Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a display panel, an input sensor disposed on the display panel, a panel driving circuit that drives the display panel and outputs a synchronization signal, and a sensor controller that controls the input sensor, wherein the sensor controller determines a sensing mode in response to the synchronization signal, and changes the sensing mode to a second sensing mode when the synchronization signal is activated in a first sensing mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display device. Background Technology

[0002] Multimedia electronic devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, computers, navigators, and game consoles are equipped with display devices for displaying images. In addition to conventional input methods such as buttons, keyboards, and mice, electronic devices can be equipped with display devices that provide users with intuitive, convenient, and easy input of information or commands.

[0003] Recently, personal electronic devices such as portable phones can sense not only touch input, but also input from electronic pens. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a display device and its operation method that can sense input from various input devices and improve sensitivity.

[0005] According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the objectives described above, a display device may include: a display panel; an input sensor disposed on the display panel; a panel driving circuit that drives the display panel and outputs a synchronization signal; and a sensor controller that controls the input sensor, wherein the sensor controller can determine a sensing mode in response to the synchronization signal, and can change the sensing mode to a second sensing mode when the synchronization signal is activated in a first sensing mode.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first sensing mode may include a plurality of first sensing ranges.

[0007] In one embodiment, when the synchronization signal is activated in the kth (k is a natural number)th first sensing interval among the plurality of first sensing intervals, the sensor controller may change the sensing mode to the second sensing mode after the end of the kth first sensing interval.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second sensing mode may include a plurality of second sensing ranges.

[0009] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first sensing intervals may be a longer time than each of the plurality of second sensing intervals.

[0010] In one embodiment, the synchronization signal may be a signal that is activated at the start time of each of the plurality of image frames.

[0011] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first sensing intervals may be a shorter time than each of the plurality of image frames.

[0012] In one embodiment, when the synchronization signal is activated, the sensor controller can set a flag bit to a first value.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the flag bit is the first value in the k-th (k is a natural number) first sensing interval among the plurality of first sensing intervals, the sensor controller may change the sensing mode to the second sensing mode after the end of the k-th first sensing interval.

[0014] In one embodiment, the display panel may include: a plurality of pixels, each connected to a plurality of scan lines and a plurality of data lines; and a scan driving circuit, connected to the plurality of scan lines, wherein the scan driving circuit can be synchronized with the synchronization signal to provide a scan signal to the plurality of scan lines in each of the plurality of image frames.

[0015] In one embodiment, the sensor controller can sense a first input via touch in the first sensing mode and a second input via an input device that outputs a downlink signal in the second sensing mode.

[0016] In one embodiment, the sensor controller can output an uplink signal to the input sensor in the second sensing mode, and receive the downlink signal through the input sensor.

[0017] A display device according to a feature of the present invention may include: a display panel for displaying an image in each of a series of image frames synchronized with a synchronization signal; an input sensor including a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode that are insulated from and cross each other; and a sensor controller for transmitting and receiving signals with the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode, wherein the sensor controller can operate in each of the image frames in a first sensing mode and a second sensing mode, and when the synchronization signal is activated during operation in a first sensing interval of the first sensing mode, the sensor controller can change the operating mode to the second sensing mode after the first sensing interval ends.

[0018] In one embodiment, the sensor controller can provide a transmission signal to the first sensing electrode in the first operating mode and receive a sensing signal from the second sensing electrode. The sensor controller can also provide uplink signals to both the first and second sensing electrodes in the second operating mode and receive downlink signals from both electrodes.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first sensing interval may be a shorter time than each of the image frames.

[0020] In one embodiment, when the synchronization signal is activated, the sensor controller can set a flag bit to a first value.

[0021] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a panel driving circuit that drives the display panel and outputs the synchronization signal.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sensor controller can sense a first input via touch in the first sensing mode and a second input via an input device that outputs a downlink signal in the second sensing mode.

[0023] An operation method of a display device including a display panel and an input sensor operating in a first sensing mode and a second sensing mode according to a feature of the present invention may include the following steps: sensing a first input from the input sensor during a first sensing interval of the first sensing mode; determining whether the first sensing interval has ended; determining whether a flag signal indicating the state of a synchronization signal is a first value; and when the first sensing interval has ended and the flag signal is the first value, changing the operation mode to the second sensing mode of sensing a second input from the input sensor.

[0024] In one embodiment, the display panel can be synchronized with the synchronization signal to display images in each of consecutive image frames.

[0025] The sensor controller of this display device is capable of sensing not only user touches but also pen input. The sensor controller can sense both user touches and pen inputs in sync with a synchronization signal provided to the display panel, and the touch sensing frequency can be set to a frequency higher than the image frequency. Therefore, sensitivity to user touch input can be improved. Furthermore, since the touch sensing and pen sensing times change in each frame, image flicker can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the operation between a display device and an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4a This is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4b This is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a plan view of an input sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the input sensor in the first sensing mode.

[0035] Figure 9a and Figure 9b This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the input sensor in the second sensing mode.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of an input sensor and a sensor controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of an input sensor and a sensor controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch controller of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch controller of the present invention.

[0040] Figures 14a to 14d This is an illustrative diagram showing a graphic displayed on a display device by means of a first input using a first input unit.

[0041] Figures 15a to 15c This is an illustrative diagram showing a graphic displayed on a display device by means of a first input using a first input unit.

[0042] Figures 16a to 16d This is an illustrative diagram showing a graphic displayed on a display device by means of a first input using a first input unit.

[0043] Figure 17a and Figure 17b An image displayed on a display device is shown as an example.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0045] DD: Display device 1000: First input unit

[0046] 2000: Second Input Unit 100: Display Panel

[0047] 200: Input sensor; MCB: Main circuit board

[0048] FCB: Flexible Circuit Membrane; SCC: Sensor Controller

[0049] PDC: Panel driving circuit SA1 to SA14: First sensing electrode Detailed Implementation

[0050] In this specification, when it is mentioned that a certain component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is "above" another component, or "connected" or "combined" with another component, it means that it can be directly arranged on or directly connected / combined with another component, or a third component can be arranged between them.

[0051] The same reference numerals refer to the same constituent elements. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thickness, proportions, and dimensions of the constituent elements are exaggerated for the purpose of effective illustration of the technical content. "And / or" includes all combinations of more than one that can be defined for the related constituent elements.

[0052] The terms "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, a first constituent element can be named a second constituent element, and similarly, a second constituent element can be named a first constituent element. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context explicitly indicates a different meaning.

[0053] Furthermore, terms such as "below," "lower side," "above," and "upper side" are used to describe the relationships between the components shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are explained based on the directions indicated in the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Terms such as “including” or “having” should be understood as: used to specify the presence of features, figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof described in the specification, rather than precluding the presence or possibility of one or more other features or figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant art, and shall not be construed as having an overly ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined herein.

