Touch sensing method and electronic device including touch sensing device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a touch sensing method and an electronic device including a touch sensing device, the touch sensing method comprising: generating an oscillation signal having a resonant frequency, wherein the oscillation signal is changeable according to a plurality of touch inputs applied to a first touch switch unit and a second touch switch unit formed in a housing of the electronic device; analyzing the plurality of applied touch inputs based on a change in the resonant frequency of the generated oscillation signal; and identifying and sensing a type of touch operation according to a pattern of the plurality of touch inputs based on a result of the analysis of the plurality of applied touch inputs.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0083287 filed on Jul. 7, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The following description relates to a touch sensing method and an electronic device including the touch sensing device. Background Art

[0003] In general, wearable devices have become thinner, simpler, and have been implemented with sleeker, more aesthetically pleasing designs. As a result, existing mechanical switches are being eliminated with the implementation of dust and water resistance technologies, and the development of integrated models with sleek designs.

[0004] Currently, technologies such as touch-on-metal (ToM) technology that implements touch input on metal, capacitor sensing technology using a touch panel, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), and micro-strain gauges are being developed. In addition, force touch functions are also being developed.

[0005] In the case of existing mechanical switches, a large-sized mechanical switch and a large internal space are required to realize the function of the switch. Therefore, there may be disadvantages that the exterior of the wearable device may not be smooth or aesthetically pleasing due to the shape or structure protruding to the exterior of the outer shell not being integrated with the outer shell, and the wearable device may occupy a relatively large space.

[0006] In addition, there is a risk of electric shock due to direct contact with the electrically connected mechanical switch. In particular, due to the structural characteristics of the mechanical switch, there is a disadvantage that it may be difficult to obtain a waterproof and dustproof construction of the wearable device. Summary of the invention

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce selected concepts in a simplified form, and these concepts are further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] In a general aspect, a touch sensing method includes: generating an oscillation signal having a resonant frequency, wherein the oscillation signal is changeable according to a plurality of touch inputs applied to a first touch switch unit and a second touch switch unit formed in a housing of an electronic device; analyzing the applied plurality of touch inputs based on a change in the resonant frequency of the generated oscillation signal; and identifying and sensing a type of touch operation according to a pattern of the plurality of touch inputs based on a result of the analysis of the applied plurality of touch inputs.

[0009] The touch sensing method may further include: determining a touch input level according to intensities of the plurality of touch inputs based on a result of the analyzing; and calculating an operation output value of the electronic device according to the determined touch input level.

[0010] Calculating the operation output value of the electronic device according to the determined touch input level may include calculating any one of a volume, a vibration intensity, an operation time period, a number of operations, and an operation frequency of the electronic device to match the touch input level.

[0011] The identifying and sensing the type of the touch operation may include: for the multiple touch inputs, comparing any one or any combination of any two or more of the number of touch inputs, the location of the touch inputs, the direction of travel of the touch operation, and the touch intensity level to identify the type of the touch operation.

[0012] The analyzing the applied plurality of touch inputs may include collecting and analyzing only a plurality of pieces of touch input data applied within a reference period of time pre-stored in the electronic device.

[0013] The identifying and sensing the type of the touch operation may include: determining whether the collected multiple touch input data correspond to the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit; and in response to the result of the determination whether the collected multiple touch input data correspond to the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit being that the collected multiple touch input data correspond to both the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit, identifying the type of the touch operation as any one of ordinary multi-touch, sequential multi-touch, multi-sliding touch, multi-swipe touch and squeeze.

[0014] The touch sensing method may also include: in response to the result of determining whether the collected multiple touch input data correspond to the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit being that the collected multiple touch input data do not correspond to both the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit, identifying the type of the touch operation as any one of a multi-touch, a sliding touch, and a swipe touch relative to a single touch switch unit of the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit.

[0015] The touch sensing method may also include: determining the number of data of touch input applied for the first time among the multiple touch input data collected; and further identifying the type of the touch operation as the sequential multi-touch in response to the following items: the result of determining whether the multiple touch input data collected corresponds to the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit is that the multiple touch input data collected corresponds to both the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit; and the number of data of the touch input applied for the first time is one.

[0016] The touch sensing method may also include: determining whether each of the multiple touch inputs applied for the first time maintains a minimum time period while having an intensity level greater than or equal to a predetermined reference intensity level; and further identifying the type of the touch operation as the squeeze in response to the following items: the result of determining whether the multiple touch input data collected corresponds to the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit is that the multiple touch input data collected corresponds to both the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit; the number of the touch input data applied for the first time is multiple; and the result of determining whether each of the multiple touch inputs applied for the first time maintains the minimum time period while having the intensity level greater than or equal to the predetermined reference intensity level is that the multiple touch inputs applied for the first time maintain the minimum time period while having the intensity level greater than or equal to the predetermined reference intensity level.

[0017] The identifying and sensing the type of the touch operation may include comparing a location of a first-applied touch input among the plurality of collected touch input data with a location of a second-applied touch input among the plurality of collected touch input data to determine a traveling direction of the touch operation.

[0018] The identifying and sensing the type of the touch operation may include: respectively determining the intensity levels of the multiple collected touch input data; and in response to the result of the determining the intensity levels of the multiple collected touch input data being that the intensity levels of the multiple collected touch input data sequentially decrease, identifying the type of the touch operation as a swipe touch.

[0019] The touch sensing method may further include: in response to a result of the determining the intensity levels of the collected pieces of touch input data being that the intensity levels of the collected pieces of touch input data remain unchanged or increase, identifying the type of the touch operation as a sliding touch.

[0020] In another general aspect, an electronic device includes: a touch switch unit formed in a housing; and a touch sensing device configured to sense a touch input applied to the touch switch unit, wherein the touch switch unit includes: a first touch switch unit disposed on one side surface of the electronic device; and a second touch switch unit disposed on another side surface of the electronic device.

[0021] The touch sensing device may include: an oscillation circuit configured to generate corresponding oscillation signals corresponding to the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit, each of the corresponding oscillation signals having a resonant frequency that is changeable according to a plurality of touch inputs constituting the touch inputs applied to the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit; and a detection circuit configured to identify a type of touch operation according to a pattern of the plurality of touch inputs based on a change in the resonant frequency of the generated corresponding oscillation signals.

[0022] The detection circuit may be further configured to determine a touch input level according to the strengths of the plurality of touch inputs, and calculate an operation output value of the electronic device according to the determined touch input level.

[0023] The detection circuit can also be configured to compare any one or any combination of two or more of the number of touch inputs, the location of the touch inputs, the direction of travel of the touch operation and the touch intensity level for the multiple touch inputs to identify the type of the touch operation.

[0024] The touch sensing device may further include: an inductor element configured to exhibit a change in inductance when the touch input is applied to the touch switch unit; and a capacitor element electrically connected to the inductor element and configured to exhibit a change in capacitance when the touch input is applied to the touch switch unit. The oscillation circuit may be electrically connected to the inductor element and the capacitor element to generate the corresponding oscillation signal.

[0025] Each of the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit may include a plurality of touch members. The touch sensing device may further include: a plurality of inductor elements corresponding to the plurality of touch members and configured to exhibit changes in inductance when the plurality of touch inputs are applied to the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit; and a plurality of capacitor elements electrically connected to the plurality of inductor elements, respectively, and configured to exhibit changes in capacitance when the plurality of touch inputs are applied to the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit. The detection circuit may also be configured to analyze only a plurality of touch input data pre-stored in the plurality of touch inputs and applied within a reference time period to identify the type of the touch operation.

[0026] The first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit may be symmetrically arranged on the one side surface of the electronic device and the other side surface of the electronic device. Each of the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit may include a plurality of touch members. No dividing line or dividing surface may be formed between the plurality of touch members.

[0027] The touch switch unit may be provided in an area of ​​an instrument panel of a vehicle including a steering wheel and a central instrument panel. The electronic device may be configured to determine a touch input level according to the intensity of the touch input applied to the touch switch unit, and to differently calculate an operation output value implemented in the vehicle according to the determined touch input level.

[0028] In another general aspect, an electronic device includes: a first group of touch members disposed on one surface of the electronic device; a second group of touch members disposed on another surface of the electronic device; an oscillation circuit configured to generate a first group of oscillation signals corresponding to the first group of touch members and a second group of oscillation signals corresponding to the second group of touch members; and a controller configured to determine a type of touch operation corresponding to a pattern of multiple touch inputs applied to multiple touch members in the first group of touch members and the second group of touch members based on a detected change in the resonant frequency of one or more of the first group of oscillation signals and the second group of oscillation signals.

[0029] The controller may be further configured to determine an operation output value of the electronic device based on the intensities of the plurality of touch inputs.

[0030] The controller may also be configured to compare any one or any combination of any two or more of the number of the multiple touch inputs, the locations of the multiple touch inputs, the travel directions of the multiple touch inputs, and the touch intensity levels of the multiple touch inputs to determine the type of the touch operation.

[0031] The controller may be further configured to determine the type of the touch operation based on whether the intensities of the plurality of touch inputs are higher than a reference intensity level for a predetermined amount of time.

[0032] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram of the exterior of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An example partially enlarged illustration of a side surface of an electronic device.

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An example diagram of a cross-sectional structure (YZ cross section) of a side surface of an electronic device.

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An example diagram of a cross-sectional structure (XZ cross section) of a side surface of an electronic device.

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Another example diagram of a cross-sectional structure (XZ cross section) of one side surface of an electronic device.

[0038] Figure 6 is an exemplary diagram of an operation description in which an electronic device adjusts an output according to an intensity level of a touch input according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 An example diagram of the corresponding cross-sectional structure (XZ cross-section) of two side surfaces of an electronic device, and a connection structure to the side surfaces.

[0040] Figure 8 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an operation of recognizing and sensing a type of a touch input when a touch input is applied to a touch switch unit on one side of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 9 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an operation of recognizing and sensing a type of touch input when a touch input is applied to touch switch units on both sides of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Fig.10 is an example diagram schematically illustrating changes in frequency or inductance of oscillation signals generated in a plurality of touch members by a sliding touch input according to an embodiment.

[0043] Fig.11 is an example diagram schematically illustrating changes in frequency or inductance of oscillation signals generated in a plurality of touch members by a swiping touch input according to an embodiment.

[0044] Fig.12 is an example diagram schematically illustrating changes in frequency or inductance of oscillation signals generated in a plurality of touch members by a squeeze touch input according to an embodiment.

[0045] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of a controller in communication with an oscillating circuit according to an embodiment.

[0046] Throughout the drawings and detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and depictions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following specific embodiments are provided to help the reader obtain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications and equivalents of the methods, devices and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely an example and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but in addition to the operations that must occur in a particular order, changes that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application may be made. In addition, for improved clarity and brevity, descriptions of features well known in the art may be omitted.

[0048] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and shall not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways to implement the methods, devices and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application.

[0049] Here, it is noted that the use of the term "may" with respect to an embodiment or example (e.g., with respect to what an embodiment or example may include or implement) means that there is at least one embodiment or example that includes or implements such features, and all embodiments and examples are not limited thereto.

