (90) can transmit the coordinates of the input object (70) recognized using the first and second upper surface images and the first and second adjacent upper surface images captured by the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) to the main processor (99).

[0172] The processor (90) may be configured to include various electronic components and / or program modules, such as processing circuits like electronic circuit boards, ASICs, ROMs, RAMs, etc.

[0173] The memory (91) can store programs for processing or controlling the processor (90), and top surface images and adjacent top surface images for calculating the coordinates of the input object (70). For example, the memory (91) can store a plurality of application programs for the processor (90) to calculate the coordinates of the input object (70) using the first and second top surface images and the first and second adjacent top surface images.

[0174] The memory (91) is accessed by the processor (90), and data reading / writing / modification / deletion / updating, etc., can be performed by the processor (90). This memory (91) can be implemented not only as a storage medium within the display panel (10), but also as an external storage medium, a removable disk including a USB memory, a web server via a network, etc.

[0175] In the case of this embodiment, the processor (90) and memory (91) may be installed on a printed circuit board (33) provided with first and second light source arrays (30, 40).

[0176] The main processor (99) is configured to control the display panel (10) so that an image can be output to the display surface (11).

[0177] Additionally, the main processor (99) may be configured to control the display panel (10) to perform a corresponding event according to the coordinates of the input object (70) input from the processor (90).

[0178] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the main processor (99) and the processor (90) are formed separately. However, as another example, the processor (90) may be formed integrally with the main processor (99) that controls the display panel (10).

[0179] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a printed circuit board (33) and a light guide plate (20) on which a first light source array (30) and a second light source array (40) are installed can be fixed and supported by a housing (60). The housing (60) can be formed to surround three sides of the light guide plate (20) and a printed circuit board (33) installed on one side of the light guide plate (20).

[0180] The printed circuit board (33) is installed on the inner surface of the housing (60), and infrared rays emitted to the second side (22), third side (23), and fourth side (24) of the light guide plate (20) can be blocked or reflected by the housing (60).

[0181] The first camera (51) and the second camera (52) can be installed on a printed circuit board (33) or a housing (60) so as to capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays emitted from the second light source array (40).

[0182] Additionally, the housing (60) may be formed to fix and support the display panel (10). That is, the display panel (10), the light guide plate (20), and the printed circuit board (33) may be installed inside a single housing (60).

[0183] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13, the operation of a touch display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0184] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0185] When the touch display device (1) is turned on, the processor (90) performs calibration. Specifically, when the touch display device (1) is turned on, the processor (90) turns on the light source array (30) (S130) and controls the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) respectively to capture the entire upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) (S131). That is, the processor (90) controls the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) respectively to capture infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) to generate a first upper surface image and a second upper surface image.

[0186] The processor (90) receives a first upper surface image captured by the first camera (51) and a second upper surface image captured by the second camera (52). The processor (90) extracts an image of an area corresponding to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), i.e., an area where infrared rays are emitted, from the first upper surface image and the second upper surface image, and recognizes this as a touchable area (TA) (see FIG. 9a). The processor (90) stores the image of this touchable area as a reference touchable area in the memory (91) (S132).

[0187] Next, the processor (90) turns on the second light source array (40) (S133). Then, infrared rays emitted from the second light source array (40) move to the upper side of the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20).

[0188] As illustrated in FIG. 12, when a finger (input object) (70) is placed adjacent to the display panel (10) to make an input (S134), infrared rays emitted from the first and second light source arrays (30, 40) are reflected by the finger (70). That is, infrared rays emitted from the first light source array (30) through the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays emitted from the second light source array (40) toward the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) are reflected by the finger (70).

[0189] At this time, the processor (90) controls the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) to capture the entire upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) (S135). Then, an adjacent upper surface image is generated that includes infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays reflected by the finger (70). Specifically, the first camera (51) generates a first adjacent upper surface image that includes infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays reflected by the finger (70) and transmits it to the processor (90), and the second camera (52) generates a second adjacent upper surface image that includes infrared rays emitted from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) and infrared rays reflected by the finger (70) and transmits it to the processor (90).

