Force sensor and display device including the force sensor

Abstract

This application relates to a force sensor and a display device including the force sensor. The force sensor includes a plurality of touch cells and a touch driver. The plurality of touch cells include a plurality of drive electrodes, a pressure sensing layer overlapping the drive electrodes, and a plurality of sensing electrodes overlapping the pressure sensing layer. The touch driver is configured to receive raw data from the plurality of touch cells and detect a touch pressure applied to the plurality of touch cells. The touch driver includes a filtering unit, a data storage unit, and a noise removal unit. The filtering unit is configured to filter the raw data and output sensed data. The data storage unit is configured to store maximum data having the highest value among the sensed data and propagation data of at least one adjacent touch cell adjacent to the maximum touch cell having the maximum data. The noise removal unit is configured to detect and remove noise from the sensed data.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2019 - 0130927, filed on October 21, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical field

[0003] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a force sensor and a display device including the force sensor. Background art

[0004] Electronic devices such as smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation devices, and smart TVs generally include a display device for displaying an image to a user. The display device may include a display panel for generating and displaying an image and various input devices.

[0005] Recently, a touch panel for recognizing a touch input has been applied as an input device to smart phones and tablet PCs. The touch panel can replace a keyboard or a similar conventional physical input device due to the convenience of the touch scheme. In addition to the touch panel, research on the installation and use of a force sensor in a display device has been conducted. Summary of the invention

[0006] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure provide a force sensor and a display device including the force sensor, the force sensor being configured to accurately detect and remove noise to precisely sense a touch position even when the force sensor is relatively low - cost and high - efficiency.

[0007] However, the aspects and features of the present disclosure are not limited to the above - mentioned aspects and features, and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a force sensor includes: a plurality of touch cells including a plurality of drive electrodes, a pressure sensing layer overlapping the plurality of drive electrodes, and a plurality of sensing electrodes overlapping the pressure sensing layer (e.g., formed by the plurality of drive electrodes, the pressure sensing layer overlapping the plurality of drive electrodes, and the plurality of sensing electrodes overlapping the pressure sensing layer); and a touch driver configured to receive a plurality of raw data from the plurality of touch cells and detect a touch pressure applied to the plurality of touch cells. The touch driver includes: a filtering unit configured to filter the plurality of raw data and output a plurality of sensed data; a data storage unit configured to store maximum data having the highest value among the plurality of sensed data and propagation data of at least one adjacent touch cell adjacent to the maximum touch cell having the maximum data; and a noise removal unit configured to detect and remove noise from the plurality of sensed data.

[0009] The noise removal unit may be configured to determine that data of at least one touch cell spaced apart from the maximum touch cell in the touch cells is noise.

[0010] The noise removal unit may be configured to determine that data of at least one touch cell not directly adjacent to the maximum touch cell in the touch cells is noise.

[0011] The noise removal unit may be configured to determine that data of at least one touch cell having no adjacent touch cell among the plurality of touch cells having the plurality of sensed data is noise.

[0012] The data storage unit may be configured to store the maximum data and propagation data of a first adjacent touch cell, a second adjacent touch cell, a third adjacent touch cell, and a fourth adjacent touch cell that are adjacent to the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side of the maximum touch cell, respectively, when viewed from above.

[0013] The touch driver may further include a position detection unit configured to detect a touch position where the touch pressure is applied based on the position of the maximum touch cell, the value of the maximum data, the positions of at least one adjacent touch cell, and the value of the propagation data.

[0014] The position detection unit may be configured to calculate the touch position by using Equation 1 when one adjacent touch cell is adjacent to the maximum touch cell:

[0015]

Equation 1

[0016]

[0017] where x is the touch position, d1 is the maximum data value, d2 is the propagation data value, x1 is the position of the maximum touch cell, and x2 is the position of the adjacent touch cell.

[0018] The maximum touch cell may have a first region adjacent to an adjacent touch cell and a second region not adjacent to the adjacent touch cell, and the position detection unit may be configured to detect a part of the first region of the maximum touch cell as a touch position where a touch pressure is applied.

[0019] The position detection unit may be configured to calculate the touch position by using Equation 2 when a plurality of adjacent touch cells are adjacent to the maximum touch cell:

[0020]

Equation 2

[0021]

[0022] where x is the touch position, d1 is the maximum data value, d2 is the first propagated data value, dn is the (n - 1)th propagated data value, x1 is the position of the maximum touch cell, x2 is the position of the first adjacent touch cell, and xn is the position of the (n - 1)th adjacent touch cell.

[0023] The maximum touch cell may have a first region adjacent to a first adjacent touch cell having the highest propagated data value among a plurality of adjacent touch cells and a second region not adjacent to the first adjacent touch cell, and the position detection unit may be configured to detect a part of the first region of the maximum touch cell as a touch position where a touch pressure is applied.

[0024] The noise removal unit may be configured to remove sensed data that is not stored in the data storage unit among a plurality of sensed data.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes a display panel and a force sensor. The display panel is configured to display an image, and the force sensor is on one surface of the display panel. The force sensor includes: a plurality of touch cells including a plurality of driving electrodes, a pressure sensing layer overlapping the plurality of driving electrodes, and a plurality of sensing electrodes overlapping the pressure sensing layer (e.g., formed by the plurality of driving electrodes, the pressure sensing layer overlapping the plurality of driving electrodes, and the plurality of sensing electrodes overlapping the pressure sensing layer); and a touch driver configured to receive a plurality of raw data from the plurality of touch cells and detect a touch pressure applied to the plurality of touch cells. The touch driver includes: a filtering unit configured to filter the plurality of raw data and output a plurality of sensed data; a data storage unit configured to store a maximum data having the highest value among the plurality of sensed data and propagation data of at least one adjacent touch cell adjacent to a maximum touch cell having the maximum data; and a noise removal unit configured to detect and remove noise from the plurality of sensed data.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a force sensor includes: a plurality of touch cells, including a plurality of driving electrodes configured to receive a touch driving voltage, a plurality of sensing electrodes configured to output a plurality of pieces of raw data, and a pressure sensing layer located between the plurality of driving electrodes and the plurality of sensing electrodes (e.g., formed by a plurality of driving electrodes configured to receive a touch driving voltage, a plurality of sensing electrodes configured to output a plurality of pieces of raw data, and a pressure sensing layer located between the plurality of driving electrodes and the plurality of sensing electrodes); and a touch driver configured to receive a plurality of pieces of raw data and detect a touch pressure applied to the plurality of touch cells. The touch driver includes: a data storage unit configured to store the maximum data having the highest value among the plurality of pieces of raw data and propagation data of at least one adjacent touch cell adjacent to the maximum touch cell having the maximum data; and a filtering unit configured to filter out the raw data not stored in the data storage unit from the plurality of pieces of raw data.

[0027] The data storage unit may be configured to store the maximum data and propagation data of a first adjacent touch cell, a second adjacent touch cell, a third adjacent touch cell, and a fourth adjacent touch cell that are adjacent to the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side of the maximum touch cell, respectively, when viewed from above.

[0028] The touch driver may further include a position detection unit configured to detect a touch position where the touch pressure is applied based on the position of the maximum touch cell, the value of the maximum data, the positions of at least one adjacent touch cell, and the value of the propagation data.

[0029] The position detection unit may be configured to calculate the touch position by using Equation 1 when one adjacent touch cell is adjacent to the maximum touch cell:

[0030]

Equation 1

[0031]

[0032] where x is the touch position, d1 is the maximum data value, d2 is the propagation data value, x1 is the position of the maximum touch cell, and x2 is the position of the adjacent touch cell.

[0033] The maximum touch cell may have a first region adjacent to the adjacent touch cell and a second region not adjacent to the adjacent touch cell, and the position detection unit may be configured to detect a part of the first region of the maximum touch cell as the touch position where the touch pressure is applied.

[0034] The position detection unit may be configured to calculate the touch position by using Equation 2 when a plurality of adjacent touch cells are adjacent to the maximum touch cell:

[0035]

Equation 2

[0036]

[0037] Wherein, x is the touch position, d1 is the maximum data value, d2 is the first propagated data value, dn is the (n - 1)th propagated data value, x1 is the position of the maximum touch cell, x2 is the position of the first adjacent touch cell, and xn is the position of the (n - 1)th adjacent touch cell.

