Touch display device and driving method thereof

Abstract

A touch display device and a driving method thereof are provided. The touch display device includes: a display panel configured to display an image; a touch sensor including first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes arranged to cross each other on the display panel and virtual touch electrodes arranged adjacent to the first touch electrodes and the second touch electrodes; and a touch driver configured to drive the first touch electrodes and the second touch electrodes and apply a signal or voltage to the virtual touch electrodes.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0176647, filed on December 16, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a touch display device and a driving method thereof. Background Art

[0003] Display devices are the connecting medium between users and information, and the development of information technology has brought about the growth of the display device market. Therefore, display devices such as light emitting display (LED) devices, quantum dot display (QDD) devices, and liquid crystal display (LCD) devices are increasingly being used.

[0004] Such a display device includes: a display panel including sub-pixels; a driver outputting a driving signal for driving the display panel; and a power supply generating power to be supplied to the display panel or the driver.

[0005] In a display device, when a driving signal (e.g., a scan signal and a data signal) is applied to a sub-pixel on a display panel, the selected sub-pixel transmits light or directly emits light, thereby displaying an image. In addition, the display device can receive a touch input from a user based on a touch sensor and execute a command corresponding to the touch input. Summary of the invention

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a touch display device and a driving method thereof that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0007] The present invention aims to increase the transmission and reception sensitivity of signals and reduce noise between an active pen and a device by forming a virtual touch electrode near a touch electrode and applying a specific signal or voltage through the virtual touch electrode in each driving mode.

[0008] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will be explained in part in the following description, and in part will become obvious to those skilled in the art after examining the following or can be learned from the practice of the present invention. The purposes and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and claims and the drawings.

[0009] To achieve these objectives and other advantages, and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and generally described herein, a touch display device includes: a display panel configured to display an image; a touch sensor including first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes arranged to cross each other on the display panel and virtual touch electrodes arranged adjacent to the first touch electrodes and the second touch electrodes; and a touch driver configured to drive the first touch electrodes and the second touch electrodes and apply a signal or voltage to the virtual touch electrodes.

[0010] During an uplink signal generation period for generating a signal to be transmitted to the active pen located on the touch sensor, the touch driver may apply the same uplink signal as that applied to the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode to the dummy touch electrode.

[0011] During a downlink pulse sensing period of sensing a pen signal generated from an active pen located on the touch sensor, the touch driver may apply a logic low signal or a low voltage to the virtual touch electrode.

[0012] The touch driver may apply a logic low signal or a low voltage to the virtual touch electrode during an uplink signal generation period for generating a signal to be sent to an active pen located on the touch sensor and during a downlink pulse sensing period for sensing a pen signal generated from an active pen located on the touch sensor.

[0013] The touch sensor may further include a ring-shaped guard disposed to surround an active area where the first touch electrode, the second touch electrode, and the dummy touch electrode are placed, and the touch driver may apply a signal or a voltage to the ring-shaped guard.

[0014] The virtual touch electrodes may include a first virtual touch electrode configured to perform the same function as the first touch electrode and a second virtual touch electrode configured to perform the same function as the second touch electrode.

[0015] When the first virtual transistor located between the first touch electrode and the first channel of the touch driver is turned on, the first virtual touch electrode can perform the same function as the first touch electrode, and when the second virtual transistor located between the second touch electrode and the second channel of the touch driver is turned on, the second virtual touch electrode can perform the same function as the second touch electrode.

[0016] The first dummy transistor and the second dummy transistor may be simultaneously turned on or off in response to a dummy control signal output from a third channel of the touch driver.

[0017] The touch driver may include: a switch configured to control input and output of a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel; a circuit configured to output or sense a signal when the circuit is connected to one of the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel through the switch; and a controller configured to control the switch and the circuit.

[0018] The dummy touch electrode may be located between the portions of the first touch electrode and between the portions of the second touch electrode, the dummy touch electrode being in the same layer as the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode.

[0019] According to another aspect, a method for driving a touch display device, the touch display device comprising: a display panel configured to display an image; a touch sensor comprising first and second touch electrodes arranged to cross each other on the display panel and virtual touch electrodes arranged adjacent to the first and second touch electrodes; and a touch driver configured to drive the first and second touch electrodes and apply a signal or voltage to the virtual touch electrodes, the method comprising: generating an uplink signal to be sent to an active pen located on the touch sensor; and sensing a downlink pulse generated from the active pen located on the touch sensor. During the generation of the uplink signal, a signal identical to the uplink signal applied to the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode is applied to the virtual touch electrode.