[0190] The processor (90) extracts a touchable area from the transmitted adjacent upper surface image (S136). Then, the processor (90) calculates the position of the input object (70) by comparing the extracted touchable area with a reference touchable area stored in the memory (91) (S137).

[0191] Specifically, the processor (90) removes the area extending beyond the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) from the transmitted first adjacent upper surface image and extracts the image of the area corresponding to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) as the first touchable area. Subsequently, the processor (90) compares the first touchable area with a reference touchable area stored in the memory (91) to calculate the first coordinates where the tip of the finger (70) is located.

[0192] Additionally, the processor (90) removes the area extending beyond the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) from the transmitted second adjacent upper surface image and extracts the image of the area corresponding to the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) as the second touchable area. Subsequently, the processor (90) compares the second touchable area with a reference touchable area stored in the memory (91) to calculate the second coordinate where the tip of the finger (70) is located. At this time, since the finger (70) is located at a point on the light guide plate (20), the first coordinate and the second coordinate calculated by the processor (90) are identical.

[0193] As such, the touch display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure emits infrared rays through the first and second light source arrays (30, 40) and captures the infrared rays reflected from the input object (70) with the first camera (51) and the second camera (52) to recognize the coordinates of the input object (70), so the coordinates of the input object (70) can be recognized better than when using a single light source array.

[0194] Specifically, the touch display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure emits infrared rays using first and second light source arrays (30, 40) arranged in two parallel rows, so the amount of infrared rays reflected to the input object (70) is greater than that of the touch display device (1) using a light source array (30) arranged in one row as in the above-described embodiment, so it is easy to recognize the coordinates of the input object (70) and can increase accuracy.

[0195] In addition, since the touch display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a second light source array (40) positioned above the light guide plate (20), the height (H2) at which spatial touch is possible, which allows the leading coordinates of an input object (70) to be recognized while spaced apart from the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20) without directly touching the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), is higher than the spatial touch height (H1) of the touch display device (1) including a single line of light source array (30) as in the embodiment described above.

[0196] In addition, since the touch display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure uses two cameras (51, 52), it can recognize the coordinates of the input object (70) even if one of the two cameras (51, 52) does not recognize the input object (70). Therefore, compared to the case where one camera is used, the error of the touch display device failing to recognize the coordinates of the input object (70) can be minimized.

[0197] Although a touch display device (1) that calculates the coordinates of an input object (70) using two cameras (51, 52) has been described above, the touch display device according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include only one camera as shown in FIG. 14.

[0198] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 14, a touch display device (1') according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel (10), a light guide plate (20), first and second light source arrays (30, 40), a camera (51), and a processor (90).

[0200] The touch display device (1') illustrated in FIG. 14 is identical to the touch display device (1) according to the above-described embodiment except that one camera (51) is installed on one side of the second light source array (40) to capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface (25) of the light guide plate (20), so a detailed description is omitted.

[0201] In the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the processor (90) is configured to capture an upper surface image and an adjacent upper surface image using one camera (51) and to calculate the coordinates of the input object (70) using this.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 14, a touch display device (1') equipped with one camera (51) may have a higher probability of an error occurring in which the coordinates of an input object (70) cannot be calculated compared to a touch display device (1) equipped with two cameras (51, 52) as in the embodiment described above.

[0203] A touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure having a structure as described above can control a display surface by recognizing the coordinates of an input object when the input object contacts the upper surface of a light guide plate and when the input object is adjacent without contacting the upper surface of the light guide plate.

[0204] In addition, since the touch display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure recognizes the upper surface of the light guide plate as a touchable area, it can prevent errors in misrecognizing the coordinates of the input device due to infrared rays reflected from an area outside the light guide plate.

