Electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display panel configured to display an image, an input sensor on the display panel, and a sensor controller configured to detect a first input through at least one of a plurality of input devices by the input sensor, wherein the sensor controller is configured to detect the first input during an input detection frame, wherein the input detection frame includes a search section in which a plurality of search signals are provided to the input sensor, and wherein the plurality of search signals include two or more search signals capable of communicating through two or more different protocols, respectively.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0142133, filed on October 29, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Some aspects of embodiments of this disclosure described herein relate to an electronic device. Background Technology

[0003] Multimedia electronic devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation devices, and game consoles typically have display devices for displaying images. In addition to traditional input methods such as buttons, keyboards, and mice, electronic devices may include input sensors capable of providing touch-based input methods, which allow users to intuitively and conveniently input information or commands.

[0004] Input sensors can detect touch or pressure generated by the user's body. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for electronic pens for fine tactile input from users familiar with writing tools or specific applications (e.g., applications for sketching or drawing).

[0005] Therefore, input sensors are needed for electronic devices to detect various inputs, such as electronic pen input and inputs using the user's body touch or pressure.

[0006] The information disclosed in this background section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background, and therefore the information discussed in this background section does not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Some aspects of embodiments of this disclosure described herein relate to an electronic device, for example, an electronic device capable of communicating with an input device.

[0008] Some aspects of embodiments of this disclosure include an electronic device capable of supporting multiple protocols to enable communication with various types of input devices.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device includes: a display panel for displaying an image; an input sensor on the display panel; and a sensor controller for detecting a first input through at least one of a plurality of input devices via the input sensor.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the sensor controller detects a first input during an input detection frame, and the input detection frame includes a search segment in which multiple search signals are provided to the input sensor. The multiple search signals include two or more search signals capable of communicating via two or more different protocols. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above and other objects and features of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description of embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device and an input device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electronic device and an input device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an electronic device operating in a first mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a first mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figures 8A to 8C This is a diagram illustrating the state of detecting a first input in a first mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an electronic device operating in a second mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation in a second mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of an input sensor and a sensor controller according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 12A According to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 11 The internal block diagram of the signal generation circuit shown is shown.

[0023] Figure 12B According to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 11 The internal block diagram of the input detection circuit is shown below.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a flowchart describing the operation of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a first mode.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a flowchart describing the operation of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a second mode. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In this specification, when an element (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is referred to as "on" another element, "connected to" or "bonded to" another element, it means that the element may be directly located on, directly connected to or directly bonded to the other element, or a third element may be placed between them.

[0027] The same reference numerals denote the same elements. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of elements may be exaggerated to effectively describe technical features.

[0028] The term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0029] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be construed as being limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from others. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0030] Furthermore, terms such as "below," "under," "above," and "above" are used to describe the relationships between the elements shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning, unless expressly defined in this disclosure.

[0032] It will be understood that terms such as “comprising” or “having” indicate the presence of the features, figures, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0033] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device and an input device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 The electronic device 1000 can be a device activated based on an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device 1000 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, car navigation system, game console, or wearable device, but is not particularly limited to any of them. Figure 1 The electronic device 1000 shown is a mobile phone, but embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0036] The effective area AA1 and the peripheral area NAA1 can be defined in the electronic device 1000. The electronic device 1000 can display an image at the effective area AA1. The effective area AA1 can include a surface defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The peripheral area NAA1 can surround the effective area AA1.

[0037] The thickness direction of the electronic device 1000 may be parallel to a third direction DR3 that intersects the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Therefore, the front (or upper) surface and rear (or lower) surface of each component or assembly of the electronic device 1000 may be defined based on the third direction DR3.

[0038] Figure 1 The electronic device 1000 shown can detect input via touch from a user and input via input device 2000. Input device 2000 can refer to a device other than the user's body. Figure 1 Only one input device 2000 is shown in the diagram, but the electronic device 1000 can detect input through multiple input devices. Input through input device 2000 can be referred to as the first input. For example, input device 2000 can be an active pen, stylus, stylus, or electronic pen. Input through the user's touch can be referred to as the second input. The second input can include various types of external input, such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, or pressure.

[0039] Electronic device 1000 and input device 2000 can perform bidirectional communication. Electronic device 1000 can provide a search signal to input device 2000. The search signal is a signal used to search for input device 2000. The search signal can be transmitted from electronic device 1000 to input device 2000, and in this case, the search signal can be referred to as an upward search signal. However, the search signal can be transmitted from input device 2000 to electronic device 1000. In this case, electronic device 1000 can search for input device 2000 by receiving the search signal, and this search signal can be referred to as a downward search signal. For example, the search signal may include, but is not limited to, synchronization signals or information regarding electronic device 1000 according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0040] When communication between the input device 2000 and the electronic device 1000 begins, the input device 2000 may provide a downlink signal to the electronic device 1000. The downlink signal may include synchronization signals or status information of the input device 2000. For example, the downlink signal may include, but is not limited to, the location information of the input device 2000, the battery information of the input device 2000, the tilt information of the input device 2000, and / or various information stored in the input device 2000.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a perspective view illustrating electronic devices and input devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 In the description, the same reference numerals are used for reference. Figure 1 The components are described, therefore, some of their additional descriptions can be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0042] Reference Figure 2 The electronic device 1001 can display an image in the effective area AA2. Figure 2 The diagram shows the electronic device 1001 folded at a certain angle (e.g., a set or predetermined angle). When the electronic device 1001 is unfolded, the effective area AA2 may include a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2.

[0043] The effective region AA2 may include a first region AA2_1, a second region AA2_2, and a third region AA2_3. These regions can be sequentially defined along a first direction DR1. The second region AA2_2 can be bent about a folding axis FX extending along a second direction DR2. Therefore, the first region AA2_1 and the third region AA2_3 can be referred to as non-folded regions, and the second region AA2_2 can be referred to as a folded region.

[0044] When the electronic device 1001 is folded, the first region AA2_1 and the third region AA2_3 can face each other. Therefore, in the fully folded state, the effective region AA2 may not be exposed to the outside; this can be referred to as an inward fold. However, this is an example, and the folding operation of the electronic device 1001 is not limited to this. For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 1001 can be folded such that the first region AA2_1 and the third region AA2_3 are back-to-back (or opposite) to each other. In this case, the effective region AA2 can be exposed to the outside; this can be referred to as an outward fold.

[0045] The electronic device 1001 can perform only one of the inward folding and outward folding operations. Alternatively, the electronic device 1001 can operate to perform both the inward folding and outward folding operations. In this case, the second region AA2_2 of the electronic device 1001 can be folded inward and outward.

[0046] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates one folded region and two non-folded regions by way of example, but the number of folded regions and non-folded regions is not limited thereto. For example, electronic device 1001 may include more than two non-folded regions and multiple folded regions, each folded region being located between adjacent non-folded regions.

[0047] Figure 2 The diagram shows the folding axis FX extending in the second direction DR2, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the folding axis FX may extend in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1. In this case, the first region AA2_1, the second region AA2_2, and the third region AA2_3 may be arranged sequentially in the second direction DR2.

[0048] The effective area AA2 can be stacked with at least one electronic module. For example, the electronic module may include a camera module and a proximity illuminance sensor. The electronic module can receive external input transmitted through the effective area AA2, or can provide output through the effective area AA2. The portion of the effective area AA2 stacked with the camera module and proximity illuminance sensor can have a higher transmittance than other portions of the effective area AA2. Therefore, it is not necessary to set up an area in the peripheral area NAA2 surrounding the effective area AA2 where multiple electronic modules will be arranged. As a result, the area ratio of the effective area AA2 to the front surface of the electronic device 1001 can be increased.

[0049] Electronic device 1001 and input device 2000 can perform bidirectional communication. Electronic device 1001 can provide search signals to input device 2000. Input device 2000 can provide downlink signals to electronic device 1001. Electronic device 1001 can detect the location of input device 2000 by using information provided from input device 2000.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electronic device and an input device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Reference Figure 3 The electronic device 1000 may include a display panel 100, an input sensor 200, a panel driver 100C, a sensor controller 200C, and a main controller 1000C.