[0050] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, a region, or a substrate is described as being “on”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” another element, the element may be directly “on”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” the other element, or one or more other elements may be present between them. In contrast, when an element is described as being “directly on”, “directly connected to”, or “directly coupled to” another element, there may be no other elements present between them.

[0051] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more.

[0052] Although terms such as "first", "second", and "third" may be used herein to describe various members, components, regions, layers, or portions, these members, components, regions, layers, or portions are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one member, component, region, layer, or portion from another member, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first member, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion referred to may also be referred to as the second member, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0053] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "below", and "below" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the drawings. Such spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, an element described as being "above" or "above" relative to another element will then be "below" or "below" relative to the other element. Therefore, the term "above" includes both above and below orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be positioned in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0054] The terms used herein are only used to describe various examples and are not used to limit the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. The terms "comprise", "include" and "have" list the existence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or their combinations, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or their combinations.

[0055] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the drawings may vary. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings but include shape changes that occur during manufacturing.

[0056] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways that will be apparent after obtaining an understanding of the disclosure of the present application. In addition, although the examples described herein have multiple configurations, other configurations that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application are feasible.

[0057] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram of the exterior of the electronic device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 , the electronic device 10 may include, for example, a front display glass 52 , a rear cover 53 , and a housing 500 .

[0059] The front display glass 52 may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device 10 , and the rear cover 53 may be disposed on the other surface of the electronic device 10 .

[0060] The housing 500 may be an outer housing exposed to the external space around the electronic device 10. For example, in an example where the electronic device 10 is a mobile device, the housing 500 may be a cover provided on the side (side surface) of the mobile device. For example, the housing 500 may be formed integrally with the back cover 53, the back cover 53 may be provided on the rear surface of the electronic device 10, or the housing 500 may be formed separately from the back cover 53.

[0061] The electronic device 10 may include a first touch switch unit TSW-1 and a second touch switch unit TSW-2. The touch switch unit may be provided on the housing 500, but is not limited to such a configuration. The touch sensing device 50 ( Figure 4 ) can be disposed inside the housing of the electronic device 10.

[0062] The touch switch unit TSW may be provided on the cover of the electronic device 10. In this case, the cover on which the touch switch unit TSW is provided may be a cover other than the front display, for example, a side cover, a rear cover 53, or a cover that may be formed on a portion of the front surface. For ease of description, as an example, the touch switch unit TSW will be described herein as being provided on the housing 500, which is the side cover (side surface) of the electronic device 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0063] Reference Figure 1, the touch switch unit TSW may include, for example, a first touch switch unit TSW-1 disposed on one side surface of the electronic device 10 and a second touch switch unit TSW-2 disposed on the other side surface of the electronic device 10. In addition, each of the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 may be integrally formed with the housing 500, and may be a touch area including a plurality of touch members for sensing a strong touch applied.

[0064] For reference, in this specification, touch, touch input, and touch application may include contacting a plurality of touch members (in Figure 2 ), and force touch involving forceful pressure (pressure).

[0065] Therefore, “touch” in the present disclosure may be understood to include any one of contact and force.

[0066] Reference Figure 1 The electronic device 10 may be a portable device such as a smart phone, and may be a wearable device such as a smart watch, but is not limited to a specific device. The electronic device 10 may be a portable or wearable electronic device, or may be an electronic device having a switch for controlling operation.

[0067] For example, the electronic device 10 may include a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a digital camera, a digital still camera, a network system, a personal computer, a monitor, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a television, a video game, a smart watch, an automotive device, etc., but is not limited to these examples.

[0068] In the case of an electronic device such as a general mobile phone, a volume button or a power button may be formed on a side surface of the electronic device as a physical button (key). In this case, the physical button may protrude toward the outside space to be pressed by the user's hand. When a physical button is used, there may be a limitation in durability due to wear and tear, etc., and there may be a limitation in waterproofness.

[0069] Will refer to Figures 2 to 12 Embodiments of a touch sensing device and an electronic device proposed to address the aforementioned limitations are described.

[0070] For each drawing of the present disclosure, for the same reference numerals and components having the same functions, unnecessary repeated description will be omitted, and possible differences of each drawing may be described.

[0071] Figure 2 is an exemplary partial enlarged view of one side surface of the electronic device 10 .

[0072] Reference Figure 2For example, one side surface of the electronic device 10 may include a housing 500 corresponding to the side cover, and the first touch switch unit TSW-1 may be provided in at least a portion of the housing 500. The housing 500 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 may be provided on the other side surface of the electronic device 10, and the description of the first touch switch unit TSW-1 is also applicable to the second touch switch unit TSW-2.

[0073] A plurality of touch members may be included in the first touch switch unit TSW-1. Figure 2 As shown in , a plurality of touch members (such as a first touch member TM1, a second touch member TM2, and a third touch member TM3) may be arranged parallel to the surface of the first touch switch unit TSW-1. The shape of each of the touch members and the arrangement structure of the plurality of touch members TM1, TM2, and TM3 may be changed, and Figure 2 This is just an example of the arrangement structure of multiple touch members.

[0074] Furthermore, no dividing line or dividing surface may be provided between the plurality of touch members TM1, TM2, and TM3 included in the first touch switch unit TSW-1. Therefore, both side surfaces of the electronic device 10 may have a smooth overall exterior. Then, a portion of the force may be transferred to another touch member according to the strength of the force touch applied to each of the touch members. Therefore, a continuous touch input may be applied across the plurality of touch members by a swipe or slide operation of the user.

[0075] Figure 3 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional structure (YZ cross section) of one side surface of the electronic device 10 .

[0076] Reference Figure 3 , a basic concept disclosed herein may be to sense the bending degree of the housing 500 when pressure is applied to the first touch switch unit TSW-1 by the user's hand 1 to implement force touch input without a physical button on the side surface of the electronic device 10.

[0077] As reference Figure 1 As described, the electronic device 10 may have a housing 500 such as a metal frame at a central portion thereof, a front display glass 52 at an upper portion thereof, and a rear cover 53 at a lower portion thereof.

[0078] For example, refer to Figure 3 , the electronic device 10 may include a housing 500, and the housing 500 may include a first touch switch unit TSW-1 at least in a region thereof.

[0079] In addition, the electronic device 10 may include a touch sensing device 50 (in Figure 4), and the touch sensing device may be inserted and disposed inside the housing 500. The touch sensing device 50 may sense external pressure applied to the first touch switch unit TSW-1.

[0080] The touch sensing device 50 may be a device capable of detecting force touch input by inductive sensing. Figure 3 , force may be applied to the first touch switch unit TSW-1 by the user's hand 1. Therefore, the housing 500 may bend inwardly around the position of the first touch switch unit TSW-1 due to the force, and may cause a change in the size of the air gap formed by the inductor element LE of the touch sensing device 50 and the housing 500.

[0081] In this case, when the size of the air gap changes, a change in inductance may occur. Therefore, when a change in inductance of a reference value or more is sensed, the touch sensing device 50 may detect that a touch input by force is applied to the first touch switch unit TSW-1.

[0082] Reference Figure 3 The touch sensing device 50 and the electronic device 10 may include, for example, an inductor element LE, a substrate 200, and a bracket 300 to sense a force touch input. In addition, the touch sensing device 50 and the electronic device 10 may further include a connecting conductor 200-W and a sensing electrode 100 to sense a contact touch input.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit TSW-1 by the user may include a contact touch and a force touch. For example, when the user's hand 1 approaches the first touch switch unit TSW-1, the touch input by contact may be sensed by a change in capacitance occurring in the housing 500 or the back cover 53. As described above, when it is determined that the user applies a touch to the first touch switch unit TSW-1, the touch input by force may be sensed by a change in inductance caused by a decrease in the distance between the housing 500 and the inductor element LE as described above.

[0084] For example, the electronic device 10 may be configured such that whether a touch applied by the user's hand 1 to one side surface of the electronic device 10 is an intended contact touch is determined by measuring the change in capacitance, and then the force strength of the touch is determined by measuring the change in inductance.

[0085] The connection conductor 200-W may be a conductor wiring or a conductor line using a flexible PCB and is not limited to the form shown in the drawings. In addition, the sensing electrode 100 may be connected to at least one of two electrodes of the inductor element LE or the capacitor element (not shown) through the connection conductor 200-W.

[0086] Figure 4 yes Figure 1An example diagram of a cross-sectional structure (XZ cross section) of a side surface of an electronic device.

[0087] Reference Figure 4 , the electronic device 10 may include a touch sensing unit, the touch sensing unit including a first touch sensing part TSP1, a second touch sensing part TSP2, and a third touch sensing part TSP3. For reference, Figure 4 An embodiment in which three touch members (a first touch member TM1, a second touch member TM2, and a third touch member TM3) and a touch sensing unit (a first touch sensing part TSP1, a second touch sensing part TSP2, and a third touch sensing part TSP3) are provided is shown, but this example is only illustrative. For example, a first touch switch unit TSW-1 provided on one side surface of the electronic device 10 may include at least one touch member and a touch sensing unit. In addition, as described above, since the description related to the first touch switch unit TSW-1 can be applied to the second touch switch unit TSW-2, the second touch switch unit TSW-2 may include at least one touch member and a touch sensing unit.

[0088] Reference Figure 4 , the first touch sensing part TSP1 may include a first touch member TM1, a first inductor element LE1, and a first capacitor element CE1, the first touch member TM1 is formed in the housing 500, the first inductor element LE1 is disposed inside the first touch member TM1, the first inductor element LE1 is opposite to the first touch member TM1 and is spaced a predetermined distance (e.g., D1) apart and has an inductance that can be changed according to a force touch through the first touch member TM1, and the first capacitor element CE1 is connected to the first inductor element LE1 in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel. In addition, the first touch sensing part TSP1 may further include a circuit unit CS (e.g., IC). The circuit unit CS may generate a first oscillation signal having a resonant frequency that can be changed based on the first inductor element LE1, and may recognize a first touch input based on the resonant frequency of the first oscillation signal.

[0089] For reference, Figure 4 An example in which the circuit unit CS is included in the first touch sensing part TSP1 is shown, but this example is only illustrative. For example, according to the arrangement relationship with other components of the present disclosure (such as the substrate 200 and the bracket 300), the circuit unit CS may be included in other touch sensing parts such as the second touch sensing part TSP2, the third touch sensing part TSP3, etc. In addition, a separate circuit unit CS may be included in each of the first touch sensing part TSP1, the second touch sensing part TPS2, and the third touch sensing part TSP3.

[0090] The second touch sensing part TSP2 may include a second touch member TM2, a second inductor element LE2, and a second capacitor element CE2, the second touch member TM2 being formed in the housing 500, the second inductor element LE2 being disposed inside the second touch member TM2, the second inductor element LE2 being opposite to the second touch member TM2 and spaced a predetermined distance (e.g., D2) and having an inductance changeable according to a force touch through the second touch member TM2, and the second capacitor element CE2 being connected to the second inductor element LE2 in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel. In addition, the circuit unit CS may be electrically connected to the second inductor element LE2 to generate a second oscillation signal having a resonant frequency changeable based on the second inductor element LE2, and the second touch input may be recognized based on the resonant frequency of the second oscillation signal.