[0038] The maximum touch cell may have a first region adjacent to the adjacent touch cell having the highest propagated data value among the plurality of adjacent touch cells and a second region adjacent to the other adjacent touch cells among the plurality of adjacent touch cells, and the position detection unit may be configured to detect a part of the first region of the maximum touch cell as the touch position where the touch pressure is applied.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel configured to display an image and a force sensor on one surface of the display panel. The force sensor includes a plurality of touch cells and a touch driver. The plurality of touch cells include a plurality of drive electrodes configured to receive a touch drive voltage, a plurality of sensing electrodes configured to output a plurality of pieces of raw data, and a pressure sensing layer located between the plurality of drive electrodes and the plurality of sensing electrodes (e.g., formed by a plurality of drive electrodes configured to receive a touch drive voltage, a plurality of sensing electrodes configured to output a plurality of pieces of raw data, and a pressure sensing layer between the plurality of drive electrodes and the plurality of sensing electrodes). The touch driver is configured to receive the plurality of pieces of raw data and detect the touch pressure on the plurality of touch cells. The touch driver includes a data storage unit and a filtering unit. The data storage unit is configured to store the maximum data having the highest value among the plurality of pieces of raw data and the propagated data of at least one adjacent touch cell adjacent to the maximum touch cell having the maximum data. The filtering unit is configured to filter out the raw data that is not stored in the data storage unit from the plurality of pieces of raw data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Advantages and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device in a folded configuration according to an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 2 is showing a display device in an unfolded configuration according to an embodiment Figure 1 in a perspective view of the display device shown in;

[0043] Figure 3 is alongFigure 1 Cross-sectional view taken along line I-I';

[0044] Figure 4 is taken along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view taken along line II-II';

[0045] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first display unit of the display device according to the embodiment; Figures 1 to 4 as shown in;

[0046] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the first force sensor of the display device according to the embodiment;

[0047] Figure 7 is a plan view showing the printed circuit board and the first substrate of the display device according to the embodiment;

[0048] Figure 8 is a plan view showing the Figure 7 printed circuit board and the second substrate as shown in the display device according to the embodiment;

[0049] Figure 9 is a plan view showing the first substrate and Figure 7 as shown in Figure 8 the second substrate as shown in, which are combined with each other in the display device according to the embodiment;

[0050] Figure 10 is a diagram of the touch driver of the display device according to the embodiment;

[0051] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the raw data generated in a plurality of touch cells in the display device according to the embodiment;

[0052] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the sensed data from Figure 11 passing through the filtering unit in the display device according to the embodiment;

[0053] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the Figure 12 stored data stored in the data storage unit among the sensed data as shown in the display device according to the embodiment;

[0054] Figure 14 is a diagram showing the touch position detected by the position detection unit in the display device according to the embodiment;

[0055] Figure 15 is an exemplary diagram showing the touch position detection method of the position detection unit in the display device according to the embodiment;

[0056] Figure 16It is an exemplary diagram showing a touch position detection method of a position detection unit in a display device according to another embodiment;

[0057] Figure 17 It is a flowchart showing a touch position detection process of a touch driver in a display device according to an embodiment;

[0058] Figure 18 It is a flowchart showing a noise detection process of a touch driver in a display device according to an embodiment;

[0059] Figure 19 It is a flowchart showing a noise detection process of a touch driver in a display device according to another embodiment;

[0060] Figure 20 It is a diagram showing a touch driver of a display device according to another embodiment;

[0061] Figure 21 It is a diagram showing raw data generated in a plurality of touch cells in a display device according to another embodiment;

[0062] Figure 22 It is a diagram showing in a display device according to another embodiment Figure 21 a diagram showing stored data stored in a data storage unit among the raw data shown in;

[0063] Figure 23 It is a diagram showing a touch position detected by a position detection unit in a display device according to an embodiment; and

[0064] Figure 24 It is a flowchart showing a touch position detection process of a touch driver in a display device according to another embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0065] In the following description, for purposes of illustration, numerous details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present disclosure. As used herein, "embodiment" and "implementation" are interchangeable terms that denote non-limiting examples of a device or method that employs one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that the various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without the described details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various exemplary embodiments. Additionally, the various exemplary embodiments may be different but not necessarily exclusive. For example, without departing from the inventive concept, the specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0066] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary embodiments shown should be understood as providing exemplary features of different details of some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter, individually or collectively referred to as "elements") of various embodiments can be combined, separated, interchanged, and / or rearranged otherwise without departing from the inventive concept.

[0067] The use of cross-hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally used to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless specified, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not represent or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, size, ratio, commonality between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, for clarity and / or description purposes, the sizes and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated. When the exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific process order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes can be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described order. In addition, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0068] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there can be intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. To this end, the term "connected" can represent physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection in the presence or absence of intervening elements. In addition, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system (such as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis can be perpendicular to each other or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the set consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0069] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element discussed below may be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0070] Spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "under", "lower", "above", "upper", "over", "higher", "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall") may be used herein for descriptive purposes and, thus, to describe the relationship of one element to another(s) as illustrated in the figures. Except for the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "beneath" or "below" another element or feature would then be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Further, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and thus the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0071] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. Further, when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are thus used to account for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and / or provided values that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0072] In addition, when describing embodiments of the present invention, the use of "may" pertains to "one or more embodiments of the present invention". Further, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean an example or illustration.

[0073] In this document, various exemplary embodiments are described with reference to sectional views and / or exploded views, which are schematic diagrams of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Accordingly, deviations from the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Thus, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as being limited to the particular region shapes shown, but should include deviations in shape caused by, for example, manufacturing. In this manner, the regions shown in the drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device and are therefore not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0074] In accordance with the convention in the art, some aspects of the exemplary embodiments are described and illustrated in the drawings in terms of functional blocks, units, and / or modules. Those skilled in the art will understand that these blocks, units, and / or modules are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits (such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hardwired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, etc.) that may be formed using semiconductor-based fabrication techniques or other manufacturing techniques. In the case where the blocks, units, and / or modules are implemented by a microprocessor or other similar hardware, the blocks, units, and / or modules may be programmed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein and, optionally, may be driven by firmware and / or software. It is also contemplated that each block, unit, and / or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware or as a combination of dedicated hardware that performs some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits) that performs other functions. Additionally, without departing from the scope of the inventive concept, each block, unit, and / or module of some exemplary embodiments may be physically divided into two or more interacting and discrete blocks, units, and / or modules. Further, without departing from the scope of the inventive concept, the blocks, units, and / or modules of some exemplary embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and / or modules.

[0075] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Terms, such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0076] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device in a folded configuration (or folded state) according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the display device in an unfolded configuration (or unfolded state).

[0077] In this specification, the terms "above", "top", "upper surface", and "upper end" indicate the upward direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) with respect to the display device, and "below", "bottom", "lower surface", and "lower end" indicate the downward direction (i.e., the direction opposite to the Z-axis direction) with respect to the display device. Additionally, the terms "left", "right", "up", and "down" represent the directions presented when the display device is viewed from top to bottom. For example, the term "right" indicates the X-axis direction, the term "left" indicates the direction opposite to the X-axis direction, the term "up" indicates the Y-axis direction, and the term "down" indicates the direction opposite to the Y-axis direction.

[0078] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the display device may include a first display unit 100 having a first display area DA1 and a second display unit 200 having a second display area DA2.

[0079] The first display unit 100 may have a rectangular planar shape. For example, the first display unit 100 may have a rectangular shape having a first side S1 extending in a first direction (the X-axis direction) (e.g., extending in the first direction) and a second side S2 extending in a second direction (the Y-axis direction) (e.g., extending in the second direction). The first side S1 may be shorter than the second side S2. The edge (or corner) where one of the first sides S1 intersects the corresponding one of the second sides S2 may be rounded with a curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature), or may have (or may be) a right angle. The first display unit 100 may have other planar shapes other than rectangular, such as polygonal, circular, or oval.

[0080] The first display area DA1 of the first display unit 100 may have a rectangular planar shape formed by a first display side DS1 parallel to the first side S1 in the first direction (the X-axis direction) and a second display side DS2 parallel to the second side S2 in the second direction (the Y-axis direction). For example, the first display side DS1 may be shorter than the second display side DS2. The edge (or corner) where one of the first display sides DS1 intersects the corresponding one of the second display sides DS2 may be rounded with a curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature), or may have (or may be) a right angle. The first display area DA1 may have a planar shape other than rectangular, such as polygonal, circular, or oval.

[0081] The second display unit 200 may include a first area A1, a second area A2, and a folding area FA disposed between the first area A1 and the second area A2. Depending on the state of the folding area FA, the second display unit 200 may be folded as shown in Figure 1 or as shown in Figure 2Unfolded as shown (e.g., the second display unit 200 can be folded around the folding area FA). The second display unit 200 can have a rectangular planar shape when unfolded. The second display unit 200 can have a rectangular planar shape having a third side S3 extending in the first direction (X-axis direction) (e.g., extending in the first direction) and a fourth side S4 extending in the second direction (Y-axis direction) (e.g., extending in the second direction). For example, the third side S3 can be longer than the fourth side S4. In this case, the user can view a screen having a long side in the first direction (X-axis direction). As another example, the third side S3 can be shorter than the fourth side S4. In this case, the user can view a screen having a long side in the second direction (Y-axis direction). As yet another example, the third side S3 can have substantially the same length as the fourth side S4. In this case, the user can view a square (or substantially square) screen. The edge (or corner) where one of the third sides S3 intersects the corresponding one of the fourth sides S4 can be rounded with a curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature), or can have (or can be) a right angle. The second display unit 200 can have a planar shape other than rectangular, such as a polygon, a circle, or an ellipse.