[0052] Display panel 100 can be the component that actually generates the image. Display panel 100 can be an emitting display panel, for example, display panel 100 can be an organic light-emitting display panel, a quantum dot display panel, a micro LED display panel, or a nano LED display panel.

[0053] The input sensor 200 may be located on the display panel 100. The input sensor 200 can detect externally applied input. The input sensor 200 can detect a first input through the input device 2000 and a second input through the user's body 3000.

[0054] The main controller 1000C can control the overall operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the main controller 1000C can control the operation of the control panel driver 100C and the sensor controller 200C. The main controller 1000C may include at least one microprocessor, and the main controller 1000C may be referred to as a host.

[0055] The panel driver 100C can control the driving of the display panel 100. The main controller 1000C may also include a graphics controller. The panel driver 100C can receive image data RGB and control signals D-CS from the main controller 1000C. The control signals D-CS can include various signals. For example, the control signals D-CS can include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a master clock signal, and a data enable signal. The panel driver 100C can generate vertical start signals and horizontal start signals based on the control signals D-CS to control the timing of providing signals to the display panel 100.

[0056] Sensor controller 200C can control input sensor 200. Sensor controller 200C can receive sensing control signal I-CS from main controller 1000C. Sensing control signal I-CS may include a mode determination signal and a clock signal for determining the drive mode of sensor controller 200C. Based on sensing control signal I-CS, sensor controller 200C can operate in a first mode to detect a first input through input device 2000, or in a second mode to detect a second input through user's body 3000. The first mode can be activated when the user selects to enter it via user interface. Furthermore, the first mode can be activated when electronic device 1000 searches for and finds input device 2000. When the first mode is not activated, sensor controller 200C can operate in the second mode. For example, under normal conditions, sensor controller 200C can operate in the second mode.

[0057] The sensor controller 200C can calculate the coordinate information of the first input or the second input based on the signal received from the input sensor 200, and can provide a coordinate signal I-SS containing the coordinate information to the main controller 1000C. The main controller 1000C allows the execution of operations corresponding to the first input or the second input based on the coordinate signal I-SS. For example, the main controller 1000C can allow the panel driver 100C to display a new image on the display panel 100 based on the coordinate signal I-SS.

[0058] Input device 2000 may include housing 2100, power supply 2200, pen controller 2300, communication module 2400, and pen electrodes 2500. However, the components of input device 2000 are not limited to those listed above. For example, input device 2000 may also include electrode switches for switching between signal transmission and signal reception modes, pressure sensors for detecting pressure, memory for storing information (e.g., setting or preset information), rotation sensors for detecting rotation, haptic feedback components (e.g., providing vibration in response to input), etc.

[0059] The housing 2100 may be in the shape of a pen and may have a receiving space therein. The power supply 2200, pen controller 2300, communication module 2400 and pen electrodes 2500 may be housed in the receiving space defined inside the housing 2100.

[0060] Power supply 2200 can supply power to modules inside input device 2000 (e.g., pen controller 2300, communication module 2400, etc.). Power supply 2200 may include a battery or a high-capacity capacitor.

[0061] The pen controller 2300 can control the operation of the input device 2000. The pen controller 2300 can be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The pen controller 2300 can be configured to operate according to a designed program.

[0062] The communication module 2400 may include a transmission circuit 2410 and a receiving circuit 2420. The transmission circuit 2410 may output a downlink signal DLS to the input sensor 200. The receiving circuit 2420 may receive a search signal ULS provided from the input sensor 200. In this case, the search signal ULS may be an upward search signal provided from the electronic device 1000 to the input device 2000. The transmission circuit 2410 may receive signals provided from the pen controller 2300 and may convert the received signals into signals that can be sensed by the input sensor 200; the receiving circuit 2420 may convert the signals provided from the input sensor 200 into signals that can be processed by the pen controller 2300.

[0063] The pen electrode 2500 can be electrically connected to the communication module 2400. A portion of the pen electrode 2500 can protrude from the housing 2100. Additionally, the input device 2000 may include a cover shell that covers the pen electrode 2500 exposed from the housing 2100. Optionally, the pen electrode 2500 can be embedded within the housing 2100.

[0064] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Reference Figure 4A The electronic device 1000 may include a display panel 100 and an input sensor 200. The display panel 100 may include a substrate layer 110, a circuit layer 120, a light-emitting element layer 130, and an encapsulation layer 140.

[0066] The substrate layer 110 may be a component providing a substrate surface, on which the circuit layer 120 is located. The substrate layer 110 may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer substrate. However, embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited thereto, and the substrate layer 110 may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0067] The substrate layer 110 may have a multilayer structure. For example, the substrate layer 110 may include a first synthetic resin layer and silicon dioxide (SiO2) located on the first synthetic resin layer. x The system consists of a silicon oxide layer, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer on top of the silicon oxide layer, and a second synthetic resin layer on top of the amorphous silicon layer. The silicon oxide layer and the amorphous silicon layer can be referred to as substrate barrier layers.

[0068] Each of the first and second synthetic resin layers may include a polyimide resin. Additionally, each of the first and second synthetic resin layers may include at least one of acrylic resin, methacrylate resin, polyisoprene resin, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, cellulose resin, siloxane resin, polyamide resin, and perylene resin.

[0069] Circuit layer 120 may be located on substrate layer 110. Circuit layer 120 may include insulating layers, semiconductor patterns, conductive patterns, and signal lines. The insulating layer, semiconductor layer, and conductive layer are formed on substrate layer 110 by processes such as coating or vapor deposition, and thereafter, the insulating layer, semiconductor layer, and conductive layer may be selectively patterned by multiple photolithography processes. Subsequently, semiconductor patterns, conductive patterns, and signal lines included in circuit layer 120 may be formed.

[0070] The light-emitting element layer 130 may be located on the circuit layer 120. The light-emitting element layer 130 may include light-emitting elements. For example, the light-emitting element layer 130 may include organic light-emitting materials, quantum dots, quantum rods, micro LEDs, or nano LEDs.

[0071] The encapsulation layer 140 may be located on the light-emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 can protect the light-emitting element layer 130 from foreign substances such as moisture, oxygen and dust particles.

[0072] The input sensor 200 can be formed on the display panel 100 through multiple consecutive processes. In this case, the input sensor 200 can be directly located on the display panel 100. The term "directly located on" can indicate that a third component is not located between the input sensor 200 and the display panel 100. For example, a separate adhesive component is not located between the input sensor 200 and the display panel 100. Alternatively, the input sensor 200 can be bonded to the display panel 100 by an adhesive component. The adhesive component can include conventional glue or adhesive.

[0073] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] Reference Figure 4B The electronic device 1002 may include a display panel 101 and an input sensor 201. The display panel 101 may include a substrate 111, a circuit layer 121, a light-emitting element layer 131, a packaging substrate 141, and a bonding member 151.

[0075] Each of the substrate 111 and the encapsulation substrate 141 may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate or a polymer substrate, but this disclosure is not particularly limited thereto.

[0076] The bonding member 151 may be located between the substrate 111 and the encapsulation substrate 141. The bonding member 151 can bond the encapsulation substrate 141 to the substrate 111 or the circuit layer 121. The bonding member 151 may include inorganic or organic materials. For example, inorganic materials may include glass frit sealants, and organic materials may include photocurable resins or photoplastic resins. However, the material of the bonding member 151 is not limited to the examples described above.

[0077] The input sensor 201 may be located directly on the encapsulation substrate 141. The term "directly on" may indicate that a third component is not located between the input sensor 201 and the encapsulation substrate 141. For example, a separate adhesive member may not be located between the input sensor 201 and the display panel 101. However, embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited thereto, and an adhesive layer may further be located between the input sensor 201 and the encapsulation substrate 141.

[0078] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 In the description, the same reference numerals are used for reference. Figure 4A The component is described, but its description is omitted.