[0091] The third touch sensing part TSP3 may include a third touch member TM3, a third inductor element LE3, and a third capacitor element CE3, the third touch member TM3 being formed in the housing 500, the third inductor element LE3 being disposed inside the third touch member TM3, the third inductor element LE3 being opposite to the third touch member TM3 and spaced a predetermined distance (e.g., D3) and having an inductance changeable according to a force touch through the third touch member TM3, and the third capacitor element CE3 being connected to the third inductor element LE3 in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel. In addition, the circuit unit CS may be electrically connected to the third inductor element LE3 to generate a third oscillation signal having a resonant frequency changeable based on the third inductor element LE3, and the third touch input may be recognized based on the resonant frequency of the third oscillation signal.

[0092] The predetermined distance (e.g., D1) between the first touch member TM1 and the first inductor element LE1 can be designed to be equal to the predetermined distance (e.g., D2) between the second touch member TM2 and the second inductor element LE2 and the predetermined distance (e.g., D3) between the third touch member TM3 and the third inductor element LE3, and may be different from each other in practice.

[0093] The touch sensing device 50 may include a substrate 200 and a bracket 300 .

[0094] The first inductor element LE1, the second inductor element LE2, the third inductor element LE3 and the circuit unit CS may be mounted on a substrate 200. For example, the substrate 200 may include a first substrate 201 for mounting the first inductor element LE1, a second substrate 202 for mounting the second inductor element LE2, and a third substrate 203 for mounting the third inductor element LE3.

[0095] The support 300 may support the substrate 200 to maintain a predetermined distance D1 between the first inductor element LE1 and the first touch member TM1, a predetermined distance D2 between the second inductor element LE2 and the second touch member TM2, and a predetermined distance D3 between the third inductor element LE3 and the third touch member TM3. For example, the support 300 may include a first support 301 for supporting the first substrate 201, a second support 302 for supporting the second substrate 202, and a third support 303 for supporting the third substrate 203.

[0096] Reference Figure 4 The first touch sensing part TSP1 shown in FIG. 1 may include a first touch sensing part TSP1, a first inductor element LE1 may be spaced a predetermined distance D1 from an inner side surface of the first touch member TM1 and may be mounted on one surface of the first substrate 201, and a first capacitor element CE1 and a circuit unit CS (e.g., IC) may be mounted on one surface of the first substrate 201. The first bracket 301 may be attached to the other surface of the first substrate 201.

[0097] The first bracket 301 may be a conductor such as metal, but is not limited to metal. The first bracket 301 may be attached to the internal structure of the electronic device 10 to which the touch sensing device 50 is applied, or may be supported using a separate supporting member. The first bracket 301 is not limited to a specific structure as long as the first inductor element LE1 and the first touch member TM1 maintain a predetermined distance D1.

[0098] In addition, the circuit unit CS (eg, IC), the first inductor element LE1 , and the first capacitor element CE1 may be arranged on one surface of the first substrate 201 , and the circuit unit CS (eg, IC), the first inductor element LE1 , and the first capacitor element CE1 may be electrically connected through the first substrate 201 .

[0099] Reference Figure 4 The second touch sensing part TSP2 shown in FIG. 1 may be provided with a second touch sensing part TS P2, a second inductor element LE2 may be spaced a predetermined distance D2 from an inner side surface of the second touch member TM2 and may be mounted on one surface of the second substrate 202, and a second capacitor element CE2 may also be mounted on one surface of the second substrate 202. The second bracket 302 may be attached to the other surface of the second substrate 202.

[0100] The second bracket 302 may be attached to the internal structure of the electronic device 10 to which the touch sensing device 50 is applied, or may be supported using a separate supporting member. The second bracket 302 is not limited to a specific structure as long as the second inductor element LE2 and the second touch member TM2 maintain a predetermined distance D2.

[0101] Reference Figure 4The third touch sensing part TSP3 shown in FIG. 1 may be spaced a predetermined distance D3 from the inner side surface of the third touch member TM3 and may be mounted on one surface of the third substrate 203, and the third capacitor element CE3 may also be mounted on one surface of the third substrate 203. The third bracket 303 may be attached to the other surface of the third substrate 203.

[0102] The third bracket 303 may be attached to the internal structure of the electronic device 10 to which the touch sensing device 50 is applied, or may be supported using a separate supporting member. The third bracket 303 is not limited to a specific structure as long as the third inductor element LE3 and the third touch member TM3 maintain a predetermined distance (e.g., D3, Figure 4 )

[0103] like Figure 4 As shown in , the first substrate 201, the second substrate 202 and the third substrate 203 may be formed independently of each other, or may be formed as a single substrate 200, but is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the substrate 200 may be made using an FPCB, and in this case, the substrate 200 may include the first substrate 201, the second substrate 202 and the third substrate 203.

[0104] The first bracket 310, the second bracket 320, and the third bracket 330 may be formed independently of each other, or may be formed as a single bracket 300, such as Figure 4 The configuration shown is not limited to this.

[0105] Reference Figure 4 The housing 500 may be made of a conductor such as metal. The first to third touch members TM1 to TM3 may be formed integrally with the housing 500 and may be made of a conductive material (such as metal) that is the same as the conductive material of the housing 500. Alternatively, the housing 500 may also be made of a material other than metal.

[0106] Reference Figure 4 1 is a front view of the first inductor element LE1, the second inductor element LE2, and the third inductor element LE3, in the direction A, for example, the first inductor element LE1 may correspond to a coil connected in a winding type, or may be a PCB coil pattern formed on a substrate. The coil or the PCB coil pattern may be electrically connected to the circuit unit CS and the first capacitor element CE1 through the substrate 200.

[0107] Similarly, the second inductor element LE2 and the third inductor element LE3 may also correspond to coils connected in a winding type, or may be PCB coil patterns formed on the substrate. The coils or PCB coil patterns may be electrically connected to the circuit unit CS and the second capacitor element CE2 and the third capacitor element CE3, respectively, through the substrate 200.

[0108] Figure 4 The first inductor element LE1, the second inductor element LE2, and the third inductor element LE3 shown in FIG. 1 are merely exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. Figure 4 The first touch sensing part TSP1, the second touch sensing part TSP2, and the third touch sensing part TSP3 shown in FIG. 1 are merely exemplary and are not limited to the disclosed examples.

[0109] Figure 5 1 is another exemplary diagram of the cross-sectional structure (XZ cross section) of one side surface of the electronic device 10 .

[0110] Reference Figure 5 As described above, the electronic device 10 may include the housing 500 , the touch switch unit TSW, and the touch sensing device 50 , and the touch switch unit TSW includes the first touch member TM1 , the second touch member TM2 , and the third touch member TM3 .

[0111] The touch sensing device 50 may include a first inductor element LE1 , a second inductor element LE2 , a third inductor element LE3 , an oscillation circuit 600 , and a detection circuit 900 .

[0112] For example, the first inductor element LE1 may be disposed inside the first touch member TM1, may be opposite to the first touch member TM1, may be spaced apart from the first touch member TM1 by a predetermined distance D1, and may have an inductance that may change when a force touch pressing the first touch member TM1 is performed. As another example, the first inductor element LE1 may be attached to the inner surface of the first touch member TM1.

[0113] For example, the second inductor element LE2 may be disposed inside the second touch member TM2, may be opposite to the second touch member TM2 and may be spaced apart from the second touch member TM2 by a predetermined distance D2, and may have an inductance that may change when a force touch is performed to press the second touch member TM2. As another example, the second inductor element LE2 may be attached to the inner surface of the second touch member TM2.

[0114] For example, the third inductor element LE3 may be disposed inside the third touch member TM3, may be opposite to the third touch member TM3 and may be spaced apart from the third touch member TM3 by a predetermined distance D3, and may have an inductance that may change when a force touch that presses the third touch member TM3 is performed. As another example, the third inductor element LE3 may be attached to the inner surface of the third touch member TM3.

[0115] The oscillation circuit 600 can generate a first oscillation signal LCosc1 having a resonant frequency based on a changeable inductance or a changeable capacitance, a second oscillation signal LCosc2 having a resonant frequency based on a changeable inductance or a changeable capacitance, and a third oscillation signal LCosc3 having a resonant frequency based on a changeable inductance or a changeable capacitance.

[0116] The oscillation circuit 600 may include a first oscillation circuit 601 , a second oscillation circuit 602 , and a third oscillation circuit 603 .

[0117] The first oscillation circuit 601 may include a first inductor element LE1 and a first capacitor element CE1 connected to the first inductor element LE1 in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel connection to generate a first oscillation signal LCosc1.

[0118] The second oscillation circuit 602 may include a second inductor element LE2 and a second capacitor element CE2 connected to the second inductor element LE2 in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel connection to generate a second oscillation signal LCosc2.

[0119] The third oscillation circuit 603 may include a third inductor element LE3 and a third capacitor element CE3 connected to the third inductor element LE3 in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel connection to generate a third oscillation signal LCosc3.

[0120] The detection circuit 900 may be configured to analyze the first oscillation signal LCosc1, the second oscillation signal LCosc2, and the third oscillation signal LCosc3 to identify the type of the user's touch input. For example, the detection circuit 900 may compare at least one of the number of touch inputs, the position of the touch input, the direction of travel of the touch operation, and the touch intensity level for multiple touch inputs to identify the type of the touch operation applied by the user.

[0121] For example, the detection circuit 900 can convert the first oscillation signal LCosc1, the second oscillation signal LCosc2 and the third oscillation signal LCosc3 into their corresponding digital values ​​to generate a first count value, a second count value and a third count value, and can identify the type of the user's touch input based on the first count value, the second count value and the third count value.

[0122] In addition, since the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 may include a plurality of touch members TM1, TM2, and TM3, respectively, the detection circuit 900 may analyze at least one touch input applied to the plurality of touch members TM1, TM2, and TM3 to identify the type of the user's touch operation. In this case, the inductor element and the capacitor element may be respectively provided as a plurality of inductor elements LE1, LE2, and LE3 and a plurality of capacitor elements CE1, CE2, and CE3 to correspond to the plurality of touch members TM1, TM2, and TM3, and the detection circuit 900 may analyze the user's touch input based on the changeable inductance value or capacitance value in each of the inductor elements LE1, LE2, and LE3 or the capacitor elements CE1, CE2, and CE3.

[0123] Will refer to later Figures 8 to 12 Details of analyzing a pattern of a user's touch input applied to the plurality of touch members TM1 , TM2 , and TM3 by the detection circuit 900 to identify a type of the touch input are described.

[0124] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the first touch sensing part TSP1, the first touch member TM1 may be formed integrally with the housing 500 and may be made of, for example, aluminum or other metals. The first inductor element LE1 may be disposed at a predetermined distance D1 ( Figure 4 ). A ferrite sheet (not shown) may be provided on the lower surface of the first inductor element LE1, which may not be necessary. The shape of the first inductor element LE1 does not have to be a specific shape. Various patterns such as a circle or a square are feasible for the first inductor element LE1, and the PCB itself may be configured as a flexible PCB (FPCB). The first inductor element LE1 may also be replaced by a chip inductor.