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 The display device DD can be a device activated by an electrical signal. For example, the display device DD can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, car navigation system, game console, or wearable device, but is not limited to these. Figure 1 In the example, the display device DD is shown as a portable telephone.

[0059] In a display device DD, an effective area DA and a surrounding area NDA can be defined. The display device DD can display an image through the effective area DA. The effective area DA can include a surface defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The surrounding area NDA can surround the effective area DA.

[0060] The thickness direction of the display device DD can 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 the components constituting the display device DD can be defined with reference to the third direction DR3.

[0061] The display device DD can sense input applied from the outside. For example, the display device DD can sense a first input IP1 via a first input unit 1000 and a second input IP2 via a second input unit 2000. The first input unit 1000 can include any input unit capable of providing capacitance changes, such as a user's body or a passive pen. The second input unit 2000 is an active type input unit capable of providing drive signals, for example, it can be an active pen (or electronic pen).

[0062] The display device DD and the second input unit 2000 can communicate bidirectionally. The display device DD can provide uplink signals to the second input unit 2000. The second input unit 2000 can provide downlink signals to the display device DD.

[0063] Figure 2This is an exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the display device DD may include a display module DM, an optical component AF, a window WM, an electronic module EM, a power module PSM, and a housing EDC.

[0065] The display module DM generates images and senses external input. The display module DM may include a display panel 100 and an input sensor 200. The display module DM includes an effective area DA (refer to) of the display device DD. Figure 1 ) and surrounding area NDA (refer to Figure 1 The corresponding effective region AA and the surrounding region NAA.

[0066] The display panel 100 is not particularly limited; for example, it can be a light-emitting display panel such as an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. A detailed description of the input sensor 200 will be provided later.

[0067] The display module DM may include a main circuit board MCB, a flexible circuit film FCB, a panel driver circuit PDC, and a sensor controller SCC. Any one or more of these may be omitted. The main circuit board MCB may be connected to the flexible circuit film FCB and electrically connected to the display panel 100. The main circuit board MCB may include multiple driving elements. These driving elements may include a main controller MC for driving the display panel 100 and the sensor controller SCC. The flexible circuit film FCB is connected to the display panel 100, thus electrically connecting the display panel 100 and the main circuit board MCB. The panel driver circuit PDC and the sensor controller SCC may be mounted on the flexible circuit film FCB.

[0068] The flexible circuit film FCB can be bent so that the main circuit board MCB faces the rear surface of the display device DD. The main circuit board MCB can be electrically connected to the electronic module EM via a connector.

[0069] The panel driver circuit PDC can be electrically connected to the display panel 100 to control the display panel 100. The sensor controller SCC can be electrically connected to the input sensor 200 to control the input sensor 200.

[0070] The panel driving circuit PDC and the sensor controller SCC can each be formed using integrated circuits and mounted on the flexible circuit film FCB. In another embodiment, the panel driving circuit PDC and the sensor controller SCC can also be constructed using a single integrated circuit. The panel driving circuit PDC can be referred to as a drive controller, timing controller, signal generation circuit, etc., and the sensor controller SCC can be referred to in various ways as an input driving circuit, sensor driving circuit, touch driving circuit, etc.

[0071] Although not shown, the input sensor 200 can be electrically connected to the main circuit board MCB via an additional flexible circuit film. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The input sensor 200 can be electrically connected to the display panel 100, and can also be electrically connected to the main circuit board MCB via a flexible circuit film FCB.

[0072] Optical components (AF) reduce the reflectivity of external light. AF components may include polarizers and retarders. Polarizers and retarders can be stretched or coated. Coated optical films define the optical axis according to the stretching direction of the functional film. Coated optical films may include liquid crystal molecules arranged on a base film.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical component AF can be omitted. In this case, the display module DM may also include a color filter and a black matrix in place of the optical component AF.

[0074] The window WM provides the outer surface of the display device DD. The window WM includes a base substrate and may also include functional layers such as an anti-reflective layer and an anti-fingerprint layer.

[0075] Although not shown separately, the display device DD may also include at least one adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may bond to adjacent components of the display device DD. The adhesive layer may be an optically transparent adhesive layer or a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

[0076] The electronic module (EM) includes at least a main controller (MC). The EM may include a wireless communication module, an image input module, a sound input module, a sound output module, a memory, and an external interface module. These modules can be mounted on the circuit board or electrically connected via a flexible circuit board. The EM is electrically connected to the power supply module (PSM).

[0077] The main controller MC controls the overall operation of the display device DD. The main controller MC can control not only the display module DM, but also the operation of wireless communication modules, image input modules, sound input modules, and sound output modules (not shown in the accompanying drawings). The main controller MC may include at least one microprocessor.

[0078] The housing EDC can be combined with the window WM. The housing EDC absorbs impacts from the outside and prevents foreign objects / moisture from penetrating into the display device DD, thereby protecting the structure housed within the housing EDC. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the invention, the housing EDC can be provided in the form of multiple storage components combined together.

[0079] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the operation between a display device and an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Reference Figure 3 The display device DD can sense inputs provided from the outside. For example, the display device DD can sense a first input IP1 via a first input unit 1000 and a second input IP2 via a second input unit 2000.

[0081] The first input unit 1000 may include all input units capable of providing capacitance changes, such as the user's body and a passive pen. The second input unit 2000 may be an electronic pen that provides drive signals. Figure 2 In the example shown, the second input unit 2000 can be an active pen of the active type.

[0082] The display device DD and the second input unit 2000 can communicate bidirectionally with each other. The display device DD can provide an uplink signal ULS to the second input unit 2000, and the second input unit 2000 can provide a downlink signal DLS to the display device DD. For example, the uplink signal ULS may include information such as panel information and protocol version, but is not particularly limited thereto. The downlink signal DLS may include a synchronization signal and the status information of the second input unit 2000. For example, the downlink signal DLS may include the coordinate information, battery information, tilt information, and / or various information stored in the second input unit 2000, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0083] The display device DD may include a display panel 100, an input sensor 200, a panel driving circuit PDC, a sensor controller SCC, and a main controller MC.

[0084] The display panel 100 may be a composition that substantially generates an image. The display panel 100 may be a light-emitting display layer, for example, it may be an organic light-emitting display layer, a quantum dot display layer, a micro LED display layer, or a nano LED display layer.

[0085] Input sensor 200 can be arranged on display panel 100. Input sensor 200 can sense external input applied from the outside. Input sensor 200 can sense a first input IP1 via first input unit 1000 and a second input IP2 via second input unit 2000.

[0086] The main controller (MC) controls the overall operation of the display device (DD). For example, the main controller (MC) can control the operation of the control panel drive circuit (PDC) and the sensor controller (SCC). The main controller (MC) may include at least one microprocessor and may be referred to as the host. The main controller (MC) may also include a graphics controller.