[0079] Reference Figure 5 At least one inorganic layer may be formed on the upper surface of the substrate layer 110. The inorganic layer may include at least one of alumina, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The inorganic layer may be formed in multiple layers. The multiple inorganic layers may constitute a barrier layer and / or a buffer layer. According to some embodiments, the display panel 100 is shown to include a buffer layer BFL.

[0080] The buffer layer BFL can improve the adhesion between the substrate layer 110 and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL may include a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer, and the silicon oxide layer and silicon nitride layer may be stacked alternately.

[0081] The semiconductor pattern may be located on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern may include polycrystalline silicon. However, embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited thereto, and the semiconductor pattern may include amorphous silicon, low-temperature polycrystalline silicon, or oxide semiconductor.

[0082] Figure 5Only a portion of the semiconductor pattern is shown, and the semiconductor pattern can be further arranged in other areas. The semiconductor pattern can be distributed across pixels in a specific pattern. The semiconductor pattern can have different electrical properties depending on whether it is doped. The semiconductor pattern may include a first region with relatively high conductivity and a second region with relatively low conductivity. The first region may be doped with N-type or P-type dopant. A P-type transistor may include a doped region doped with P-type dopant, and an N-type transistor may include a doped region doped with N-type dopant. The second region may be undoped, or it may be doped at a lower concentration than the first region.

[0083] The conductivity of the first region can be greater than that of the second region, and it can be essentially used as an electrode or signal line. The second region can essentially correspond to the active electrode (or channel) of a transistor. In other words, a portion of the semiconductor pattern can be the active electrode of a transistor, another portion of the semiconductor pattern can be the source or drain of a transistor, and other portions of the semiconductor pattern can be connecting electrodes or connecting signal lines.

[0084] Each pixel can have an equivalent circuit including seven transistors, one capacitor, and a light-emitting element, and the equivalent circuit of a pixel can be modified in various ways. Figure 5 The image shows a transistor TR and a light-emitting element ED in a pixel as an example.

[0085] A transistor TR may include a source SC1, a channel A1, a drain D1, and a gate G1. The source SC1, channel A1, and drain D1 may be formed from a semiconductor pattern. The source SC1 and drain D1 may extend in opposite directions from the channel A1 in their cross-section. Figure 5 A portion of a connection signal line SCL formed by a semiconductor pattern is shown. According to some embodiments, the connection signal line SCL can be electrically connected on a plane to the drain D1 of a transistor TR.

[0086] The first insulating layer 10 may be located on the buffer layer BFL. The first insulating layer 10 may be stacked with multiple pixels and may cover a semiconductor pattern. The first insulating layer 10 may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer 10 may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. According to some embodiments, the first insulating layer 10 may be a single silicon oxide layer. In addition to the first insulating layer 10, the insulating layers of the circuit layer 120, which will be described later, may be inorganic layers and / or organic layers, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one of the foregoing materials, but is not limited thereto according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0087] Gate G1 is located on the first insulating layer 10. Gate G1 may be part of a metal pattern. Gate G1 is stacked with channel A1. In a process of doping semiconductor patterns, gate G1 may be used as a mask.

[0088] The second insulating layer 20 is located on the first insulating layer 10 and may cover the gate G1. The second insulating layer 20 may be stacked together with the pixel. The second insulating layer 20 may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure. The second insulating layer 20 may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. According to some embodiments, the second insulating layer 20 may have a multilayer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0089] The third insulating layer 30 may be located on the second insulating layer 20. The third insulating layer 30 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the third insulating layer 30 may have a multi-layer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0090] The first connection electrode CNE1 can be located on the third insulating layer 30. The first connection electrode CNE1 can be connected to the connection signal line SCL through the contact hole CNT1 that penetrates the first insulating layer 10, the second insulating layer 20 and the third insulating layer 30.

[0091] The fourth insulating layer 40 may be located on the third insulating layer 30. The fourth insulating layer 40 may be a single silicon oxide layer. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be located on the fourth insulating layer 40. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be an organic layer.

[0092] The second connecting electrode CNE2 can be located on the fifth insulating layer 50. The second connecting electrode CNE2 can be connected to the first connecting electrode CNE1 through the contact hole CNT2 that penetrates the fourth insulating layer 40 and the fifth insulating layer 50.

[0093] The sixth insulating layer 60 is located on the fifth insulating layer 50 and may cover the second connecting electrode CNE2. The sixth insulating layer 60 may be an organic layer.

[0094] The light-emitting element layer 130 may be located on the circuit layer 120. The light-emitting element layer 130 may include a light-emitting element ED. For example, the light-emitting element layer 130 may include organic light-emitting materials, quantum dots, quantum rods, micro LEDs, or nano LEDs. In the following description, the light-emitting element ED is given as an organic light-emitting element, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] The light-emitting element ED may include a first electrode AE, an emitting layer EL, and a second electrode CE. The first electrode AE ​​may be located on a sixth insulating layer 60. The first electrode AE ​​may be connected to a second connecting electrode CNE2 through a contact hole CNT3 penetrating the sixth insulating layer 60.

[0096] The pixel defining layer 70 may be located on the sixth insulating layer 60 and may cover a portion of the first electrode AE. An opening 70-OP is defined in the pixel defining layer 70. The opening 70-OP of the pixel defining layer 70 exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

[0097] Valid region AA1 (reference) Figure 1 The electrode may include an emitting region PXA and a non-emitting region NPXA adjacent to the emitting region PXA. The non-emitting region NPXA may surround the emitting region PXA. According to some embodiments, the emitting region PXA is defined as a local area corresponding to the first electrode AE ​​exposed by the opening 70-OP.

[0098] The emitting layer EL can be located on the first electrode AE. The emitting layer EL can be located in the region corresponding to the opening 70-OP. For example, the emitting layer EL can be formed individually for each pixel. When the emitting layer EL is formed individually for each pixel, each emitting layer EL can emit light of at least one color selected from blue, red, and green. However, embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited thereto, and the emitting layer EL can be connected to the pixels and can be arranged together. In this case, the emitting layer EL can provide blue light or white light.

[0099] The second electrode CE can be located on the emitter layer EL. The second electrode CE can have a monolithic shape and can be formed together with multiple pixels or utilized by multiple pixels.

[0100] According to some embodiments, a hole control layer may be located between the first electrode AE ​​and the emitter layer EL. The hole control layer may be co-located in the emitter region PXA and the non-emitter region NPXA. The hole control layer may include a hole transport layer and may also include a hole injection layer. An electron control layer may be located between the emitter layer EL and the second electrode CE. The electron control layer may include an electron transport layer and may also include an electron injection layer. The hole control layer and the electron control layer may be co-formed onto multiple pixels using an aperture mask.

[0101] The encapsulation layer 140 may be located on the light-emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 may include sequentially stacked inorganic layers, organic layers, and inorganic layers, but the layers of the encapsulation layer 140 are not limited to these.

[0102] The inorganic layer protects the light-emitting element layer 130 from moisture and oxygen, while the organic layer protects the light-emitting element layer 130 from foreign substances such as dust particles. The inorganic layer may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic layer may include an acrylic organic layer, but is not limited to this according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0103] The input sensor 200 can be formed on the display panel 100 through multiple consecutive processes. For example, the input sensor 200 can be located directly on the display panel 100. Alternatively, the input sensor 200 can be bonded to the display panel 100 using an adhesive component. The adhesive component can include conventional glue or adhesive.

[0104] The input sensor 200 may include a substrate insulating layer 210, a first conductive layer 220, a sensing insulating layer 230, a second conductive layer 240, and a cover insulating layer 250.

[0105] The substrate insulating layer 210 may be an inorganic layer comprising at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide. Optionally, the substrate insulating layer 210 may be an organic layer comprising epoxy resin, acrylic resin, or imide resin. The substrate insulating layer 210 may have a monolayer structure or may have a multilayer structure stacked along a third direction DR3.