[0125] The first substrate 201 may be an FPCB, and various types of PCBs other than the FPCB may be used. The first capacitor element CE1 (such as an MLCC for sensing) may be disposed on a mounting surface of the first substrate 201 (a surface of the first substrate 201 facing an inner surface of the first touch member TM1) or on a surface opposite to the mounting surface.

[0126] In addition, the first substrate 201 (e.g., FPCB) on which the first inductor element LE1 (e.g., PCB coil) and the first capacitor element CE1 (e.g., MLCC) are arranged can be mounted on the first bracket 301 to be coupled to the housing 500, so that a predetermined distance D1 between the first inductor element LE1 and the first touch member TM1 can be maintained by the first bracket 301.

[0127] A force touch applied to the first touch member TM1 of the housing 500 may deform the first touch member TM1 inward and may change the distance between the first touch member TM1 and the first inductor element LE1 to change inductance. Thus, the first touch input may be sensed by the oscillation circuit 600 and the detection circuit 900.

[0128] In addition, since methods of sensing the second touch input and the third touch input in the second touch sensing part TSP2 and the third touch sensing part TSP3, respectively, are the same as those of the first touch sensing part TSP1 described above, repeated descriptions of the second touch sensing part TSP2 and the third touch sensing part TSP3 are omitted herein.

[0129] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 When using multiple (eg, three (3)) touch sensing structures according to the embodiments disclosed herein and independent touch inputs, various types of operations according to complex touch inputs may be distinguished and sensed.

[0130] In addition, the first oscillation circuit 601 may generate a first oscillation signal LCosc1 having a first resonance frequency, and the first resonance frequency may be changeable in response to the inductance of the first inductor element LE1 changed according to the touch input through the first touch member TM1.

[0131] In addition, the second oscillation circuit 602 may generate a second oscillation signal LCosc2 having a second resonance frequency, and the second resonance frequency may be changeable in response to the inductance of the second inductor element LE2 changed according to the touch input through the second touch member TM2.

[0132] In addition, the third oscillation circuit 603 may generate a third oscillation signal LCosc3 having a third resonance frequency, and the third resonance frequency may be changeable in response to the inductance of the third inductor element LE3 changed according to the touch input through the third touch member TM3.

[0133] The detection circuit 900 can analyze the strength and pattern of the user's touch input based on the change amounts of the resonant frequencies detected by the first oscillation circuit 601, the second oscillation circuit 602, and the third oscillation circuit 603. Based on the analysis result, it is feasible to identify the type of corresponding touch input among various types of preset touch inputs.

[0134] For example, various types of preset touch inputs may include a normal touch input (TD), a swipe touch input (SWD), a sliding touch input (SDD), and a multi-touch input (MTD). The detection circuit 900 may analyze the touch input within a reference time period t pre-stored as a bundle to identify what type of touch input the user has applied. Then, according to the result of the recognition by the detection circuit 900, the operation of the corresponding electronic device 10 may be performed.

[0135] The first oscillation circuit 601 may include a first inductance circuit including an inductance Lind of the first inductor element LE1 and a first capacitance circuit including a capacitance Cext of the first inductor element LE1. In this case, when there is no touch input, the inductance may not change.

[0136] Likewise, the second oscillation circuit 602 may include a second inductance circuit including the inductance Lind of the second inductor element LE2 and a second capacitance circuit including the capacitance Cext of the second inductor element LE2. In this case, when there is no touch input, the inductance may not change.

[0137] In addition, the third oscillation circuit 603 may include a third inductance circuit including the inductance Lind of the third inductor element LE3 and a third capacitance circuit including the capacitance Cext of the third inductor element LE3. In this case, when there is no touch input, each inductance may not be changed.

[0138] For example, the resonance frequency fres of the first oscillation circuit 601 , the second oscillation circuit 602 , and the third oscillation circuit 603 may be expressed by the following equation 1.

[0139] Formula 1

[0140]

[0141] In Formula 1, ≒ is equal or similar, where “similar” means that other values ​​may be further included.

[0142] In addition, refer to Figure 5 , when a touch pressing the first touch member TM1 of the electronic device 10 is applied, an inductive sensing method may be applied to detect the touch input.

[0143] For example, when a touch pressed by a conductor or a non-conductor is applied to the first touch member TM1, the first touch member TM1 may be pressed first and the distance between the first touch member TM1 and the inductor element LE1 may change, while the first touch member TM1 bends inward. When the distance between the first inductor element LE1 and the first touch member TM1 (which may be a surrounding conductor) changes when current flows through the first inductor element LE1, the amplitude of the eddy current may change, and the inductance may decrease (Lind-ΔLind) due to the change in the eddy current to increase the first resonant frequency, thereby detecting the first touch input.

[0144] In addition, the method in which the second and third touch members TM2 and TM3 are pressed and detected as the second and third touch inputs, respectively, may be the same as the method of the first touch member TM1 described above. Therefore, repeated descriptions about the second and third touch members TM2 and TM3 will be omitted.

[0145] Figure 6 is an example diagram of an operation description of the electronic device 10 adjusting the output according to the intensity level of the touch input. For example, Figure 6 A touch sensing method S100 according to an embodiment is shown, in which an operation output value of the electronic device 10 is calculated according to the intensity level of the touch input.

[0146] For example, the first touch switch unit TSW-1 may be provided in the housing 500 of the electronic device 10, and as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in , the housing 500 and the first inductor element LE1 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance D1. In this case, in operation S110, when a user's touch input is applied to the first touch member TM1, the distance D1 between the housing 500 and the first inductor element LE1 may change.

[0147] Then, as described above, in operation S120, a change in the inductance of the first inductor element LE1 may occur, and a first oscillation signal LCosc1 may be generated in the first oscillation circuit 601 electrically connected to the first inductor element LE1. As an example, the first oscillation signal LCosc1 may have a first resonant frequency, and the first resonant frequency may indicate a value changed due to a change in the inductance of the first inductor element LE1. In this case, since the intensity of the user's touch input is high, the change amount of the first resonant frequency may indicate a high value.

[0148] Subsequently, in operation S130, the detection circuit 900 may receive the first oscillation signal LCosc1 from the first oscillation circuit 601, and may measure the first resonant frequency of the first oscillation signal. Then, in operation S140, the detection circuit 900 may determine the intensity level of the corresponding touch input based on the measured first resonant frequency. In this case, the intensity level of the touch input may be pre-set and stored in the electronic device 10, and, for example, the detectable intensity range may be divided into ten (10) levels and stored. When the user's touch input is applied, the detection circuit 900 may determine the intensity level corresponding to the intensity of the corresponding touch input among the pre-stored intensity levels.

[0149] When the strength level of the touch input is determined as described above, the detection circuit 900 may calculate an output value according to the level of the touch input in operation S150. For example, output values ​​of various operations performed in the electronic device 10 may be calculated differently according to the strength level of the user's touch input.

[0150] In this case, if Figure 6 As shown in , the output value of the electronic device 10 may refer to the output values ​​of various operations. For example, the detection circuit 900 may calculate at least one of the volume, vibration intensity, operation time period, operation number, and operation frequency in the electronic device 10 to match the level of the touch input.

[0151] For example, the electronic device 10 may be a mobile device, and in this case, the output value calculated differently according to the level of the touch input may correspond to the strength of the tactile response of the mobile device provided in operation S161. For example, the vibration strength of the mobile device may be adjusted according to the strength of the touch input applied by the user to the first touch switch unit TSW-1.

[0152] As another example, the electronic device 10 may be a device capable of executing game-related software (e.g., a game application, etc.). In this case, the output value that may be calculated differently according to the level of the touch input may correspond to the difference of the game operation provided in operation S162 or the intensity of the game operation set in operation S163. For example, the type of game operation to be performed by the device may be changed according to the intensity of the touch input applied by the user to the first touch switch unit TSW-1, or the time period, number, frequency, intensity, etc. of the game operation may be adjusted.

[0153] As another example, the electronic device 10 may be a device that performs various electronic functions installed in a vehicle, and more specifically, may perform a function of providing a horn sound of the vehicle according to a touch input of a user. In this case, the output value calculated differently according to the level of the touch input may correspond to the volume of the vehicle horn provided in operation S164. For example, the volume of the horn generated in the vehicle may be adjusted according to the intensity of the touch input applied by the user to the first touch switch unit TSW-1.

[0154] Figure 7 1 is an exemplary diagram showing respective cross-sectional structures (XZ cross-sections) of both side surfaces of the electronic device 10 and a connection structure of the electronic device 10 .

[0155] Reference Figure 7 , the touch sensing device 50 of the electronic device 10 may include a first touch sensing device 50-1 and a second touch sensing device 50-2. The first touch sensing device 50-1 and the second touch sensing device 50-2 may be operated separately, but may also be as Figure 7 900. As shown in FIG. 901 , the first touch sensing device 50 - 1 and the second touch sensing device 50 - 2 operate separately, and the elements described therein can be combined with each other. Figure 5 The content described in is repeated, so Figure 7 The discussion will mainly describe a method in which the first touch sensing device 50 - 1 and the second touch sensing device 50 - 2 operate in combination.

[0156] Reference Figure 7 , the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 may be disposed together in the housing 500. For example, the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 may be symmetrically disposed on both side surfaces of the electronic device 10, respectively, and, in order to correspond thereto, the first touch sensing device 50-1 and the second touch sensing device 50-2 may be disposed respectively.

[0157] The first touch switch unit TSW-1 disposed on one side of the electronic device 10 may include a first touch member TM1 and a second touch member TM2, and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 disposed on the other side of the electronic device 10 may include a 1-1 touch member TM1' and a 1-2 touch member TM2'. This example is merely illustrative, and the number of touch members disposed in each of the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 may vary.

[0158] Reference Figure 7, the first touch sensing device 50 - 1 may include a first inductor element LE1 , a second inductor element LE2 , a first capacitor element CE1 , a second capacitor element CE2 , an oscillation circuit 600 , and a detection circuit 900 .

[0159] For example, the first inductor element LE1 may be disposed inside the first touch member TM1 and may have an inductance that can be changed when a force touch that presses the first touch member TM1 is performed. In addition, the second inductor element LE2 may be disposed inside the second touch member TM2 and may have an inductance that can be changed when a force touch that presses the second touch member TM2 is performed.

[0160] Reference Figure 7 The second touch sensing device 50-2 may also have the same structure as the first touch sensing device 50-1. For example, the second touch sensing device 50-2 may include a 1-1 inductor element LE1', a 2-1 inductor element LE2', a 1-1 capacitor element CE1', a 2-1 capacitor element CE2', an oscillation circuit 600, and may include a detection circuit 900.

[0161] For example, the 1-1 inductor element LE1' may be disposed inside the 1-1 touch member TM1' and may have an inductance that may change when a force touch of pressing the 1-1 touch member TM1' is performed. In addition, the 2-1 inductor element LE2' may be disposed inside the 2-1 touch member TM2' and may have an inductance that may change when a force touch of pressing the 2-1 touch member TM2' is performed.