[0082] The second display area DA2 of the second display unit 200 can have a rectangular planar shape when unfolded, formed by a third display side DS3 parallel to the third side S3 in the first direction (X-axis direction) and a fourth display side DS4 parallel to the fourth side S4 in the second direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the third display side DS3 can be longer than the fourth display side DS4. As another example, the third display side DS3 can be shorter than the fourth display side DS4. As yet another example, the third display side DS3 can have substantially the same length as the fourth display side DS4. The edge (or corner) where one of the third display sides DS3 intersects the corresponding one of the fourth display sides DS4 can be rounded with a curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature), or can have (or can be) a right angle. The second display area DA2 can have a planar shape other than rectangular, such as a polygon, a circle, or an ellipse.

[0083] For example, the second display unit 200 can be easily folded at the folding area FA by having (or including) a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, and / or rollable. As another example, the second display unit 200 can include a hinge provided on one surface of the second display unit 200 to improve the folding function of the folding area FA.

[0084] When as Figure 1When the second display unit 200 is folded as shown, the second display regions DA2 of the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the second display unit 200 can be folded so as to face each other (inward folding). The second display region DA2 of the second display unit 200 can be folded by bending the second display unit 200 with a curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature) in the folding region FA. For example, the first display region DA1 of the first display unit 100 and the second display region DA2 of the second display unit 200 can face the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0085] When the second display unit 200 is folded, the display device can display an image in the third direction (Z-axis direction) by using the first display unit 100. When the second display unit 200 is unfolded, the display device can display an image in the direction opposite to the third direction (Z-axis direction) by using the second display unit 200. When the second display unit 200 is unfolded, the first display unit 100 can display an image in the third direction (Z-axis direction), or may not display any image.

[0086] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 1 and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of Figure 2

[0087] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 the display device may include a first display unit 100, a second display unit 200, a first lower panel member 300, and a second lower panel member 400.

[0088] The first display unit 100 can display an image in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The first display unit 100 can be disposed on one surface of the first lower panel member 300 and can be supported by the first lower panel member 300. The first display unit 100 may include a first display panel 110, a first cover window 120, and a first force sensor 130.

[0089] ​The first display panel 110 may include an organic light-emitting display panel, a micro light-emitting diode display panel, and / or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. Among them, the organic light-emitting display panel includes organic light-emitting diodes, the micro light-emitting diode display panel includes micro light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and the quantum dot light-emitting display panel includes quantum dot light-emitting diodes. The following description describes an embodiment in which the first display panel 110 includes an organic light-emitting display panel (for example, the first display panel 110 is an organic light-emitting display panel), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first display panel 110 may be disposed closer to the first cover window 120 than the first force sensor 130 (for example, the first display panel 110 may be arranged between the first cover window 120 and the first force sensor 130), and thus, the quality of the display device can be improved.

[0090] The first cover window 120 may be disposed above the first display panel 110 (for example, it may be disposed closer to the user than the first display panel 110). The first cover window 120 may protect the first display panel 110 by covering the upper surface of the first display panel 110. The first cover window 120 may be attached to the first display panel 110 through a transparent adhesive member. The first cover window 120 may correspond to the surface of the first display area DA1 and may directly contact the user's body (for example, the user may touch the first cover window 120 during use). For example, the first cover window 120 may be made of at least one of glass, sapphire, and plastic. The first cover window 120 may be rigid or flexible.

[0091] The first force sensor 130 may be disposed below the first display panel 110. The first force sensor 130 may detect the user's touch generated (or applied) on the first cover window 120. The first force sensor 130 may be disposed to overlap the entire (or all) surface of the first display panel 110. The first force sensor 130 may be disposed to overlap the entire (or all) surface of the first cover window 120. For example, the first force sensor 130 may include a plurality of touch cells that overlap the entire surface of the first display panel 110 or the entire surface of the first cover window 120. Among the plurality of touch cells of the first force sensor 130, the touched touch cell (for example, the touch cell touched on the first cover window 120) may experience a change in resistance value according to the magnitude of the pressure (for example, the pressure of the touch on the first cover window 120). Therefore, the first force sensor 130 may detect the position of the touch based on the position of the touch cell having a changed resistance value, and may detect the magnitude of the touch pressure based on the degree of change in the resistance value.

[0092] According to the state of the folding area FA, the second display unit 200 may be folded as shown in Figure 3 as shown, or asFigure 4 Unfolded as shown. The second display unit 200 can display an image in a direction opposite to the third direction (Z-axis direction) when unfolded. The second display unit 200 may include a second display panel 210, a second cover window 220, and a second force sensor 230.

[0093] The second display panel 210 may include an organic light-emitting display panel, a micro light-emitting diode display panel, and a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. Among them, the organic light-emitting display panel includes organic light-emitting diodes, the micro light-emitting diode display panel includes micro light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and the quantum dot light-emitting display panel includes quantum dot light-emitting diodes.

[0094] The second display panel 210 may include a first area A1, a second area A2, and a folding area FA between the first area A1 and the second area A2. For example, the second display panel 210 can be easily folded at the folding area FA by including (or having) a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, and / or rollable. In some embodiments, the second display panel 210 may include a hinge disposed on one surface of the second display unit 200 to improve the folding function of the folding area FA.

[0095] The first area A1 of the second display panel 210 may be disposed on the other surface of the first lower panel member 300 opposite to the one surface, and may be supported by the first lower panel member 300. The first display panel 110 and the first area A1 of the second display panel 210 may face each other, and the first lower panel member 300 is interposed between the first display panel 110 and the first area A1 of the second display panel 210.

[0096] The second area A2 of the second display panel 210 may be connected to the first area A1 through the folding area FA. When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 is folded as Figure 3 shown, the second area A2 of the second display panel 210 may overlap with the first area A1 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). When the folding area FA of the second display panel 210 is unfolded as Figure 4 shown, the second area A2 of the second display panel 210 may be coplanar with the folding area FA and the first area A1.

[0097] The second area A2 of the second display panel 210 may be disposed on one surface of the second lower panel member 400, and may be supported by the second lower panel member 400.

[0098] The second cover window 220 may be disposed on one surface of the second display panel 210. The second cover window 220 may protect the second display panel 210 by covering one surface of the second display panel 210. The second cover window 220 may be attached to one surface of the second display panel 210 by a transparent adhesive member. The second cover window 220 may correspond to the surface of the second display area DA2 and may directly contact the user's body. For example, the second cover window 220 may be made of at least one of glass, sapphire, and plastic. A part of the second cover window 220 may overlap with the folding area FA of the second display panel 210, and at least a part of the second cover window 220 may be formed to be flexible.

[0099] The second force sensor 230 may be disposed on the other surface of the second display panel 210 opposite to the one surface. The second force sensor 230 may detect a touch of the user generated (or applied) on the second cover window 220. The second force sensor 230 may be disposed to overlap with the entire surface of the second display panel 210. The second force sensor 230 may be disposed to overlap with the entire surface of the second cover window 220. For example, the second force sensor 230 may include a plurality of touch cells overlapping with the entire surface of the second display panel 210 or the entire surface of the second cover window 220. Among the plurality of touch cells of the second force sensor 230, the touched touch cell (e.g., the touch cell touched on the second cover window 220) may experience a change in resistance value according to the magnitude of the pressure (e.g., the pressure of the touch on the second cover window 220). Therefore, the second force sensor 230 may detect the position of the touch based on the position of the touch cell having a changed resistance value, and may detect the magnitude of the touch pressure based on the degree of the change in the resistance value.

[0100] The first lower panel member 300 may be disposed between the first display unit 100 and the first area A1 of the second display panel 210. One surface of the first lower panel member 300 may support the first display unit 100, and the other surface of the first lower panel member 300 may support the first area A1 of the second display panel 210. For example, one surface of the first lower panel member 300 may directly support the first force sensor 130 of the first display unit 100. One surface of the first lower panel member 300 may indirectly support the first display panel 110 and the first cover window 120. The other surface of the first lower panel member 300 may directly support the portion of the second force sensor 230 overlapping with the first area A1 of the second display panel 210. The other surface of the first lower panel member 300 may indirectly support the first area A1 and the portion of the second cover window 220 overlapping with the first area A1.

[0101] The first lower panel member 300 may include a buffer member and a heat dissipation member. The buffer member of the first lower panel member 300 may absorb an external impact and thus may prevent (or reduce the occurrence of) damage to the portion of the first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 that overlaps with the first region A1. For example, the buffer member of the first lower panel member 300 may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers, where the single layer or multiple layers include a polymer resin (or may be made of a polymer resin), such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and polyethylene. As another example, the first lower panel member 300 may include an elastic material (or may be made of an elastic material), such as rubber, a polyurethane-based material, or a sponge obtained by foaming an acrylic-based material.

[0102] For example, the heat dissipation member of the first lower panel member 300 may include graphite or carbon nanotubes and may block (or substantially block) electromagnetic waves (e.g., electromagnetic radiation). As another example, the heat dissipation member of the first lower panel member 300 may be formed of a thin metal film having excellent thermal conductivity, such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), ferrite, or silver (Ag), and thus, may dissipate the heat generated in the first display unit 100 and / or the second display unit 200.