[0106] Each of the first conductive layer 220 and the second conductive layer 240 may have a single-layer structure or may have a multi-layer structure stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0107] The conductive layer of a single-layer structure may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or alloys thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include transparent conductive oxides, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO). Alternatively, the transparent conductive layer may include conductive polymers such as PEDOT, metal nanowires, graphene, etc.

[0108] The conductive layer in a multilayer structure may include a metal layer. The metal layer may have a three-layer structure, such as titanium / aluminum / titanium. The conductive layer in a multilayer structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0109] At least one of the sensing insulating layer 230 and the covering insulating layer 250 may include an inorganic layer. The inorganic layer may include at least one of alumina, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

[0110] At least one of the sensing insulating layer 230 and the covering insulating layer 250 may include an organic layer. The organic layer may include at least one of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene resin, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, cellulose resin, silicone resin, polyimide resin, polyamide resin, and perylene resin.

[0111] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an electronic device operating in a first mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a first mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 8A to 8C This is a diagram illustrating the state of detecting a first input in a first mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0112] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The sensor controller 200C can operate in a first mode by detecting a first input through the input device 2000 or in a second mode by detecting a second input through the user's body 3000.

[0113] Users can select to enter the first mode MD1 through the user interface. For example, when selecting to enter the first mode MD1, the effective area AA1 of the electronic device 1000 (refer to...) can be accessed. Figure 1 The pen icon P_ICON is displayed in the sensor. In this case, the sensor controller 200C can operate in the first mode MD1. As an example of this disclosure, in the first mode MD1, the pen recognition area P_AA can be displayed in the effective area AA1 of the electronic device 1000.

[0114] When the first mode MD1 is activated, the sensor controller 200C detects the first input using the first mode MD1 operation. In the first mode MD1, the sensor controller 200C can detect the first input in units of input detection frames. In the following text, for ease of description, the input detection frame in the first mode MD1 is referred to as the pen input detection frame. Figure 7 The image shows four pen input detection frames IF1_1 to IF1_4 as examples.

[0115] Each of the four pen input detection frames IF1_1 to IF1_4 has a uniform segment width. The sensor controller 200C can operate at frequencies from 60Hz to 480Hz. For example, when the sensor controller 200C operates at a frequency of 60Hz, each of the pen input detection frames IF1_1 to IF1_4 has a segment width of approximately 16.66ms. When the sensor controller 200C operates at a frequency of 240Hz, each of the pen input detection frames IF1_1 to IF1_4 has a segment width of approximately 4.16ms. However, the operating frequency of the sensor controller 200C is not particularly limited to these, and various frequencies other than 60Hz and 240Hz can be applied.

[0116] Each of the pen input detection frames IF1_1 to IF1_4 may include a first search segment DTP1 and a communication segment DCP. The communication segment DCP may be generated after the first search segment DTP1. During the first search segment DTP1, the sensor controller 200C may transmit multiple search signals to the input sensor 200. The multiple search signals may include two or more search signals capable of communicating via two or more different protocols. As an example of this disclosure, the multiple search signals may include three search signals capable of communicating via three different protocols. Hereinafter, the three search signals are referred to as the first search signal ULS1, the second search signal ULS2, and the third search signal ULS3, respectively. Each of the first search signals ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3 may be an upward search signal transmitted from the electronic device 1000 to the input device 2000 via the input sensor 200.

[0117] As an example of this disclosure, a first search signal ULS1 is a signal capable of communication via (or corresponding to) a first protocol, a second search signal ULS2 is a signal capable of communication via (or corresponding to) a second protocol, and a third search signal ULS3 is a signal capable of communication via (or corresponding to) a third protocol. The first to third protocols can be different protocols used for communication / signaling for active stylus or handwriting touch input in a tablet computer context. For example, the first protocol could be Microsoft... TM Pen Protocol (MPP), the second protocol could be Wacom Japan. TM The company's Active ElectroStatic (AES) protocol, and the third protocol could be Universal Stylus Initiative. TM (USI) Agreement. In Figure 7 Only three search signals are disclosed in this disclosure, but the embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited to this. For example, multiple search signals may also include signals capable of communicating according to protocols other than those described above. The first search signal ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3 may be signals with different frequencies, different voltage levels, or different waveforms.

[0118] The first search segment DTP1 may include a first uplink section (ULP1), a second uplink section (ULP2), and a third uplink section (ULP3). The first uplink sections ULP1 through the third uplink section ULP3 are arranged sequentially over time and do not overlap with each other on the timeline. For example, the second uplink section ULP2 can be generated after the first uplink section ULP1 ends, and the third uplink section ULP3 can be generated after the second uplink section ULP2 ends.

[0119] During the first search segment DTP1, the electronic device 1000 outputs first search signals ULS1 to third search signals ULS3. The sensor controller 200C determines the priority of the first search signals ULS1 to third search signals ULS3, and outputs the first search signals ULS1 to third search signals ULS3 according to the priority.

[0120] As an example of this disclosure, the sensor controller 200C may output a first search signal ULS1 during a first uplink segment ULP1 of the first input detection frame IF1_1, a second search signal ULS2 during a second uplink segment ULP2 of the first input detection frame IF1_1, and a third search signal ULS3 during a third uplink segment ULP3 of the first input detection frame IF1_1. The priority of the first search signal ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3 may vary on a unit of at least one input detection frame.

[0121] The first search segment DTP1 may also include a response segment. The response segment may include a first response segment AP1, a second response segment AP2, and a third response segment AP3. The first response segment AP1 is located between the first uplink segment ULP1 and the second uplink segment ULP2. For example, the first response segment AP1 is defined as the segment from the end of the first uplink segment ULP1 to the start of the second uplink segment ULP2. The second response segment AP2 is located between the second uplink segment ULP2 and the third uplink segment ULP3. The second response segment AP2 is defined as the segment from the end of the second uplink segment ULP2 to the start of the third uplink segment ULP3. The third response segment AP3 is located between the third uplink segment ULP3 and the communication segment DCP. The third response segment AP3 is defined as the segment from the end of the third uplink segment ULP3 to the start of the communication segment DCP. The first response segment AP1 to the third response segment AP3 do not overlap with each other on the time axis, and do not overlap with the first uplink segment ULP1 to the third uplink segment ULP3 on the time axis.

[0122] During the first response segment AP1, the sensor controller 200C receives a response signal or a waiting response signal in response to the search signal output during the first uplink segment ULP1. During the second response segment AP2, the sensor controller 200C receives a response signal or a waiting response signal in response to the search signal output during the second uplink segment ULP2. Additionally, during the third response segment AP3, the sensor controller 200C receives a response signal or a waiting response signal in response to the search signal output during the third uplink segment ULP3. In this case, the response signal associated with the first search signal ULS1 is referred to as the first response signal, the response signal associated with the second search signal ULS2 is referred to as the second response signal AS2, and the response signal associated with the third search signal ULS3 is referred to as the third response signal AS3.

[0123] In the first input detection frame IF1_1, the sensor controller 200C may not receive the response signals associated with the first search signal ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3. In this case, data communication between the input device 2000 and the sensor controller 200C is not performed in the communication segment DCP of the first input detection frame IF1_1.

[0124] The sensor controller 200C can output a first search signal ULS1 during the first uplink segment ULP1 of the second input detection frame IF1_2, a third search signal ULS3 during the second uplink segment ULP2 of the second input detection frame IF1_2, and a second search signal ULS2 during the third uplink segment ULP3 of the second input detection frame IF1_2. For example, unlike the first input detection frame IF1_1, the third search signal ULS3 can be output before the second search signal ULS2 in the second input detection frame IF1_2.

[0125] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8A In the second input detection frame IF1_2, the first input device 2000#1 supporting the third protocol can access the electronic device 1000. In this case, the sensor controller 200C can receive the third response signal AS3 associated with the third search signal ULS3 from the first input device 2000#1 during the second response segment AP2. Therefore, during the communication segment DCP of the second input detection frame IF1_2, the electronic device 1000 can perform data communication with the first input device 2000#1.