[0205] The present disclosure has been described above in an exemplary manner. The terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be understood as limiting. Various modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in accordance with the foregoing. Accordingly, unless otherwise noted, the present disclosure may be freely practiced within the scope of the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0207] 1,1'; touch display device 10; display panel 11; Display surface 20; Light guide plate 21; First side 25; First surface (top surface) 30,40; light source array 31,41; infrared light source 51,52; Camera 60; Housing 90; Processor 91; Memory 99; main processor

Claims

Claim 1 A touch display device comprising: a display panel including a display surface; a light guide plate installed on the upper side of the display surface of the display panel and formed to emit light incident on one side to the upper surface; a first light source array installed on one side of the light guide plate and including a plurality of infrared light sources emitting infrared light to one side of the light guide plate; a second light source array installed on the upper side of the first light source array and including a plurality of infrared light sources emitting infrared light in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the light guide plate to the upper side of the upper surface of the light guide plate; a camera installed on at least one side of the second light source array and formed to capture infrared light emitted through the entire area of ​​the upper surface of the light guide plate and infrared light emitted from the second light source array; and a processor that recognizes the coordinates of an input object adjacent to the upper surface of the light guide plate using an infrared image captured by the camera. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A touch display device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of infrared light sources of the second light source array are installed in a straight line parallel to a plurality of infrared light sources of the first light source array. Claim 4 A touch display device according to claim 3, further comprising a printed circuit board in which a plurality of infrared light sources of the first light source array and a plurality of infrared light sources of the second light source array are installed in two rows. Claim 5 In claim 4, the processor is a touch display device installed on the printed circuit board. Claim 6 A touch display device according to claim 1, wherein the processor recognizes a reference touchable area from an upper surface image of the light guide plate captured by the camera while the first light source array is turned on and the second light source array is turned off, and when the processor recognizes the coordinates of the input object adjacent to the light guide plate, the processor extracts a touchable area by removing an area extending from the upper surface of the light guide plate from an adjacent upper surface image of the light guide plate captured by the camera while the first light source array and the second light source array are turned on, and detects the coordinates of the input object by comparing the extracted touchable area with the reference touchable area. Claim 7 A touch display device according to claim 1, wherein the light guide plate is formed in a rectangular flat shape and includes a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface on which the display panel is installed, and four sides, wherein the first light source array is installed to allow infrared rays to be incident on the first side among the four sides of the light guide plate, and the light guide plate is formed such that the infrared rays incident on the first side are emitted through the first surface. Claim 8 A touch display device according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of infrared light sources of the first light source array are installed in a straight line along the first side of the light guide plate. Claim 9 A touch display device according to claim 7, wherein the light guide plate has a second side and a third side perpendicular to the first side among the four sides formed such that infrared rays emitted from the first light source array are not emitted to the outside of the light guide plate. Claim 10 A touch display device according to claim 1, wherein the camera comprises a wide-angle lens and an image sensor so as to be able to capture infrared rays emitted from the first light source array and emitted over the entire area of ​​the upper surface of the light guide plate. Claim 11 A touch display device according to claim 10, wherein the angle of view of the wide-angle lens is greater than 90 degrees. Claim 12 A touch display device according to claim 1, wherein the camera comprises: a first camera installed on one side of the first light source array and formed to capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface of the light guide plate; and a second camera installed on the other side of the first light source array opposite to the first camera and formed to capture the entire area of ​​the upper surface of the light guide plate. Claim 13 A touch display device according to claim 12, wherein the first camera and the second camera each include a wide-angle lens and an image sensor, and the angle of view of the wide-angle lens is greater than 90 degrees. Claim 14 A touch display device according to claim 1, wherein the processor recognizes a reference touchable area from an upper surface image of the light guide plate captured by the camera while the first light source array is turned on, and when the processor recognizes the coordinates of the input object adjacent to the light guide plate, the processor extracts a touchable area by removing an area extending from the upper surface of the light guide plate from an adjacent upper surface image of the light guide plate captured by the camera while the first light source array is turned on, and recognizes the coordinates of the input object by comparing the extracted touchable area with the reference touchable area. Claim 15 A touch display device according to claim 1, wherein the infrared light source comprises an infrared LED.

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