Touch sensor and method of driving the same

Abstract

The present application relates to a touch sensor and a method of driving the touch sensor. The touch sensor includes a sensing area including a first sensing area located in a central portion and a second sensing area located in an edge portion outward from the first sensing area, a first sensor electrode disposed in the first sensing area, and a second sensor electrode disposed in the second sensing area, the second sensor electrode configured to be activated separately from the first sensor electrode. The first sensor electrode is drivable in a first mode to detect a touch input generated in the first sensing area, and the second sensor electrode is drivable in a second mode to detect a touch input generated in the second sensing area.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0042876, filed on April 8, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary implementations of the present invention generally relate to touch sensors and methods for driving touch sensors, and more specifically, to touch sensors having sensing areas with different shapes. Background Technology

[0004] Touch sensors are widely used as input devices in various electronic devices, including display devices. For example, a touch sensor can be disposed in a display device and includes sensor electrodes disposed in a sensing area overlapping the display area. The touch sensor can use the sensor electrodes to sense touch input generated in the sensing area.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of the inventive concept, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The applicant discovered that when a touch sensor has a circular sensing area, touch sensitivity decreases at edge nodes due to sensor area loss, which degrades the touch sensor's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). While touch sensitivity and SNR can be improved by increasing the sampling rate, the increased sampling rate may adversely increase the touch sensor's power consumption.

[0007] Touch sensors constructed according to the principles and some exemplary implementations of the present invention minimize or prevent sensor area loss in edge nodes of the sensing region, thereby producing high touch sensing sensitivity, high SNR, and low power consumption. For example, the sensing region of the touch sensor can be circular, and the touch sensor can include sensor electrodes with a pattern shape and arrangement optimized for the circular sensing region. Therefore, high SNR can be ensured even in the edge portions of the sensing region, and the power consumption of the touch sensor can be reduced by decreasing the number of samples used for touch driving.

[0008] Touch sensors constructed according to the principles of the present invention and some exemplary implementations can partially or completely drive the sensing area to reduce power consumption. For example, a touch sensor may include a first sensing area and a second sensing area that can be driven independently of each other, wherein the first sensing area and the second sensing area are selectively driven in accordance with a predetermined pattern. This partial driving method can reduce the power consumption of the touch sensor.

[0009] Other features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0010] According to an aspect of the invention, a touch sensor includes: a sensing region including a first sensing region located in a central portion and a second sensing region located in an edge portion extending outward from the first sensing region; a first sensor electrode disposed in the first sensing region; and a second sensor electrode disposed in the second sensing region, the second sensor electrode being configured to be activated separately from the first sensor electrode, wherein the first sensor electrode is drivable in a first mode to detect touch input generated in the first sensing region, and the second sensor electrode is drivable in a second mode to detect touch input generated in the second sensing region.

[0011] The second sensing area can be deactivated in the first mode, and the first sensing area can be deactivated in the second mode.

[0012] The first sensor electrode may include a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in the first sensing region, and the second sensor electrode may include a third electrode and a fourth electrode disposed in the second sensing region.

[0013] The first and second electrodes in the first sensing region can be separated from the third and fourth electrodes in the second sensing region, wherein: the first electrode in the first sensing region and the third electrode in the second sensing region can be driving electrodes, and the second electrode in the first sensing region and the fourth electrode in the second sensing region can be sensing electrodes.

[0014] The first electrode can be disposed in a quadrant of the first sensing area, and the first electrodes in the same quadrant can be connected to each other to form a single first electrode. The third electrode can be disposed in a quadrant of the second sensing area, and the third electrodes in the same quadrant of the second sensing area can be connected to each other to form a single third electrode.

[0015] In the first mode, the mutual capacitance sensing method or self-capacitance sensing method of the first and second electrodes in the first sensing area can be used to detect whether touch input is received in the first sensing area.

[0016] In the first mode, the self-capacitance sensing method of the first electrode in the first sensing area can be used to detect whether touch input is received in the first sensing area.

[0017] In the first mode, the self-capacitance sensing method of the second electrode in the first sensing area can be used to detect whether touch input is received in the first sensing area.

[0018] In the second mode, the mutual capacitance sensing method of the third and fourth electrodes in the second sensing area can be used to detect whether touch input is received in the second sensing area.

[0019] In the second mode, the self-capacitance sensing method using the third and fourth electrodes in the second sensing area can detect whether touch input is received in the second sensing area and the location of the touch input in the second sensing area.

[0020] The sensing area can have a roughly circular shape.

[0021] The first sensing region may include a concentric region with a radius smaller than that of the sensing region having a generally circular shape, and the second sensing region may include an annular region surrounding the first sensing region.

[0022] The first sensor electrode in the first sensing region may include: a generally circular center electrode located at the center of the first sensing region; a first partial annular electrode including a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns dispersed in at least one annular region, the at least one annular region being disposed at a predetermined distance and / or interval from the generally circular center electrode, and each of the multiple electrode patterns having a partial annular shape; and a second partial annular electrode disposed in the annular region between the generally circular center electrode and the first partial annular electrode and / or in the annular region between the first partial annular electrodes having different radii.

[0023] The second ring-shaped electrode may include: a first electrode located in a first quadrant of the first sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; a first second electrode located in a second quadrant of the first sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; a first third electrode located in a third quadrant of the first sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; and a first fourth electrode located in a fourth quadrant of the first sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partial ring shape.

[0024] Each of the first ring-shaped electrodes may include multiple electrode patterns dispersed in the first to fourth quadrants of the first sensing region. The first ring-shaped electrodes may be arranged sequentially in the first and third quadrants of the first sensing region in a clockwise direction, and the first ring-shaped electrodes may be arranged sequentially in the second and fourth quadrants of the first sensing region in a counterclockwise direction.

[0025] The second sensor electrode may include: a third partial ring-shaped electrode, comprising a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns dispersed in a ring-shaped region spaced at a predetermined distance from the first sensing region, each of the multiple electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; and a fourth partial ring-shaped electrode disposed in the ring-shaped region inside and / or outside the third partial ring-shaped electrode.

[0026] The fourth ring-shaped electrode may include: a second-first electrode located in the first quadrant of the second sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; a second-second electrode located in the second quadrant of the second sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; a second-third electrode located in the third quadrant of the second sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; and a second-fourth electrode located in the fourth quadrant of the second sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partial ring shape.

[0027] Each of the third ring-shaped electrodes may include multiple electrode patterns dispersed in the first to fourth quadrants of the second sensing region, the third ring-shaped electrodes being arranged sequentially in the first and third quadrants of the second sensing region in a clockwise direction, and the third ring-shaped electrodes being arranged sequentially in the second and fourth quadrants of the second sensing region in a counterclockwise direction.

[0028] The second sensor electrode may also include an outermost electrode in a ring shape or a partial ring shape, the outermost electrode being disposed in the outermost region of the sensing area to surround the fourth partial ring-shaped electrode.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for driving a touch sensor having a first sensing region and a second sensing region disposed outwardly in an edge portion from the first sensing region includes: in a first mode, driving at least some of the first sensor electrodes in the first sensing region using a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self-capacitance sensing method to detect whether a touch input is received in the first sensing region; and in a second mode, driving at least some of the second sensor electrodes in the second sensing region using a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self-capacitance sensing method to detect whether a touch input is received in the second sensing region and the location of the touch input in the second sensing region.

[0030] The first sensor electrode may include a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in the first sensing area, and in the first mode, the mutual capacitance sensing method may use the first electrode and the second electrode to detect whether touch input is received in the first sensing area.

[0031] The first sensor electrode may include a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in the first sensing area, and in the first mode, the self-capacitance sensing method uses the first electrode to detect whether touch input is received in the first sensing area.

[0032] The first sensor electrode may include a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in the first sensing area, and in the first mode, the self-capacitance sensing method may use the second electrode to detect whether touch input is received in the first sensing area.

[0033] The second sensor electrode may include a third electrode and a fourth electrode disposed in the second sensing area, and in the second mode, the mutual capacitance sensing method may use the third electrode and the fourth electrode to detect whether touch input is received in the second sensing area.

[0034] In the second mode, the self-capacitance sensing method can use the third and fourth electrodes to detect whether touch input is received in the second sensing area and the location of the touch input in the second sensing area.

[0035] The first mode can be standby mode, and the second mode can be active mode.

[0036] The second sensing area can be deactivated in the first mode, and the first sensing area can be deactivated in the second mode.

[0037] The method may further include, in a third mode, activating substantially all of the first sensor electrodes and the second sensor electrodes in the first sensing region and the second sensing region.

[0038] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the inventive concept. The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0040] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the panel unit of the display device.

[0042] Figure 2 yes Figure 1B A plan view of the panel unit.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a plan view of a typical example of sensor electrodes positioned in a roughly circular sensing area.

[0044] Figure 4A and Figure 4B It is in the sensing area Figure 1B A plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of the panel unit.

[0045] Figure 5A and Figure 5B yes Figure 4A and Figure 4B A plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor, illustrating an exemplary implementation of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode.

[0046] Figures 5C to 5H It shows the driver Figure 5A and Figure 5B A timing diagram of an exemplary implementation of a method for using the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor.

[0047] Figure 6A and Figure 6B yes Figure 4A and Figure 4B A plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of the panel unit, illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing area when driving the sensing area in a first mode.

[0048] Figure 6C and Figure 6D It shows the driver Figure 6A and Figure 6B A timing diagram of an exemplary implementation of a method for using the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor.

[0049] Figure 7A and Figure 7B yes Figure 4A and Figure 4B A plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor, illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing region when driving the sensing region in a first mode.

[0050] Figure 7C and Figure 7D It shows the driver Figure 7A and Figure 7B A timing diagram of an exemplary implementation of a method for using the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor.

[0051] Figure 8A and Figure 8B yes Figure 4A and Figure 4B A plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor, illustrating an exemplary implementation of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing region when driving the sensing region in a second mode.

[0052] Figures 8C to 8H It shows the driver Figure 8A and Figure 8B A timing diagram of an exemplary implementation of a method for using the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor.

[0053] Figure 9A and Figure 9B It is in the sensing area Figure 1B A plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of the panel unit.

[0054] Figure 10A and Figure 10B yes Figure 9A and Figure 9B A plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor, illustrating an exemplary implementation of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode.

[0055] Figures 10C to 10H It shows the driver Figure 10A and Figure 10B A timing diagram of an exemplary implementation of a method for using the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor.

[0056] Figure 11A and Figure 11B yes Figure 9A and Figure 9B A plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor, illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing region when driving the sensing region in a first mode.

[0057] Figure 12A and Figure 12B yes Figure 9A and Figure 9BA plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor, illustrating an exemplary implementation of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing region when driving the sensing region in a second mode.

[0058] Figures 12C to 12H It shows the driver Figure 12A and Figure 12B A timing diagram of an exemplary implementation of a method for using the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0059] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the invention. As used herein, “implementation” and “method” are interchangeable terms and are non-limiting examples of apparatus or methods employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, a particular shape, configuration, and characteristic of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

[0060] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary embodiments described are to be understood as exemplary features providing details of variations in some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”) of various embodiments may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0061] The use of crosshairs and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, unless specified, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material properties, size, scale, commonalities between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristics, properties, or characteristics of the elements. Furthermore, in the drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, a particular process sequence may be performed differently than the described sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description. Additionally, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0062] When a component or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another component or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly attached to the other component or layer, or there can be an intermediate component or layer. However, when a component or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another component or layer, there is no intermediate component or layer. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection with or without an intermediate component. Furthermore, the D1, D2, and D3 axes are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, such as the x, y, and z axes, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1, D2, and D3 axes can be perpendicular to each other, or they 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 group consisting of X, Y, and Z” can be interpreted as X only, Y only, Z only, 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.