[0126] During the communication segment DCP, the sensor controller 200C can receive a first downlink signal DLS1 provided from the first input device 2000#1 via the input sensor 200. In this case, the first downlink signal DLS1 can be a signal capable of communication via a third protocol. The communication segment DCP may include a first downlink section DLP1 that receives the first downlink signal DLS1. The sensor controller 200C can detect a first input of the first input device 2000#1 based on the first downlink signal DLS1. The first downlink section DLP1 may have a segment width smaller than the segment width of the communication segment DCP.

[0127] In the second input detection frame IF1_2, the sensor controller 200C receives the third response signal AS3 associated with the third search signal ULS3 and performs data communication with the first input device 2000#1. Thereafter, the priority of the first search signals ULS1 to the third search signals ULS3 can be updated. For example, the order of the first search signals ULS1 to the third search signals ULS3 can be changed such that the third search signal ULS3 is output before the first search signal ULS1 and the second search signal ULS2.

[0128] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8B The sensor controller 200C can output a third search signal ULS3 during the first uplink segment ULP1 of the third input detection frame IF1_3, output a first search signal ULS1 during the second uplink segment ULP2 of the third input detection frame IF1_3, and output a second search signal ULS2 during the third uplink segment ULP3 of the third input detection frame IF1_3. For example, unlike the second input detection frame IF1_2, the third search signal ULS3 can be output in the third input detection frame IF1_3 before the first search signal ULS1 and the second search signal ULS2.

[0129] In the third input detection frame IF1_3, the first input device 2000#1 supporting the third protocol and the second input device 2000#2 supporting the second protocol can access the electronic device 1000. In this case, the sensor controller 200C can receive the third response signal AS3 associated with the third search signal ULS3 from the first input device 2000#1 during the first response segment AP1. Furthermore, the sensor controller 200C can receive the second response signal AS2 associated with the second search signal ULS2 from the second input device 2000#2 during the third response segment AP3. Therefore, the electronic device 1000 can perform data communication with the first input device 2000#1 and the second input device 2000#2 during the communication segment DCP of the third input detection frame IF1_3.

[0130] During the Communication Section (DCP), the sensor controller 200C can receive a first downlink signal DLS1 from the first input device 2000#1 via the input sensor 200, and can receive a second downlink signal DLS2 from the second input device 2000#2. In this case, the first downlink signal DLS1 can be a signal capable of communication via a third protocol, and the second downlink signal DLS2 can be a signal capable of communication via a second protocol. The Communication Section (DCP) may include a first downlink section DLP1 that receives the first downlink signal DLS1 and a second downlink section DLP2 that receives the second downlink signal DLS2. The sensor controller 200C can detect a first input of the first input device 2000#1 based on the first downlink signal DLS1, and can detect a first input of the second input device 2000#2 based on the second downlink signal DLS2. Each of the first downlink section DLP1 and the second downlink section DLP2 may have a segment width smaller than the segment width of the Communication Section (DCP). Furthermore, the first downlink segment DLP1 and the second downlink segment DLP2 can be independent of each other on the timeline. For example, the second downlink segment DLP2 can begin after the first downlink segment DLP1 has ended.

[0131] In the third input detection frame IF1_3, after the sensor controller 200C performs data communication with the first input device 2000#1 and the second input device 2000#2, the priority of the first search signal ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3 can be updated. For example, the order of the first search signal ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3 can be determined such that the second search signal ULS2 and the third search signal ULS3 are output before the first search signal ULS1.

[0132] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8CThe sensor controller 200C can output a third search signal ULS3 during the first uplink segment ULP1 of the fourth input detection frame IF1_4, a second search signal ULS2 during the second uplink segment ULP2 of the fourth input detection frame IF1_4, and a first search signal ULS1 during the third uplink segment ULP3 of the fourth input detection frame IF1_4. For example, unlike the third input detection frame IF1_3, the second search signal ULS2 can be output before the first search signal ULS1 in the fourth input detection frame IF1_4.

[0133] In the fourth input detection frame IF1_4, the first input device 2000#1 supporting the third protocol, the second input device 2000#2 supporting the second protocol, and the third input device 2000#3 supporting the second protocol can access the electronic device 1000. In this case, the sensor controller 200C can receive the third response signal AS3 associated with the third search signal ULS3 from the first input device 2000#1 during the first response segment AP1. Additionally, the sensor controller 200C can receive the second response signal AS2 associated with the second search signal ULS2 from the second input device 2000#2 and the third input device 2000#3 during the second response segment AP2.

[0134] As an example of this disclosure, when two input devices supporting the second protocol are present, the second response segment AP2 may include two sub-response segments (hereinafter referred to as the first sub-response segment AP2_1 and the second sub-response segment AP2_2). During the first sub-response segment AP2_1, the sensor controller 200C may receive the first sub-response signal AS2_1 from the second input device 2000#2, and during the second sub-response segment AP2_2, the sensor controller 200C may receive the second sub-response signal AS2_2 from the third input device 2000#3. In this case, the electronic device 1000 may perform data communication with the first to third input devices 2000#1, 2000#2, and 2000#3 during the communication segment DCP of the fourth input detection frame IF1_4.

[0135] During the communication segment DCP of the fourth input detection frame IF1_4, the sensor controller 200C can receive a first downlink signal DLS1 provided from the first input device 2000#1 via the input sensor 200, a second downlink signal DLS2 from the second input device 2000#2, and a third downlink signal DLS3 from the third input device 2000#3. In this case, the first downlink signal DLS1 can be a signal capable of communication via a third protocol, and each of the second downlink signal DLS2 and the third downlink signal DLS3 can be a signal capable of communication via a second protocol.

[0136] The communication segment DCP may include a first downlink segment DLP1 that receives a first downlink signal DLS1, a second downlink segment DLP2 that receives a second downlink signal DLS2, and a third downlink segment DLP3 that receives a third downlink signal DLS3. The sensor controller 200C can detect the first input of the first input device 2000#1 based on the first downlink signal DLS1, and can detect the first input of the second input device 2000#2 based on the second downlink signal DLS2. Furthermore, the sensor controller 200C can detect the first input of the third input device 2000#3 based on the third downlink signal DLS3.

[0137] Each of the first downlink segments to the third downlink segments DLP1, DLP2, and DLP3 can have a segment width smaller than the segment width of the communication segment DCP. Furthermore, the first downlink segments to the third downlink segments DLP1, DLP2, and DLP3 can be non-overlapping with each other on the time axis. For example, after the first downlink segment DLP1 ends, the second downlink segment DLP2 can begin, and after the second downlink segment DLP2 ends, the third downlink segment DLP3 can begin.

[0138] As described above, when the electronic device 1000 outputs multiple search signals ULS1 to ULS3 capable of communication via different protocols during the first search segment DTP1 of the pen input detection frames IF1_1 to IF1_4, the electronic device 1000 can search for access to various types of input devices 2000#1 to 2000#3. For example, the electronic device 1000 can support multiple protocols to achieve data communication with various types of input devices 2000#1 to 2000#3.

[0139] exist Figure 7The diagram illustrates, as an example, a case where the sensor controller 200C transmits multiple search signals to the input sensor 200 during the first search segment DTP1. However, the sensor controller 200C may receive downward search signals transmitted via the input sensor 200 during some search segments of the first search segment DTP1. In this case, the downward search signals may be search signals transmitted from input devices 2000#1 to 2000#3 to electronic device 1000. As an example of this disclosure, the first search segment DTP1 may also include downward search segments that receive downward search signals. The downward search segments may not overlap with the first uplink segments ULP1 to the third uplink segments ULP3 on the time axis.

[0140] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an electronic device operating in a second mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation in a second mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0141] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The sensor controller 200C can be in the first mode MD1 ( Figure 7 After the operation (as shown in the diagram) ends, it operates in the second mode MD2.

[0142] The second mode MD2 may include a second search segment DTP2 and a detection segment FSP. The detection segment FSP may be performed after the second search segment DTP2. During the second search segment DTP2, the sensor controller 200C may transmit a search signal to the input sensor 200. During the detection segment FSP, the sensor controller 200C may detect a second input passing through the user's body 3000.