[0087] The panel driver circuit PDC can drive the display panel 100. The panel driver circuit PDC can receive image data RGB and drive control signals D-CS from the main controller MC. The drive control signals D-CS can include various signals. For example, the drive control signals D-CS can include vertical synchronization signals, horizontal synchronization signals, clock signals, and data enable signals, etc. The panel driver circuit PDC can generate signals to be provided to the display panel 100 based on the drive control signals D-CS.

[0088] The sensor controller SCC can drive the input sensor 200. The sensor controller SCC can receive sensor control signals I-CS from the main controller MC. The sensor control signals I-CS may include a mode determination signal and a clock signal for determining the driving mode of the sensor controller SCC. The sensor controller SCC can operate in a first sensing mode sensing via the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000 and a second sensing mode sensing via the second input IP2 of the second input unit 2000, based on the sensor control signals I-CS.

[0089] The sensor controller SCC can calculate the coordinate information of the first input IP1 or the second input IP2 based on the signal received from the input sensor 200, and provide the corresponding coordinate signal I-SS to the main controller MC. The main controller MC performs the operation corresponding to the user input based on the coordinate signal I-SS. For example, the main controller MC can drive the panel drive circuit PDC so that a new application image is displayed on the display panel 100.

[0090] In this embodiment, the panel driving circuit PDC provides a synchronization signal FLM to the sensor controller SCC. The sensor controller SCC can operate in a first sensing mode (sensing via the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000) and a second sensing mode (sensing via the second input IP2 of the second input unit 2000) in synchronization with the synchronization signal FLM from the panel driving circuit PDC. The synchronization signal FLM can be referred to as a vertical synchronization signal or a start signal indicating the start of a frame. Figure 3 In the example shown, the sensor controller SCC receives the synchronization signal FLM from the panel driver circuit PDC, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor controller SCC can receive the synchronization signal directly from the main controller MC.

[0091] The sensor controller (SCC) may include a flag register (FG) that stores a flag bit (FLAG) that is set to a first value (e.g., "1") when the synchronization signal (FLM) is activated to a first level (e.g., high level). Figure 12 ).

[0092] Figure 4a This is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Reference Figure 4a The display module DM may include a display panel 100 and an input sensor 200.

[0094] The display panel 100 may include a base layer 110, a circuit layer 120, a light-emitting element layer 130, and an encapsulation layer 140.

[0095] The substrate 110 may be a component that provides a base surface for arranging the circuit layer 120. The substrate 110 may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer substrate, etc. However, the embodiments are not limited to this, and the substrate 110 may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0096] The base layer 110 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the base layer 110 may include a first synthetic resin layer and silicon oxide (SiO2) disposed on the first synthetic resin layer. x The system comprises a silicon oxide layer, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer disposed on the silicon oxide layer, and a second synthetic resin layer disposed on the amorphous silicon layer. The silicon oxide layer and the amorphous silicon layer can be referred to as the base barrier layer.

[0097] Each of the first and second synthetic resin layers may comprise a polyimide-based resin. Furthermore, each of the first and second synthetic resin layers may comprise at least one of the following: acrylate-based resin, methacrylate-based resin, polyisoprene-based resin, vinyl-based resin, epoxy-based resin, polyurethane-based resin, cellulose-based resin, siloxane-based resin, polyamide-based resin, and perylene-based resin. Additionally, in this specification, "…"-based resin means resin containing the functional group "…".

[0098] Circuit layer 120 can be disposed on substrate 110. Circuit layer 120 may include insulating layers, semiconductor patterns, conductive patterns, and signal lines. Insulating layers, semiconductor layers, and conductive layers are formed on substrate 110 by means of coating, deposition, etc., and thereafter, insulating layers, semiconductor layers, and conductive layers can be selectively patterned by multiple photolithography processes. Subsequently, semiconductor patterns, conductive patterns, and signal lines included in circuit layer 120 can be formed.

[0099] The light-emitting element layer 130 may be disposed 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.

[0100] The encapsulation layer 140 can be disposed on the light-emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 can protect the light-emitting element layer 130 from foreign matter such as moisture, oxygen and dust particles.

[0101] The input sensor 200 can be arranged on the display panel 100. The input sensor 200 can sense external input applied from the outside. The external input can be user input. User input can include various forms of external input such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, pen, or pressure.

[0102] The input sensor 200 can be formed on the display panel 100 through a continuous process. In this case, the input sensor 200 can be described as being directly disposed on the display panel 100. Direct disposal can mean that no third component is disposed between the input sensor 200 and the display panel 100. That is, no separate adhesive component may be disposed between the input sensor 200 and the display panel 100.

[0103] Alternatively, the input sensor 200 can be attached to the display panel 100 via an adhesive component. The adhesive component may include conventional adhesives or adhesives.

[0104] Although not shown, the display device DD may further include an anti-reflective layer and an optical layer disposed on the input sensor 200. The anti-reflective layer can reduce the reflectivity of external light incident from the outside of the display device DD. The optical layer can improve the front brightness of the display device DD by controlling the direction of light incident from the display panel 100.

[0105] Figure 4b This is a cross-sectional view of a display module DM_1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Reference Figure 4b The display module DM_1 may include a display panel 100_1 and an input sensor 200_1. The display panel 100_1 may include a base substrate 110_1, a circuit layer 120_1, a light-emitting element layer 130_1, a packaging substrate 140_1, and a bonding component 150_1.

[0107] Each of the base substrate 110_1 and the packaging substrate 140_1 can be a glass substrate, a metal substrate or a polymer substrate, etc., but is not particularly limited to this.

[0108] A bonding component 150_1 may be disposed between the base substrate 110_1 and the encapsulation substrate 140_1. The bonding component 150_1 can bond the encapsulation substrate 140_1 to the base substrate 110_1 or the circuit layer 120_1. The bonding component 150_1 may include inorganic or organic materials. For example, inorganic materials may include frit sealant, and organic materials may include photocurable resin or photoplastic resin. However, the materials constituting the bonding component 150_1 are not limited to the examples described.

[0109] The input sensor 200_1 can be directly disposed on the packaging substrate 140_1. "Directly disposed" means that no third component is disposed between the input sensor 200_1 and the packaging substrate 140_1. That is, no separate adhesive component is required between the input sensor 200_1 and the display panel 100_1. However, this is not a limitation; an adhesive layer may be further disposed between the input sensor 200_1 and the packaging substrate 140_1.

[0110] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a display module DM according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Reference Figure 5At least one inorganic layer is formed on the upper surface of the base layer 110. The inorganic layer may include at least one selected from aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon nitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The inorganic layer may be formed using multiple layers. The multiple inorganic layers may constitute a barrier layer and / or a buffer layer. In this embodiment, the display panel 100 is shown as including a buffer layer BFL.

[0112] The buffer layer BFL can improve the adhesion between the base layer 110 and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxide nitride. For example, the buffer layer BFL may include a structure in which silicon oxide layers and silicon nitride layers are stacked alternately.