[0063] 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. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0064] For descriptive purposes, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another element (or multiple elements) as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, 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 drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will consequently be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and therefore, the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0065] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when used in this specification, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, 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 rather than terms of degree, and, therefore, are used to allow for inherent deviations in measurements, calculated values, and / or provided values ​​that will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0066] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views as schematic diagrams of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, variations in the shapes shown in the figures should be expected, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Consequently, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the shape of the specific regions shown, but should include, for example, deviations in shape due to manufacturing processes. In this way, the regions shown in the figures may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the areas of the device, and are therefore not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms, such as those defined in common dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0068] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the panel unit of a display device. For example, Figure 1A The overall configuration diagram of the display device DD is shown, and Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A An exemplary embodiment of the cross-section of the panel unit PNL.

[0069] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe display device DD includes a panel unit PNL and a driving circuit DRV. The panel unit PNL includes a screen for displaying images and information on the display device DD, and the driving circuit DRV controls the operation of the panel unit PNL.

[0070] The panel unit PNL includes a display panel (DPL) and a touch panel (TPL). In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel (DPL) and the touch panel (TPL) may be manufactured and / or supplied integrally. For example, the touch panel (TPL) may be formed within the display panel (DPL) along with pixels, or it may be formed directly on at least one surface of the display panel (DPL) (e.g., the upper surface and / or the lower surface). In another exemplary embodiment, the display panel (DPL) and the touch panel (TPL) may be manufactured and / or supplied non-integrally. For example, the touch panel (TPL) may be manufactured separately from the display panel (DPL) and may be attached to at least one surface of the display panel (DPL) by means of a transparent adhesive or the like.

[0071] The panel unit PNL may include an active area AA and a peripheral area PA. The active area AA may include a display area DA and a sensing area SA. The display area DA may be the area where an image is displayed by the display panel DPL, and the sensing area SA may be the area where touch input can be sensed by the touch panel TPL. The peripheral area PA may be an area other than the active area AA. For example, the peripheral area PA may be the outer area surrounding the display area DA and / or the sensing area SA. Lines and / or pads connecting to pixels in the display area DA and / or sensor electrodes in the sensing area SA may be disposed in the peripheral area PA.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the display area DA and the sensing area SA can vertically overlap in the thickness direction of the panel unit PNL. For example, at least one area of ​​the display area DA can be set as the sensing area SA. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the sensing area SA can be located in a non-display area.

[0073] The display panel DPL includes a display element layer DSL, which includes pixels. The display element layer DSL can be formed by multiple layers of components including pixels (e.g., circuit elements and / or light-emitting elements included in pixel circuitry). Pixels can be disposed in the display area DA of the display element layer DSL and can be driven by a display driver DDI. Therefore, images can be displayed in the display area DA.

[0074] A touch panel (TPL) may include a touch sensor layer (TSL) with sensor electrodes. The touch sensor layer (TSL) may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers including sensor electrodes and / or lines connected to the sensor electrodes (also referred to herein as “sensor lines”). The sensor electrodes may be disposed in a sensing area (SA) of the touch sensor layer (TSL) and may be driven by a touch driver (TDI). When the sensor electrodes are driven, touch input generated in the sensing area (SA) can be detected. Here, touch input can broadly refer to touch input generated through actual contact with the display screen and touch input generated by hovering without actual contact with the display screen.

[0075] The touch sensor layer (TSL) may be formed and / or provided integrally or non-integrally with the display element layer (DSL). In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensor layer (TSL) may be disposed on one surface of the display element layer (DSL) to overlap with it. For example, the touch sensor layer (TSL) may be disposed on the upper surface of the display element layer (DSL). However, according to an exemplary embodiment, the position of the touch sensor layer (TSL) may vary. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the touch sensor layer (TSL) may be disposed on the lower surface or both surfaces of the display element layer (DSL).

[0076] In addition to the display panel (DPL) and touch panel (TPL), the panel unit (PNL) may also include additional components. For example, the panel unit (PNL) may include a protective layer (PRL) disposed on the topmost layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the protective layer (PRL) may be formed of a material for protecting the panel unit (PNL) from physical and / or electrical shocks, and may be a window or other functional film. The protective layer (PRL) may be provided integrally or non-integrally with the display panel (DPL) and / or the touch panel (TPL). For example, a non-integral protective layer (PRL) may be attached to the display element layer (DSL) of the display panel (DPL) and / or the touch sensor layer (TSL) of the touch panel (TPL) via a transparent adhesive member (OCA).

[0077] The driving circuitry DRV includes a display driver DDI and a touch driver TDI. The display driver DDI and touch driver TDI can be implemented as integrated circuits comprising circuit elements for driving the display panel DPL and touch panel TPL, respectively. According to an exemplary embodiment, the display driver DDI and touch driver TDI can be manufactured as separate chips or integrated into a single chip.

[0078] exist Figure 1AIn this embodiment, the panel unit (PNL) and the driving circuit (DRV) are shown as separate components, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the driving circuit (DRV) may be integrally manufactured with the panel unit (PNL). For example, a scan driver that generates scan signals may be formed together with the pixels in the display panel (DPL).

[0079] Display driver DDI may include drive circuitry for providing drive signals to the pixels of display panel DPL. For example, display driver DDI may include scan driver and data driver for providing scan signals and data signals to the pixels, respectively. Display driver DDI may form display module DSM together with display panel DPL.

[0080] The touch driver TDI can provide drive signals to the sensor electrodes of the touch panel TPL and receive sensing signals output from the sensor electrodes via the drive signals. The touch driver TDI can detect whether a touch input has occurred and / or the location of the touch input by analyzing the sensing signals. The touch driver TDI can form a sensor module (e.g., a touch sensor TS) together with the touch panel TPL.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensor TS can be a touch sensor operating according to a capacitive sensing method. For example, the touch sensor TS can be a touch sensor using a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self-capacitance sensing method. In another exemplary embodiment, the touch sensor TS can be a capacitive touch sensor using a hybrid sensing method, which is selectively driven using a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self-capacitance sensing method depending on a driving mode, etc. Furthermore, besides touch sensors using capacitive sensing methods, the touch sensor TS can be various known types of touch sensors.

[0082] Figure 2 A panel unit PNL of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. According to the exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 A roughly circular panel unit PNL is shown, which can be applied to watches and the like, but the shape of the panel unit PNL is not limited to this.

[0083] Reference Figure 2 The panel unit PNL includes an effective area AA and a peripheral area PA surrounding the effective area AA. In an exemplary embodiment, the effective area AA may be a generally circular area, and the peripheral area PA may be a generally annular (ring-shaped) area surrounding the generally circular effective area AA.

[0084] The effective area AA may include the display area DA and the sensing area SA. In an exemplary embodiment, the entire effective area AA may be set as the display area DA and the sensing area SA, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing region SA can be divided into multiple sub-regions that can be driven independently of each other, and a Tx channel and / or Rx channel can be separated for each sub-region to drive each sub-region independently. For example, the sensing region SA can be partially driven by dividing it into multiple sub-regions and separating the Tx channel and / or Rx channel corresponding to each sub-region. Here, the Tx channel can be a touch driving channel corresponding to each Tx electrode, and the Rx channel can be a touch sensing channel corresponding to each Rx electrode.

[0086] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensing region SA can be divided into at least a central portion and an edge portion that are driven independently. For example, the sensing region SA may include a first sensing region SA1 located at the central portion of the effective region AA and a second sensing region SA2 located at the edge portion of the effective region AA to form a generally annular shape around the first sensing region SA1. Furthermore, according to another exemplary embodiment, the sensing region SA can be divided into at least three sub-regions. In addition, for each divided sub-region, the Tx electrode (also referred to as the "driving electrode") and / or the Rx electrode (also referred to as the "sensing electrode") can be separated from each other.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing area SA may have a generally circular shape. Furthermore, the radius of the first sensing area SA1 may be smaller than the radius of the generally circular sensing area SA, and may be configured as a concentric circle region having the same center as the sensing area SA, and the second sensing area SA2 may be a region corresponding to the edge portion of the sensing area SA and surrounding the first sensing area SA1 in a generally annular shape.

[0088] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first sensing area SA1 may correspond to the central area of ​​the screen where main information, standby screen, etc., are displayed, and the second sensing area SA2 may correspond to a wheel area of ​​the screen where multiple icons are displayed. The first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing area SA2 may be selectively activated according to the driving mode.

[0089] For example, in a first mode (e.g., standby mode), the first sensing area SA1 can be activated, and the second sensing area SA2 can be deactivated. Conversely, in a second mode (e.g., wheel mode), the second sensing area SA2 can be activated, and the first sensing area SA1 can be deactivated. For example, depending on the driving mode, only a portion of the sensing area SA (e.g., the first sensing area SA1 or the second sensing area SA2) can be selectively activated to detect touch input provided to the corresponding area. As described above, when selectively activating only a portion of the sensing area SA for driving, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

[0090] Furthermore, the entire first sensing area SA1 and the second sensing area SA2 can be activated to detect touch input across the entire sensing area SA. For example, when it is desired to detect touch input across the entire screen, the touch sensor TS can be driven in a third mode. In the third mode, the entire sensing area SA can be activated to detect touch input generated in the first sensing area SA1 and / or the second sensing area SA2.

[0091] Figure 3 This is a plan view of a typical example of sensor electrodes in a roughly circular sensing area. Figure 3 An example is shown where a first electrode ET1 and a second electrode ET2 can be set in a roughly circular sensing area SA.

[0092] Reference Figure 3 The sensing area SA includes a first electrode ET1 and a second electrode ET2 extending in different directions. For example, each first electrode ET1 may extend along a first direction DR1 (e.g., the Y-axis direction), and each second electrode ET2 may extend along a second direction DR2 (e.g., the X-axis direction). Furthermore, the first electrodes ET1 may be arranged sequentially along the second direction DR2, and the second electrodes ET2 may be arranged sequentially along the first direction DR1. Capacitance can be formed between adjacent first electrodes ET1 and second electrodes ET2, and each unit node (hereinafter referred to as a "sensing node") of the touch sensor TS can be formed through the first electrodes ET1 and the second electrodes ET2.

[0093] Each first electrode ET1 may include a first unit electrode CLE1 arranged along a first direction DR1 and a first connection portion CNP1 connected to the first unit electrode CLE1 along the first direction DR1. The first unit electrode CLE1 and the first connection portion CNP1 forming a first electrode ET1 may be integrally or non-integrally connected to each other.

[0094] Each second electrode ET2 may include a second unit electrode CLE2 arranged along the second direction DR2 and a second connecting portion CNP2 connected to the second unit electrode CLE2 along the second direction DR2. The second unit electrode CLE2 and the second connecting portion CNP2 forming a second electrode ET2 may be integrally or non-integrally connected to each other.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2 can be driven using a mutual capacitance sensing method. For example, during the period when the sensing region SA is activated, a drive signal can be sequentially provided to the first electrode ET1 via the touch driver TDI. Furthermore, a sensing signal output from the second electrode ET2 via the drive signal can be input to the touch driver TDI. The touch driver TDI then detects touch input based on the sensing signal. In this case, the first electrode ET1 can be the drive electrode (hereinafter referred to as the "Tx electrode") of the touch sensor TS, and the second electrode ET2 can be the sensing electrode (hereinafter referred to as the "Rx electrode") of the touch sensor TS. For example, the first electrode ET1 can be the transmitting electrode of the touch sensor TS, and the second electrode ET2 can be the receiving electrode of the touch sensor TS. In another exemplary embodiment, the first electrode ET1 can be the Rx electrode that outputs the sensing signal, and the second electrode ET2 can be the Tx electrode that receives the drive signal. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2 can be driven using a self-capacitance sensing method. For example, touch input can be detected by simultaneously or sequentially providing drive signals to each of the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2 and by using sensing signals output from each of the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2.