[0143] When the second mode MD2 is activated, the sensor controller 200C detects the second input using the second mode MD2 operation. In the second mode MD2, the sensor controller 200C can detect the second input in units of input detection frames. In the following text, for ease of description, the input detection frame in the second mode MD2 is referred to as the finger input detection frame. Figure 10 The image shows four finger input detection frames IF2_1 to IF2_4 as an example.

[0144] Each of the four finger input detection frames IF2_1 to IF2_4 has a specified segment width. The sensor controller 200C can operate at frequencies from 60Hz to 480Hz. For example, when the sensor controller 200C operates at a frequency of 60Hz, each of the finger input detection frames IF2_1 to IF2_4 has a segment width of approximately 16.66ms. When the sensor controller 200C operates at a frequency of 240Hz, each of the finger input detection frames IF2_1 to IF2_4 has a segment width of approximately 4.16ms. However, the operating frequency of the sensor controller 200C is not particularly limited to these, and various frequencies other than 60Hz and 240Hz can be applied.

[0145] Each of the finger input detection frames IF2_1 to IF2_4 may include a second search segment DTP2 and a detection segment FSP. The detection segment FSP may be generated after the second search segment DTP2. During the second search segment DTP2, the sensor controller 200C may transmit multiple search signals to the input sensor 200. The multiple search signals may include two or more search signals capable of communicating via two or more different protocols. As an example of this disclosure, the multiple search signals may include three search signals capable of communicating via three different protocols. Hereinafter, the three search signals are referred to as the first search signal ULS1, the second search signal ULS2, and the third search signal ULS3, respectively. Each of the first search signal ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3 may be an upward search signal transmitted from the electronic device 1000 to the input device 2000 via the input sensor 200.

[0146] As an example of this disclosure, the first search signal ULS1 is a signal capable of communication via a first protocol, the second search signal ULS2 is a signal capable of communication via a second protocol, and the third search signal ULS3 is a signal capable of communication via a third protocol. The first to third protocols can be different protocols. For example, the first protocol could be the Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP), the second protocol could be Wacom's Active ElectroStatic (AES) protocol, and the third protocol could be the Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) pen protocol. Figure 10 Only three search signals are disclosed in this disclosure, but the embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited to these. For example, the multiple search signals may also include signals capable of communicating with protocols other than those described above.

[0147] The second search segment DTP2 can have less than Figure 7The segment width of the first search segment DTP1 in each of the pen input detection frames IF1_1 to IF1_4 shown is the segment width of the second search segment DTP2. The second search segment DTP2 may include a fourth uplink segment ULP4 and a fifth uplink segment ULP5. The fourth uplink segment ULP4 and the fifth uplink segment ULP5 are arranged sequentially on the time axis and do not overlap with each other on the time axis. For example, the fifth uplink segment ULP5 may be generated after the fourth uplink segment ULP4.

[0148] During the second search segment DTP2 of each of the finger input detection frames IF2_1 to IF2_4, the electronic device 1000 can output two search signals from the first search signal ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3. The sensor controller 200C can determine the priority of the first search signal ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3, and can select two search signals from the first search signal ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3 based on the determined priority.

[0149] As an example of this disclosure, the sensor controller 200C can output a first search signal ULS1 during the fourth uplink segment ULP4 of the first finger input detection frame IF2_1, and can output a second search signal ULS2 during the fifth uplink segment ULP5 of the first finger input detection frame IF2_1. The sensor controller 200C can output the second search signal ULS2 during the fourth uplink segment ULP4 of the second finger input detection frame IF2_2, and can output a third search signal ULS3 during the fifth uplink segment ULP5 of the second finger input detection frame IF2_2. Additionally, the sensor controller 200C can output the third search signal ULS3 during the fourth uplink segment ULP4 of the third finger input detection frame IF2_3, and can output the first search signal ULS1 during the fifth uplink segment ULP5 of the third finger input detection frame IF2_3. The sensor controller 200C can output a first search signal ULS1 during the fourth uplink segment ULP4 of the fourth finger input detection frame IF2_4, and can output a second search signal ULS2 during the fifth uplink segment ULP5 of the fourth finger input detection frame IF2_4.

[0150] When multiple search signals include three search signals, the sensor controller 200C can output the first search signal ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3 in the following order during three consecutive finger input detection frames IF2_1 to IF2_3: first search signal ULS1, second search signal ULS2, second search signal ULS2, third search signal ULS3, third search signal ULS3, and first search signal ULS1. However, the order in which the first search signal ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3 is output is not limited to this and can be varied in various ways. For example, the sensor controller 200C can output the first search signal ULS1 to the third search signal ULS3 in the following order during three consecutive finger input detection frames IF2_1 to IF2_3: first search signal ULS1, second search signal ULS2, third search signal ULS3, first search signal ULS1, second search signal ULS2, and third search signal ULS3.

[0151] Figure 10 The illustration shows a case where the second search segment DTP2 includes two uplink segments, but embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the number of uplink segments included in the second search segment DTP2 can vary depending on the segment width of each finger input detection frame. For instance, when the segment width of each finger input detection frame decreases, the second search segment DTP2 may include one uplink segment. Conversely, when the segment width of each finger input detection frame increases, the second search segment DTP2 may include the same number of uplink segments as the first search segment DTP1.

[0152] The second search segment DTP2 may also include a response segment. The response segment may include a fourth response segment AP4 and a fifth response segment AP5. The fourth response segment AP4 is positioned between the fourth uplink segment ULP4 and the fifth uplink segment ULP5, and the fifth response segment AP5 is positioned between the fifth uplink segment ULP5 and the detection segment FSP. The fourth response segment AP4 and the fifth response segment AP5 do not overlap with each other on the time axis, nor do they overlap with the fourth uplink segment ULP4 and the fifth uplink segment ULP5 on the time axis.

[0153] During the fourth response segment AP4, the sensor controller 200C receives a response signal to the search signal output during the fourth uplink segment ULP4, or waits to receive a response signal. During the fifth response segment AP5, the sensor controller 200C receives a response signal to the search signal output during the fifth uplink segment ULP5, or waits to receive a response signal. In this case, the response signal associated with the first search signal ULS1 is referred to as the first response signal, the response signal associated with the second search signal ULS2 is referred to as the second response signal AS2, and the response signal associated with the third search signal ULS3 is referred to as the third response signal AS3.

[0154] In the first finger input detection frame IF2_1, the sensor controller 200C may not receive the response signals associated with the first search signal ULS1 and the second search signal ULS2. In this case, the sensor controller 200C may detect the second input via the input sensor 200 during the detection segment FSP of the first finger input detection frame IF2_1.

[0155] In the second finger input detection frame IF2_2, the sensor controller 200C may not receive the response signals associated with the second search signal ULS2 and the third search signal ULS3. In this case, the sensor controller 200C can detect the second input via the input sensor 200 during the detection segment FSP of the second finger input detection frame IF2_2.

[0156] In the third finger input detection frame IF2_3, the sensor controller 200C may not receive the response signal associated with the third search signal ULS3 and the first search signal ULS1. In this case, the sensor controller 200C can detect the second input via the input sensor 200 during the detection segment FSP of the third finger input detection frame IF2_3.

[0157] In the fourth finger input detection frame IF2_4, the sensor controller 200C can receive a second response signal AS2 associated with the second search signal ULS2 in the first search signal ULS1 and the second search signal ULS2. In this case, the detection segment FSP of the fourth finger input detection frame IF2_4 may include a downlink segment DLP that receives a downlink signal DLS from the input device 2000 that provides the second response signal AS2. Therefore, during the downlink segment DLP of the fourth finger input detection frame IF2_4, the sensor controller 200C can detect the first input through the input sensor 200.

[0158] After detecting the first input, the sensor controller 200C can determine whether to enter the first mode MD1. When entering the first mode MD1, the sensor controller 200C can terminate the operation in the second mode MD2, and can, as follows: Figure 7 The diagram shows operation in the first mode MD1. However, when not in the first mode MD1, the sensor controller 200C can continue to operate in the second mode MD2.