[0103] The second lower panel member 400 may support the second display unit 200. The second lower panel member 400 may directly support the portion of the second force sensor 230 that overlaps with the second region A2 and may indirectly support the second region A2 and the portion of the second cover window 220 that overlaps with the second region A2.

[0104] When the second display unit 200 is folded as Figure 3 shown, the second lower panel member 400 may overlap the first lower panel member 300 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). When the second display unit 200 is unfolded as Figure 4 shown, the second lower panel member 400 may be coplanar with the first lower panel member 300. In Figure 4 this case, the first lower panel member 300 and the second lower panel member 400 may be spaced (e.g., separated) from each other by a distance corresponding to the folding region FA.

[0105] The second bottom panel member 400 may include a buffer member and a heat dissipation member. The buffer member of the second bottom panel member 400 may absorb external impacts and thus may prevent (or reduce the occurrence of) damage to the portion of the second display unit 200 that overlaps with the second region A2. For example, the buffer member of the second bottom panel member 400 may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers, where the single layer or multiple layers include a polymer resin (or may be made of a polymer resin), such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and polyethylene. As another example, the second bottom panel member 400 may include an elastic material (or may be made of an elastic material), such as rubber, a polyurethane-based material, or a sponge obtained by foaming an acrylic-based material.

[0106] For example, the heat dissipation member of the second bottom panel member 400 may include graphite or carbon nanotubes and may block (or substantially block) electromagnetic waves (e.g., electromagnetic radiation). As another example, the heat dissipation member of the second bottom panel member 400 may be formed of a thin metal film having excellent thermal conductivity, such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), ferrite, or silver (Ag), and thus, may dissipate the heat generated in the second display unit 200.

[0107] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first display unit of a display device according to an embodiment. Here, Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the first display unit 100 shown therein may have substantially the same configuration as the cross-sectional view of the second display unit 200. For example, the cross-sectional configurations of the first display panel 110, the first cover window 120, and the first force sensor 130 may respectively correspond to the cross-sectional configurations of the second display panel 210, the second cover window 220, and the second force sensor 230. The cross-sectional configuration of the first display unit 100 will be described in detail, and thus, since the description of the cross-sectional configuration of the second display unit 200 is redundant, it will be omitted.

[0108] Referring to Figure 5 , the first display panel 110 may include a base film BF, a thin film transistor layer TFTL, a light emitting layer EML, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0109] The base film BF can be a base substrate and can include an insulating material such as a polymer resin (or can be made of an insulating material such as a polymer resin). For example, the base film BF can include polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PAC), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CTA), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof (or the base film BF can be made of the above items). The base film BF can be a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, and / or rollable.

[0110] The thin film transistor layer TFTL can be disposed over the base film BF. The thin film transistor layer TFTL can include at least one thin film transistor for driving each of a plurality of sub-pixels. At least one thin film transistor of the sub-pixel can include a semiconductor layer, a gate electrode, a drain electrode, and a source electrode. For example, the thin film transistor layer TFTL can further include a scan line, a data line, a power line, a scan control line, a pad coupled to at least one thin film transistor of the sub-pixel, and a wiring for connecting the data line.

[0111] The light emitting layer EML can be disposed over the thin film transistor layer TFTL. The light emitting layer EML can include a light emitting element connected to (e.g., coupled to) at least one thin film transistor of the thin film transistor layer TFTL. The light emitting element can include a first electrode, a light emitting layer, and a second electrode. For example, the light emitting layer EML can be an organic light emitting layer including an organic material (or made of an organic material), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In an embodiment where the light emitting layer EML is an organic light emitting layer, the thin film transistor of the thin film transistor layer TFTL applies a voltage (e.g., a predetermined voltage) to the first electrode of the light emitting element. When the second electrode of the light emitting element receives a common voltage or a cathode voltage, holes and electrons can move to the organic light emitting layer through a hole transport layer and an electron transport layer, respectively, and can combine with each other to emit light at the organic light emitting layer.

[0112] The light emitting layer EML can include a pixel defining film that defines a plurality of sub-pixels. The corresponding first electrodes in the portion of the light emitting layer EML and the first electrode can be spaced apart from each other and insulated by the pixel defining film.

[0113] The thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL can be disposed above the light-emitting layer EML to cover the thin-film transistor layer TFTL and the light-emitting layer EML. The thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL can prevent (or substantially prevent) oxygen and moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting layer EML. For example, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL can include at least one inorganic film. The thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL can include inorganic films such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, and / or an aluminum oxide layer, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0114] The thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL can also protect the light-emitting layer EML from foreign substances such as dust. For example, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL can include (or can further include) at least one organic film. The thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL can include organic films such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0115] The first cover window 120 can be disposed above the thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL. The first cover window 120 can protect the first display panel 110 by covering the upper surface of the thin-film encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0116] The first force sensor 130 can be disposed below the base film BF. The first force sensor 130 can include a first substrate SUB1, a driving electrode layer TEL, a pressure sensing layer PSL, a sensing electrode layer REL, and a second substrate SUB2.

[0117] The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 can face each other, and the driving electrode layer TEL, the pressure sensing layer PSL, and the sensing electrode layer REL are interposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. For example, each of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 can include polyether sulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PAC), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CTA), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof (or can be made of the above items).

[0118] The driving electrode layer TEL can be disposed on the first substrate SUB1. The driving electrode layer TEL can include a plurality of driving electrodes. Each of the plurality of driving electrodes can be connected to (e.g., coupled to) a touch driver through a driving line to receive a touch driving voltage from the touch driver.

[0119] The sensing electrode layer REL may be disposed on the second substrate SUB2. The sensing electrode layer REL may face the driving electrode layer TEL, and the pressure sensing layer PSL is interposed between the sensing electrode layer REL and the driving electrode layer TEL. The sensing electrode layer REL may include a plurality of sensing electrodes. Each of the plurality of sensing electrodes may be connected (e.g., coupled) to a touch driver through a sensing line to provide a touch input signal to the touch driver.

[0120] Each of the plurality of touch cells formed by (e.g., constituted by) the plurality of driving electrodes of the driving electrode layer TEL, the pressure sensing layer PSL, and the plurality of sensing electrodes of the sensing electrode layer REL may undergo (or experience) a change in resistance value according to the applied pressure. For example, the resistance value of one touch cell among the plurality of touch cells may decrease as the pressure applied to the one touch cell among the plurality of touch cells increases. When the pressure applied to one touch cell among the plurality of touch cells is relatively small, the change in the resistance value of the corresponding touch cell may not be significant. The touch driver may sense a change in the current value or voltage value of the touch input signal by using the change in the resistance value of each of the plurality of touch cells connected to the sensing line. Therefore, the touch driver may sense the pressing pressure applied by the user's hand, and thus, the first force sensor 130 may be used as an input device for sensing the user's touch input.

[0121] The pressure sensing layer PSL may be disposed between the driving electrode layer TEL and the sensing electrode layer REL. The pressure sensing layer PSL may form a plurality of touch cells by overlapping the plurality of driving electrodes and the plurality of sensing electrodes.

[0122] The pressure sensing layer PSL may include a polymer resin that includes (or contains) a pressure-sensitive material. The pressure-sensitive material may include fine metal particles (or metal nanoparticles) such as nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), tin (Sn), and copper (Cu). For example, the pressure sensing layer PSL may be a quantum tunneling composite (QTC).

[0123] The first display unit 100 may further include an adhesive layer PSA that bonds the first display panel 110 and the first force sensor 130. The adhesive layer PSA may be disposed between the lower portion of the base film BF and the upper portion of the second substrate SUB2. For example, the adhesive layer PSA may be an optically clear adhesive film (OCA) or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0124] Figure 6Is an exploded perspective view of a first force sensor 130 according to an embodiment. Here, the first force sensor 130 and the second force sensor 230 may have substantially the same configuration. The configuration of the first force sensor 130 will be described in detail, and since the configuration of the second force sensor 230 is substantially similar to the configuration of the first force sensor 130, the description of the configuration of the second force sensor 230 will be omitted.

[0125] Referring to Figure 6 , the first force sensor 130 may include a first substrate SUB1, a plurality of driving electrodes TE, a pressure sensing layer PSL, a plurality of sensing electrodes RE, and a second substrate SUB2.

[0126] The plurality of driving electrodes TE may be disposed on the first substrate SUB1. The plurality of driving electrodes TE may extend in a first direction (X-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the first direction (X-axis direction). The plurality of driving electrodes TE may be connected to a touch driver through driving lines to receive a touch driving voltage from the touch driver. For example, the plurality of driving electrodes TE may include a conductive material such as silver (Ag) and / or copper (Cu). The plurality of driving electrodes TE may be formed on the first substrate SUB1 by screen printing, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0127] The pressure sensing layer PSL may be formed on the plurality of driving electrodes TE. The pressure sensing layer PSL may be patterned along the arrangement of the plurality of driving electrodes TE (e.g., may be patterned to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of driving electrodes TE). The plurality of patterns of the pressure sensing layer PSL may extend in the first direction (X-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the first direction (X-axis direction). Thus, the plurality of patterns of the pressure sensing layer PSL may cross the plurality of sensing electrodes RE.