[0096] When the sensing area SA has a generally circular shape, the first unit electrode CLE1 and the second unit electrode CLE2 located at both ends of each of the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2 can have a smaller size than the remaining first unit electrode CLE1 and the remaining second unit electrode CLE2. For example, the two first unit electrodes CLE1 located at the first and last positions of each first electrode ET1 and the two second unit electrodes CLE2 located at the first and last positions of each second electrode ET2 can have a smaller size than the remaining first unit electrode CLE1 and the remaining second unit electrode CLE2. Therefore, sensor area loss may occur in the sensing nodes (e.g., edge nodes) located in the outermost region of the sensing area SA. For example, edge nodes can be formed by the first unit electrodes CLE1 and the second unit electrodes CLE2 located at both ends of each of the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2. Sensor area loss in edge nodes can reduce the signal-to-noise ratio (hereinafter referred to as "SNR") of the touch sensor TS, and thus reduce touch sensing sensitivity.

[0097] For example, increasing the sampling rate of the touch sensor TS (e.g., the number of pulses of drive signal provided to each Tx electrode per unit time) can improve the SNR of the touch sensor TS. Therefore, when good touch sensing sensitivity is required in the edge portions of the sensing region SA (e.g., in wheel mode), the SNR of the touch sensor TS can be obtained by increasing its sampling rate. However, as the sampling rate of the touch sensor TS increases, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS also increases with the increase in the charging / discharging rates of the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2.

[0098] In addition, Figure 3 In this configuration, to detect touch input generated in the sensing area SA, the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2 need to be fully driven, regardless of the driving mode. Therefore, even in standby mode, where only simple touch input such as tapping or clicking the center needs to be detected, it is necessary to repeatedly charge / discharge the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2 throughout the entire sensing area SA while waiting for touch input. Consequently, the power efficiency of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

[0099] Therefore, in the following description, various exemplary implementations will be described that can improve the SNR of the touch sensor TS even in a generally circular sensing area SA by preventing or minimizing sensor area loss and can increase the power efficiency of the touch sensor TS by partially or fully driving the sensing area SA.

[0100] Figure 4A and Figure 4B It is in the sensing area Figure 1B A plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of the panel unit. Figure 4A and Figure 4B Touch sensor TS according to exemplary embodiments are shown, and different exemplary embodiments of the structure of sensor pattern disposed in sensing area SA (e.g., pattern shape and / or arrangement structure of sensor electrodes) are specifically shown.

[0101] Reference Figure 4A The sensing area SA may include a first sensing area SA1 located at its central portion and a second sensing area SA2 located at its edge portions. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensing area SA may have a generally circular shape. Furthermore, the first sensing area SA1 may be configured as an inner concentric region with a radius smaller than the radius of the generally circular sensing area SA, and the second sensing area SA2 may be configured as an outer region in a ring shape surrounding the first sensing area SA1.

[0102] The first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2 can be driven independently of each other. For this purpose, the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2 can include separate sensor patterns. For example, the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2 can include a first sensor electrode SE1 and a second sensor electrode SE2 that are separate from each other. For example, assuming that the first sensor electrode SE1 includes a plurality of first Tx electrodes T1 and first Rx electrodes R1 disposed in the first sensing region SA1, and the second sensor electrode SE2 includes a plurality of second Tx electrodes T2 and second Rx electrodes R2 disposed in the second sensing region SA2, the first Tx electrodes T1 and the first Rx electrodes R1 can be separated from the second Tx electrodes T2 and the second Rx electrodes R2, respectively.

[0103] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 may be curved electrodes, which include a curved circumference optimized for a generally circular sensing region SA. For example, each of the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 may include an electrode pattern of a generally circular or partially ring shape, and the electrode pattern may be formed by a single pattern or multiple patterns.

[0104] For example, the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 may include a generally circular center electrode R1[1] disposed at the center of the sensing area SA and a plurality of partially ring-shaped Tx electrodes and Rx electrodes alternately disposed in a plurality of ring-shaped regions extending radially from the center electrode R1[1] located at the center of the first sensing area SA1. Thus, sensor area loss in the edge portion of the generally circular sensing area SA is prevented or minimized, and thus the SNR of the touch sensor TS can be improved.

[0105] The cross-sectional structure and materials of the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 are not particularly limited. For example, each of the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure and may be formed into an electrode in a generally plate-shaped or grid-shaped manner. Furthermore, each of the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 may be conductive by including at least one of a variety of known conductive materials and may be transparent, opaque, or translucent.

[0106] The first sensor electrode SE1 may include a first Tx electrode T1 and a first Rx electrode R1 regularly disposed in the first sensing region SA1. For example, the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1 may be alternately disposed in the radial direction in the first sensing region SA1.

[0107] First sensing nodes Na and Nb, which are approximately circular or partially ring-shaped, can be formed in the first sensing region SA1 by means of first Tx electrodes T1 and first Rx electrodes R1 that are adjacent to each other. For example, in the center of the first sensing region SA1, the approximately circular first sensing node Na can be formed by an electrode pattern of a approximately circular center electrode R1[1] and a first Tx electrode T1 adjacent to the center electrode R1[1], and a plurality of partially ring-shaped first sensing nodes Nb can be formed by an electrode pattern of first Tx electrodes T1 and first Rx electrodes R1 that are adjacent to each other in a radial position with the approximately circular first sensing node Na as the center.

[0108] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first Tx electrode T1 may have substantially the same or similar area, and the first Rx electrode R1 may have substantially the same or similar area. Therefore, the capacitances of the first sensing nodes Na and Nb may be substantially uniform.

[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, the first Tx electrode T1 can be divided and disposed in each quadrant of the first sensing region SA1, and each of the first Rx electrodes R1 can include at least one electrode pattern disposed in each of the first to fourth quadrants. Therefore, the position of each of the first sensing nodes Na and Nb can be defined. For example, the quadrant in which each of the first sensing nodes Na and Nb is located can be divided by the first Tx electrode T1, and the position (e.g., coordinates) of each of the first sensing nodes Na and Nb can be specifically determined in the corresponding quadrant by the first Rx electrode R1. For example, the position of each of the first sensing nodes Na and Nb can be defined by an orthogonal coordinate system or a polar coordinate system.

[0110] The first sensor electrode SE1 may include a generally circular center electrode R1[1] located at the center of the first sensing region SA1, first partial annular Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] dispersed and disposed in at least one annular region according to a predetermined distance and / or interval from the center electrode R1[1], and first Tx electrodes T1[1] to T1[4] disposed in the annular region between the center electrode R1[1] and the first partial annular Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] and / or in the annular region between the first partial annular Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] with different radii.

[0111] exist Figure 4A In an exemplary embodiment, the center electrode R1[1] may be an Rx electrode, but is not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, a generally circular Tx electrode may be disposed at the center of the first sensing area SA1.

[0112] Each of the first partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] and the first Tx electrodes T1[1] to T1[4] may include a single partial ring-shaped electrode pattern or multiple partial ring-shaped electrode patterns. Furthermore, each of the first Tx electrodes T1[1] to T1[4] may be divided and arranged in a predetermined quadrant, and the first partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] may be divided into multiple electrode patterns such that at least one electrode pattern is arranged in each quadrant according to a predetermined rule.

[0113] exist Figure 4A In the electrode patterns forming the first Tx electrodes T1[1] to T1[4] and the first partial annular Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7], the electrode patterns indicated by the same reference numerals can be connected to each other to form a first Tx electrode T1 or a first Rx electrode R1. Furthermore, when the first sensing region SA1 has a generally circular shape, each quadrant of the first sensing region SA1 can correspond to a quarter circle.

[0114] The first Tx electrodes T1[1] to T1[4] may include a first-first Tx electrode T1[1] located in the first quadrant of the first sensing region SA1, a first-second Tx electrode T1[2] located in the second quadrant of the first sensing region SA1, a first-third Tx electrode T1[3] located in the third quadrant of the first sensing region SA1, and a first-fourth Tx electrode T1[4] located in the fourth quadrant of the first sensing region SA1. Each of the first-first Tx electrodes T1[1] to the first-fourth Tx electrodes T1[4] may include a single partial ring-shaped electrode pattern or multiple partial ring-shaped electrode patterns. For example, each of the first-first Tx electrodes T1[1] to the first-fourth Tx electrodes T1[4] may be regularly distributed among the first partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7], which are divided into multiple electrode patterns and disposed in the corresponding quadrants.

[0115] The first annular Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] may include multiple electrode patterns, each of which is distributed in the first to fourth quadrants of the first sensing region SA1. For example, each of the first annular Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] may include a first electrode pattern disposed in the first quadrant, a second electrode pattern disposed in the second quadrant, a third electrode pattern disposed in the third quadrant, and a fourth electrode pattern disposed in the fourth quadrant. The first to fourth electrode patterns forming the same first Rx electrode R1 may be connected to each other by integrated or non-integrated lines.

[0116] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first partial annular Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] can be regularly arranged in each annular region along a direction defined for each quadrant. For example, the first partial annular Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] can be arranged sequentially along a third direction DR3 in each Rx partial annular region located in the first and third quadrants, and can be arranged sequentially along a fourth direction DR4 opposite to the third direction DR3 in each Rx partial annular region located in the second and fourth quadrants. In an exemplary embodiment, the third direction DR3 can be clockwise, and the fourth direction DR4 can be counterclockwise. In another exemplary embodiment, the third direction DR3 can be counterclockwise, and the fourth direction DR4 can be clockwise.

[0117] In this configuration, the lines can be arranged between the first sensor electrodes SE1 such that the lines connected to each of the first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1) do not intersect each other. Therefore, the lines can be integrally formed on the same layer as the first sensor electrodes SE1 to form a single-layer touch sensor TS.

[0118] Furthermore, when electrode patterns forming the same first Rx electrode R1 are arranged side-by-side in the boundary region between adjacent quadrants, the electrode patterns can be integrally connected to form approximately one electrode pattern, or formed as two separate electrode patterns. For example, when the line layout of the first sensor electrode SE1 passes through the boundary region between the third and fourth quadrants, the Rx electrode patterns forming the same first Rx electrode R1 can be integrally connected to form a single electrode pattern in the boundary region between the first and second quadrants, the boundary region between the second and third quadrants, and the boundary region between the fourth and first quadrants. Furthermore, two Rx electrode patterns forming the same first Rx electrode R1 can be separated from each other in the boundary region between the third and fourth quadrants.

[0119] The second sensor electrode SE2 may include a second Tx electrode T2 and a second Rx electrode R2 regularly disposed in the second sensing region SA2. For example, the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2 may be disposed alternately or sequentially in the second sensing region SA2 in the radial direction.

[0120] By using the electrode patterns of the adjacent second Tx electrodes T2 and the second Rx electrodes R2, a partially ring-shaped second sensing node Nc can be formed in the second sensing region SA2. For example, in the ring-shaped region surrounding the first sensing region SA1, regular-sized second sensing nodes Nc can be distributed and arranged.

[0121] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second Tx electrode T2 may have substantially the same or similar area, and the second Rx electrode R2 may have substantially the same or similar area. Therefore, the capacitance of the second sensing node Nc may be substantially uniform.

[0122] Furthermore, the second sensing node Nc can be formed to have a capacitance that is substantially the same or similar to that of the first sensing nodes Na and Nb. Therefore, as the radius of the concentric circles forming the circumferences of the first sensing nodes Na, Nb, and the second sensing node Nc increases, each annular region can be divided into more first sensing nodes Na and Nb or more second sensing nodes Nc. Thus, throughout the entire sensing region SA, the first sensing nodes Na, Nb, and the second sensing node Nc can have substantially the same or similar areas, and the capacitance formed in the first sensing nodes Na, Nb, and the second sensing node Nc can become substantially uniform.