[0159] As described above, because each of the finger input detection frames IF2_1 to IF2_4 in the second mode MD2 includes the second search segment DTP2, the sensor controller 200C can periodically search for input devices 2000#1 to 2000#3 of various protocol types (see reference) even in the second mode MD2. Figures 8A to 8C The existence of ).

[0160] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of an input sensor and a sensor controller according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 12A yes Figure 11 The internal block diagram of the signal generation circuit shown is shown below. Figure 12B yes Figure 11 The internal block diagram of the input detection circuit is shown below.

[0161] Reference Figure 11 The detection area 200A and the non-detection area 200N can be defined within the input sensor 200. The detection area 200A can be an area activated according to an electrical signal. For example, the detection area 200A can be an area for detecting input. The detection area 200A can be integrated with the electronic device 1000 (see reference). Figure 1 The effective region AA1 (refer to) Figure 1 The non-detection area 200N can be superimposed on the detection area 200A. The non-detection area 200N can be superimposed on the peripheral area NAA1 of the electronic device 1000 (refer to...). Figure 1 Stacked.

[0162] The input sensor 200 may include a plurality of transmitting electrodes TE and a plurality of receiving electrodes RE. Each of the plurality of transmitting electrodes TE extends along a first direction DR1, and the plurality of transmitting electrodes TE may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2. Each of the plurality of receiving electrodes RE extends along the second direction DR2, and the plurality of receiving electrodes RE may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0163] Multiple receiving electrodes RE can intersect with multiple transmitting electrodes TE, and the multiple transmitting electrodes TE are insulated from the multiple receiving electrodes RE. Each of the multiple transmitting electrodes TE and multiple receiving electrodes RE can be rod-shaped or strip-shaped. When the multiple transmitting electrodes TE and multiple receiving electrodes RE are rod-shaped or strip-shaped, the input device 2000 (refer to) can be improved. Figure 3 The detection characteristics provided are continuous linear input. However, the shape of each of the multiple transmit electrodes TE and multiple receive electrodes RE is not limited to a rod shape or a strip shape.

[0164] The sensor controller 200C can be controlled from the main controller 1000C (see reference). Figure 3 It can receive the sensing control signal I-CS and provide the coordinate signal I-SS to the main controller 1000C.

[0165] The sensor controller 200C may include a sensor control circuit 201C, a signal generation circuit 202C, an input detection circuit 203C, and a switching circuit 204C. The sensor control circuit 201C, the signal generation circuit 202C, and the input detection circuit 203C may be implemented on a single chip, or some of the sensor control circuit 201C, the signal generation circuit 202C, and the input detection circuit 203C, as well as some other parts, may be implemented on different chips.

[0166] The sensor control circuit 201C can control the operation of the signal generation circuit 202C and the switching circuit 204C, and can calculate the coordinates of the second input based on the drive signal received from the input detection circuit 203C, or analyze the information transmitted by the input device 2000 based on the modulation signal received from the input detection circuit 203C.

[0167] The signal generation circuit 202C can provide a transmission signal or a search signal to the input sensor 200. In a first mode, the signal generation circuit 202C can output a search signal to the input sensor 200, and in a second mode, it can output both a search signal and a transmission signal to the input sensor 200.

[0168] Reference Figure 12A The multiple search signals may include a first search signal through a third search signal, ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3. The first search signal through a third search signal, ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3, may be signals capable of communicating via different protocols.

[0169] The signal generation circuit 202C may include a first search signal generator 202C1, a second search signal generator 202C2, and a third search signal generator 202C3. The first search signal generator 202C1 generates a first search signal ULS1 capable of communication via a first protocol, the second search signal generator 202C2 generates a second search signal ULS2 capable of communication via a second protocol, and the third search signal generator 202C3 generates a third search signal ULS3 capable of communication via a third protocol.

[0170] When multiple search signals include four search signals, the signal generation circuit 202C may include four search signal generators. Additionally, at least two of the first to third search signal generators 202C1, 202C2, and 202C3 may be integrated into a single search signal generator. In this case, two search signals capable of communicating via two different protocols can be output from a single integrated search signal generator.

[0171] The timing sequence of the first search signal generator to the third search signal generator 202C1, 202C2, and 202C3 outputting the first search signal to the third search signal ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3 can be different from each other. To determine the output order of the first search signal to the third search signal ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3, the sensor control circuit 201C may include a sequence determiner 201C1 and a history storage unit 201C2.

[0172] The sensor control circuit 201C can be controlled from the main controller 1000C (see reference). Figure 3 It can receive vertical synchronization signals and generate a detection synchronization signal Sync based on the vertical synchronization signals.

[0173] The sequence determiner 201C1 can generate a first detection synchronization signal Sync1, a second detection synchronization signal Sync2, and a third detection synchronization signal Sync3 based on the detection synchronization signal Sync. The first detection synchronization signal Sync1 can be provided to the first search signal generator 202C1 to determine the output timing of the first search signal ULS1. The second detection synchronization signal Sync2 can be provided to the second search signal generator 202C2 to determine the output timing of the second search signal ULS2. The third detection synchronization signal Sync3 can be provided to the third search signal generator 202C3 to determine the output timing of the third search signal ULS3.

[0174] When the sequence determiner 201C1 generates the first detection synchronization signal to the third detection synchronization signals Sync1, Sync2, and Sync3, the sequence determiner 201C1 can refer to the protocol information PI. The protocol information PI is stored in the historical storage unit 201C2 and can be updated periodically. The sequence determiner 201C1 loads the protocol information PI from the historical storage unit 201C2, and then generates the first detection synchronization signal to the third detection synchronization signals Sync1, Sync2, and Sync3 based on the protocol information PI.

[0175] Since the timing of the output of the first search signal to the third search signal ULS1, ULS2 and ULS3 is changed by the first detection synchronization signal to the third detection synchronization signal Sync1, Sync2 and Sync3, the order of the output of the first search signal to the third search signal ULS1, ULS2 and ULS3 can be determined by the sequence determiner 201C1.

[0176] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12B The input detection circuit 203C can receive received signals or downlink signals from the input sensor 200. The input detection circuit 203C can filter the received signals or downlink signals, or it can convert the signals into signals that can be processed by the sensor control circuit 201C, and provide the converted signals to the sensor control circuit 201C.

[0177] As an example of this disclosure, the input detection circuit 203C may include a first conversion circuit 203C1, a second conversion circuit 203C2, and a third conversion circuit 203C3. The first conversion circuit 203C1 can convert a first downlink signal DLS1 into a signal DLS1a that can be processed by the sensor control circuit 201C. In this case, the first downlink signal DLS1 can be defined as a signal transmitted from the input device capable of communication via a first protocol. The second conversion circuit 203C2 can convert a second downlink signal DLS2 into a signal DLS2a that can be processed by the sensor control circuit 201C. In this case, the second downlink signal DLS2 can be defined as a signal transmitted from the input device capable of communication via a second protocol. The third conversion circuit 203C3 can convert a third downlink signal DLS3 into a signal DLS3a that can be processed by the sensor control circuit 201C. In this case, the third downlink signal DLS3 can be defined as a signal transmitted from the input device capable of communication via a third protocol. When multiple search signals include four search signals, the input detection circuit 203C may include four conversion circuits.

[0178] The switching circuit 204C, under the control of the sensor control circuit 201C, can selectively switch the electrical connection between the input sensor 200 and the signal generation circuit 202C, and / or between the input sensor 200 and the input detection circuit 203C. The switching circuit 204C can, under the control of the sensor control circuit 201C, connect any one of the multiple transmission electrodes TE and multiple receiving electrodes RE to the signal generation circuit 202C, or it can, under the control of the sensor control circuit 201C, connect each of the multiple transmission electrodes TE and multiple receiving electrodes RE to the signal generation circuit 202C. Optionally, the switching circuit 204C can connect any one or both of the multiple transmission electrodes TE and multiple receiving electrodes RE to the input detection circuit 203C.