[0128] The pressure sensing layer PSL may be disposed between the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE. The pressure sensing layer PSL may form a plurality of touch cells by overlapping the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE.

[0129] A plurality of touch cells may correspond to regions where the pressure sensing layer PSL overlaps with a plurality of driving electrodes TE and a plurality of sensing electrodes RE. For example, one of the touch cells may be formed in a region where the pressure sensing layer PSL overlaps with one of the driving electrodes TE and one of the sensing electrodes RE. Each of the plurality of touch cells may have a resistance value that varies according to the applied pressure. For example, the resistance value of one of the plurality of touch cells may decrease as the pressure applied to the one touch cell among the plurality of touch cells increases. When the pressure applied to one of the plurality of touch cells is relatively small, the change in the resistance value of the touch cell may not be significant. The touch driver may sense a change in the current value or voltage value of the touch input signal by using the change in the resistance value of each of the plurality of touch cells connected to the sensing line. Therefore, the touch driver is configured to sense the pressing pressure applied by the user's hand, and thus, the first force sensor 130 may be used as an input device for sensing the user's touch input.

[0130] The pressure sensing layer PSL may include a polymer resin that includes (or contains) a pressure-sensitive material. The pressure-sensitive material may include fine metal particles (or metal nanoparticles) such as nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), tin (Sn), and copper (Cu). For example, the pressure sensing layer PSL may be a quantum tunneling composite (QTC).

[0131] A plurality of sensing electrodes RE may be disposed on the second substrate SUB2. The plurality of sensing electrodes RE may extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction). The plurality of sensing electrodes RE may cross the plurality of driving electrodes TE. The second substrate SUB2 on which the plurality of sensing electrodes RE are formed may be bonded to the first substrate SUB1 on which the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the pressure sensing layer PSL are formed by using an adhesive member.

[0132] The first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may be bonded to each other by an adhesive member. The adhesive member may fill the gap between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. The adhesive member may insulate each of the plurality of driving electrodes TE from each of the plurality of sensing electrodes RE, and may prevent (or substantially reduce) the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE from being exposed to the outside and thus oxidized. Even when the first force sensor 130 receives (or is subjected to) external pressure, the adhesive member may prevent (or substantially reduce) the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE from directly contacting each other.

[0133] Figure 7 is a plan view of a printed circuit board and a first substrate of a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 8It shows a display device according to an embodiment Figure 7 A plan view of the printed circuit board and the second substrate shown in Figure 9 It shows according to an embodiment Figure 7 and Figure 8 A plan view of the first substrate and the second substrate of the display device shown in being combined with each other.

[0134] Referring to Figures 7 to 9 , the first force sensor 130 may further include a touch driver TIC that drives the first force sensor 130 and a printed circuit board PCB on which the touch driver TIC is mounted.

[0135] The touch driver TIC may be disposed on the printed circuit board PCB and may measure resistance changes of a plurality of touch cells CE. The plurality of touch cells CE may be formed in a region where the pressure sensing layer PSL overlaps with a plurality of driving electrodes TE and a plurality of sensing electrodes RE. For example, the plurality of touch cells CE may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) at intervals of the arrangement of the plurality of driving electrodes TE, and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction) at intervals of the arrangement of the plurality of sensing electrodes RE.

[0136] The touch driver TIC may detect the position and magnitude of pressure of a user's touch based on resistance changes of the plurality of touch cells CE. Here, the user's touch refers to an object such as a user's finger or pen that directly contacts the surface of the first display unit 100. In addition, the touch driver TIC may classify a plurality of touch inputs into user-intentional touch inputs and user-unintentional touch inputs and remove noise, and thus may accurately detect the user's touch input.

[0137] The printed circuit board PCB may be connected to (e.g., coupled to) the first substrate SUB1 through the first circuit film CF1 and may be connected to (e.g., coupled to) the second substrate SUB2 through the second circuit film CF2. A third connection terminal CT3 of the printed circuit board PCB may be connected to a first connection terminal CT1 of the first circuit film CF1, and a fourth connection terminal CT4 of the printed circuit board PCB may be connected to a second connection terminal CT2 of the second circuit film CF2. For example, the printed circuit board PCB may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a printed circuit board (PCB), or a flexible film such as a chip on film (COF).

[0138] The touch driver TIC may be connected to (e.g., coupled to) the third connection terminal CT3 and the fourth connection terminal CT4 of the printed circuit board PCB through leads of the printed circuit board PCB.

[0139] In Figure 7In [the structure], the touch driver TIC can be connected (e.g., coupled) to the third connection terminal CT3 of the printed circuit board PCB through a lead, and the first connection terminal CT1 of the first circuit film CF1 can be connected (e.g., coupled) to a plurality of drive electrodes TE on the first substrate SUB1 through a drive line TL. Accordingly, the touch driver TIC can be electrically connected to the plurality of drive electrodes TE through the lead, the third connection terminal CT3, the first connection terminal CT1, and the drive line TL. For example, each of the plurality of drive electrodes TE can have one end connected (e.g., coupled) to the drive line TL on the left side of the first substrate SUB1. The plurality of drive electrodes TE can extend parallel to each other along the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0140] In Figure 8 [the structure], the touch driver TIC can be connected (e.g., coupled) to the fourth connection terminal CT4 of the printed circuit board PCB through a lead, and the second connection terminal CT2 of the second circuit film CF2 can be connected (e.g., coupled) to a plurality of sensing electrodes RE on the second substrate SUB2 through a sensing line RL. Accordingly, the touch driver TIC can be electrically connected to the plurality of sensing electrodes RE through the lead, the fourth connection terminal CT4, the second connection terminal CT2, and the sensing line RL. For example, each of the plurality of sensing electrodes RE can have one end connected (e.g., coupled) to the sensing line RL on the upper side of the second substrate SUB2. The plurality of sensing electrodes RE can extend parallel to each other along the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0141] In Figure 9 [the structure], the drive line TL can be formed on the first substrate SUB1 to connect (e.g., couple) the plurality of drive electrodes TE to the first connection terminal CT1 of the first circuit film CF1, and the sensing line RL can be formed on the second substrate SUB2 to connect (e.g., couple) the plurality of sensing electrodes RE to the second connection terminal CT2 of the second circuit film CF2. The drive line TL and the sensing line RL can be insulated from each other by an adhesive member disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2.

[0142] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a touch driver of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a plurality of pieces of raw data generated by a plurality of touch cells in a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 12 is a diagram showing a plurality of pieces of sensed data that have passed through a filtering unit in a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 13 is a diagram showing stored data stored in a data storage unit in a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 14 is a diagram showing a touch position detected by a position detection unit in a display device according to an embodiment. Figures 11 to 14The data values of the multiple touch cells shown are for ease of description, and thus the configurations and effects of the present disclosure are not limited to these example data values of the touch cells.

[0143] Referring to Figures 10 to 14 , the touch driver TIC may include a filtering unit 510, a data storage unit 520, a noise removal unit 530, and a position detection unit 540.

[0144] The filtering unit 510 may filter multiple pieces of raw data RAW and then output multiple pieces of sensed data SE. The filtering unit 510 may receive multiple pieces of raw data RAW from multiple touch cells CE through one or more sensing lines RL. For example, the filtering unit 510 may correspond to a low-noise filter that filters out relatively low data (e.g., low-value data) from multiple pieces of raw data RAW. The filtering unit 510 may remove some noise from multiple pieces of raw data RAW. Thus, the filtering unit 510 may remove relatively low data or some noise from multiple pieces of raw data RAW and may output multiple pieces of sensed data SE including relatively high data (e.g., high-value data).

[0145] In Figure 11 and Figure 12 , among multiple pieces of raw data RAW, the filtering unit 510 may pass raw data RAW greater than 10 and remove raw data RAW less than or equal to 10 (e.g., in some embodiments, low data may be defined as 10 or less, but the present invention is not limited thereto). Thus, as an example, multiple pieces of sensed data SE may be composed of multiple pieces of data greater than 10.

[0146] In Figure 13 , the data storage unit 520 may store stored data SD including touch position information and / or touch pressure information. The stored data SD may include maximum data and propagated data. For example, the data storage unit 520 may store the maximum data of the maximum touch cell MAX among multiple pieces of sensed data SE and the propagated data of at least one adjacent touch cell ADJ. The stored data SD stored in the data storage unit 520 may be protected from the noise removal unit 530 (e.g., the stored data SD stored in the data storage unit 520 may not be passed to the noise removal unit 530). The maximum data and the propagated data may not be removed by the noise removal unit 530 regardless of the data size. Thus, the data storage unit 520 may store the stored data SD including touch position information and / or touch pressure information and exclude the stored data SD from the target from which noise will be removed (e.g., protect the stored data SD).