[0162] Reference Figure 7 , the oscillation circuit 600 and the detection circuit 900 may be configured to be included in both the first touch sensing device 50-1 and the second touch sensing device 50-2. For example, the oscillation circuit 600 and the detection circuit 900 may be electrically connected to the first inductor element LE1, the second inductor element LE2, the first capacitor element CE1, the second capacitor element CE2, the 1-1 inductor element LE1', the 2-1 inductor element LE2', the 1-1 capacitor element CE1' and the 2-1 capacitor element CE2'.

[0163] In this example, the oscillation circuit 600 may generate an oscillation signal having a resonant frequency based on a changeable inductance or a changeable capacitance. In addition, since the oscillation circuit 600 may be included in both the first touch sensing device 50-1 and the second touch sensing device 50-2, the oscillation circuit 600 may include a first oscillation circuit, a second oscillation circuit, a 1-1 oscillation circuit, and a 2-1 oscillation circuit.

[0164] The first oscillation circuit may include a first inductor element LE1 and a first capacitor element CE1 connected to the first inductor element LE1 in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel connection to generate a first oscillation signal LCosc1.

[0165] The second oscillation circuit may include a second inductor element LE2 and a second capacitor element CE2 connected to the second inductor element LE2 in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel connection to generate a second oscillation signal LCosc2.

[0166] The 1-1 oscillation circuit may include a 1-1 inductor element LE1 ′ and a 1-1 capacitor element CE1 ′ connected to the 1-1 inductor element LE1 ′ in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel to generate a 1-1 oscillation signal LCosc1 - 1 .

[0167] The 2-1 oscillation circuit may include a 2-1 inductor element LE2' and a 2-1 capacitor element CE2' connected to the 2-1 inductor element LE2' in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel to generate a 2-1 oscillation signal LCosc2-1.

[0168] The detection circuit 900 may be configured to collectively analyze the first oscillation signal LCosc1, the second oscillation signal LCosc2, the 1-1 oscillation signal LCosc1-1, and the 2-1 oscillation signal LCosc2-1 to identify the type of the user's touch input. For example, the detection circuit 900 may compare any one or any combination of any two or more of the number of touch inputs, the position of the touch input, the direction of travel of the touch operation, and the touch intensity level for multiple touch inputs applied to both side portions of the electronic device 10 to identify the type of the touch operation applied by the user.

[0169] Reference Figure 7 , the first touch member TM1 may be integrally formed with the housing 500, and the first inductor element LE1 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first touch member TM1 by a predetermined distance D1 ( Figure 4 ). The shape of the first inductor element LE1 does not have to be a specific shape, and various patterns such as a circle or a square are possible. For example, the PCB itself may be configured as a flexible PCB (FPCB). The first inductor element LE1 may also be replaced by a chip inductor.

[0170] In addition, the first substrate 201 (e.g., FPCB) on which the first inductor element LE1 (e.g., PCB coil) and the first capacitor element CE1 (e.g., MLCC) are arranged can be mounted on the first bracket 301 to be coupled to the housing 500, so that a predetermined distance D1 can be maintained between the first inductor element LE1 and the first touch member TM1 by the first bracket 301.

[0171] A force touch applied to the first touch member TM1 of the housing 500 may deform the first touch member TM1 inward and may change the distance between the first touch member TM1 and the first inductor element LE1 to change inductance. Thus, the first touch input may be sensed by the oscillation circuit 600 and the detection circuit 900.

[0172] In addition, since a method of sensing each touch input through the second touch member TM2, 1-1 touch member TM1' and 2-1 touch member TM2' is the same as the method described above for the first touch member TM1, repeated descriptions about the second touch member TM2, 1-1 touch member TM1' and 2-1 touch member TM2' will be omitted.

[0173] like Figure 7 As shown, when a touch sensing structure having a plurality of touch switch units TSW-1 and TSW-2 and a plurality of (e.g., two (2) touch members TM1, TM2, TM1', and TM2') and independent touch inputs are used, various types of operations according to complex touch inputs can be distinguished and sensed. For example, the number of situations related to the type of user's touch input can be increased.

[0174] In addition, the first oscillation circuit may generate the first oscillation signal LCosc1 having the first resonance frequency, and the first resonance frequency may be changeable as the inductance of the first inductor element LE1 changes according to the touch input through the first touch member TM1.

[0175] In addition, the second oscillation circuit may generate a second oscillation signal LCosc2 having a second resonance frequency, and the second resonance frequency may be changeable as the inductance of the second inductor element LE2 changes according to the touch input through the second touch member TM2.

[0176] In addition, the 1-1 oscillation circuit may generate a 1-1 oscillation signal LCosc1-1 having a 1-1 resonance frequency, and the 1-1 resonance frequency may be variable as the inductance of the 1-1 inductor element LE1' changes according to the touch input through the 1-1 touch member TM1'.

[0177] In addition, the 2-1 oscillation circuit may generate a 2-1 oscillation signal LCosc1-1 having a 2-1 resonance frequency, which may be variable as the inductance of the 2-1 inductor element LE2' changes according to a touch input through the 2-1 touch member TM2'.

[0178] The detection circuit 900 can analyze the strength and pattern of the user's touch input based on the change amounts of the resonant frequencies detected by the first oscillation circuit, the second oscillation circuit, the 1-1 oscillation circuit, and the 2-1 oscillation circuit, respectively. Based on the analysis result, it is feasible to identify the type of corresponding touch input among various types of preset touch inputs.

[0179] In this case, various types of preset touch inputs applicable when the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 are used simultaneously may include a normal multi-touch input and a sequential multi-touch input (MTD), a multi-swipe touch input (MSWD), a multi-slide touch input (MSDD), and a squeeze input (SQD). The detection circuit 900 may analyze the touch input within the reference time period t pre-stored as a bundle to identify what type of touch input is applied by the user. Then, according to the result of the recognition by the detection circuit 900, the operation of the corresponding electronic device 10 may be performed.

[0180] Will refer to later Figures 8 to 12 Description of terms related to various types of touch inputs, such as sequential multi-touch input (MTD), multi-swipe touch input (MSWD), multi-slide touch input (MSDD), and squeeze input (SQD).

[0181] According to an embodiment, the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 may be symmetrically disposed on both side surfaces of the electronic device 10, respectively. In addition, as described above, the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 may include a plurality of touch members TM1, TM2, TM1', and TM2', respectively, and may be configured so that no dividing line or dividing surface is formed between the plurality of touch members TM1, TM2, TM1', and TM2'.

[0182] As an example, when the electronic device 10 is a smart phone, the integrated touch switch units (e.g., the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2) may be respectively disposed on the two side surfaces of the smart phone. In addition, each of the touch switch units may include a plurality of touch members (e.g., touch members TM1, TM2, TM1', and TM2').

[0183] In this example, a dividing line or a dividing surface that structurally forms a blocking unit may not be formed between the plurality of touch members TM1, TM2, TM1', and TM2' included in the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2. For example, a dividing line or a dividing surface may not be formed in the exterior of the electronic device 10, and a dividing line or a dividing surface that functionally blocks the transfer of force may not be formed between each of the touch sensing devices 50-1 and 50-2 disposed therein.

[0184] Therefore, the user may easily perform touch operations such as swiping, sliding, and pinching without various inconveniences, and accurate sensing with respect to the user's touch operation may be allowed.

[0185] In addition, the touch switch unit may be provided in at least a portion of the dashboard including the steering wheel and the center dashboard of the vehicle. In addition, the electronic device 10 may be a device capable of performing various electronic functions operated inside and outside the vehicle. As an example, the electronic device 10 may be a device configured to generate a horn sound according to a touch input of a vehicle user.

[0186] The electronic device 10 may determine the level of the touch input according to the intensity of the touch input applied to the touch switch unit TSW-1 or TSW-2, and may differently calculate a function output value (e.g., volume of a horn, etc.) operated in the vehicle according to the determined level of the touch input. For example, when the user applies a touch input with a high intensity level to the touch switch unit, a relatively loud volume of the vehicle horn may be output, and when the user applies a touch input with a low intensity level, a relatively low volume of the vehicle horn may be output.

[0187] Figure 8 1 is an exemplary diagram showing an operation of recognizing and sensing the type of touch input when a touch input is applied to a touch switch unit (e.g., a first touch switch unit TSW-1 or a second touch switch unit TSW-2) on one side surface of the electronic device 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The operations in may correspond to, for example, the detection circuit 900 included in the touch sensing device 50. This is merely an example, and each of the operations may be performed by a separate computing device or control device (eg, a processor) installed in the electronic device 10. For example, Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the controller 1000 may be used instead of the detection circuit 900, and the controller 1000 may communicate with the oscillation circuit 600. However, for convenience and not limitation, each of the operations of the touch sensing method will be described as being performed by the detection circuit 900 as an example in the following description.

[0188] Reference Figure 8 , the touch sensing method S200 according to the embodiment may include identifying a type of touch input applied to a touch switch unit (eg, the first touch switch unit TSW-1 or the second touch switch unit TSW-2) disposed on one side of the electronic device 10.

[0189] Reference Figure 8First, in operation S210, the detection circuit 900 may collect touch input data sensed within a reference time period t. For example, when the touch applied by the user corresponds to a single touch input that may be independent, the reference time period t does not need to be considered. When the user intends to apply a single touch input through multiple touches, the reference time period t needs to be considered. Therefore, the reference time period t may be pre-set and stored in the electronic device 10, and the detection circuit 900 may jointly consider the touch inputs sensed during the reference time period t to identify the type of the user's touch input.

[0190] For example, when a single touch input is sensed in a touch switch unit (e.g., the first touch switch unit TSW-1 or the second touch switch unit TSW-2), the detection circuit 900 may record whether there is another touch input that is additionally sensed within a reference time period t after the touch input. In this case, the reference time period t may be set and stored as a time period determined for intentionally and collectively applying a plurality of touches by a user in the case of a single command.

[0191] For example, when the reference time period t is set to 2 seconds, after the user applies a single touch input, it may be difficult for the detection circuit 900 to distinguish an operation of applying another touch input independently of the single touch input. When the reference time period t is set to 0.1 seconds, the detection circuit 900 may erroneously determine an operation of applying multiple touches by the user to apply a single touch input together as a separate touch input. Therefore, the reference time period t may be set and stored as a time period determined to be used for intentionally and collectively applying multiple touches by the user in the case of a single command, and as an example, the reference time period t may be set to about 0.5 seconds.

[0192] As the record of the user's touch input is accumulated, the reference time period t that is preset and stored may be reset according to the user characteristics of the corresponding electronic device 10 .

[0193] Then, refer to Figure 8 , in operation S220, the detection circuit 900 may analyze the touch input data sensed within the reference time period t. For example, in operation S220, the detection circuit 900 may determine whether all touch inputs are sensed by each of the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 within the reference time period t. For example, it may be determined whether at least one touch input sensed during the reference time period t includes all of the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit TSW-2.