[0113] Semiconductor patterns can be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor patterns may include polycrystalline silicon. However, they are not limited to this; the semiconductor patterns may also include amorphous silicon, low-temperature polycrystalline silicon, or oxide semiconductors.

[0114] Figure 5 Only a portion of the semiconductor pattern is shown; semiconductor patterns can be arranged in other areas. The semiconductor patterns can be arranged across pixels according to a specific rule. The electrical properties of the semiconductor pattern can vary depending on whether it is doped. The semiconductor pattern can include a first region with higher conductivity and a second region with lower conductivity. The first region can be doped with N-type or P-type dopant. A P-type transistor can include a doped region doped with P-type dopant, and an N-type transistor can include a doped region doped with N-type dopant. The second region can be an undoped region, or it can be a region doped at a lower concentration than the first region.

[0115] The conductivity of the first region is greater than that of the second region, and it can essentially function as an electrode or signal line. The second region can essentially correspond to the active (or channel) region of a transistor. In other words, a part of the semiconductor pattern can be the active region of a transistor, another part can be the source or drain of a transistor, and yet another part can be a connecting electrode or a connecting signal line.

[0116] The display panel 100 may include multiple pixels (PX) (see reference) Figure 6 For example, each pixel PX can include multiple transistors, a capacitor, and a light-emitting element. Figure 5 In this example, only one transistor 100PC and one light-emitting element 100PE of the plurality of transistors included in each pixel PX are shown and illustrated.

[0117] The source SC, active region AL, and drain DR of transistor 100PC can be formed using semiconductor patterns. The source SC and drain DR can extend in opposite directions from the active region AL in cross-section. Figure 5A portion of the connection signal wiring SCL formed by a semiconductor pattern is shown. Although not shown separately, the connection signal wiring SCL can be connected on a plane to the drain DR of transistor 100PC. Furthermore, Figure 5 A portion of a data line DL formed using a semiconductor pattern is shown. Although not shown separately, the data line DL can be connected to either the drain or source of a transistor not shown in the figures.

[0118] The first insulating layer 10 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first insulating layer 10 overlaps 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 or multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer 10 may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon nitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. In this embodiment, the first insulating layer 10 may be a single-layer silicon oxide layer. Not only the first insulating layer 10, but the insulating layers of the circuit layer 120 described later may also be inorganic layers and / or organic layers, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one of the above-mentioned substances, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] The gate GT of transistor 100PC is disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The gate GT may be part of a metal pattern. The gate GT overlaps with the active region AL. In the process of doping semiconductor patterns, the gate GT can function as a mask.

[0120] The second insulating layer 20 is disposed on the first insulating layer 10 and may cover the gate GT. The second insulating layer 20 may overlap the pixel. The second insulating layer 20 may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The second insulating layer 20 may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxide nitride. In this embodiment, the second insulating layer 20 may have a multi-layer structure including silicon oxide layers and silicon nitride layers.

[0121] The third insulating layer 30 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 20. The third insulating layer 30 may have a single-layer or 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.

[0122] The first connection electrode CNE1 can be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The first connection electrode CNE1 can be connected to the connection signal wiring SCL through the contact hole CNT-1 that passes through the first insulating layer 10, the second insulating layer 20, and the third insulating layer 30.

[0123] The fourth insulating layer 40 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30. The fourth insulating layer 40 may be a single-layer silicon oxide layer. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer 40. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be an organic layer.

[0124] The second connecting electrode CNE2 can be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50. The second connecting electrode CNE2 can be connected to the first connecting electrode CNE1 through the contact hole CNT-2 that penetrates the fourth insulating layer 40 and the fifth insulating layer 50.

[0125] The sixth insulating layer 60 is disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50 and may cover the second connecting electrode CNE2. The sixth insulating layer 60 may be an organic layer.

[0126] The light-emitting element layer 130 may be disposed on the circuit layer 120. The light-emitting element layer 130 may include a light-emitting element 100PE. For example, the light-emitting element layer 130 may include an organic light-emitting material, quantum dot, micro LED, or nano LED. Hereinafter, the case where the light-emitting element 100PE is an organic light-emitting element will be described as an example, but it is not particularly limited to this.

[0127] The light-emitting element 100PE may include a first electrode AE, a light-emitting layer EL, and a second electrode CE.

[0128] The first electrode AE ​​can be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60. The first electrode AE ​​can be connected to the second connecting electrode CNE2 through the contact hole CNT-3 penetrating the sixth insulating layer 60.

[0129] A pixel defining film 70 is disposed on a sixth insulating layer 60 and may cover a portion of the first electrode AE. An opening 70-OP is defined in the pixel defining film 70. The opening 70-OP of the pixel defining film 70 exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

[0130] Effective region DA (reference) Figure 1 The electrode may include a light-emitting region PXA and a non-light-emitting region NPXA adjacent to the light-emitting region PXA. The non-light-emitting region NPXA may surround the light-emitting region PXA. In this embodiment, the light-emitting region PXA is defined as a local area corresponding to the first electrode AE ​​exposed through the opening 70-OP.

[0131] The light-emitting layer EL can be disposed on the first electrode AE. The light-emitting layer EL can be disposed in the region corresponding to the opening 70-OP. That is, the light-emitting layer EL can be separately formed in each pixel. When the light-emitting layer EL is separately formed in each pixel, each light-emitting layer EL can emit light of at least one color selected from blue, red, and green. However, it is not limited to this, and the light-emitting layer EL can also be provided jointly by the pixels. In this case, the light-emitting layer EL can provide blue light, or it can provide white light.

[0132] The second electrode CE can be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL. The second electrode CE can have a single shape and can be disposed together on multiple pixels.

[0133] Although not shown, a hole control layer may be disposed between the first electrode AE ​​and the light-emitting layer EL. The hole control layer may be disposed together in the light-emitting region PXA and the non-light-emitting 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 disposed between the light-emitting 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 formed together in multiple pixels using an open mask.

[0134] The encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 may include inorganic layers, organic layers and inorganic layers stacked in sequence, but the layers constituting the encapsulation layer 140 are not limited to these.

[0135] The inorganic layer protects the light-emitting element layer 130 from moisture and oxygen, while the organic layer protects it from foreign matter such as dust particles. The inorganic layer may include silicon nitride layers, silicon oxide nitride layers, silicon oxide layers, titanium oxide layers, or aluminum oxide layers, etc. The organic layer may include, but is not limited to, acrylic-based organic layers.

[0136] The input sensor 200 may include a base layer 201, a first conductive layer 202, a sensing insulating layer 203, a second conductive layer 204, and a covering insulating layer 205.

[0137] The substrate 201 may be an inorganic layer comprising at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxide. Alternatively, the substrate 201 may also be an organic layer comprising epoxy resin, acrylic resin, or imide resin. The substrate 201 may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure stacked along a third direction DR3.