[0147] The maximum data of the maximum touch cell MAX can have the highest value among the data of multiple touch cells CE. For example, the maximum touch cell MAX can correspond to a touch cell CE touched by a user's finger or pen. In a low-resolution force sensor, the size of the area touched by the user can be smaller than the size of each of the multiple touch cells CE. Therefore, the area touched by the user can correspond to a part of the maximum touch cell MAX.

[0148] At least one adjacent touch cell ADJ can be directly adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX. Multiple adjacent touch cells ADJ can surround the maximum touch cell MAX. For example, when viewed from the top, the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1, the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2, the third adjacent touch cell ADJ3, and the fourth adjacent touch cell ADJ4 can be adjacent to the left side, the right side, the upper side, and the lower side of the maximum touch cell MAX, respectively. In Figure 12 , the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 can be set to the left side of the maximum touch cell MAX, the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2 can be set to the right side of the maximum touch cell MAX, the third adjacent touch cell ADJ3 can be set above the maximum touch cell MAX, and the fourth adjacent touch cell ADJ4 can be set below the maximum touch cell MAX. However, the arrangement of the multiple adjacent touch cells ADJ is not limited to Figure 12 the configuration shown in

[0149] and the design of the arrangement can be flexibly changed according to the configuration and arrangement of the multiple touch cells CE.

[0150] In Figure 11 and Figure 12In [description], since the touch position of the pen is closer to the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 than to the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2, the size (17) of the propagation data of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 can be greater than the size (14) of the propagation data of the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2. In addition, since the touch position of the pen is closer to the third adjacent touch cell ADJ3 than to the fourth adjacent touch cell ADJ4, the size (11) of the propagation data of the third adjacent touch cell ADJ3 can be greater than the size (6) of the propagation data of the fourth adjacent touch cell ADJ4.

[0151] In Figure 12 and Figure 13 In [description], the noise removal unit 530 can detect and remove noise NIS from multiple sensing data SE. For example, the noise removal unit 530 can determine that the data of the touch cell CE spaced apart from the maximum touch cell MAX by a distance is noise NIS. The noise removal unit 530 can determine that the data of the touch cell CE not directly adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX is noise NIS. In Figure 12 In [description], the first noise NIS1, the second noise NIS2, the third noise NIS3, and the fourth noise NIS4 are not directly adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX (for example, the first noise NIS1, the second noise NIS2, the third noise NIS3, and the fourth noise NIS4 correspond to touch cells CE spaced apart from the maximum touch cell MAX by one or more intermediate touch cells CE). Therefore, the noise removal unit 530 can remove the first noise NIS1, the second noise NIS2, the third noise NIS3, and the fourth noise NIS4 spaced apart from the maximum touch cell MAX by a distance.

[0152] The noise removal unit 530 can determine that the data of the touch cell CE without an adjacent touch cell ADJ among multiple touch cells CE having multiple sensing data SE is noise NIS. In Figure 12 In [description], the first noise NIS1 and the second noise NIS2 may not have an adjacent touch cell ADJ (for example, may not have an adjacent touch cell ADJ that records touch or pressure). Since the first noise NIS1 and the second noise NIS2 do not have an adjacent touch cell ADJ, the noise removal unit 530 can determine that the first noise NIS1 and the second noise NIS2 are not data generated by a user's touch input.

[0153] The noise removal unit 530 may determine that data among the multiple sensed data SE that is not stored by the data storage unit 520 is noise NIS, and may remove the noise NIS. Thus, the noise removal unit 530 may remove data that does not include touch position information and / or touch pressure information by removing data other than the maximum data and propagated data stored in the data storage unit 520.

[0154] The filtering unit 510 as a low-noise filter may remove some noise of the multiple raw data RAW. The noise removal unit 530 may remove other noise that is not removed by the filtering unit 510. Thus, the touch driver TIC may accurately detect and remove noise other than data caused by a touch input, and thus may improve the quality (e.g., accuracy) of the force sensor.

[0155] The position detection unit 540 may detect a touch position TP that generates a touch pressure based on the position of the maximum touch cell MAX, the value of the maximum data, the positions of at least one adjacent touch cell ADJ, and the value of the propagated data.

[0156] For example, when one adjacent touch cell ADJ is adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX, the position detection unit 540 may calculate the touch position TP by using Equation 1 below.

[0157]

Equation 1

[0158]

[0159] where “x” is the touch position TP, “d1” is the maximum data value, “d2” is the propagated data value, “x1” is the position of the maximum touch cell MAX, and “x2” is the position of the adjacent touch cell ADJ.

[0160] When one adjacent touch cell ADJ is adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX, the position detection unit 540 may detect the area of the maximum touch cell MAX adjacent to the adjacent touch cell ADJ as the touch position TP caused by the touch pressure. For example, as the propagated data value of the adjacent touch cell ADJ increases, the touch position TP may be closer to the boundary between the maximum touch cell MAX and the adjacent touch cell ADJ. As another example, as the propagated data value of the adjacent touch cell ADJ decreases, the touch position TP may become closer to the central area of the maximum touch cell MAX.

[0161] In Figure 14 when multiple adjacent touch cells ADJ are adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX, the position detection unit 540 may calculate the touch position TP by using Equation 2 below.

[0162]

Equation 2

[0163]

[0164] Where “x” is the touch position TP, “d1” is the maximum data value, “d2” is the first propagated data value, “dn” is the (n - 1)th propagated data value, “x1” is the position of the maximum touch cell MAX, “x2” is the position of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1, and “xn” is the position of the (n - 1)th adjacent touch cell.

[0165] When multiple adjacent touch cells ADJ are adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX, the position detection unit 540 may detect a partial area of the maximum touch cell MAX that is close to the adjacent touch cell having the highest propagated data value among the multiple adjacent touch cells ADJ as the touch position TP. For example, when the first propagated data value of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 is greater than the second propagated data value of the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2, the touch position TP may correspond to an area of the maximum touch cell MAX that is closer to the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1. As another example, when the first propagated data value of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 is greater than the second propagated data value of the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2, the third propagated data value of the third adjacent touch cell ADJ3, and the fourth propagated data value of the fourth adjacent touch cell ADJ4, the touch position TP may correspond to an area of the maximum touch cell MAX that is closer to the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1.

[0166] In a low - resolution force sensor, the size of the touch position TP may be smaller than the size of the maximum touch cell MAX. The touch driver TIC may determine the partial area of the maximum touch cell MAX to which the touch position TP corresponds by using the position of the maximum touch cell MAX, the value of the maximum data, the position of at least one adjacent touch cell ADJ, and the value of the propagated data. For example, the position detection unit 540 may accurately sense the touch position TP by using an interpolation method (such as by using Equation 1 or Equation 2 above). Therefore, the display device according to the present disclosure may sense an accurate touch position by using a low - cost, high - efficiency, and low - resolution force sensor.

[0167] Figure 15 is an example diagram showing a touch position detection method of a position detection unit in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0168] Refer to Figure 15, the stored data SD may include the maximum data (37) of the maximum touch cell MAX and the first propagation data (21) of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1. The position detection unit 540 may detect the touch position TP where the touch pressure is generated based on the position of the maximum touch cell MAX, the value of the maximum data (37), the position of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1, and the value of the first propagation data (21).

[0169] For example, when an adjacent touch cell ADJ is adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX, the position detection unit 540 may calculate the touch position TP by using Equation 1 above. The maximum touch cell MAX may include a first region TA1 adjacent to the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 and a second region TA2 not adjacent to the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1. For example, the magnitude of the first propagation data (21) may increase as the magnitude of the maximum data (37) increases, and the magnitude of the first propagation data (21) of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 may increase as the touch position TP approaches the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1. The position detection unit 540 may detect a part of the first region TA1 of the maximum touch cell MAX as the touch position TP where the touch pressure is generated (or applied). Therefore, the display device according to the present disclosure can sense an accurate touch position by using a low-cost, high-efficiency, and low-resolution force sensor.

[0170] Figure 16 is another example diagram showing a method for detecting a touch position of a position detection unit in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0171] Referring to Figure 16 , the stored data SD may include the maximum data (37) of the maximum touch cell MAX and the first propagation data (28) of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1, the second propagation data (21) of the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2, and the third propagation data (15) of the third adjacent touch cell ADJ3. The position detection unit 540 may detect the touch position TP where the touch pressure is generated based on the position of the maximum touch cell MAX, the value of the maximum data (37), the positions of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1, the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2, and the third adjacent touch cell ADJ3, and the values of the first to third propagation data (28, 21, and 15).

[0172] For example, when multiple adjacent touch cells ADJ are adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX, the position detection unit 540 can calculate the touch position TP by using Equation 2 above. The maximum touch cell MAX can include a first area TA1 adjacent to the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 having the highest propagated data value among the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1, the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2, and the third adjacent touch cell ADJ3, and a second area TA2 not adjacent to the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1. For example, the magnitudes of the first propagated data to the third propagated data (28, 21, and 15) can increase as the magnitude of the maximum data (37) increases, and the magnitude of the first propagated data (28) of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 can increase as the touch position TP approaches the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1. As another example, the difference between the first propagated data value and the second propagated data value can increase as the touch position TP approaches the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 and moves away from the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2. The position detection unit 540 can detect a part of the first area TA1 of the maximum touch cell MAX as the touch position TP where the touch pressure is generated (or applied). Therefore, the display device according to the present disclosure can sense an accurate touch position by using a low-cost, high-efficiency, and low-resolution force sensor.