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, the second Tx electrode T2 can be divided and disposed in each quadrant of the second sensing region SA2, and each of the second Rx electrodes R2 can include at least one electrode pattern disposed in each of the first to fourth quadrants. Therefore, the position of each of the second sensing nodes Nc can be defined. For example, the quadrant in which each of the second sensing nodes Nc is located can be divided by the second Tx electrode T2, and the position (e.g., coordinates) of each of the second sensing nodes Nc can be specifically determined in the corresponding quadrant by the second Rx electrode R2.

[0124] The second sensor electrode SE2 may include a second partial ring-shaped Rx electrode R2[1] to R2[6] and a second Tx electrode T2[1] to T2[4]. The second partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] are dispersed and disposed in a ring-shaped region spaced at a predetermined distance from the first sensing region SA1. The second Tx electrodes T2[1] to T2[4] are disposed in the ring-shaped region inside and / or outside the second partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6].

[0125] Each of the second partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] and the second Tx electrodes T2[1] to T2[4] may include a single partial ring-shaped electrode pattern or multiple partial ring-shaped electrode patterns. Furthermore, each of the second Tx electrodes T2[1] to T2[4] may be divided and arranged in a predetermined quadrant, and the second partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] may be divided into multiple electrode patterns, such that at least one electrode pattern is arranged in each quadrant according to a predetermined rule. Figure 4AIn the electrode patterns forming the second Tx electrode T2[1] to T2[4] and the second partial ring-shaped Rx electrode R2[1] to R2[6], the electrode patterns represented by the same reference numerals can be connected to each other to form a second Tx electrode T2 or a second Rx electrode R2.

[0126] The second Tx electrodes T2[1] to T2[4] may include a second-first Tx electrode T2[1] located in the first quadrant of the second sensing region SA2, a second-second Tx electrode T2[2] located in the second quadrant of the second sensing region SA2, a second-third Tx electrode T2[3] located in the third quadrant of the second sensing region SA2, and a second-fourth Tx electrode T2[4] located in the fourth quadrant of the second sensing region SA2. Each of the second-first Tx electrodes T2[1] to the second-fourth Tx electrodes T2[4] may include a single partial ring-shaped electrode pattern or multiple partial ring-shaped electrode patterns. For example, each of the second-first Tx electrodes T2[1] to the second-fourth Tx electrodes T2[4] may be disposed in each TX partial ring region located inside and outside the second partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6], which are divided into two electrode patterns and disposed in the corresponding quadrants.

[0127] The second annular Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] may include multiple electrode patterns, each of which is distributed in the first to fourth quadrants of the second sensing region SA2. For example, each of the second annular Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] may include a first electrode pattern disposed in the first quadrant, a second electrode pattern disposed in the second quadrant, a third electrode pattern disposed in the third quadrant, and a fourth electrode pattern disposed in the fourth quadrant. The first to fourth electrode patterns forming the same second Rx electrode R2 may be connected to each other by integrated or non-integrated lines.

[0128] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] can be regularly arranged in each ring-shaped region along a direction defined for each quadrant. For example, the second partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] can be arranged sequentially in each Rx partial ring region in the first and third quadrants in a clockwise direction (referred to as the third direction DR3), and can be arranged sequentially in each Rx partial ring region in the second and fourth quadrants in a counterclockwise direction (referred to as the fourth direction DR4). In this case, the lines can be arranged such that the lines connected to each of the second sensor electrodes SE2 (e.g., each of the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2) do not intersect each other.

[0129] Furthermore, when electrode patterns forming identical second Rx electrodes R2 are arranged side-by-side in the boundary region between adjacent quadrants, the electrode patterns can be integrally connected to form approximately one electrode pattern, or formed as two separate electrode patterns. For example, when the line layout of the second sensor electrode SE2 passes through the boundary region between the third and fourth quadrants, the Rx electrode patterns forming identical second Rx electrodes R2 can be integrally connected to form a single electrode pattern in the boundary region between the first and second quadrants, the boundary region between the second and third quadrants, and the boundary region between the fourth and first quadrants. Alternatively, two Rx electrode patterns forming identical second Rx electrodes R2 can be separated from each other in the boundary region between the third and fourth quadrants.

[0130] For example, in the entire sensing area SA, for the electrode patterns of the first Tx electrode T1 and the second Tx electrode T2 disposed in each Tx ring region, each line integrally connected to the electrode pattern of the corresponding first Tx electrode T1 or the second Tx electrode T2 can be formed in a separation space ensured between the first Rx electrode R1 or the second Rx electrode R2, the first Rx electrode R1 or the second Rx electrode R2 being located in the Rx ring region inside and / or outside the corresponding Tx ring region, and the line can extend to the outside of the sensing area SA through the boundary region between the third quadrant and the fourth quadrant. Furthermore, for the electrode patterns of the first Rx electrode R1 and the second Rx electrode R2 disposed in each Rx ring region, each line integrally connected to the first Rx electrode R1 or the second Rx electrode R2 can be formed in a separation space ensured between the first Tx electrode T1 or the second Tx electrode T2, the first Tx electrode T1 or the second Tx electrode T2 being located in the Tx ring region inside and / or outside the corresponding Rx ring region, and the line can be led out to the outside of the sensing region SA through the boundary region between the third and fourth quadrants. In this case, the lines between the sensor electrodes (e.g., the first Tx electrode T1, the first Rx electrode R1, the second Tx electrode T2 and / or the second Rx electrode R2) can be formed so that they do not intersect each other. Therefore, the lines can be integrally formed with each sensor electrode and / or electrode pattern.

[0131] Therefore, based on the exemplary sensor pattern structure, a single-layer touch sensor TS can be realized. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the touch sensor TS and reduces manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the thickness of the touch sensor TS can be reduced, and its sensing sensitivity can be improved.

[0132] Furthermore, the touch sensor TS is not limited to having a single-layer structure. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, at least some lines may be disposed on a different layer than the first sensor electrode SE1 and / or the second sensor electrode SE2, and may be connected to the respective sensor electrodes through contact holes. In this case, the pattern structure and / or arrangement order of at least some sensor electrodes may vary depending on the exemplary embodiment. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, even in the boundary region between the third and fourth quadrants, the Rx electrode pattern forming a first Rx electrode R1 or a second Rx electrode R2 may not be divided into multiple patterns.

[0133] therefore, Figure 4A An exemplary embodiment in which the second Tx electrode T2 is disposed in the outermost region of the sensing region SA is disclosed, but this can be varied depending on the exemplary embodiment. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 4B As shown, additional Rx electrodes R2[7] and R2[8] can also be provided in the outermost region of the sensing area SA. Therefore, the sensitivity in the edge portion of the touch sensor TS can be enhanced and improved.

[0134] Specifically, in Figure 4B In an exemplary embodiment, the second sensor electrode SE2 may further include outermost Rx electrodes R2[7] and R2[8] in a ring shape or a partial ring shape, wherein the outermost Rx electrodes R2[7] and R2[8] are disposed in the outermost region of the sensing region SA to surround the second Tx electrode T2. For example, the second sensor electrode SE2 may include a second-seventh Rx electrode R2[7] and a second-eighth Rx electrode R2[8], wherein the second-seventh Rx electrode R2[7] and the second-eighth Rx electrode R2[8] are divided into multiple electrode patterns to be uniformly distributed in each quadrant, and each of the multiple electrode patterns has a partial ring shape. When using such Figure 4B When the edge enhancement structure is used in the exemplary embodiment, the performance of the touch sensor TS can be improved in the driving mode (e.g., wheel mode), where the sensing sensitivity of the edge portion is important.

[0135] according to Figure 4A and Figure 4BIn an exemplary embodiment, the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 are designed with curved patterns, such as an electrode pattern with a concentric, approximately circular shape having the same center as the approximately circular sensing area SA, or an electrode pattern with a partially annular shape having concentric arcs. Therefore, even if the touch sensor TS has a approximately circular sensing area SA, sensor area loss in the edge portions of the touch sensor TS can be prevented or minimized. Furthermore, even if the sensing area SA is changed to have an elliptical shape, etc., sensor area loss in the edge portions of the touch sensor TS can be prevented or minimized by applying approximately the same principle. Therefore, the SNR of the touch sensor TS in the entire sensing area SA, including the edge portions, can be improved. Therefore, even in wheel modes, etc., even with a low sampling rate of the touch sensor TS, sufficient touch sensing sensitivity can be obtained. Therefore, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced or minimized.

[0136] In addition, according to Figure 4A and Figure 4B In an exemplary implementation, the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2 can be driven independently by dividing the sensing region SA into a first sensing region SA1 and a second sensing region SA2, and separating the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 respectively disposed in the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2 from each other. Therefore, in a predetermined driving mode, the power efficiency of the touch sensor TS can be improved by partially or fully driving the sensing region SA.

[0137] For example, in a first mode (e.g., standby mode), the first sensor electrode SE1 can be driven to activate only the first sensing area SA1, and in a second mode (e.g., wheel mode), the second sensor electrode SE2 can be driven to activate only the second sensing area SA2. For example, either the first sensor electrode SE1 or the second sensor electrode SE2 can be selectively driven. Therefore, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced by preventing or minimizing unnecessary power consumption.

[0138] Furthermore, when touch input is detected across the entire sensing area SA (e.g., essentially the entire screen), the sensing area SA is essentially fully activated by driving all the first sensor electrodes SE1 and the second sensor electrodes SE2. Therefore, touch input can be detected across the entire sensing area SA.

[0139] Figure 5A and Figure 5B yes Figure 4A and Figure 4BA plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor, illustrating an exemplary implementation of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The following are examples of driving in the first mode according to... Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example of a sensor electrode activated when sensing the sensing region SA in an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first mode may be a standby mode.

[0140] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the first mode, the first sensor electrode SE1 disposed in the first sensing area SA1 is activated. For example, in the first mode, at least some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 can be driven to detect touch input generated in the first sensing area SA1.

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment, during the period of driving the touch sensor TS in the first mode, all first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., all first Tx electrodes T1 and first Rx electrodes R1) can be activated to detect touch input generated in the first sensing area SA1.

[0142] For example, during the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the first mode, the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2 can be deactivated. Therefore, during the cycle of executing the first mode, the second sensing area SA2 can remain deactivated.

[0143] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first mode may be a standby mode, and may also be a partially driven mode for determining whether to initiate a touch operation by determining whether a touch input is generated in the first sensing area SA1. For example, in the first mode, the presence of touch input to the first sensing area SA1 may be monitored while at least some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 are repeatedly charged / discharged.

[0144] During the cycle of driving the first mode, when touch input is detected by an operation such as tapping or clicking on the first sensing area SA1, a wake-up signal can be generated to drive the touch sensor TS. For example, when the wake-up signal is generated, the driving mode can be switched to a third mode for activating the entire sensing area SA, such as the normal touch mode.

[0145] In devices such as watches, the device can operate in standby mode for a considerable period of time. Therefore, compared to waiting for touch input by driving only the first sensing area SA1 during the device's standby mode operation cycle, the power consumed during charging / discharging of the sensor electrodes can be effectively reduced by driving the entire sensing area SA to wait for touch input. Thus, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

[0146] Figures 5C to 5H It shows the driver Figure 5A and Figure 5B A timing diagram of an exemplary implementation of a method for using the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor. Figures 5C to 5H The drive is shown in Figure 5A and Figure 5B Various exemplary embodiments of the method for activating the first sensor electrode SE1 in an exemplary implementation. For example, Figures 5C to 5H An exemplary embodiment of the drive signal provided to the sensing region SA in each exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0147] Reference Figures 5C to 5H During the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the first mode, touch input to the first sensing area SA1 can be detected using the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1 via mutual capacitance sensing or self-capacitance sensing. For example, when all the first Tx electrodes T1 and the first Rx electrodes R1 are used to detect touch input, it is possible to detect whether a touch input has occurred and the location of the touch input. Each exemplary embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0148] Reference Figures 5A to 5C During the period of driving the touch sensor TS in the first mode, touch input to the first sensing area SA1 can be detected using the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1 via mutual capacitance sensing. For example, when driving the touch sensor TS in the first mode according to a predetermined frequency, a drive signal can be sequentially provided to the first Tx electrode T1 during each unit period P (e.g., one cycle) of the first mode cycle, and the presence or absence of touch input to the first sensing area SA1 can be monitored based on the sensing signal output from the first Rx electrode R1 via the drive signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more sampling pulses (e.g., two sampling pulses) can be provided to each first Tx electrode T1 during each unit period P. The number of sampling pulses can be set differently considering factors such as the SNR of the touch sensor TS.