[0194] In this case, when it is determined that not all touch inputs are applied to each of the touch switch units TSW-1 and TSW-2 (for example, when it is determined that the touch input is applied only to a single touch switch unit TSW-1 or TSW-2), the detection circuit 900 may identify the type of touch operation as one of a normal touch or a multi-touch, for example, one of a normal multi-touch, a swipe touch, or a slide touch with respect to the single touch switch unit TSW-1 or TSW-2. Then, the touch sensing method by the detection circuit 900 may proceed to operation S230.

[0195] In this case, when it is determined that all touch inputs are applied to each of the touch switch units TSW-1 and TSW-2, the detection circuit 900 may identify the type of touch operation applied by the user as one of normal multi-touch, sequential multi-touch, multi-swipe touch, multi-slide touch, and squeeze. As described above, when there is a touch operation according to at least one touch input applied to the plurality of touch switch units TSW-1 and TSW-2, the touch sensing method may proceed to Fig. 9 Operation S330 shown in FIG. Fig. 9 Operation S330 is described.

[0196] Reference Figure 8 , when it is determined that at least one touch input sensed within the reference time period t is not applied to each of the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2, the detection circuit 900 may then determine in operation S230 whether the touch input sensed within the reference time period t is provided as multiple touch inputs.

[0197] In this case, when only a single touch input is sensed within the reference time period t, the detection circuit 900 may recognize the touch input as a normal touch (T) in operation S235, and the electronic device 10 may generally perform an operation corresponding to a case where a single touch is applied.

[0198] When a plurality of touch inputs are sensed within the reference time period t, it may be determined that a plurality of touch inputs are applied in the first touch switch unit TSW-1 or the second touch switch unit TSW-2. In this case, in operation S240, the detection circuit 900 may determine the position of the touch input that is initially applied among the plurality of touch inputs, and may record the determined position of the touch input that is initially applied.

[0199] Subsequently, in operation S250, the detection circuit 900 may determine whether the touch input applied initially is provided as multiple touch inputs. For example, the detection circuit 900 may determine whether the multiple touch inputs are applied simultaneously or within a time period (e.g., 0.05 seconds) that can be recognized as simultaneous.

[0200] As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the touch input applied initially is provided as a plurality of touch inputs, in operation S255, the detection circuit 900 may identify the corresponding touch input as a normal multi-touch (MT), and the electronic device 10 may perform an operation corresponding to a case where the touch input is simultaneously applied to at least two (2) touch members. For reference, the normal multi-touch (MT) described herein refers to an operation of simultaneously touching a plurality of touch members in a single touch switch unit included in the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2. For example, the normal multi-touch (MT) may be a concept distinguishable from a sequential multi-touch (MT) in which a touch input is simultaneously applied to the touch switch units TSW-1 and TSW-2 located on both side surfaces, and will be described later.

[0201] When it is determined that the touch input applied initially is not provided as a plurality of touch inputs, in operation S260, the detection circuit 900 may determine the direction of travel of the operation according to the position of the touch input applied secondarily. In addition, the detection circuit 900 may compare the position of the touch input applied initially and the position of the touch input applied secondarily recorded in advance, and may determine the direction of travel of the touch operation (in the direction from the position of the touch input applied initially toward the position of the touch input applied secondarily).

[0202] Subsequently, in operation S270, the detection circuit 900 may respectively determine the intensity levels of the plurality of touch input data, and may determine whether the determined intensity level of each touch input decreases sequentially. For example, in order to determine whether the intensity levels decrease sequentially, the intensity level of the touch input applied initially and the intensity level of the touch input applied last may be compared with each other. Alternatively, the intensity levels of the plurality of touch inputs including the touch input applied initially and the touch input applied last may be compared with each other in chronological order.

[0203] When it is determined in the above manner that the intensity levels of the plurality of touch input data do not decrease sequentially but remain or increase, in operation S275, the detection circuit 900 may identify the type of touch operation applied by the user as a sliding touch (SD), and may perform an operation of the electronic device 10 corresponding thereto. When it is determined in the above manner that the intensity levels of the plurality of touch input data decrease sequentially, in operation S280, the detection circuit 900 may identify the type of touch operation applied by the user as a swipe touch (SW), and may perform an operation of the electronic device 10 corresponding thereto.

[0204] In this case, the sliding touch (SD) refers to a touch in which a user applies a touch while moving a finger in the longitudinal direction of the touch switch unit TSW-1 or TSW-2 and pushes or drags the touch while maintaining the same force. Fig.10Describes the detection mode of the sliding touch SD.

[0205] Fig.10 is an example diagram schematically showing changes in the frequency or inductance of oscillation signals LCosc1, LCosc2, and LCosc3 generated in the first touch member TM1, the second touch member TM2, and the third touch member TM3 by a sliding touch input according to an embodiment. Figures 10 to 12 The x-axis of the graph shown in represents the time period, and the y-axis represents the change in inductance or the resonant frequency of the oscillation signal generated in the inductor element. In this case, the time period on the x-axis does not refer to a specific time, but is merely an example representing the relationship between time periods. In addition, for ease of explanation, the change in inductance on the y-axis or the change in the resonant frequency of the oscillation signal may be described as a change in the measured value P by unified terminology, but for the same situation, each value has the same constant sign (+ or -). For example, when a touch input is applied, the change in inductance in the measured value P may have a negative value, and the change in the resonant frequency of the oscillation signal may have a positive value, or vice versa.

[0206] In addition, Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the y value of the change in the measured value P for each curve corresponding to each oscillation signal (e.g., the change in inductance or the change in the resonant frequency of the oscillation signal) can be shown to have different peak values. This merely illustrates that the change in the measured value P of the touch input applied by the first touch member TM1, the second touch member TM2, and the third touch member TM3, etc. can be different from each other. For example, in Figures 10 to 12 The peak values ​​indicated in do not have any correlation with each other, and the difference in peak values ​​between the plurality of curves shown in each of the drawings does not indicate a relative size ratio.

[0207] Common Reference Figure 8 and Fig.10, for example, the first touch switch unit TSW-1 may include a first touch member TM1, a second touch member TM2, and a third touch member TM3, and the oscillation signals LCosc1, LCosc2, and LCosc3 may be generated by a touch input applied to each of the first touch member TM1, the second touch member TM2, and the third touch member TM3, respectively. In this example, the resonant frequency of the oscillation signals LCosc1, LCosc2, and LCosc3 may be determined according to the amount of change in the inductance that can be changed in each of the first inductor element LE1, the second inductor element LE2, and the third inductor element LE3 as described above. For example, when a strong touch input is applied, a relatively large amount of change in the inductance of the inductor element LE1, LE2, or LE3 may be measured, and a relatively large amount of change in the resonant frequency of the oscillation signals LCosc1, LCosc2, or LCosc3 may be measured.

[0208] Continue to refer to Fig.10 , since the touch input by the sliding operation may be applied by the user applying the same force to the first touch member TM1, the second touch member TM2, and the third touch member TM3 to drag or push the first touch member TM1, the second touch member TM2, and the third touch member TM3, the first oscillation signal LCosc1, the second oscillation signal LCosc2, and the third oscillation signal LCosc3 generated by the touch input applied to the first touch member TM1, the second touch member TM2, and the third touch member TM3, respectively, may have almost the same inductance change amount or almost the same resonant frequency change amount. Therefore, Fig.10 The graph of φ shows a state in which changes in the measurement values ​​P of the first oscillation signal LCosc1, the second oscillation signal LCosc2, and the third oscillation signal LCosc3 are almost the same.

[0209] In addition, refer to Fig.10 , it can be seen that the operation direction of the sliding touch SD according to the graph passes through the second touch member TM2 from the first touch member TM1, and then toward the third touch member TM3. In this case, different commands can be set in the electronic device 10 according to the operation direction of the sliding touch SD or the swiping touch SW. Therefore, the operation direction of the touch input can be changed to apply the touch, thereby performing different operations in the electronic device 10.

[0210] When it is determined that the intensity levels of the plurality of pieces of touch input data sequentially decrease, the detection circuit 900 may identify the type of touch operation applied by the user as a swipe touch (SW), and may perform an operation of the electronic device 10 corresponding thereto.

[0211] In this case, the swipe touch (SW) refers to a touch that the user applies while moving the finger in the longitudinal direction of the touch switch unit, but does not press while maintaining the same force, but presses with the end of the finger like bouncing while moving in the traveling direction and then lifts the end of the finger. Fig.11 Describes the detection mode of the swipe touch SW.

[0212] Fig.11 is an example diagram schematically showing changes in frequencies or inductances of oscillation signals LCosc1 , LCosc2 , and LCosc3 generated in the first, second, and third touch members TM1 , TM2 , and TM3 by a swiping touch input.

[0213] Common Reference Figure 8 and Fig.11 , for example, the first touch switch unit TSW-1 may include a first touch member TM1, a second touch member TM2, and a third touch member TM3, and oscillation signals LCosc1, LCosc2, and LCosc3 may be generated by a touch input applied to each of the first touch member TM1, the second touch member TM2, and the third touch member TM3, respectively. In this case, as described above, the resonant frequency of the first oscillation signal LCosc1, the second oscillation signal LCosc2, and the third oscillation signal LCosc3 may be determined according to the amount of change in the inductance that can be changed in each of the inductor elements LE1, LE2, and LE3. For example, when a strong touch input is applied, a relatively large amount of change in the resonant frequency of the oscillation signal LCosc1, LCosc2, or LCosc3 may be measured.

[0214] Continue to refer to Fig.11 , the touch input by the swiping operation can be applied by a touch operation in which the user presses with the end of the finger like a bounce and then lifts the end of the finger upward while moving relative to the travel direction of the first touch member TM1, the second touch member TM2, and the third touch member TM3. In the touch input by the swiping operation, the first oscillation signal LCosc1, the second oscillation signal LCosc2, or the third oscillation signal LCosc3 generated by the touch input applied to the first touch member TM1, the second touch member TM2, and the third touch member TM3, respectively, may not have the same inductance change amount or the same resonant frequency change amount. For example, according to the swiping operation, the touch input applied for the first time corresponds to an input with a relatively high intensity level that decreases sequentially over time. Therefore, Fig.11 The graph of FIG. 1 shows a state in which the change amount of the measured value P of the first oscillation signal LCosc1, the second oscillation signal LCosc2 and the third oscillation signal LCosc3 gradually decreases. Fig.11, it can be seen that the operation direction of the swiping touch SW according to the graph is from the first touch member TM1 through the second touch member TM2 and then toward the third touch member TM3.

[0215] Fig. 9 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an operation of recognizing and sensing a type of a touch input when a touch input is applied to the touch switch units TSW- 1 and TSW- 2 on both sides of the electronic device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0216] Reference Fig. 9 , the touch sensing method S300 according to the embodiment may include identifying the type of touch input applied to the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 disposed on both side surfaces of the electronic device 10. For example, Fig. 9 A touch sensing method is shown when a touch input is detected collectively in a plurality of touch switch units, which is different from Figure 8 different.