[0179] Figure 13 This is a flowchart describing the operation of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a first mode. Figure 14 This is a flowchart describing the operation of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a second mode.

[0180] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 12A and Figure 13 The sensor controller 200C determines whether to enter the first mode for detecting the first input through the input device 2000 (S110). When the first mode is not entered, the sensor controller 200C does not operate in the first mode. However, when it is determined that the first mode has been entered, the sensor controller 200C loads protocol information PI from the historical storage unit 201C2 to determine the order of the first search signal to the third search signals ULS1, ULS2 and ULS3 (S120).

[0181] The sequencer 201C1 of the sensor controller 200C determines the output order of the first search signal to the third search signals ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3 based on protocol information PI (S130). The first search signal to the third search signal ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3 can be signals capable of communicating via the first protocol to the third protocol, respectively. The protocol information PI may include information associated with the protocol supported by the input device that most recently performed data communication with the sensor controller 200C, or it may include information associated with the number of actual data communications performed for each of the first protocol to the third protocol.

[0182] The signal generation circuit 202C of the sensor controller 200C generates first search signals to third search signals ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3 (S140). In response to the first detection synchronization signals to the third detection synchronization signals Sync1, Sync2, and Sync3 provided from the sequencer 201C1, the signal generation circuit 202C can output the first search signals to the third search signals ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3 at different times.

[0183] The sensor controller 200C waits for a response signal associated with each of the first to third search signals ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3 (S150). If no response signal is received, the first to third search signals ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3 are generated without changing their output order (S140). When a response signal is received, data communication is performed with the input device that transmitted the response signal (S160).

[0184] When data communication between the sensor controller 200C and the input device terminates, the protocol information PI can be updated (S170). For example, the protocol information PI can be updated using the protocol supported by the input device performing the data communication. For example, when performing data communication with an input device that supports a third protocol, the protocol information PI may include information about the third protocol.

[0185] When the update terminates, it is determined whether to end the first mode (S180). If it is determined to continue operating in the first mode, the sensor controller 200C can load the updated protocol information PI to change the order of the first search signal to the third search signals ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3. However, if it is determined not to operate in the first mode, the first mode can be terminated.

[0186] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 12A and Figure 14 When the first mode terminates, the second mode can be activated. The sensor controller 200C can operate in the second mode to detect the second input. When the operation of the second mode begins, the sensor controller 200C loads the protocol information PI from the historical storage unit 201C2 to determine the order of the first search signal to the third search signals ULS1, ULS2 and ULS3 (S210).

[0187] The sequencer 201C1 of the sensor controller 200C determines the output order of the first search signal to the third search signals ULS1, ULS2 and ULS3 based on the protocol information PI (S220).

[0188] The signal generation circuit 202C of the sensor controller 200C generates first search signals to third search signals ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3 (S230). In response to the first detection synchronization signals to the third detection synchronization signals Sync1, Sync2, and Sync3 provided from the sequencer 201C1, the signal generation circuit 202C can output the first search signals to the third search signals ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3 at different times.

[0189] The sensor controller 200C waits for a response signal associated with each of the first to third search signals ULS1, ULS2, and ULS3 (S240). When no response signal is received, the sensor controller 200C detects a second input (S250). The sensor controller 200C can provide a transmission signal for detecting the second input to the input sensor 200, and can then generate coordinate information of the second input based on the received signal provided from the input sensor 200.

[0190] When the detection of the second input ends, it is determined whether to enter standby mode (S260). Standby mode can be defined as a sleep state in which the sensor controller 200C is not activated in the first mode and the second mode. When entering standby mode, the second mode can be terminated. However, when not entering standby mode, the sensor controller 200C can continue to operate in the second mode.

[0191] When a response signal is received, the sensor controller 200C performs data communication with the input device that transmits the response signal (S270).

[0192] When data communication between the sensor controller 200C and the input device terminates, the protocol information PI can be updated (S280). For example, the protocol information PI can be updated using the protocol supported by the input device performing the data communication. For example, when performing data communication with an input device that supports a third protocol, the protocol information PI may include information about the third protocol.

[0193] When the update terminates, it is determined whether to enter the first mode (S290). When entering the first mode, the sensor controller 200C can move to operation S120 to operate in the first mode. However, when not entering the first mode, the sensor controller 200C can move to operation S210 to continue operating in the second mode.

[0194] When the output can communicate multiple search signals in a first mode and a second mode via different protocols, it is possible to search for access to various types of input devices.

[0195] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, when an electronic device outputs multiple search signals that can communicate with each other via different protocols during a search segment of an input detection frame, the electronic device can search for access to various types of input devices.

[0196] Electronic or electrical devices and / or any other related devices or components according to embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, various components of these devices can be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip or a separate IC chip. Furthermore, various components of these devices can be implemented on flexible printed circuit films, tape-on-a-package (TCP), printed circuit boards (PCBs), or formed on a substrate. Additionally, various components of these devices can be processes or threads that run on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, execute computer program instructions, and interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in memory, which can be implemented in the computing device using standard memory devices such as random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions can also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media such as CD-ROMs, flash drives, etc. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, without departing from the spirit and scope of exemplary embodiments of the invention, the functions of various computing devices can be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device can be distributed across one or more other computing devices.

[0197] While some aspects of embodiments of this disclosure have been described with reference to examples thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: The display panel is configured to display images; The input sensor is located on the display panel; as well as The sensor controller is configured to detect a first input through at least one of a plurality of input devices via the input sensor, and The sensor controller is configured to detect the first input during the input detection frame. The input detection frame includes a search segment in which multiple search signals are provided to the input sensor. The plurality of search signals include: a first search signal capable of communication via a first protocol; and a second search signal capable of communication via a second protocol different from the first protocol. The sensor controller includes: a sensor control circuit configured to generate a first detection synchronization signal and a second detection synchronization signal; and a signal generation circuit configured to generate a first search signal and a second search signal, and to change the output timing of the first search signal and the second search signal according to the first detection synchronization signal and the second detection synchronization signal. The sensor control circuit includes: a history storage unit configured to store protocol information regarding data communication performed with the plurality of input devices; and a sequence determiner configured to determine the order of the first search signal and the second search signal based on the protocol information.

2. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The search segment includes: In the first uplink segment, during which the first search signal is provided to the input sensor; and During the second uplink segment, the second search signal is provided to the input sensor, and The first uplink segment and the second uplink segment do not overlap with each other on the time axis.

3. The electronic device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The search segment also includes: The first response segment, following the first uplink segment, is used to receive a first response signal to the first search signal or to wait to receive the first response signal; and The second response segment, following the second uplink segment, is used to receive a second response signal to the second search signal or to wait to receive the second response signal. The first response segment does not overlap with the second uplink segment, and the second response segment does not overlap with the first uplink segment.

4. The electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The input detection frame also includes: A communication segment, following the search segment, is used to detect the first input from the at least one input device.

5. The electronic device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, In response to receiving the first response signal during the first response segment and not receiving the second response signal during the second response segment, the communication segment includes: In the downlink segment, data communication is performed with a first input device among the plurality of input devices that supports the first protocol.

6. The electronic device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, In response to not receiving the first response signal during the first response segment and receiving the second response signal during the second response segment, the communication segment includes: Downlink segment, in which data communication is performed with a second input device among the plurality of input devices that supports the second protocol.

7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, In response to receiving the first response signal during the first response segment and receiving the second response signal during the second response segment, the communication segment includes: A first downlink segment, in which data communication is performed with a first input device among the plurality of input devices that supports the first protocol; and In the second downlink segment, data communication is performed with a second input device among the plurality of input devices that supports the second protocol.

8. The electronic device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The first downlink segment and the second downlink segment do not overlap with each other on the time axis.

9. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The protocol information includes: Information associated with the protocols of recent data communications performed with the aforementioned input devices.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The signal generation circuit includes: A first search signal generator is configured to generate the first search signal and, in response to the first detection synchronization signal, change the output timing of the first search signal; and A second search signal generator is configured to generate the second search signal and to change the output timing of the second search signal in response to the second detection synchronization signal.

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