[0149] In an exemplary embodiment Figure 5CThe waveform of the driving signal shown can be compared with the driving signal provided to the first Tx electrode T1 (which is used during the period of driving the touch sensor TS in the first mode to detect touch input to the first sensing area SA1 by a self-capacitance sensing method using the first Tx electrode T1). Figure 6C The waveforms in the text may be the same or different. For example, such as... Figure 5C and Figure 6C As shown, in the first mode, when the first sensing region SA1 is driven using the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1 with a mutual capacitance sensing method, the sampling pulse provided to the first Tx electrode T1 can be the same as the sampling pulse provided to the first Tx electrode T1 when the first sensing region SA1 is driven using the first Tx electrode T1 with a self-capacitance sensing method. (Refer to...) Figure 5C and Figure 6C Labels are added to indicate the waveforms of the drive signals provided when the first sensing region SA1 is driven in different ways. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, in the first mode, the number of sampling pulses provided to the first Tx electrode T1 when the first sensing region SA1 is driven using the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1 with a mutual capacitance sensing method may be different from the number of sampling pulses provided to the first Tx electrode T1 when the first sensing region SA1 is driven using the first Tx electrode T1 with a self-capacitance sensing method.

[0150] Reference Figures 5A to 5C Compared to driving all sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 using a mutual capacitance sensing method, driving the first sensor electrode SE1 using a mutual capacitance sensing method when the second sensor electrode SE2 is disabled in the first mode can effectively reduce the standby mode power consumption of the touch sensor TS. For example, this contrasts with a scenario where the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2 are required to be fully driven regardless of the driving mode. Figure 3 Compared to the exemplary implementation, in Figures 5A to 5C In an exemplary embodiment, the charge / discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the first mode can be reduced to approximately half (e.g., approximately 52%). However, the power consumption reduction effect can vary depending on the area ratio of the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2, the charge / discharge power consumption of the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2, etc.

[0151] Reference Figure 5A , Figure 5B as well as Figures 5D to 5H During the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the first mode, touch input to the first sensing area SA1 can be detected using the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1 via a self-capacitance sensing method. This will be described in detail below.

[0152] Reference Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5D During each unit cycle P of the cycle executing the first mode, drive signals can be simultaneously provided to the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1.

[0153] refer to Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5E During each unit cycle P of the cycle in executing the first mode, after simultaneously providing a drive signal to the first Tx electrode T1, a drive signal can also be simultaneously provided to the first Rx electrode R1. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1.

[0154] refer to Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5F During each unit cycle P of the cycle in executing the first mode, after simultaneously providing a drive signal to the first Rx electrode R1, a drive signal can also be simultaneously provided to the first Tx electrode T1. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1.

[0155] refer to Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5G During each unit cycle P of the cycle in executing the first mode, after sequentially providing drive signals to the first Tx electrode T1, drive signals can be sequentially provided to the first Rx electrode R1. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1.

[0156] Reference Figure 5H During each unit cycle P of the cycle in executing the first mode, after sequentially providing drive signals to the first Rx electrode R1, drive signals can be sequentially provided to the first Tx electrode T1. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1.

[0157] Reference Figure 5A , Figure 5B as well as Figures 5D to 5HCompared to driving all sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 using mutual capacitance sensing or self-capacitance sensing, driving the first sensor electrode SE1 using self-capacitance sensing when the second sensor electrode SE2 is disabled in the first mode can effectively reduce the standby power consumption of the touch sensor TS. For example, in a scenario where the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2 are required to be fully driven regardless of the driving mode... Figure 3 Compared to the exemplary implementation, in Figure 5A , Figure 5B as well as Figures 5D to 5H In one exemplary embodiment, the charge / discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the first mode can be reduced. The power consumption reduction effect can vary depending on the charge / discharge power consumption of the first sensor electrode SE1 driven in each exemplary embodiment.

[0158] Figure 6A and Figure 6B yes Figure 4A and Figure 4B A plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of the panel unit, illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing area when driving the sensing area in a first mode. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The following are examples of driving in the first mode according to... Figure 4A and Figure 4B Another example of a sensor electrode activated when sensing the sensing region SA in an exemplary implementation. In the description Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the exemplary embodiments described above, for ease of description, details related to the exemplary embodiments will be omitted (e.g., Figure 5A and Figure 5B A detailed description of configurations similar to or the same as those in the exemplary implementations.

[0159] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the first mode, only some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 can be activated to detect touch input generated in the first sensing area SA1. For example, in the first mode, the first Tx electrode T1 can be used to detect whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 has been generated using a self-capacitance sensing method.

[0160] In the exemplary embodiment described above, the remaining first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., the first Rx electrode R1) of the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensor electrodes SE2 (e.g., the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2) of the second sensing region SA2 can be deactivated. Therefore, during the period of executing the first mode, the first sensing region SA1 can be activated by the first Tx electrode T1, and the second sensing region SA2 can remain deactivated.

[0161] When only the first Tx electrode T1 is driven, since touch input to at least the first sensing area SA1 can be detected, the touch detection operation required in the standby mode can be sufficiently performed. Furthermore, also in the above exemplary embodiment, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, the first sensing area SA1, which is the sensing area SA, can be selectively driven, and thus the power consumed during charging / discharging of the sensor electrodes can be reduced. Therefore, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

[0162] Figure 6C and Figure 6D It shows the driver Figure 6A and Figure 6B A timing diagram of an exemplary implementation of a method for using the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor. Figure 6C and Figure 6D The drive is shown in Figure 6A and Figure 6B Different exemplary embodiments of the method for activating the first Tx electrode T1 in the exemplary embodiments. For example, Figure 6C and Figure 6D Exemplary embodiments of the drive signals provided to the sensing region SA in each exemplary embodiment are shown. In the description... Figure 6C and Figure 6D In the exemplary embodiments described above, for ease of description, details related to the exemplary embodiments will be omitted (e.g., Figures 5C to 5G A detailed description of a configuration similar to that of the exemplary implementation.

[0163] Reference Figures 6A to 6D During each unit cycle P of the cycle executing the first mode, drive signals can be provided sequentially or simultaneously to the first Tx electrode T1. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signal output from each of the first Tx electrodes T1.

[0164] Reference Figures 6A to 6DCompared to driving all sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 using mutual capacitance sensing or self-capacitance sensing, driving only the first Tx electrode T1 using self-capacitance sensing in the first mode can effectively reduce the standby mode power consumption of the touch sensor TS. For example, in a scenario where the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2 are required to be fully driven regardless of the driving mode... Figure 3 Compared to the exemplary implementation, in Figures 6A to 6D In an exemplary embodiment, the charge / discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the first mode can be reduced to approximately half (e.g., approximately 52%). However, the power consumption reduction effect can vary depending on whether the charge / discharge power consumption of the first Tx electrode T1 is equivalent to the charge / discharge power consumption of the entire sensor electrode, etc.

[0165] Figure 7A and Figure 7B yes Figure 4A and Figure 4B A plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor, illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing region when driving the sensing region in a first mode. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The following are examples of driving in the first mode according to... Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is yet another example of a sensor electrode activated when sensing the sensing region SA in an exemplary implementation. In the description... Figure 7A and Figure 7B For the sake of convenience, detailed descriptions of configurations similar to or the same as those in the exemplary embodiments described above will be omitted when describing the exemplary embodiments.

[0166] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B In the first mode, some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., the first Rx electrode R1) can be used to detect whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated using a self-capacitance sensing method.

[0167] In the exemplary embodiment described above, the remaining first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., the first Tx electrode T1) of the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensor electrodes SE2 (e.g., the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2) of the second sensing region SA2 can be deactivated. Therefore, during the period of executing the first mode, the first sensing region SA1 can be activated by the first Rx electrode R1, and the second sensing region SA2 can remain deactivated.

[0168] When only the first Rx electrode R1 is driven, since touch input to the first sensing area SA1 can be detected, the touch detection operation required in the standby mode can be sufficiently performed. Furthermore, also in the above exemplary embodiment, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, the first sensing area SA1, which is the sensing area SA, can be selectively driven, and thus the power consumed during charging / discharging of the sensor electrodes can be reduced. Therefore, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

[0169] Figure 7C and Figure 7D It shows the driver Figure 7A and Figure 7B A timing diagram of an exemplary implementation of a method for using the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor. Figure 7C and Figure 7D The drive is shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B Different exemplary embodiments of the method for activating the first Rx electrode R1 in the exemplary embodiment. For example, Figure 7C and Figure 7D Exemplary embodiments of the drive signals provided to the sensing region SA in each exemplary embodiment are shown. In the description... Figure 7C and Figure 7D For ease of description, detailed descriptions of configurations that are substantially similar to those in the exemplary embodiments described above will be omitted in the following exemplary implementations.

[0170] Reference Figures 7A to 7D During each unit cycle P of the cycle executing the first mode, drive signals can be provided sequentially or simultaneously to the first Rx electrodes R1. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signal output from each of the first Rx electrodes R1.

[0171] Reference Figures 7A to 7D Compared to driving all sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 using a self-capacitance sensing method or a mutual capacitance sensing method, driving only the first Rx electrode R1 using a self-capacitance sensing method in the first mode can effectively reduce the standby mode power consumption of the touch sensor TS. For example, with Figure 3 Compared to the exemplary implementation, in Figures 7A to 7D In an exemplary embodiment, the charge / discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the first mode can be reduced to approximately 68%. However, the power consumption reduction effect can vary depending on the charge / discharge power consumption of the first Rx electrode R1 relative to the overall charge / discharge power consumption of the sensor electrodes, etc.

[0172] Figure 8A and Figure 8B yes Figure 4A and Figure 4B A plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor, illustrating an exemplary implementation of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing region when driving the sensing region in a second mode. Figure 8A and Figure 8B The following are examples of driving in the second mode according to... Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example of a sensor electrode activated when sensing the sensing region SA in an exemplary implementation. According to an exemplary implementation, the second mode may be a wheel mode.

[0173] Reference Figure 8A and Figure 8B In the second mode, the second sensor electrode SE2, which is disposed in the second sensing area SA2, is activated. For example, in the second mode, the second sensor electrode SE2 can be driven to detect touch input generated in the second sensing area SA2. To this end, in the second mode, the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2 can be activated.

[0174] For example, during the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the second mode, the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1 can be deactivated. Therefore, during the cycle of executing the second mode, the first sensing area SA1 can remain deactivated.

[0175] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second mode can be a roulette mode (also known as a "roulette operation mode"), and can be a partially driven mode for performing a predetermined operation selected in the roulette mode by determining whether there is a touch input generated with respect to the second sensing area SA2 and the location of the touch input. For example, in the second mode, while performing touch and movement (or dragging) operations on the edge portion of the sensing area SA corresponding to the second sensing area SA2, the operation of a display device such as a watch can be controlled. To this end, in the second mode, while repeatedly charging / discharging the second sensor electrode SE2, the presence and location of a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 can be monitored.