[0138] Each of the first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204 may have a single-layer structure or may have a multi-layer structure stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0139] The conductive layer of a single-layer structure can include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer can include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or alloys thereof. The transparent conductive layer can include transparent conductive oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO). Furthermore, the transparent conductive layer can include conductive polymers such as PEDOT, metal nanowires, graphene, etc.

[0140] The conductive layer in a multilayer structure may include a metal layer. For example, the metal layer may have a three-layer structure of titanium / aluminum / titanium. The conductive layer in a multilayer structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0141] At least one of the sensing insulating layer 203 and the covering insulating layer 205 may include an inorganic film. The inorganic film may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon nitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

[0142] At least one of the sensing insulating layer 203 and the covering insulating layer 205 may include an organic film. The organic film may include at least one of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene resin, ethylene resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, cellulose resin, siloxane resin, polyimide resin, polyamide resin, and perylene resin.

[0143] A parasitic capacitance Cc can be formed between the second conductive layer 204 of the input sensor 200 and the second electrode CE.

[0144] The signal transmitted through the second conductive layer 204 can be the same as the uplink signal ULS (see reference). Figure 3 ) and downlink signal DLS (reference) Figure 3 The uplink signal ULS and the downlink signal DLS can each be a signal that periodically switches between a first level (or active level) and a second level (or inactive level). As the signal level of the signal transmitted through the second conductive layer 204 changes periodically, the parasitic capacitance Cc between the second conductive layer 204 and the second electrode CE may change. In this case, the display quality of the image displayed on the display panel 100 may be reduced.

[0145] Figure 6 This is a plan view of a display panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] like Figure 6As shown, the display panel 100 may include a scan drive circuit SDC, multiple signal lines (hereinafter referred to as signal lines) SGL, multiple signal pads (hereinafter referred to as signal pads) DP-PD, IS-PD, and multiple pixels (hereinafter referred to as pixels) PX.

[0147] The scan drive circuit SDC can generate multiple scan signals (hereinafter referred to as scan signals) and output the scan signals sequentially to multiple scan lines SL (hereinafter referred to as scan lines). The scan drive circuit SDC not only outputs scan signals to pixel PX, but also outputs other control signals to pixel PX.

[0148] The scan drive circuit SDC may include multiple transistors formed using the same process as the transistors in the pixel PX.

[0149] The signal line SGL includes the scan line SL, data line DL, power line PL, light emission control line EML, and control signal line CSL. Each of the scan line SL, data line DL, and light emission control line EML is connected to the corresponding pixel PX. The power line PL is collectively connected to pixel PX. The control signal line CSL provides control signals to the scan drive circuit SDC. The power line PL provides the voltage required for the operation of pixel PX. The power line PL may include multiple lines providing different voltages to each other.

[0150] In this embodiment, the signal line SGL may further include an auxiliary line SSL. The auxiliary line SSL is electrically connected to the input sensor 200 (see reference). Figure 7 The signal line of the input sensor 200 (see reference 1) can be omitted in embodiments of the present invention. The auxiliary lines SSL are connected to the contact holes CNT. The auxiliary lines SSL can be electrically connected to the input sensor 200 (see reference 1) via the contact holes CNT. Figure 7 (Signal line)

[0151] Signal pads DP-PD and IS-PD may include a first type of signal pad DP-PD connected to the data line DL, power line PL, and control signal line CSL, and a second type of signal pad IS-PD connected to the auxiliary line SSL. The first type of signal pad DP-PD and the second type of signal pad IS-PD are arranged adjacent to each other in a pad area PP defined within a local area of ​​the surrounding area NAA. The stacked structure or constituent materials of the signal pads DP-PD and IS-PD are indistinguishable from each other and can be formed using the same process.

[0152] The effective area AA can be defined as the area where pixels PX are arranged. Multiple electronic components are arranged within the effective area AA. These electronic components include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) mounted on each pixel PX and a pixel driving circuit connected to the OLED. The scan driving circuit SDC, signal line SGL, signal pads DP-PD, IS-PD, and the pixel driving circuit can be included in... Figure 5 The circuit layer 120 is shown.

[0153] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, each pixel PX may include multiple transistors, capacitors, and organic light-emitting diodes. Pixel PX is electrically connected to scan lines SL, data lines DL, light emission control lines EML, and power lines PL, and emits light in response to signals received through scan lines SL, data lines DL, light emission control lines EML, and power lines PL.

[0154] The signal pads DP-PD and IS-PD of the display panel 100 can be connected with... Figure 2 The flexible circuit membrane FCB shown is electrically connected.

[0155] The display panel 100 shown in Figure 4 can be partially bent. A portion of the surrounding area NAA of the display panel 100 can be bent with reference to a bending axis parallel to the first direction DR1. The bending axis can be defined as overlapping a portion of the control signal line CSL, a portion of the data line DL, and a portion of the auxiliary line SSL.

[0156] Figure 7 This is a plan view of an input sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Reference Figure 7 The input sensor 200 may include a sensing region SA and a non-sensing region NSA. The sensing region SA may be a region activated according to an electrical signal. For example, the sensing region SA may be a region that senses an input. The non-sensing region NSA may surround the sensing region SA. The sensing region SA may correspond to... Figure 6 The effective area AA, and the non-sensing area NSA can correspond to Figure 6 The surrounding area NAA.

[0158] The input sensor 200 includes first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 and second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10 formed on a substrate 201. The first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 and the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10 are arranged in a sensing region SA. The first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 and the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10 are electrically insulated from each other and cross each other within the sensing region SA. As an example of the present invention, the input sensor 200 includes first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 and second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of first sensing electrodes and the number of second sensing electrodes can be varied. Although... Figure 7 The diagram shows that the number of first sensing electrodes is greater than the number of second sensing electrodes, but in another embodiment, the number of second sensing electrodes may be greater than or equal to the number of first sensing electrodes.

[0159] The input sensor 200 can obtain position information about the external input by the change in mutual capacitance between the first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 and the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10.

[0160] The input sensor 200 may further include first transmission lines TL1 to fourteenth transmission lines TL14 and first receiving lines RL1 to tenth receiving lines RL10. The first transmission lines TL1 to fourteenth transmission lines TL14 and the first receiving lines RL1 to tenth receiving lines RL10 may be arranged in the non-sensing region NSA. The first transmission lines TL1 to fourteenth transmission lines TL14 are electrically connected to one side of the first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14, and the first receiving lines RL1 to tenth receiving lines RL10 are electrically connected to one side of the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10. However, the invention is not limited thereto. As an example of the invention, the input sensor 200 may further include receiving lines electrically connected to the other side of the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10.

[0161] The intersection of the first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 and the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10 can be defined as a sensing unit SU.

[0162] The first transmission line TL1 to the fourteenth transmission line TL14 and the first receiving line RL1 to the tenth receiving line RL10 can be connected via the contact hole CNT. Figure 6 The auxiliary line shown is an SSL electrical connection.