[0173] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing a touch position detection process of a touch driver in a display device according to an embodiment. Here, the elements described above can be briefly described or omitted.

[0174] Referring to Figure 17 , the filtering unit 510 can receive multiple pieces of raw data RAW from multiple touch cells CE through one or more sensing lines RL (S110).

[0175] The filtering unit 510 can filter the multiple pieces of raw data RAW and then output multiple pieces of sensed data SE (S120). For example, the filtering unit 510 can correspond to a low-noise filter that filters out relatively low data (e.g., low-value data) from the multiple pieces of raw data RAW.

[0176] The data storage unit 520 can store the maximum data of the maximum touch cell MAX and the propagated data of at least one adjacent touch cell ADJ among the multiple pieces of sensed data SE (S130). The maximum data and at least one piece of propagated data stored in the data storage unit 520 can be protected from the noise removal unit 530 (e.g., excluded from the noise removal unit 530).

[0177] The noise removal unit 530 may detect and remove noise NIS from multiple sensing data SE (S140). The maximum data stored in the data storage unit 520 and at least one propagation data may be excluded from the target from which noise is removed.

[0178] The position detection unit 540 may detect a touch position TP where a touch pressure is generated (or applied) based on the position of the maximum touch cell MAX, the value of the maximum data, the positions of at least one adjacent touch cell ADJ, and the value of the propagation data (S150). For example, the position detection unit 540 may accurately sense the touch position TP by using an interpolation method (such as by using Equation 1 or Equation 2 above). Therefore, the display device according to the present disclosure may sense an accurate touch position by using a low-cost, high-efficiency, and low-resolution force sensor.

[0179] Figure 18 It is an example diagram showing a noise detection process of a touch driver in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0180] Referring to Figure 18 , the data storage unit 520 may detect a maximum touch cell MAX where a touch pressure is generated (or applied) among multiple touch cells CE (S210). The maximum data of the maximum touch cell MAX may have the highest value among the multiple sensing data SE.

[0181] The touch driver TIC may determine whether a corresponding touch cell CE among the multiple touch cells CE is adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX (S220).

[0182] When the corresponding touch cell CE is adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX, the data storage unit 520 may designate the corresponding touch cell CE as an adjacent touch cell ADJ (S230).

[0183] The data storage unit 520 may store the propagation data of the adjacent touch cell ADJ to protect the propagation data from the noise removal unit 530 (S240).

[0184] When the corresponding touch cell CE is not adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX, the noise removal unit 530 may determine that the corresponding touch cell CE is noise NIS (S250). In Figure 12 , the first noise NIS1, the second noise NIS2, the third noise NIS3, and the fourth noise NIS4 are not directly adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX. Therefore, the noise removal unit 530 may determine that the first noise NIS1, the second noise NIS2, the third noise NIS3, and the fourth noise NIS4 spaced apart from the maximum touch cell MAX by a distance are noise NIS.

[0185] The noise removal unit 530 may remove the noise NIS (S260).

[0186] The position detection unit 540 may detect the touch position TP based on the data from which the noise has been removed by the filtering unit 510 and the noise removal unit 530.

[0187] Figure 19 is another exemplary diagram showing a noise detection process of a touch driver in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0188] Referring to Figure 19 , the data storage unit 520 may store the maximum data of the maximum touch cell MAX in which the touch pressure is generated (or applied) among the plurality of touch cells CE and the propagation data of the adjacent touch cells ADJ directly adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX (S310).

[0189] The noise removal unit 530 may determine whether there are adjacent touch cells to the corresponding touch cell CE among the plurality of touch cells CE (S320).

[0190] The noise removal unit 530 may determine that the data of the touch cell CE that does not have an adjacent touch cell ADJ among the plurality of touch cells CE having a plurality of sensing data SE is noise NIS, and may remove the noise NIS (S330). In Figure 12 , the first noise NIS1 and the second noise NIS2 do not have adjacent touch cells ADJ. Since the first noise NIS1 and the second noise NIS2 do not have adjacent touch cells ADJ, the noise removal unit 530 may determine that the first noise NIS1 and the second noise NIS2 are not data generated by a user's touch input.

[0191] Figure 20 is a diagram showing a touch driver of a display device according to another embodiment. Figure 21 is a diagram showing multiple pieces of raw data generated by multiple touch cells in a display device according to another embodiment, Figure 22 is a diagram showing stored data in a data storage unit of a display device according to another embodiment, and Figure 23 is a diagram showing a touch position detected by a position detection unit in a display device according to an embodiment. Figures 20 to 23 The data values of the multiple touch cells shown in

[0192] are for ease of description, and thus, the configurations and effects of the present disclosure are not limited to these example data values of the touch cells. Figures 20 to 23 , the touch driver TIC may include a data storage unit 610, a filtering unit 620, and a position detection unit 630.

[0193] The data storage unit 610 may receive a plurality of pieces of raw data RAW from a plurality of touch cells CE through one or more sensing lines RL. The data storage unit 610 may extract stored data SD including touch position information and / or touch pressure information from the plurality of pieces of raw data RAW, and store the extracted stored data SD. The stored data SD may include maximum data and propagated data. For example, the data storage unit 610 may store the maximum data of the maximum touch cell MAX among the plurality of pieces of raw data RAW and the propagated data of at least one adjacent touch cell ADJ. The stored data SD stored in the data storage unit 610 may be protected from the filtering unit 620. For example, the maximum data and the propagated data may not be removed by the filtering unit 620 regardless of the data size. Accordingly, the data storage unit 610 may store the stored data SD including touch position information and / or touch pressure information, and exclude the stored data SD from the target to be filtered.

[0194] The maximum data of the maximum touch cell MAX may have the highest value among the data of the plurality of touch cells CE. For example, the maximum touch cell MAX may correspond to the touch cell CE touched by a user's finger or pen. In a low-resolution force sensor, the size of the area touched by the user may be smaller than the size of each of the plurality of touch cells CE. Accordingly, the area touched by the user may correspond to a part of the maximum touch cell MAX.

[0195] At least one adjacent touch cell ADJ may be directly adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX. A plurality of adjacent touch cells ADJ may surround the maximum touch cell MAX (e.g., may surround the periphery of the maximum touch cell MAX). For example, when viewed from the top, a first adjacent touch cell ADJ1, a second adjacent touch cell ADJ2, a third adjacent touch cell ADJ3, and a fourth adjacent touch cell ADJ4 may be adjacent to the left side, the right side, the upper side, and the lower side of the maximum touch cell MAX, respectively. In Figure 21 , the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 may be set to the left side of the maximum touch cell MAX, the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2 may be set to the right side of the maximum touch cell MAX, the third adjacent touch cell ADJ3 may be set above the maximum touch cell MAX, and the fourth adjacent touch cell ADJ4 may be set below the maximum touch cell MAX. However, the arrangement of the plurality of adjacent touch cells ADJ is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 21 and the design of the arrangement may be flexibly changed according to the configuration and arrangement of the plurality of touch cells CE.

[0196] The maximum touch cell MAX may have maximum data proportional to the magnitude of the touch pressure, and multiple adjacent touch cells ADJ may have propagated data generated when the touch pressure generated in the maximum touch cell MAX propagates. The magnitude of the propagated data of the adjacent touch cells ADJ may be determined according to the magnitude of the maximum data and the distance between the touch position TP and the corresponding adjacent touch cell ADJ. For example, the magnitude of the propagated data may increase as the magnitude (or value) of the maximum data increases, and the magnitude of the propagated data of the corresponding adjacent touch cell ADJ may increase as the touch position TP approaches the corresponding adjacent touch cell ADJ.

[0197] In Figure 21 , since the touch position TP of the pen is closer to the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 than to the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2, the magnitude (21) of the propagated data of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 may be greater than the magnitude (17) of the propagated data of the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2. In addition, since the touch position TP of the pen is closer to the third adjacent touch cell ADJ3 than to the fourth adjacent touch cell ADJ4, the magnitude (11) of the propagated data of the third adjacent touch cell ADJ3 may be greater than the magnitude (8) of the propagated data of the fourth adjacent touch cell ADJ4.

[0198] In Figure 21 and Figure 22 , the filtering unit 620 may filter multiple pieces of raw data RAW to remove noise NIS. For example, the filtering unit 620 may correspond to a high-noise filter that filters out some data from the multiple pieces of raw data RAW. For example, the filtering unit 620 shown in Figure 20 may filter out the raw data RAW having a value greater than the value of the raw data RAW filtered by the filtering unit 510 shown in Figure 10 .