[0176] Display devices such as watches may include a non-quadrilateral sensing area SA, which has a generally circular shape and can support a wheel mode for rotating the boundaries of a display area DA. In wheel mode, by detecting touch input on the edge portion of the sensing area SA corresponding to the boundary of the display area DA (e.g., a second sensing area SA2), the device can be controlled to perform an operation selected by the user. For example, in wheel mode, touch input on the second sensing area SA2 needs to be detected, and for this purpose, sufficient touch sensitivity of the second sensing area SA2 needs to be ensured.

[0177] For example, when Figure 4A and Figure 4B When the sensor electrodes are formed as in the exemplary embodiment, sensor area loss in the edge portions can be prevented or minimized, and therefore a high SNR can also be ensured in the edge portions. Thus, sufficient touch sensing sensitivity required for wheel operation can be obtained even in the case of a low sampling rate in the second mode. For example, as... Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, in the second mode, driving Figure 4A and Figure 4B When using the sensing area SA to perform wheel operations, even with Figure 3 The exemplary implementation also achieves the touch sensing sensitivity required for wheel operation compared to performing sampling at approximately 1 / 4. Therefore, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

[0178] Furthermore, compared to waiting for touch input by driving the entire sensing area SA, by only partially driving the second sensing area SA2 during the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the second mode, the power consumed during charging / discharging of the sensor electrodes can be effectively reduced. Therefore, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced more effectively.

[0179] Figures 8C to 8H It shows the driver Figure 8A and Figure 8B A timing diagram of an exemplary implementation of a method for using the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor. Figures 8C to 8H The drive is shown in Figure 8A and Figure 8B Various exemplary embodiments of the method for activating the second sensor electrode SE2 in exemplary embodiments. For example, Figures 8C to 8H An exemplary embodiment of the drive signal provided to the sensing region SA in each exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0180] refer to Figures 8A to 8H During the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the second mode, the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2 can be used to detect touch input to the second sensing area SA2 using a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self-capacitance sensing method. For example, when the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2 are activated, during the cycle of executing the second mode, it is possible to detect whether a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 is generated and the location of the touch input. Each exemplary embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0181] Reference Figures 8A to 8CDuring the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the second mode, the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2 can be used to detect touch input to the second sensing area SA2 using a mutual capacitance sensing method. For example, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode according to a predetermined frequency, during each unit cycle P of the cycle of executing the second mode, a drive signal can be sequentially provided to the second Tx electrode T2, and the presence and location of touch input to the second sensing area SA2 can be monitored based on the sensing signal output from the second Rx electrode R2 via the drive signal.

[0182] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more sampling pulses can be provided to each second Tx electrode T2 during each unit cycle P, and the number of sampling pulses can be set differently according to the SNR of the touch sensor TS, etc. For example, in Figure 3 In an exemplary implementation, four sampling pulses are provided to each Tx electrode (e.g., each first electrode ET1 distributed throughout the sensing region SA) during each unit period P. However, in Figures 8A to 8C In an exemplary implementation, even if only one sampling pulse is provided to each second Tx electrode T2 during each unit period P, it is possible to obtain the same result as by means of... Figure 3 The touch sensing sensitivity obtained from the four sampling pulses in the exemplary embodiment is similar to the touch sensing sensitivity.

[0183] exist Figures 8A to 8C In an exemplary implementation, with Figure 3 Compared to the exemplary implementation, there is no sensor area loss in the edge portion, and in the second mode, the second sensor electrode SE2 required for wheel operation can be selectively driven only. Therefore, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be effectively reduced. For example, compared to... Figure 3 The charging / discharging power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode according to an exemplary implementation, Figures 8A to 8C In an exemplary implementation, the charging / discharging power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode can be reduced by approximately 12%.

[0184] Furthermore, compared to waiting for touch input by driving the entire sensing area SA, by driving only the second sensor electrode SE2 of the second sensing area SA2 during the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the second mode, the power consumed by charging / discharging the sensor electrode can be effectively reduced. Therefore, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced more effectively. However, the power consumption reduction effect can vary depending on the charging / discharging power consumption of the second sensor electrode SE2 relative to the charging / discharging power consumption of the entire sensor electrode.

[0185] Reference Figure 8A, Figure 8B as well as Figures 8D to 8H During the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the second mode, touch input to the second sensing area SA2 can be detected using the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2 via a self-capacitance sensing method. For example, in Figures 8D to 8H In an exemplary embodiment, a drive signal is provided to all the second sensor electrodes SE2 disposed in the second sensing region SA2. For example, during a cycle of executing the second mode, in Figure 8A In the case of the pattern structure, the second-first Tx electrode T2[1] to the second-fourth Tx electrode T2[4] and the second-first Rx electrode R2[1] to the second-sixth Rx electrode R2[6] are driven, and Figure 8B In the case of the patterned structure, the second-first Tx electrode T2[1] to the second-fourth Tx electrode T2[4] and the second-first Rx electrode R2[1] to the second-eighth Rx electrode R2[8] are driven. The following will describe in detail the process. Figures 8D to 8H Each of the exemplary implementations.

[0186] Reference Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8D During each unit cycle P of the second mode execution cycle, drive signals can be simultaneously provided to the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2. Furthermore, the presence and location of touch input to the second sensing area SA2 can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0187] refer to Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8E During each unit cycle P of the second mode's cycle, after simultaneously providing a drive signal to the second Tx electrode T2, a drive signal can also be simultaneously provided to the second Rx electrode R2. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 is generated and the location of the touch input can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0188] refer to Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8F During each unit cycle P of the second mode's cycle, after simultaneously providing a drive signal to the second Rx electrode R2, a drive signal can also be simultaneously provided to the second Tx electrode T2. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 is generated and the location of the touch input can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0189] refer to Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8G During each unit cycle P of the second mode execution cycle, after sequentially providing drive signals to the second Tx electrode T2, drive signals can be sequentially provided to the second Rx electrode R2. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 is generated and the location of the touch input can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0190] refer to Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8H During each unit cycle P of the second mode's cycle, after sequentially providing drive signals to the second Rx electrode R2, drive signals can be sequentially provided to the second Tx electrode T2. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 is generated and the location of the touch input can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0191] Reference Figure 8A , Figure 8B as well as Figures 8D to 8H Compared to driving all first sensor electrodes SE1 and second sensor electrodes SE2 using mutual capacitance sensing or self-capacitance sensing, in the second mode, when the second sensor electrode SE2 is driven by self-capacitance sensing while the first sensor electrode SE1 is disabled, the power consumption of the wheel mode can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, since there is essentially no sensor area loss at the edges, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced more effectively by lowering the sampling rate.

[0192] For example, according to Figure 8A as well as Figures 8D to 8H In an exemplary implementation, the charging / discharging power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode can be reduced. Figure 3 The exemplary implementation has a charge / discharge power consumption ratio of approximately 15%. Furthermore, according to... Figure 8B as well as Figures 8D to 8H In an exemplary implementation, the charging / discharging power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode can be reduced. Figure 3 The exemplary embodiment has a charge / discharge power consumption ratio of approximately 18%. However, the power consumption reduction effect can vary depending on the charge / discharge power consumption of the second sensor electrode SE2 relative to the overall sensor electrode charge / discharge power consumption.

[0193] Figures 5A to 8HAn exemplary embodiment is disclosed in which the sensing region SA is partially driven by selectively activating the first sensing region SA1 or the second sensing region SA2 corresponding to the first mode or the second mode. However, the operation of the touch sensor TS is not limited to the partial driving mode. For example, the touch sensor TS can also be driven in a third mode (e.g., full driving mode or normal mode) that activates the entire sensing region SA. In this case, touch input can be detected in the entire sensing region SA by simultaneously or sequentially driving the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2.

[0194] According to an exemplary embodiment, in the third mode, a drive signal can be provided to each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the second Tx electrode T2, and whether a touch input to the entire sensing area SA is generated and the location of the touch input can be detected using a mutual capacitance sensing method based on the sensing signals output from the first Rx electrode R1 and the second Rx electrode R2. Here, the first Tx electrode T1 and the second Tx electrode T2 can be driven simultaneously or sequentially for each group. Furthermore, the first Tx electrode T1 and the second Tx electrode T2 can be driven sequentially within each group. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the drive signal can be sequentially provided to the second Tx electrode T2 while the drive signal is sequentially provided to the first Tx electrode T1. In another exemplary embodiment, after the drive signal is sequentially provided to the first Tx electrode T1, the drive signal can be sequentially provided to the second Tx electrode T2. Alternatively, after the drive signal is sequentially provided to the second Tx electrode T2, the drive signal can be sequentially provided to the first Tx electrode T1.

[0195] However, the driving method of the touch sensor TS in the third mode is not limited to the mutual capacitance sensing method. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, in the third mode, touch input to the entire sensing area SA can be detected by driving the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 using a self-capacitance sensing method. In this case, the first Tx electrode T1 and the second Tx electrode T2, as well as the first Rx electrode R1 and the second Rx electrode R2, can be driven simultaneously or sequentially for each group, and / or the first Tx electrode T1 and the second Tx electrode T2, as well as the first Rx electrode R1 and the second Rx electrode R2, can be driven simultaneously or sequentially within each group. Furthermore, touch input can be detected based on the sensing signal output from each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the second Tx electrode T2, as well as the first Rx electrode R1 and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0196] In the exemplary embodiments described above, the numbering assigned to each of the Tx and Rx electrodes, or the driving order based on the numbering, is for ease of description, and the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the driving order and / or arrangement order of the Tx and Rx electrodes may vary depending on the exemplary embodiments.

[0197] Figure 9A and Figure 9B It is in the sensing area Figure 1B A plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of the panel unit. Figure 9A and Figure 9B Touch sensors TS according to exemplary embodiments are shown, and different exemplary embodiments of the structure of sensor patterns disposed in sensing areas SA are specifically illustrated. Figure 9A and Figure 9B In the exemplary embodiments described above, for ease of description, references to the exemplary embodiments described above (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4B A detailed description of configurations similar to or the same as those in the exemplary implementations.

[0198] Reference Figure 9A and Figure 9B For each of the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2, the Tx electrode T is not separate and can be designed as a single unit. For example, in a sensing region SA that includes the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2, Tx electrode patterns located in the same quadrant can be connected to each other integrally or non-integrally to form a single Tx electrode T.

[0199] Specifically, Tx electrode patterns located in the first quadrant of the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2 can be connected to each other to form a Tx electrode T of the first channel [1], and Tx electrode patterns located in the second quadrant of the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2 can be connected to each other to form a Tx electrode T of the second channel [2]. Similarly, Tx electrode patterns located in the third quadrant of the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2 can be connected to each other to form a Tx electrode T of the third channel [3], and Tx electrode patterns located in the fourth quadrant of the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensing region SA2 can be connected to each other to form a Tx electrode T of the fourth channel [4].

[0200] The Tx electrode T can be combined with the first Rx electrode R1 to form the first sensor electrode SE1, and can be combined with the second Rx electrode R2 to form the second sensor electrode SE2.

[0201] Figure 10A and Figure 10B yes Figure 9A and Figure 9B A plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor, illustrating an exemplary implementation of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode. Figure 10A and Figure 10B The following are examples of driving in the first mode according to... Figure 9A and Figure 9B An example of a sensor electrode activated when sensing region SA in an exemplary implementation.

[0202] Reference Figure 10A and Figure 10B In the first mode, the first sensor electrode SE1 disposed in the first sensing area SA1 is activated. For example, in the first mode, at least some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 can be driven to detect touch input generated in the first sensing area SA1.

[0203] In an exemplary embodiment, during the period of driving the touch sensor TS in the first mode, all first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., all Tx electrodes T and first Rx electrodes R1) can be activated to detect touch input generated in the first sensing area SA1.