[0217] As above Figure 8 As described above, the detection circuit 900 may analyze the touch input data sensed within the reference time period t. For example, in operation S220, the detection circuit 900 may determine whether all touch inputs are sensed through the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 within the reference time period t. In this case, when it is determined that all touch inputs are not applied to each of the touch switch units TSW-1 and TSW-2, the touch sensing method by the detection circuit 900 may proceed to the above-mentioned Figure 8 Operation S230.

[0218] In this example, when it is determined that all touch inputs are applied to each of the touch switch units, the touch sensing method may proceed to Fig. 9 Operation S330 shown in FIG.

[0219] For reference, in this example, with Figure 8 Unlike the above, the detection circuit 900 does not need to determine whether a plurality of touch inputs are sensed within the reference time period t. For example, since this operation is performed after determining whether all touch inputs are sensed by the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2, the touch sensing method may be performed after determining that a plurality of touch inputs have been sensed.

[0220] Continue to refer to Fig. 9In operation S330, the detection circuit 900 may determine the position of the touch input applied initially among the multiple touch inputs, and may record the position of the touch input applied initially. Subsequently, in operation S340, the detection circuit 900 may determine whether the touch input applied initially is provided as multiple touch inputs. For example, the detection circuit 900 may determine whether the multiple touch inputs are applied simultaneously or within a time period (e.g., 0.05 seconds) that can be recognized as simultaneous.

[0221] As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the touch input applied initially is not provided as a plurality of touch inputs, in operation S345, the detection circuit 900 may identify the touch input as a sequential multi-touch (MT), and the electronic device 10 may perform an operation corresponding to a case where the touch input is sequentially applied at time intervals with respect to the touch switch units TSW-1 and TSW-2 on both sides of the electronic device 10. The sequential multi-touch (MT) described herein may be an operation of applying a plurality of touches to the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 at relatively short intervals. For example, the sequential multi-touch (MT) may be distinguished from the above-described ordinary multi-touch (MT) in which a plurality of touch inputs are applied to a single touch switch unit.

[0222] As a result of the determination in operation S345, when the touch input applied initially is provided as a plurality of touch inputs, the detection circuit 900 may determine whether the plurality of touch inputs applied initially can be continuously detected at or above the reference intensity level in operation S350. For example, a minimum time period and a reference intensity level as a reference for determining whether the reference intensity level is maintained in the plurality of touch inputs applied initially may be preset and stored in the electronic device 10, respectively.

[0223] As a result of the intensity level of the touch input initially applied being determined by the detection circuit 900, when the touch input is maintained for a minimum time period (for example, 1 second, etc.) while having an intensity at or above a predetermined reference intensity level, respectively, in operation S355, the type of touch operation can be identified as squeeze (SQ) and an operation of the electronic device 10 corresponding to the squeeze (SQ) can be performed.

[0224] Squeeze (SQ) may be an operation in which a user holds the electronic device 10 with the palm and fingers and applies force. Fig.12 Describes the detection mode of Squeeze SQ.

[0225] Fig.12is an example diagram schematically showing changes in frequency or inductance of an oscillation signal LCosc1, LCosc2, LCosc3, LCosc1-1, LCosc2-1, or LCosc3-1 generated in a first touch member, a second touch member, or a third touch member by a squeeze touch input.

[0226] Common Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.12 , for example, the first touch switch unit TSW-1 may include a first touch member TM1, a second touch member TM2, and a third touch member TM3, and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 may include a 1-1 touch member TM1', a 2-1 touch member TM2', and a 3-1 touch member TM3'. For example, the second oscillation signal LCosc2, the third oscillation signal LCosc3, the 1-1 oscillation signal LCosc1-1, and the 2-1 oscillation signal LCosc2-1 may be generated by a touch input applied to each of the second touch member TM2, the third touch member TM3, the 1-1 touch member TM1', and the 2-1 touch member TM2', respectively. In this case, as described above, the resonant frequency of the second oscillation signal LCosc2, the third oscillation signal LCosc3, the 1-1 oscillation signal LCosc1-1, and the 2-1 oscillation signal LCosc2-1 may be determined according to the amount of change in the inductance that can be changed in each of the inductor elements LE2, LE3, LE1', and LE2'. For example, when a strong touch input is applied, a relatively large amount of change in the resonant frequency of the oscillation signal LCosc2, LCosc3, LCosc1-1, or LCosc2-1 may be measured.

[0227] Continue to refer to Fig.12 , the touch input by the squeeze operation may be a touch input by the user holding the electronic device 10 to simultaneously press the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 on both sides using a plurality of touch members (e.g., the second touch member TM2, the third touch member TM3, the 1-1 touch member TM1', and the 2-1 touch member TM2'). Therefore, depending on various factors such as the size of the user's hand and the width and thickness of the electronic device 10, the type and number of touch members to which the touch input is applied may change according to the user's squeeze operation.

[0228] When considering the change in inductance corresponding to a squeeze operation compared to other touch operations, it is necessary to simply set the criteria for identifying the squeeze operation. Fig. 9 As shown in , without specifying a touch member, a plurality of initially applied touch inputs may be set to be recognized based on whether the plurality of initially applied touch inputs are maintained at a reference intensity level or a level higher than the reference intensity level.

[0229] As an example, see Fig.12 According to the squeezing operation of the user, it can be seen that the touch input is applied to the second touch member TM2 and the third touch member TM3 of the first touch switch unit TSW-1, and the 1-1 touch member TM1' and the 2-1 touch member TM2' of the second touch switch unit TSW-2, respectively. As described above, when a plurality of oscillation signals (LCosc2 and LCosc3) can be generated in a plurality of touch members at the same time or a plurality of oscillation signals (LCosc1-1 and LCosc2-1) can be generated in a plurality of touch members in a short time period sufficient to be regarded as simultaneous, and the change amount of the resonant frequency of each of the oscillation signals LCosc2, LCosc3, LCosc1-1 and LCosc2-1 (or the change amount of the inductance generated in each of the inductor elements LE2, LE3, LE1' and LE2') is maintained while having a large value, the detection circuit 900 can identify the corresponding touch operation as squeezing.

[0230] Reference Fig. 9 , in operation S360, the detection circuit 900 may then determine the direction of travel of the operation according to the position of the secondarily applied touch input. In addition, the detection circuit 900 may compare the pre-recorded position of the first-applied touch input and the position of the secondarily applied touch input, and may determine the direction of travel of the touch operation (in the direction from the position of the first-applied touch input toward the position of the secondarily applied touch input).

[0231] Subsequently, in operation S370, the detection circuit 900 may respectively determine the intensity levels of the plurality of touch input data, and may determine whether the determined intensity level of each touch input decreases sequentially. For example, in order to determine whether the intensity levels decrease sequentially, the intensity level of the touch input applied initially and the intensity level of the touch input applied last may be compared with each other. Alternatively, the intensity levels of the plurality of touch inputs including the touch input applied initially and the touch input applied last may be compared with each other in chronological order.

[0232] When it is determined in the above manner that the intensity levels of multiple touch input data do not decrease sequentially but remain or increase, in operation S375, the detection circuit 900 can identify the type of touch operation applied by the user as a multi-slide touch (MSD), and can perform an operation of the electronic device 10 corresponding to the multi-slide touch (MSD).

[0233] In this case, the multi-slide touch (MSD) refers to an operation in which a user applies a touch while simultaneously moving a finger in a longitudinal direction relative to the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 on both sides of the electronic device 10, but applies a sliding touch while maintaining the same force. In this case, for example, the user may perform a sliding operation relative to the first touch switch unit TSW-1 in a direction from the upper part to the lower part of the electronic device 10, and perform a sliding operation relative to the second touch switch unit TSW-2 in a direction from the lower part to the upper part of the electronic device 10. In addition, the user may perform a sliding operation in the same direction relative to the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2. For example, depending on the direction of the sliding operation applied to both sides, the electronic device 10 may be configured to recognize separate touch input operations and perform different operations.

[0234] When it is determined that the intensity levels of multiple touch input data decrease sequentially, in operation S380, the detection circuit 900 may identify the type of touch operation applied by the user as a multi-swipe touch (MSW), and may perform an operation of the electronic device 10 corresponding to the multi-swipe touch (MSW).

[0235] In this case, the multi-swipe touch (MSW) may be an operation in which a user applies a touch while simultaneously moving a finger in a longitudinal direction relative to the touch switch units on both sides, but applies a swipe touch of pressing and then lifting the end of the finger with the end of the finger like a bounce while moving in the traveling direction. In this case, as in the multi-slide touch (MSD), the user may apply swipe touch inputs with different operation directions to the first touch switch unit TSW-1 and the second touch switch unit TSW-2 on both sides of the electronic device 10. For example, according to the direction of the swipe operation applied to both sides of the electronic device 10, the electronic device 10 may be configured to recognize separate touch input operations and perform different operations.

[0236] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, a touch sensing method and an electronic device including a touch sensing device may distinguish and sense a user's touch input as various types of touch inputs according to the intensity and pattern of the touch.

[0237] In addition, in the touch sensing method and electronic device disclosed herein, a plurality of touch members can be provided on the touch switch unit without distinguishing the areas of the touch members, so that the user can easily perform touch operations such as sliding, swiping and squeezing. In addition, it is possible to accurately sense the user's touch operation.

[0238] In addition, in the touch sensing method and electronic device disclosed herein, the touch switch units may be provided on both sides of the electronic device, and the touch switch units may be used separately so that separate touch inputs respectively applied to the touch switch units may be sensed, or may be used together so that touch inputs commonly applied to the touch switch units may be sensed. Therefore, the number of situations related to the type of touch input may be increased.

[0239] Fig.13The controller 1000 that performs the operations described in the present application is implemented by a hardware component, and the hardware component is configured to perform the operations performed by the hardware component described in the present application. Examples of hardware components that can be used to perform the operations described in the present application include controllers, sensors, generators, drivers, memories, comparators, arithmetic logic units, adders, subtractors, multipliers, dividers, integrators, and any other electronic components configured to perform the operations described in the present application where appropriate. In other examples, one or more of the hardware components that perform the operations described in the present application are implemented by computing hardware (e.g., by one or more processors or computers). A processor or computer may be implemented by one or more processing elements (such as, logic gate arrays, controllers and arithmetic logic units, digital signal processors, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers, field programmable gate arrays, programmable logic arrays, microprocessors, or any other device or combination of devices configured to respond and execute instructions in a defined manner to achieve a desired result). In one example, a processor or computer includes or is connected to one or more memories storing instructions or software executed by a processor or computer. The hardware components implemented by a processor or a computer can execute instructions or software, such as an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the OS to perform the operations described in this application. The hardware components can also access, manipulate, process, create and store data in response to the execution of instructions or software. For simplicity, the singular term "processor" or "computer" can be used in the description of the examples described in this application, but multiple processors or computers can be used in other examples, or the processor or computer may include multiple processing elements, multiple types of processing elements or both. For example, a single hardware component or two or more hardware components can be implemented by a single processor, two or more processors, or a processor and a controller. One or more hardware components can be implemented by one or more processors or a processor and a controller, and one or more other hardware components can be implemented by one or more other processors or another processor and another controller. One or more processors or a processor and a controller can implement a single hardware component or two or more hardware components. The hardware components may have any one or more of different processing configurations, examples of which include a single processor, independent processors, parallel processors, single instruction single data (SISD) multiprocessing devices, single instruction multiple data (SIMD) multiprocessing devices, multiple instruction single data (MISD) multiprocessing devices, and multiple instruction multiple data (MIMD) multiprocessing devices.