[0163] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the input sensor in the first sensing mode.

[0164] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8The first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 can operate as transmitting electrodes, and the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10 can operate as receiving electrodes. The sensor controller SCC can sense external input by sensing the change in mutual capacitance formed between the first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 and the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10.

[0165] For ease of explanation, Figure 8 Only shown Figure 7 The A1 part of the input sensor 200, namely, Figure 8 Only shown Figure 7 The first sensing electrodes SA1 and SA2 in the first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 and the second sensing electrodes SB1 and SB2 in the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10 are shown. Figure 7 The first sensing electrodes SA3 to SA14 and the second sensing electrodes SB3 to SB10 shown can also be driven in the same manner as the first sensing electrodes SA1, SA2 and the second sensing electrodes SB1, SB2.

[0166] The sensor controller SCC can provide transmission signals TX1 and TX2 to the first sensing electrodes SA1 and SA2. The sensor controller SCC can receive sensing signals RX1 and RX2 from the second sensing electrodes SB1 and SB2. Therefore, the sensor controller SCC can compare the transmission signals TX1 and TX2 with the corresponding sensing signals RX1 and RX2, and can generate a signal based on their changes, relating to the signals provided via the first input unit 1000 (see reference). Figure 1 The first input is the coordinates of the location of IP1.

[0167] Figure 9a and Figure 9b This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the input sensor in the second sensing mode.

[0168] Reference Figure 9a and Figure 9b In the second sensing mode, the sensor controller SCC can cause the first sensing electrodes SA1 and SA2 and the second sensing electrodes SB1 and SB2 to operate simultaneously as either transmitting electrodes or receiving electrodes. Here, for ease of explanation, Figure 9a and Figure 9b Only shown Figure 7 The A1 section of the input sensor 200.

[0169] Reference Figure 9aDuring a predetermined interval (hereinafter referred to as the first interval), the first sensing electrodes SA1, SA2 and the second sensing electrodes SB1, SB2 receive uplink signals TXa, TXb, TXc, and TXd from the sensor controller SCC, respectively. During the first interval, the first sensing electrodes SA1, SA2 and the second sensing electrodes SB1, SB2 can be used to transmit signals to the second input unit 2000 (refer to...). Figure 3 They operate by providing transmission electrodes for uplink signals TXa, TXb, TXc, and TXd respectively.

[0170] Reference Figure 9b During a predetermined interval (second interval) following the first interval, the first sensing electrodes SA1, SA2 and the second sensing electrodes SB1, SB2 respectively receive downlink signals RXa, RXb, RXc, and RXd provided from the second input unit 2000. Within the second interval, the first sensing electrodes SA1, SA2 and the second sensing electrodes SB1, SB2 can operate as receiving electrodes for providing downlink signals RXa, RXb, RXc, and RXd to the sensor controller SCC, respectively. That is, during a specific interval, the first sensing electrodes SA1, SA2 and the second sensing electrodes SB1, SB2 can all be used as transmitting electrodes, or all can be used as receiving electrodes.

[0171] Figure 10 This is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of an input sensor and a sensor controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 10 The synchronization signal FLM and clock signal CLK can be signals used internally within the panel driver circuit (PDC). The synchronization signal FLM can indicate the start of an image frame, and the clock signal CLK can indicate the start of a line. The clock signal CLK can also be referred to as the master clock signal, horizontal clock signal, horizontal synchronization signal, etc.

[0173] Figure 6 The scan drive circuit SDC shown can start an image frame in sync with the synchronization signal FLM. In each image frame, it generates multiple scan signals (hereinafter referred to as scan signals) in sync with the clock signal CLK, and outputs the multiple scan signals to multiple scan lines SL in sequence.

[0174] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the panel driving circuit PDC drives the display panel 100 at 60Hz. That is, the panel driving circuit PDC can drive the display panel 100 such that an image is displayed on the display panel 100 in each of the image frames F1-F60 during a 1-second (1s) period. Specifically, the frequency of the synchronization signal FLM is 60Hz.

[0175] The sensor controller SCC can control the input sensor 200 to operate in a first sensing mode and / or a second sensing mode in each of the image frames F1-F60.

[0176] The first sensing mode includes a first sensing range T1-T143. The second sensing mode includes a second sensing range P1-P59. That is, the sensor controller SCC can drive the input sensor 200 at 143Hz during the first sensing mode and drive the input sensor 200 at 59Hz during the second sensing mode. Figure 10 The number of the first sensing intervals T1-T143 and the number of the second sensing intervals P1-P59 shown are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0177] For example, each of the first sensing intervals T1-T143 may include the sensor controller SCC directing... Figure 7 The first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 shown provide the time for transmitting signals and receiving sensing signals from the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10.

[0178] Each of the second sensing intervals P1-P59 may include the time when the sensor controller SCC provides uplink signals to the first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 and the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10, and the time when the sensor controller SCC receives downlink signals from the first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 and the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10.

[0179] Each of the first sensing intervals T1-T143 is a shorter time than each of the image frames F1-F60. Furthermore, each of the first sensing intervals T1-T143 is a longer time than each of the second sensing intervals P1-P59.

[0180] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, the sensor controller SCC performs sensing operations in the first sensing intervals T1, T2, and T3, and then operates in the second sensing interval P1. Furthermore, after the second sensing interval P1, the sensor controller SCC operates in the first sensing intervals T4, T5, and T6, and then operates in the second sensing interval P2. Thus, the first sensing intervals T1-T143 are sequential in time, but not necessarily continuous. The second sensing intervals P1-P59 are sequential in time, but not necessarily continuous.

[0181] The first sensing mode may be a mode that senses the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000, and the second sensing mode may be a mode that senses the second input IP2 of the second input unit 2000.

[0182] exist Figure 10In the example shown, each of image frames F1-F60 can correspond to at least two sensing intervals. For example, image frame F1 corresponds to three first sensing intervals T1, T2, and T3, and image frame F2 corresponds to a second sensing interval P1 and three first sensing intervals T4, T5, and T6. A portion of the first sensing interval T6 corresponds to image frame F2, and another portion of the first sensing interval T6 corresponds to image frame F3.

[0183] The sensor controller (SCC) may include a flag register (FG) that stores a flag bit (FLAG) that is set to a first value (e.g., "1") when the synchronization signal (FLM) is activated to a first level (e.g., high level). Figure 12 ).

[0184] When the synchronization signal FLM is activated to a first level (e.g., high level) during operation in the first sensing mode (i.e., when the flag bit FLAG of the flag register FG changes to a first value), the sensor controller SCC changes the operating mode to the second sensing mode.