[0204] Figures 10C to 10H It shows the driver Figure 10A and Figure 10B A timing diagram of an exemplary implementation of a method for using the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor. Figures 10C to 10H The drive is shown in Figure 10A and Figure 10B Various exemplary embodiments of the method for activating the first sensor electrode SE1 in an exemplary implementation. For example, Figures 10C to 10H An exemplary embodiment of the drive signal provided to the sensing region SA in each exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0205] refer to Figures 10A to 10H During the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the first mode, touch input to the first sensing area SA1 can be detected using the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1 via mutual capacitance sensing or self-capacitance sensing. For example, when detecting touch input using all Tx electrodes T and the first Rx electrode R1, it is possible to detect whether a touch input has occurred and the location of the touch input. Each exemplary embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0206] Reference Figures 10A to 10CDuring the period of driving the touch sensor TS in the first mode, touch input to the first sensing area SA1 can be detected using the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1 via mutual capacitance sensing. For example, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode according to a predetermined frequency, a drive signal can be sequentially provided to the Tx electrode T during each unit cycle P of the first mode cycle, and whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signal output from the first Rx electrode R1 via the drive signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more sampling pulses can be provided to each Tx electrode T during each unit cycle P, and the number of sampling pulses can be set differently according to the SNR of the touch sensor TS, etc.

[0207] In an exemplary embodiment Figure 10C The waveform of the driving signal shown can be compared with the driving signal provided to the Tx electrode T (which is used to detect touch input to the second sensing area SA2 by mutual capacitance sensing during the period of driving the touch sensor TS in the second mode). Figure 12C The waveforms in the reference are the same or different. For example, the reference... Figure 10C and Figure 12C When the first sensing region SA1 is driven using a mutual capacitance sensing method with Tx electrode T and first Rx electrode R1 in the first mode, the sampling pulse provided to Tx electrode T can be the same as the sampling pulse provided to Tx electrode T when the second sensing region SA2 is driven using a mutual capacitance sensing method with Tx electrode T and second Rx electrode R2 in the second mode. (Reference) Figure 10C and Figure 12C Labels are added to indicate the waveform of the drive signal provided in each of the first and second modes. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the number of sampling pulses provided to the Tx electrode T when the first sensing region SA1 is driven using the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1 in the first mode with a mutual capacitance sensing method may be different from the number of sampling pulses provided to the Tx electrode T when the second sensing region SA2 is driven using the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2 in the second mode with a mutual capacitance sensing method.

[0208] Reference Figure 10A , Figure 10B as well as Figures 10D to 10H During the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the first mode, touch input to the first sensing area SA1 can be detected using the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1 via a self-capacitance sensing method. This will be described in detail below.

[0209] Reference Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10D During each unit cycle P of the cycle executing the first mode, a drive signal can be simultaneously provided to the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signal output from each of the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1.

[0210] Reference Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10E During each unit cycle P of the cycle in the first mode, after simultaneously providing a drive signal to the Tx electrode T, a drive signal can also be simultaneously provided to the first Rx electrode R1. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1.

[0211] Reference Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10F During each unit cycle P of the cycle in executing the first mode, after simultaneously providing a drive signal to the first Rx electrode R1, a drive signal can also be simultaneously provided to the Tx electrode T. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1.

[0212] refer to Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10G During each unit cycle P of the cycle in the first mode, after sequentially providing drive signals to the Tx electrode T, drive signals can be sequentially provided to the first Rx electrode R1. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1.

[0213] Reference Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10H During each unit cycle P of the cycle in executing the first mode, after sequentially providing drive signals to the first Rx electrode R1, drive signals can be sequentially provided to the Tx electrode T. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1.

[0214] Reference Figure 10A , Figure 10B as well as Figures 10D to 10HCompared to driving all sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 (e.g., Tx electrode T and first Rx electrode R1 and second Rx electrode R2) using a self-capacitance sensing method, driving Tx electrode T and first Rx electrode R1 using a self-capacitance sensing method when the second Rx electrode R2 is disabled in the first mode can reduce the standby mode power consumption of the touch sensor TS. For example, compared to Figure 3 Compared to the exemplary implementation, in Figure 10A , Figure 10B as well as Figures 10D to 10H In an exemplary implementation, the charging / discharging power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the first mode can be reduced.

[0215] Figure 11A and Figure 11B yes Figure 9A and Figure 9B A plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor, illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing region when driving the sensing region in a first mode. Figure 11A and Figure 11B The following are examples of driving in the first mode according to... Figure 9A and 9B Another example of a sensor electrode that is activated when sensing region SA is in an exemplary implementation.

[0216] Reference Figure 11A and Figure 11B In the first mode, some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 (specifically, the first Rx electrode R1) can be used to detect whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated using a self-capacitance sensing method.

[0217] In the above exemplary embodiment, the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2 can be deactivated. Therefore, during the cycle of executing the first mode, the first sensing region SA1 can be activated by the first Rx electrode R1, and the second sensing region SA2 can remain deactivated.

[0218] When only the first Rx electrode R1 is driven, the touch detection operation required in standby mode can be fully performed because touch input to the first sensing area SA1 can be detected. Furthermore, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, only the first sensing area SA1 of the sensing area SA can be selectively driven, thus effectively reducing the power consumed in charging / discharging the sensor electrodes. Therefore, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

[0219] In an exemplary implementation, it can be used with Figure 7C and Figure 7DThe first Rx electrode R1 is activated using the same method as in the exemplary implementation.

[0220] For example, refer to Figure 7C and Figure 7D During each unit cycle P of the cycle executing the first mode, drive signals can be sequentially or simultaneously provided to the first Rx electrode R1. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be monitored based on the sensing signal output from each of the first Rx electrodes R1. Therefore, with Figure 3 Compared to exemplary implementations, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced. For example, compared to... Figure 3 Compared to the touch sensor TS in the exemplary implementation, in Figure 11A and Figure 11B In an exemplary implementation, the charging / discharging power consumption in the first mode can be reduced. Figure 3 The charging / discharging power consumption of the exemplary implementation is approximately 68%.

[0221] Figure 12A and Figure 12B yes Figure 9A and Figure 9B A plan view of the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor, illustrating an exemplary implementation of a method for activating and deactivating the sensing region when driving the sensing region in a second mode. Figure 12A and Figure 12B The following are examples of driving in the second mode according to... Figure 9A and Figure 9B An example of a sensor electrode activated when sensing region SA in an exemplary implementation. Figure 12A and Figure 12B In the exemplary embodiments described above, for ease of description, references to the exemplary embodiments described above (e.g., Figure 8A and Figure 8B A detailed description of configurations similar to or the same as those in the exemplary implementations.

[0222] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 12B In the second mode, the second sensor electrode SE2, located in the second sensing area SA2, is activated. For example, in the second mode, the second sensor electrode SE2 can be driven to detect touch input generated in the second sensing area SA2. To this end, in the second mode, all Tx electrodes T and the second Rx electrode R2 can be activated. For example, during the period of driving the touch sensor TS in the second mode, the first Rx electrode R1 can be deactivated.

[0223] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second mode can be a wheel mode, and can also be a partial drive mode for performing a predetermined operation selected in the wheel mode by determining whether a touch input generated with respect to the second sensing area SA2 and the location of the touch input. Therefore, in the second mode, the presence and location of touch input to the second sensing area SA2 can be monitored while repeatedly charging / discharging the second sensor electrode SE2.

[0224] When the sensor electrodes are formed as Figure 9A and Figure 9B In the exemplary implementation, sensor area loss in the edge portions can be prevented or minimized. Therefore, sufficient touch sensing sensitivity required for wheel operation can be obtained even at the lower sampling rate in the second mode. For example, as... Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown, in the second mode, driving Figure 9A and Figure 9B When using the sensing area SA to perform wheel operations, even if the sampling rate is Figure 3 Approximately one-quarter of the sampling rate of the exemplary implementation can also achieve the touch sensing sensitivity required for wheel operation. Therefore, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

[0225] Figures 12C to 12H It shows the driver Figure 12A and Figure 12B A timing diagram of an exemplary implementation of a method for using the first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor. Figures 12C to 12H The drive is shown in Figure 12A and Figure 12B Various exemplary embodiments of the method for activating the second sensor electrode SE2 in exemplary embodiments. For example, Figures 12C to 12H Exemplary embodiments of the drive signals provided to the sensing region SA in each exemplary embodiment are shown. Figures 12C to 12H In the exemplary embodiments described above, for ease of description, references to the exemplary embodiments described above (e.g., Figures 8C to 8H A detailed description of configurations similar to or the same as those in the exemplary implementations.

[0226] Reference Figures 12A to 12HDuring the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the second mode, touch input to the second sensing area SA2 can be detected using the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2 disposed in the second sensing area SA2 via a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self-capacitance sensing method. For example, when all Tx electrodes T and the second Rx electrode R2 are activated, during the cycle of executing the second mode, it is possible to detect whether a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 is generated and the location of the touch input. Each exemplary embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0227] Reference Figures 12A to 12C During the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the second mode, touch input to the second sensing area SA2 can be detected using the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2 via mutual capacitance sensing. For example, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode according to a predetermined frequency, a drive signal can be sequentially provided to the Tx electrode T during each unit cycle P of the second mode cycle, and the presence and location of touch input to the second sensing area SA2 can be monitored based on the sensing signal output from the second Rx electrode R2 via the drive signal.

[0228] According to an exemplary implementation, one or more sampling pulses can be provided to each Tx electrode T during each unit cycle P, and the number of sampling pulses can be set differently according to the SNR of the touch sensor TS, etc. For example, in Figure 3 In one exemplary implementation, four sampling pulses are provided to each Tx electrode during each unit cycle P. However, in Figures 12A to 12C In an exemplary implementation, even if only one sampling pulse is provided to each Tx electrode T during each unit period P, it is possible to obtain the same result as by means of... Figure 3 The touch sensing sensitivity obtained from the four sampling pulses in the exemplary embodiment is similar to the touch sensing sensitivity.

[0229] exist Figures 12A to 12C In an exemplary implementation, with Figure 3 The implementation method differs from others; there is no sensor area loss in the edge portions, and therefore the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced by lowering the sampling rate. For example, according to Figures 12A to 12C In an exemplary implementation, the charging / discharging power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode can be reduced. Figure 3 The exemplary implementation has a charge / discharge power consumption ratio of approximately 25%.

[0230] Reference Figure 12A , Figure 12B as well as Figures 12D to 12HDuring the cycle of driving the touch sensor TS in the second mode, touch input to the second sensing area SA2 can be detected using the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2 via a self-capacitance sensing method. Specifically, in Figures 12D to 12H In an exemplary embodiment, a drive signal is provided to all the second sensor electrodes SE2 disposed in the second sensing region SA2. For example, during a cycle of executing the second mode, in Figure 12A In the case of the pattern structure, four Tx electrodes T[1] to T[4] and the second-first Rx electrodes R2[1] to the second-sixth Rx electrodes R2[6] are driven, and Figure 12B In the case of the patterned structure, four Tx electrodes T[1] to T[4] and the second-first Rx electrodes R2[1] to the second-eighth Rx electrodes R2[8] are driven. The following will describe in detail the process. Figures 12D to 12H Each of the exemplary implementations.