[0240] Figures 1 to 13The methods for performing the operations described in the present application shown in the are performed by computing hardware, for example, by one or more processors or computers implemented as described above to run instructions or software to perform the operations performed by the methods described in the present application. For example, a single operation or two or more operations may be performed by a single processor, two or more processors, or a processor and a controller. One or more operations may be performed by one or more processors or a processor and a controller, and one or more other operations may be performed by one or more other processors or another processor and another controller. One or more processors or a processor and a controller may perform a single operation or two or more operations.

[0241] Instructions or software for controlling computing hardware (e.g., one or more processors or computers) to implement hardware components and perform methods as described above may be written as computer programs, code segments, instructions, or any combination thereof, for individually or collectively instructing or configuring one or more processors or computers to operate as machines or special-purpose computers to perform operations performed by methods and hardware components as described above. In one example, the instructions or software include machine code directly executed by one or more processors or computers, such as machine code generated by a compiler. In another example, the instructions or software include higher-level codes executed by one or more processors or computers using an interpreter. Instructions or software may be written in any programming language based on the block diagrams and flow charts shown in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding descriptions in the specification, and the accompanying drawings and the corresponding descriptions in the specification disclose algorithms for performing operations performed by methods and hardware components as described above.

[0242] The instructions or software for controlling computing hardware (e.g., one or more processors or computers) to implement the hardware components and perform the methods described above and any associated data, data files and data structures may be recorded, stored or fixed in or on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD+R, CD-RW, CD+RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-R LTH, BD-RE, magnetic tape, floppy disk, magneto-optical data storage device, optical data storage device, hard disk, solid-state disk and any other device, any other device configured to store instructions or software and any associated data, data files and data structures in a non-transitory manner and provide instructions or software and any associated data, data files and data structures to one or more processors or computers so that one or more processors or computers can execute instructions. In one example, the instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures are distributed over a network-coupled computer system so that the instructions and software and any associated data, data files, and data structures are stored, accessed, and executed in a distributed fashion by one or more processors or computers.

[0243] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application that various changes can be made in form and detail in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are considered to be descriptive only and are not for limiting purposes. The description of the features or aspects in each example will be considered to be applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. If the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described system, architecture, device or circuit are combined in a different manner, and / or the components in the described system, architecture, device or circuit are replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents, suitable results can be obtained. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by specific embodiments, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents will be interpreted as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A touch sensing method, comprising: generating an oscillation signal having a resonant frequency, the resonant frequency of the oscillation signal being changeable according to a plurality of touch inputs applied to a first touch switch unit and a second touch switch unit formed in a side of a metal housing of an electronic device, the change of the resonant frequency of the oscillation signal being based on a change in inductance caused by the touch inputs, wherein the force touch input is sensed by the change in inductance caused by reducing a distance between the housing and an inductor element disposed inside the housing; analyzing the applied plurality of touch inputs based on a change in the resonant frequency of the generated oscillation signal; and Based on a result of the analyzing of the applied plurality of touch inputs, a type of touch operation is identified and sensed according to a pattern of the plurality of touch inputs.

2. The touch sensing method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining a touch input level according to intensities of the plurality of touch inputs based on a result of the analyzing; as well as An operation output value of the electronic device is calculated according to the determined touch input level.

3. The touch sensing method according to claim 2, wherein: Calculating the operation output value of the electronic device according to the determined touch input level includes calculating any one of volume, vibration intensity, operation time period, number of operations, and operation frequency of the electronic device to match the touch input level.

4. The touch sensing method according to claim 1, wherein: The identifying and sensing the type of the touch operation includes: for the multiple touch inputs, comparing any one or any combination of any two or more of the number of touch inputs, the position of the touch inputs, the direction of travel of the touch operation, and the touch intensity level to identify the type of the touch operation.

5. The touch sensing method according to claim 1, wherein: The analyzing the applied plurality of touch inputs includes collecting and analyzing only a plurality of pieces of touch input data applied within a reference period of time pre-stored in the electronic device.

6. The touch sensing method according to claim 5, wherein: The identifying and sensing the type of the touch operation includes: determining whether the collected pieces of touch input data correspond to a touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and a touch input applied to the second touch switch unit; and In response to the determination of whether the collected multiple touch input data correspond to the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit, the result is that the collected multiple touch input data correspond to both the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit, and the type of the touch operation is identified as any one of normal multi-touch, sequential multi-touch, multi-slide touch, multi-swipe touch and squeeze.

7. The touch sensing method according to claim 6, further comprising: In response to the result of determining whether the collected multiple touch input data correspond to the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit, the collected multiple touch input data do not correspond to both the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit, and the type of the touch operation is identified as any one of a multi-touch, a sliding touch, and a swipe touch relative to a single touch switch unit of the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit.

8. The touch sensing method according to claim 6, further comprising: determining the number of data of touch input applied for the first time among the plurality of collected touch input data; as well as The type of the touch operation is further identified as the sequential multi-touch in response to: The result of determining whether the collected plurality of pieces of touch input data correspond to the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit is that the collected plurality of pieces of touch input data correspond to both the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit; as well as The number of data of the touch input applied initially is one.

9. The touch sensing method according to claim 8, further comprising: determining whether each of the plurality of touch inputs applied initially is maintained for a minimum time period while having an intensity level greater than or equal to a predetermined reference intensity level; as well as The type of the touch operation is further identified as the squeeze in response to: The result of determining whether the collected plurality of pieces of touch input data correspond to the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit is that the collected plurality of pieces of touch input data correspond to both the touch input applied to the first touch switch unit and the touch input applied to the second touch switch unit; the number of data of the touch input applied for the first time is a plurality; as well as The result of determining whether each of the multiple touch inputs applied initially maintains the minimum time period while having the intensity level greater than or equal to the predetermined reference intensity level is that the multiple touch inputs applied initially maintain the minimum time period while having the intensity level greater than or equal to the predetermined reference intensity level.

10. The touch sensing method according to claim 5, wherein: The identifying and sensing the type of the touch operation includes: The position of the touch input applied initially in the plurality of collected touch input data is compared with the position of the touch input applied secondarily in the plurality of collected touch input data to determine a moving direction of the touch operation.

11. The touch sensing method according to claim 5, wherein: The identifying and sensing the type of the touch operation includes: respectively determining intensity levels of the plurality of pieces of collected touch input data; and In response to a result of the determining the intensity levels of the plurality of collected touch input data being that the intensity levels of the plurality of collected touch input data sequentially decrease, the type of the touch operation is identified as a swipe touch.

12. The touch sensing method according to claim 11, further comprising: In response to a result of the determining the intensity levels of the collected pieces of touch input data being that the intensity levels of the collected pieces of touch input data remain unchanged or increase, the type of the touch operation is identified as a sliding touch.

13. An electronic device comprising: A touch switch unit is formed in the side of the metal housing of the electronic device; as well as a touch sensing device including an inductor element and configured to sense the touch input applied to the touch switch unit by a change in inductance caused by the touch input, wherein the touch input of force is sensed by a change in inductance caused by reducing the distance between the housing and the inductor element, Wherein, the touch switch unit comprises: A first touch switch unit is disposed on a side surface of the electronic device; and The second touch switch unit is arranged on the other side surface of the electronic device.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein: The touch sensing device comprises: an oscillation circuit configured to generate respective oscillation signals corresponding to the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit, each of the respective oscillation signals having a resonant frequency changeable according to a plurality of touch inputs constituting the touch inputs applied to the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit; and The detection circuit is configured to identify the type of touch operation according to the pattern of the plurality of touch inputs based on the change of the resonance frequency of the generated corresponding oscillation signal.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein: The detection circuit is further configured to determine a touch input level according to the strengths of the plurality of touch inputs, and calculate an operation output value of the electronic device according to the determined touch input level.

16. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein: The detection circuit is also configured to compare any one or any combination of two or more of the number of touch inputs, the location of the touch inputs, the direction of travel of the touch operation and the touch intensity level for the multiple touch inputs to identify the type of the touch operation.

17. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein: The touch sensing device further comprises: a capacitor element electrically connected to the inductor element and configured to exhibit a change in capacitance when the touch input is applied to the touch switch unit, Wherein, the oscillation circuit is electrically connected to the inductor element and the capacitor element to generate the corresponding oscillation signal.

18. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit includes a plurality of touch members, The inductor element is a plurality of inductor elements corresponding to the plurality of touch members. The touch sensing device further includes: a plurality of capacitor elements electrically connected to the plurality of inductor elements, respectively, and configured to exhibit a change in capacitance when the plurality of touch inputs are applied to the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit, and The detection circuit is further configured to analyze only a plurality of touch input data pre-stored in the plurality of touch inputs and applied within a reference time period to identify the type of the touch operation.

19. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein: The first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit are symmetrically arranged on the one side surface of the electronic device and the other side surface of the electronic device, Wherein, each of the first touch switch unit and the second touch switch unit includes a plurality of touch members, and Wherein, no dividing line or dividing surface is formed between the plurality of touch members.

20. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein: The touch switch unit is provided in an area of ​​an instrument panel of a vehicle including a steering wheel and a central instrument panel, and The electronic device is configured to determine a touch input level according to the intensity of the touch input applied to the touch switch unit, and to differently calculate an operation output value implemented in the vehicle according to the determined touch input level.

21. An electronic device comprising: A first group of touch components is arranged on a side surface of the electronic device; A second group of touch components is arranged on the other side surface of the electronic device; an oscillation circuit including an inductor element and configured to generate a first group of oscillation signals corresponding to the first group of touch members and a second group of oscillation signals corresponding to the second group of touch members by causing a change in inductance through a plurality of touch inputs, wherein the force touch input is sensed by the change in inductance caused by reducing the distance between the first group of metal touch members and the second group of metal touch members and the inductor element; as well as A controller is configured to determine a type of touch operation corresponding to a pattern of the multiple touch inputs applied to multiple touch members in the first group of touch members and the second group of touch members based on a detected change in a resonant frequency of one or more of the first group of oscillation signals and the second group of oscillation signals.

22. The electronic device according to claim 21, wherein: The controller is further configured to determine an operation output value of the electronic device based on the intensities of the plurality of touch inputs.

23. The electronic device according to claim 21, wherein: The controller is also configured to compare any one of the number of the multiple touch inputs, the positions of the multiple touch inputs, the travel directions of the multiple touch inputs, and the touch intensity levels of the multiple touch inputs, or any combination of any two or more of them to determine the type of the touch operation.

24. The electronic device according to claim 21, wherein: The controller is further configured to determine the type of the touch operation based on whether the intensities of the plurality of touch inputs are above a reference intensity level for a predetermined amount of time.

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