[0185] For example, when the synchronization signal FLM is activated at a first level (e.g., high level) in the first sensing interval T3 of the first sensing mode, the sensor controller SCC changes the operating mode to the second sensing mode and operates in the second sensing interval P1 of the second sensing mode. The sensor controller SCC changes the flag bit FLAG of the flag register FG to a second value (e.g., "0"). When the second sensing interval P1 ends, the sensor controller SCC changes the operating mode back to the first sensing mode and operates in the first sensing interval T4 of the first sensing mode.

[0186] When the synchronization signal FLM is not activated to the first level (e.g., high level), that is, when the flag bit FLAG of the flag register FG is held to the second value, the sensor controller SCC operates in the first sensing mode while sequentially changing the first sensing range T4.

[0187] When the synchronization signal FLM is activated at a first level (e.g., high level) during the first sensing interval T6 of the first sensing mode, the sensor controller SCC changes the operating mode to the second sensing mode and operates in the second sensing interval P2 of the second sensing mode. The sensor controller SCC changes the flag bit FLAG of the flag register FG to a second value (e.g., "0"). When the second sensing interval P2 ends, the sensor controller SCC changes the operating mode back to the first sensing mode and operates in the first sensing interval T7 of the first sensing mode.

[0188] like Figure 10As shown, even if the synchronization signal FLM is activated to a first level (e.g., high level) when operating in the first sensing interval T6 of the first sensing mode, the sensor controller SCC does not stop the first sensing interval T6, but changes the operating mode to the second sensing mode after the first sensing interval T6 ends.

[0189] While the synchronization signal FLM is held at the second level (e.g., low level), the sensor controller SCC operates in the first sensing mode. During the period when the synchronization signal FLM is at the second level, the sensor controller SCC sequentially executes the first sensing interval T1-T143 of the first sensing mode.

[0190] When the synchronization signal FLM is activated to a first level (e.g., high level) in the kth (k is a positive integer) first sensing interval Tk of the first sensing mode, the sensor controller SCC can change the sensing mode to the second sensing mode after the end of the kth first sensing interval Tk.

[0191] After operating in the second sensing mode with a second sensing range, the sensor controller SCC changes the operating mode back to the first sensing mode.

[0192] When the synchronization signal FLM is activated to the first level (e.g., high level), the sensor controller SCC operates in the second sensing mode, so the second sensing mode can be executed in each of the image frames F2-F60.

[0193] Figure 10 The first sensing range T1-T143 of the first sensing mode and the second sensing range P1-P59 of the second sensing mode shown are only examples. The sensor controller SCC can change the operating order of the first sensing mode and the second sensing mode in various ways.

[0194] Figure 11 This is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of an input sensor and a sensor controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0195] Figure 11 The synchronization signal FLM and clock signal CLK shown are... Figure 10 The synchronization signal FLM and the clock signal CLK shown are the same.

[0196] exist Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, when the period synchronization signal FLM is activated to a first level (e.g., high level) during operation in the first sensing mode, that is, when the flag bit FLAG of the flag register FG (refer to...) is activated... Figure 12 When the value is changed to the first value, the sensor controller SCC executes the first sensing range of the first sensing mode again, and then changes the operating mode to the second sensing mode.

[0197] For example, when the synchronization signal FLM of the first sensing interval T3 in the first sensing mode is activated to the first level (e.g., high level), the sensor controller SCC executes the first sensing interval T4 of the first sensing mode and then changes the operating mode to the second sensing mode.

[0198] Similarly, when the synchronization signal FLM of the first sensing interval T6 in the first sensing mode is activated to the first level (e.g., high level), the sensor controller SCC executes the first sensing interval T7 of the first sensing mode and then changes the operating mode to the second sensing mode.

[0199] Although not shown in the accompanying figures, when the synchronization signal FLM is activated to a first level (e.g., high level) in the k-th (k is a positive integer) first sensing interval Tk of the first sensing mode, the sensor controller SCC can change the sensing mode to a second sensing mode after the end of the k-th first sensing interval Tk, and execute two (or more) second sensing intervals consecutively. That is, each of the image frames F2-F60 can correspond to two (or more) second sensing intervals.

[0200] In this way, the sensor controller SCC can change the operating sequence of the first sensing mode and the second sensing mode in various ways.

[0201] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch controller of the present invention.

[0202] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 The sensor controller SCC initially sets the sensing mode to the first sensing mode. During the first sensing mode, the sensor controller SCC can sense the first input IP1 via the first input unit 1000 (step S100).

[0203] The first sensing mode includes a first sensing interval T1-T143. The sensor controller SCC executes the first sensing interval T1-T143 sequentially during the first sensing mode.

[0204] When the synchronization signal FLM is switched to the first level (e.g., high level) during each period of the first sensing interval T1-T143, the sensor controller SCC sets the flag bit FLAG stored in the flag register FG to the first value (e.g., "1").

[0205] The sensor controller SCC determines whether the kth first sensing interval Tk in the first sensing interval T1-T143 has ended (step S110).

[0206] As described above, each of the first sensing intervals T1-T143 may include the sensor controller SCC directing... Figure 7 The first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 shown provide the time for transmitting signals and receiving sensing signals from the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10.

[0207] For example, when from Figure 7 When the second sensing electrode SB10 receives the sensing signal, the sensor controller SCC can determine that the first sensing interval Tk of the kth time has been completed.

[0208] If it is not the last sensing, the sensor controller SCC returns to step S100 to execute the first sensing mode. When it is determined that the last sensing of the first sensing interval Tk has been performed for the kth time, the sensor controller SCC determines whether the flag bit FLAG stored in the flag register FG is the first value (e.g., "1") (step S120).

[0209] If the flag bit FLAG is not the first value (e.g., "1"), the sensor controller SCC will maintain the sensing mode as the first sensing mode and return to step S100 to execute the (k+1)th first sensing interval Tk+1.

[0210] If the flag bit FLAG is the first value (e.g., "1"), the sensor controller SCC changes the sensing mode to the second sensing mode (step S130).

[0211] The sensor controller SCC initializes the flag bit FLAG to a second value (e.g., "0") (step S140). In another embodiment, the operation of the sensor controller SCC initializing the flag bit FLAG to a second value (e.g., "0") may also be performed at the start time of the first sensing mode. In another embodiment, the operation of the sensor controller SCC initializing the flag bit FLAG to a second value (e.g., "0") may also be performed before changing the sensing mode to the second sensing mode.

[0212] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch controller of the present invention.

[0213] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figure 13 The sensor controller SCC can sense the second input IP2 via the second input unit 2000 during the second sensing mode (step S200).

[0214] The second sensing mode includes a second sensing interval P1-P59. The sensor controller SCC executes the second sensing intervals P1-P59 sequentially during the second sensing mode.

[0215] The sensor controller SCC determines whether the j-th (j is a positive integer) second sensing interval Pj in the second sensing interval P1-P59 has been completed (step S210).

[0216] As described above, each of the second sensing intervals P1-P59 may include the time when the sensor controller SCC provides uplink signals to the first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 and the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10, and the time when the sensor controller SCC receives downlink signals from the first sensing electrodes SA1 to SA14 and the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10.