[0231] Reference Figure 12A , Figure 12B and Figure 12D During each unit cycle P of the second mode execution cycle, drive signals can be simultaneously provided to the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2. Furthermore, the presence and location of touch input to the second sensing area SA2 can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0232] refer to Figure 12A , Figure 12B and Figure 12E During each unit cycle P of the second mode's cycle, after simultaneously providing a drive signal to the Tx electrode T, a drive signal can also be simultaneously provided to the second Rx electrode R2. Furthermore, the presence and location of touch input to the second sensing area SA2 can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0233] Reference Figure 12A , Figure 12B and Figure 12F During each unit cycle P of the second mode's cycle, after simultaneously providing a drive signal to the second Rx electrode R2, a drive signal can also be simultaneously provided to the Tx electrode T. Furthermore, the presence and location of a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0234] refer to Figure 12A , Figure 12B and Figure 12GDuring each unit cycle P of the second mode's cycle, after sequentially providing drive signals to the Tx electrode T, drive signals can be sequentially provided to the second Rx electrode R2. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 is generated and the location of the touch input can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0235] Reference Figure 12A , Figure 12B and Figure 12H During each unit cycle P of the second mode's cycle, after sequentially providing drive signals to the second Rx electrode R2, drive signals can be sequentially provided to the Tx electrode T. Furthermore, whether a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 is generated and the location of the touch input can be monitored based on the sensing signals output from each of the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0236] Reference Figure 12A , Figure 12B as well as Figures 12D to 12H Compared to the case where all sensor electrodes (e.g., Tx electrode T and first Rx electrode R1 and second Rx electrode R2) are driven using a self-capacitance sensing method, in the second mode, when the second sensor electrode SE2 is driven using a self-capacitance sensing method while the first sensor electrode SE1 is deactivated, the power consumption of the wheel mode can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, since there is virtually no sensor area loss at the edges, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced more effectively by lowering the sampling rate.

[0237] For example, according to Figure 12A as well as Figures 12C to 12H In an exemplary implementation, the charging / discharging power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode can be reduced. Figure 3 The exemplary implementation has a charge / discharge power consumption ratio of approximately 21%. Furthermore, according to... Figure 12B as well as Figures 12C to 12H In an exemplary implementation, the charging / discharging power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode can be reduced. Figure 3 The exemplary implementation has a charge / discharge power consumption ratio of approximately 25%. However, the power consumption reduction effect can vary depending on the charge / discharge power consumption of the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2 relative to the overall charge / discharge power consumption of the sensor electrodes.

[0238] Figures 10A to 12HExemplary implementations are disclosed in which the sensing region SA is partially driven corresponding to a first mode or a second mode. However, the operation of the touch sensor TS is not limited to the partial driving mode. For example, the touch sensor TS can also be driven in a third mode that activates the entire sensing region SA. In this case, touch input can be detected throughout the entire sensing region SA by simultaneously or sequentially driving the Tx electrode T, the first Rx electrode R1, and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0239] According to an exemplary implementation, in the third mode, a drive signal can be provided to the Tx electrode T, and whether a touch input to the entire sensing area SA is generated and the location of the touch input can be detected by a mutual capacitance sensing method based on the sensing signals output from the first Rx electrode R1 and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0240] However, the driving method of the touch sensor TS in the third mode is not limited to the mutual capacitance sensing method. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, in the third mode, touch input to the entire sensing area SA can be detected by driving the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 using a self-capacitance sensing method. In this case, the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1 and the second Rx electrode R2 can be driven simultaneously or sequentially for each group, and / or the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1 and the second Rx electrode R2 can be driven simultaneously or sequentially within each group. Furthermore, touch input can be detected based on the sensing signal output from each of the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1 and the second Rx electrode R2.

[0241] According to the various exemplary embodiments described above, only a portion of the sensing area SA can be partially driven according to a predetermined driving mode. For example, in a first mode, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated can be detected by driving at least some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., the first Tx electrode T1 (or Tx electrode T) and / or the first Rx electrode R1) disposed in the first sensing area SA1 in the central portion using a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self-capacitance sensing method. Therefore, operations such as tapping or clicking provided to the first sensing area SA1 during the execution of the first mode can be detected. At this time, at least some of the second sensor electrodes SE2 located at the edge portion (e.g., at least the second Rx electrode R2) can remain in a deactivated state.

[0242] Furthermore, in the second mode, whether a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 and the location of the touch input are generated can be detected by driving at least some of the second sensor electrodes SE2 (e.g., the second Tx electrode T2 (or Tx electrode T) and / or the second Rx electrode R2) disposed in the second sensing area SA2 at the edge portion using a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self-capacitance sensing method. Therefore, the wheel operation provided to the second sensing area SA2 during the execution of the second mode can be detected. At this time, at least some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 located in the central portion (e.g., at least the first Rx electrode R1) can remain in a deactivated state.

[0243] As described above, when touch input needs to be detected only for a portion of the sensing area SA, the sensing area SA can be partially driven by activating the sensor electrodes in the corresponding area. Therefore, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented or minimized, and the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

[0244] For example, the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 can be driven independently, and the entire sensing area SA can be activated by driving all of the first sensor electrodes SE1 and the second sensor electrodes SE2. For example, in a third mode such as normal mode, touch input functionality can be provided throughout the entire sensing area SA by driving the first sensor electrodes SE1 and the second sensor electrodes SE2 simultaneously or sequentially.

[0245] Furthermore, according to the principles of the present invention and various exemplary embodiments, by designing the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 into curved patterns that can be optimized for the sensing area SA of a generally circular shape, sensor area loss in the edge portions can be prevented or minimized. Therefore, sensing sensitivity can be improved by increasing the SNR of the touch sensor TS. Furthermore, as the SNR of the touch sensor TS increases, the sampling rate used to detect touch input can be reduced. In this case, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be further reduced.

[0246] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other exemplary embodiments and modifications will be apparent from that description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to these exemplary embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Touch sensor, including: The sensing area includes a first sensing area and a second sensing area, wherein the second sensing area is located outwardly from the first sensing area in an edge portion; A first sensor electrode is disposed in the first sensing area; as well as A second sensor electrode is disposed in the second sensing region, and the second sensor electrode is configured to be activated separately from the first sensor electrode. In this configuration, the first sensor electrode can be driven in a first mode to detect touch input generated in the first sensing area, and the second sensor electrode can be driven in a second mode to detect touch input generated in the second sensing area. The first sensor electrode includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in the first sensing region. The second sensor electrode includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode disposed in the second sensing area. The sensing area has a circular shape. The first sensing area includes concentric regions, the radius of which is smaller than the radius of the sensing area having the circular shape. The second sensing region includes a ring-shaped region surrounding the first sensing region. The first sensing node is formed in the first sensing region by the first electrode and the second electrode being adjacent to each other. The second sensing node is formed in the second sensing region by the third and fourth electrodes that are adjacent to each other. As the radius of the concentric circles forming the circumferences of the first sensing node and the second sensing node increases, the annular region where the first sensing node or the second sensing node is located is divided into more first sensing nodes or second sensing nodes, so that the first sensing node and the second sensing node have the same area.

2. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode and the second electrode in the first sensing region are separated from the third electrode and the fourth electrode in the second sensing region, and wherein: The first electrode in the first sensing region and the third electrode in the second sensing region are driving electrodes, and The second electrode in the first sensing region and the fourth electrode in the second sensing region are sensing electrodes.

3. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The first electrode is disposed in a quadrant of the first sensing region, and the first electrodes in the same quadrant are connected to each other to form a single first electrode. The third electrode is disposed in a quadrant of the second sensing region, and the third electrodes in the same quadrant of the second sensing region are connected to each other to form a single third electrode.

4. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensor electrode in the first sensing region includes: A circular center electrode is located at the center of the first sensing area; The first portion of the annular electrode includes a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns dispersed in at least one annular region, the at least one annular region being disposed at a predetermined distance and / or interval from the central electrode of the circular shape, and each of the multiple electrode patterns having a partial annular shape; and The second annular electrode is disposed in the annular region between the circular center electrode and the first annular electrode and / or in the annular region between the first annular electrodes, wherein the radius of the second annular electrode is different from the radius of the first annular electrode.

5. The touch sensor according to claim 4, wherein, The second part of the ring-shaped electrode includes: The first electrode is located in the first quadrant of the first sensing region and includes a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partially ring shape. The first and second electrodes are located in the second quadrant of the first sensing area and include a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partially ring shape. The first to third electrodes are located in the third quadrant of the first sensing region and include a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partially ring shape; and The first to fourth electrodes are located in the fourth quadrant of the first sensing region and include a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partially ring shape.

6. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the first portion of the annular electrodes includes a plurality of electrode patterns dispersed in the first quadrant to the fourth quadrant of the first sensing region. The first portion of the ring-shaped electrode is arranged sequentially in a clockwise direction in the first quadrant and the third quadrant of the first sensing region, and The first portion of the ring-shaped electrode is arranged sequentially in a counterclockwise direction in the second and fourth quadrants of the first sensing region.

7. The touch sensor according to claim 4, wherein, The second sensor electrode includes: The third portion of the annular electrode includes one or more electrode patterns dispersed in an annular region spaced at a predetermined distance from the first sensing region, each of the plurality of electrode patterns having a partial annular shape; and The fourth part, the annular electrode, is disposed in the annular region inside and / or outside the third part, the annular electrode.

8. The touch sensor according to claim 7, wherein, The fourth part of the ring-shaped electrode includes: The second-first electrode is located in the first quadrant of the second sensing region and includes a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partially ring shape. The second electrode is located in the second quadrant of the second sensing region and includes a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partially ring shape. The second and third electrodes are located in the third quadrant of the second sensing region and include a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partially ring shape; and The second to fourth electrodes are located in the fourth quadrant of the second sensing region and include a single electrode pattern or multiple electrode patterns having a partially ring shape.

9. The touch sensor according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the third ring-shaped electrodes includes multiple electrode patterns dispersed in the first to fourth quadrants of the second sensing region. The third ring-shaped electrode is arranged sequentially in a clockwise direction in the first and third quadrants of the second sensing region, and The third ring-shaped electrode is arranged sequentially in a counterclockwise direction in the second and fourth quadrants of the second sensing region.

10. The touch sensor according to claim 7, wherein, The second sensor electrode also includes an outermost electrode in the shape of a ring or a partial ring, the outermost electrode being disposed in the outermost region of the sensing area to surround the fourth partial ring electrode.

11. A method for driving a touch sensor, the touch sensor having a sensing region including a first sensing region and a second sensing region, the second sensing region being disposed outwardly from the first sensing region in an edge portion, the method comprising: In the first mode, at least some of the first sensor electrodes in the first sensing area are driven by a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self-capacitance sensing method to detect whether touch input is received in the first sensing area; as well as In the second mode, at least some of the second sensor electrodes in the second sensing region are driven by the mutual capacitance sensing method or the self-capacitance sensing method to detect whether a touch input is received in the second sensing region and the location of the touch input in the second sensing region. The first sensor electrode includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in the first sensing region. The second sensor electrode includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode disposed in the second sensing area. The sensing area has a circular shape. The first sensing area includes concentric regions, the radius of which is smaller than the radius of the sensing area having the circular shape. The second sensing region includes a ring-shaped region surrounding the first sensing region. The first sensing node is formed in the first sensing region by the first electrode and the second electrode being adjacent to each other. The second sensing node is formed in the second sensing region by the third and fourth electrodes that are adjacent to each other. As the radius of the concentric circles forming the circumferences of the first sensing node and the second sensing node increases, the annular region where the first sensing node or the second sensing node is located is divided into more first sensing nodes or second sensing nodes, so that the first sensing node and the second sensing node have the same area.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, In the first mode, the mutual capacitance sensing method uses the first electrode and the second electrode to detect whether the touch input is received in the first sensing area.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, In the first mode, the self-capacitance sensing method uses the first electrode to detect whether the touch input is received in the first sensing area.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, In the first mode, the self-capacitance sensing method uses the second electrode to detect whether the touch input is received in the first sensing area.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, In the second mode, the mutual capacitance sensing method uses the third electrode and the fourth electrode to detect whether the touch input is received in the second sensing area.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, In the second mode, the self-capacitance sensing method uses the third electrode and the fourth electrode to detect whether the touch input is received in the second sensing area and the location of the touch input in the second sensing area.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first mode is standby mode, and the second mode is active mode.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The second sensing area is deactivated in the first mode, and the first sensing area is deactivated in the second mode.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising, in a third mode, activating all of the first sensor electrodes and the second sensor electrodes in the first sensing region and the second sensing region.

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