[0199] In Figure 21 and Figure 22 , the filtering unit 620 may prevent the stored data SD stored in the data storage unit 610 from being filtered, and may remove the raw data RAW of 20 or less, for example. For example, the filtering unit 620 may filter out and remove the noise NIS not stored in the data storage unit 610 from among the multiple pieces of raw data RAW. The filtering unit 620 may remove the data that does not include touch position information or touch pressure information by removing the noise NIS except for the maximum data and the propagated data stored in the data storage unit 610. Therefore, the touch driver TIC can accurately detect and remove the noise NIS except for the data caused by the touch input, and can improve the quality of the force sensor.

[0200] The position detection unit 630 may detect a touch position TP where a touch pressure is generated (or applied) based on the position of the maximum touch cell MAX, the value of the maximum data, the positions of at least one adjacent touch cell ADJ, and the value of the propagated data.

[0201] For example, when an adjacent touch cell ADJ is adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX, the position detection unit 630 may calculate the touch position TP by using Equation 1 above. The position detection unit 630 may detect the area of the maximum touch cell MAX adjacent to the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 as the touch position TP where a touch pressure is generated (or applied). For example, as the value of the propagated data of the adjacent touch cell ADJ increases, the touch position TP may become closer to the boundary between the maximum touch cell MAX and the adjacent touch cell ADJ. As another example, as the value of the propagated data of the adjacent touch cell ADJ decreases, the touch position TP may become closer to the central area of the maximum touch cell MAX.

[0202] In Figure 23 when multiple adjacent touch cells ADJ are adjacent to the maximum touch cell MAX, the position detection unit 630 may calculate the touch position TP by using Equation 2 above. The position detection unit 630 may detect a partial area of the maximum touch cell MAX, which is close to the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 having the highest propagated data value among the multiple adjacent touch cells ADJ, as the touch position TP. For example, when the first propagated data value of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 is greater than the second propagated data value of the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2, the touch position TP may correspond to an area of the maximum touch cell MAX closer to the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1. As another example, when the first propagated data value of the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1 is greater than the second propagated data value of the second adjacent touch cell ADJ2, the third propagated data value of the third adjacent touch cell ADJ3, and the fourth propagated data value of the fourth adjacent touch cell ADJ4, the touch position TP may correspond to an area of the maximum touch cell MAX closer to the first adjacent touch cell ADJ1.

[0203] In a low-resolution force sensor, the size of the touch position TP may be smaller than the size of the maximum touch cell MAX. The touch driver TIC may determine a partial area of the touch position TP corresponding to the maximum touch cell MAX by using the position of the maximum touch cell MAX, the value of the maximum data, the positions of at least one adjacent touch cell ADJ, and the value of the propagated data. For example, the position detection unit 630 may accurately sense the touch position TP by using an interpolation method (such as by using Equation 1 or Equation 2 above). Therefore, the display device according to the present disclosure can sense an accurate touch position by using a low-cost, high-efficiency, and low-resolution force sensor.

[0204] Figure 24 is a flowchart showing a touch position detection process of a touch driver in a display device according to another embodiment. Here, the elements described above will be briefly described or omitted.

[0205] Referring to Figure 24 , the touch driver TIC may receive multiple pieces of raw data RAW from multiple touch cells CE through one or more sensing lines RL (S410).

[0206] The data storage unit 610 may store the maximum data of the maximum touch cell MAX and the propagated data of at least one adjacent touch cell ADJ among the multiple pieces of raw data RAW (S420). The maximum data and at least one piece of propagated data stored in the data storage unit 610 may be protected from the influence of the filtering unit 620 (for example, excluded from the filtering unit 620).

[0207] The filtering unit 620 may filter out the data that is not stored in the data storage unit 610 from the multiple pieces of raw data RAW (S430). The filtering unit 620 may remove the data that does not include touch position information or touch pressure information by removing the noise NIS except for the maximum data and the propagated data stored in the data storage unit 610.

[0208] The position detection unit 630 may detect the touch position TP where the touch pressure is generated (or applied) based on the position of the maximum touch cell MAX, the value of the maximum data, the positions of at least one adjacent touch cell ADJ, and the value of the propagated data (S440). For example, the position detection unit 630 may accurately sense the touch position TP by using an interpolation method (such as by using Equation 1 or Equation 2 above). Therefore, the display device according to the present disclosure can sense an accurate touch position by using a low-cost, high-efficiency, and low-resolution force sensor.

[0209] Using a force sensor according to an embodiment and a display device including the force sensor, even in a low-cost, high-efficiency, and low-resolution force sensor, it is possible to accurately sense a touch position by storing the maximum data having the highest value among a plurality of sensed data passing through a low-noise filter and propagation data of at least one adjacent touch cell adjacent to the maximum touch cell having the maximum data and by detecting and removing noise from the plurality of sensed data.

[0210] Using a force sensor according to an embodiment and a display device including the force sensor, even in a low-cost, high-efficiency, and low-resolution force sensor, it is possible to accurately sense a touch position by storing the maximum data having the highest value among a plurality of raw data and propagation data of at least one adjacent touch cell adjacent to the maximum touch cell having the maximum data and by using a high-noise filter to filter the raw data not stored among the plurality of raw data.

[0211] Aspects and features of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various other aspects and features are included in this specification.

[0212] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the above embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The present invention should be defined based on the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Force sensor, comprising: a plurality of touch cells, including a plurality of drive electrodes, a pressure sensing layer overlapping the plurality of drive electrodes, and a plurality of sensing electrodes overlapping the pressure sensing layer; and a touch driver configured to receive a plurality of pieces of raw data from the plurality of touch cells and detect a touch pressure applied to the plurality of touch cells, the touch driver including: a filtering unit configured to filter the plurality of pieces of raw data and output a plurality of pieces of sensed data; a data storage unit configured to store the maximum data having the highest value among the plurality of pieces of sensed data and propagation data of at least one adjacent touch cell adjacent to the maximum touch cell having the maximum data; and a noise removal unit configured to detect and remove noise from the plurality of pieces of sensed data; wherein the noise removal unit is configured to determine that data of at least one touch cell among the plurality of touch cells having the plurality of pieces of sensed data and having no adjacent touch cells is noise.

2. The force sensor according to claim 1, wherein the noise removal unit is configured to determine that data of at least one touch cell spaced apart from the maximum touch cell by a distance among the plurality of touch cells is noise.

3. The force sensor according to claim 1, wherein the noise removal unit is configured to determine that data of at least one touch cell not directly adjacent to the maximum touch cell among the plurality of touch cells is noise.

4. The force sensor according to claim 1, wherein the data storage unit is configured to store the maximum data and propagation data of a first adjacent touch cell, a second adjacent touch cell, a third adjacent touch cell, and a fourth adjacent touch cell adjacent to the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side of the maximum touch cell, respectively, when viewed from above.

5. The force sensor according to claim 1, wherein the touch driver further includes a position detection unit configured to detect a touch position to which the touch pressure is applied based on the position of the maximum touch cell, the value of the maximum data, the positions of the at least one adjacent touch cell, and the value of the propagation data.

6. A display device, comprising: a display panel configured to display an image; and a force sensor on one surface of the display panel, the force sensor including: a plurality of touch cells, including a plurality of drive electrodes, a pressure sensing layer overlapping the plurality of drive electrodes, and a plurality of sensing electrodes overlapping the pressure sensing layer; and a touch driver configured to receive a plurality of pieces of raw data from the plurality of touch cells and detect a touch pressure applied to the plurality of touch cells, the touch driver including: a filtering unit configured to filter the plurality of pieces of raw data and output a plurality of pieces of sensed data; a data storage unit configured to store the maximum data having the highest value among the plurality of pieces of sensed data and propagation data of at least one adjacent touch cell adjacent to the maximum touch cell having the maximum data; and A noise removal unit configured to detect and remove noise from the plurality of sensed data; Wherein, the noise removal unit is configured to determine that data of at least one touch cell among the plurality of touch cells having the plurality of sensed data and having no adjacent touch cells is noise.

7. A force sensor, Comprising: A plurality of touch cells including a plurality of drive electrodes configured to receive a touch drive voltage, a plurality of sense electrodes configured to output a plurality of pieces of raw data, and a pressure sensing layer located between the plurality of drive electrodes and the plurality of sense electrodes; And A touch driver configured to receive the plurality of pieces of raw data and detect a touch pressure applied to the plurality of touch cells, the touch driver including: A data storage unit configured to store maximum data having the highest value among the plurality of pieces of raw data, store propagation data of at least one adjacent touch cell adjacent to a maximum touch cell having the maximum data, and not store raw data of touch cells other than the maximum touch cell and the at least one adjacent touch cell; And A filtering unit configured to filter out raw data not stored in the data storage unit from the plurality of pieces of raw data.

8. The force sensor according to claim 7, Wherein, The data storage unit is configured to store the maximum data and propagation data of a first adjacent touch cell, a second adjacent touch cell, a third adjacent touch cell, and a fourth adjacent touch cell that are respectively adjacent to the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side of the maximum touch cell when viewed from above.

9. The force sensor according to claim 7, Wherein, The touch driver further includes a position detection unit configured to detect a touch position to which the touch pressure is applied based on the position of the maximum touch cell, the value of the maximum data, the positions of the at least one adjacent touch cell, and the values of the propagation data.

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