[0217] For example, when from Figure 7 When the second sensing electrodes SB1 to SB10 receive the downlink signal, the sensor controller SCC can determine that the j-th second sensing interval Pj has ended.

[0218] When the j-th second sensing interval Pj ends, the sensor controller SCC changes the sensing mode to the first sensing mode (step S220).

[0219] Figures 14a to 14d This is an illustrative diagram showing a graphic displayed on a display device by means of a first input using a first input unit.

[0220] Figure 14a An illustrative example is shown of a graphic CL1 displayed on a display device by means of the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000 when the sensor controller SCC drives the input sensor 200 at 30Hz during the first sensing mode.

[0221] Figure 14b An illustrative example is shown of a graphic CL2 displayed on a display device by means of the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000 when the sensor controller SCC drives the input sensor 200 at 60Hz during the first sensing mode.

[0222] Figure 14c An example is shown of a graphic CL3 displayed on a display device by means of the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000 when the sensor controller SCC drives the input sensor 200 at 120Hz during the first sensing mode.

[0223] Figure 14d An example is shown of a graphic CL4 displayed on a display device by means of the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000 when the sensor controller SCC drives the input sensor 200 at 240Hz during the first sensing mode.

[0224] like Figures 14a to 14dAs shown, as the frequency at which the sensor controller SCC drives the input sensor 200 increases during the first sensing mode, a nearly circular graphic can be displayed.

[0225] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, the panel driving circuit PDC can drive the display panel 100 at 60Hz, and the sensor controller SCC can drive the input sensor 200 at 143Hz during the first sensing mode. By driving the input sensor 200 at a frequency higher than the driving frequency of the display panel 100, the sensitivity of the input sensor 200 and the sensor controller SCC can be improved.

[0226] Figures 15a to 15c This is an illustrative diagram showing a graphic displayed on a display device by means of a first input using a first input unit.

[0227] Figure 15a An illustrative example is shown of a graphic LL1 displayed on a display device by means of the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000 when the sensor controller SCC drives the input sensor 200 at 60Hz during the first sensing mode.

[0228] Figure 15b An illustrative example is shown of a graphic LL2 displayed on a display device by means of the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000 when the sensor controller SCC drives the input sensor 200 at 120Hz during the first sensing mode.

[0229] Figure 15c An illustrative example is shown of a graphic LL3 displayed on a display device by means of the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000 when the sensor controller SCC drives the input sensor 200 at 240Hz during the first sensing mode.

[0230] like Figures 15a to 15c As shown, when the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000 moves along a predetermined direction D1 at a predetermined speed, as the frequency of the sensor controller SCC driving the input sensor 200 increases during the first sensing mode, the graphic can be displayed at a speed similar to the input speed of the first input IP1.

[0231] Figures 16a to 16d This is an illustrative diagram showing a graphic displayed on a display device by means of a first input using a first input unit.

[0232] Figures 16a to 16cAn exemplary diagram shows a graphic displayed on a display device by means of the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000 when the sensor controller SCC drives the input sensor 200 at the same frequency (e.g., 60Hz) during the first sensing mode.

[0233] Figure 16a An exemplary illustration shows a graphic CC1 displayed on a display device in a normal environment by means of the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000.

[0234] Figure 16b and Figure 16c An example is shown in a noisy environment (e.g., in a display device DD (reference)). Figure 1 In cases where the surface of the circuit is moist, contains foreign objects, or the coupling capacitance between circuit wirings is temporarily increased, the graphics CC2 and CC3 are displayed on the display device by using the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000.

[0235] like Figure 16b and Figure 16c As shown, in a noisy environment, the graphic CC2 displayed on the display device via the first input IP1 may appear as an uneven line, or the graphic CC3 may appear as a cut-off line.

[0236] Figure 16d An illustrative example is shown of a graphic CC4 displayed on a display device in a noisy environment by means of the first input IP1 of the first input unit 1000 when the sensor controller SCC drives the input sensor 200 at 143Hz during the first sensing mode.

[0237] When the sensor controller SCC drives the input sensor 200 at a higher frequency during the first sensing mode, the graphic CC4 displayed on the display device in a noisy environment can be displayed in a similar form to the graphic CC2 and CC3 in a normal environment.

[0238] Figure 17a and Figure 17b This is an example of an image displayed on a display device.

[0239] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 17aThe sensor controller SCC can operate in the second sensing mode at a preset time point in sync with the synchronization signal FLM. For example, the sensor controller SCC can operate in the second sensing mode once the synchronization signal FLM changes to a first level. In another embodiment, the sensor controller SCC can operate in the second sensing mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the synchronization signal FLM changes to the first level. In this case, flickering may occur at a specific location FK in the image IM1 due to the coupling capacitance between the signal provided to the display panel 100 and the signal provided to the input sensor 200.

[0240] like Figure 10 As shown, the sensor controller SCC of the present invention operates in the second sensing mode in sync with the synchronization signal FLM, but for image frames F1-F60, the start time of the second sensing interval of the second sensing mode is different for each frame.

[0241] In this case, such as Figure 17b As shown, since the effect of the coupling capacitance between the signal provided to the display panel 100 and the signal provided to the input sensor 200 is dispersed, flickering does not occur in the image IM2.

[0242] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art or with ordinary knowledge of the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the content described in the detailed specification, but should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display panel; Input sensors are arranged on the display panel; The panel driving circuit drives the display panel and outputs a synchronization signal; as well as The sensor controller controls the input sensor and receives the synchronization signal. The synchronization signal is a signal that indicates the start of an image frame, and it is activated at the start time of each of the multiple image frames. The sensor controller determines a sensing mode in response to the received synchronization signal, and in each of the plurality of image frames, when the synchronization signal is activated while operating in a first sensing mode for sensing a first input based on a user's touch, changes the sensing mode to a second sensing mode for sensing a second input based on an input device. The first sensing mode includes multiple first sensing intervals. When the synchronization signal is activated in the kth first sensing interval among the multiple first sensing intervals, the sensor controller changes the sensing mode to the second sensing mode after the kth first sensing interval ends, where k is a positive integer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second sensing mode includes multiple second sensing zones.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the plurality of first sensing intervals is a longer time than each of the plurality of second sensing intervals.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of first sensing intervals is a shorter time than each of the plurality of image frames.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, When the synchronization signal is activated, the sensor controller sets the flag bit to a first value.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, When the flag bit is the first value in the kth first sensing interval among the plurality of first sensing intervals, the sensor controller changes the sensing mode to the second sensing mode after the end of the kth first sensing interval, where k is a positive integer.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel includes: Multiple pixels, each connected to multiple scan lines and multiple data lines; and The scan drive circuit is connected to the multiple scan lines. The scanning drive circuit is synchronized with the synchronization signal to provide scanning signals to the multiple scan lines in each of the multiple image frames.

Images