[0020] During downlink pulse sensing, a logic low signal or a low voltage may be applied to the virtual touch electrode.

[0021] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention includes accompanying drawings to provide a further understanding of the present invention, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this application, and illustrate embodiments of the present invention and are used to explain the principles of the present invention together with the description. In the accompanying drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a light emitting display device according to the present invention, Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the configuration of sub-pixels shown;

[0024] Figures 3 to 6 is a block diagram showing a touch display device;

[0025] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a touch display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A detailed diagram of a sensor unit is shown. Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 8 A diagram of a cross section of the sensor unit shown taken along line A1-A2;

[0026] Fig.10 and Fig.11 is an exemplary diagram showing a connection structure of first touch electrodes and a connection structure of dummy touch electrodes and an overall structure of a display panel and a touch sensor;

[0027] Fig.12 and Fig.13 is a diagram showing a method of sensing an active pen, Fig.14 and Fig.15 is a diagram showing a touch display device and a driving method thereof according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig.16 and Fig.17 is a diagram for explaining the effects of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Fig.18 is an exemplary internal circuit diagram showing a touch driver according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig.19 is an exemplary diagram showing a module configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Fig. 20 , Fig.21 , Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a method for setting each mode in a touch display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Fig.23 is a diagram showing an example of a module configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Fig.24 is an exemplary internal circuit diagram showing a touch driver according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig.25 is a diagram showing a touch display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, Fig.26 It is shown Fig.25 A detailed diagram of the touch sensor shown; and

[0032] Figures 27 to 30 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting each mode in a touch display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The touch display device according to the present invention can receive a touch input from a user based on a touch sensor and execute a command corresponding to the touch input. The touch display device can be any one of a television, a video player, a personal computer (PC), a home theater, an automotive electronic device, a smart phone, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0034] The touch display device according to the present invention can be configured as a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a quantum dot display (QDD) device or a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. For ease of explanation, a light emitting display device based on direct light emission of an inorganic LED or an organic LED is used as an example of a touch display device.

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a light emitting display device, Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the configuration of sub-pixels.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The light emitting display device may include an image supplier 110 , a timing controller 120 , a scan driver 130 , a data driver 140 , a display panel 150 , and a power supply 180 .

[0037] The image supplier 110 (or the host system) may output various driving signals together with an image data signal received from the outside or an image data signal stored in an internal memory. The image supplier 110 may transmit the data signal and the various driving signals to the timing controller 120.

[0038] The timing controller 120 may output a gate timing control signal GDC for controlling the operation timing of the scan driver 130, a data timing control signal DDC for controlling the operation timing of the data driver 140, and various synchronization signals (a vertical synchronization signal Vsync and a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync). The timing controller 120 may transmit the data signal DATA received from the image supplier 110 to the data driver 140 together with the data timing control signal DDC. The timing controller 120 may be configured in the form of an integrated circuit (IC) and mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB), but should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0039] The scan driver 130 may output a scan signal (or a scan voltage) in response to a gate timing control signal GDC received from the timing controller 120. The scan driver 130 may transmit the scan signal to the sub-pixels included in the display panel 150 through the scan lines GL1 to GLm. The scan driver 130 may be configured in the form of an IC, or may be directly formed on the display panel 150 in a gate-in-panel (GIP) manner, which should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0040] The data driver 140 may sample and latch the data signal DATA in response to the data timing control signal DDC received from the timing controller 120, and convert the digital data signal into an analog data voltage based on the gamma reference voltage. The data driver 140 may supply the data voltage to the sub-pixels included in the display panel 150 through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The data driver 140 may be configured in the form of an IC and mounted on the display panel 150 or may be mounted on a PCB, but should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0041] The power supply 180 may generate a high potential first power and a low potential second power based on an external input voltage received from the outside, and output the high potential first power and the low potential second power through a first power line EVDD and a second power line EVSS. The power supply 180 may generate and output a voltage required to drive the scan driver 130 (e.g., a gate voltage including a gate high voltage and a gate low voltage) or a voltage required to drive the data driver 140 (e.g., a drain voltage including a full drain voltage and a half drain voltage).

[0042] The display panel 150 may display an image in response to a drive signal including a scan signal and a data voltage, a first power, and a second power. The sub-pixels of the display panel 150 directly emit light. The display panel 150 may be manufactured based on a rigid or flexible substrate formed of a material such as glass, silicon, or polyimide. In addition, the sub-pixels that emit light may be red, green, and blue (RGB) sub-pixels or red, green, blue, and white (RGBW) sub-pixels that form a pixel.

[0043] For example, one sub-pixel SP may be connected to a first gate line GL1, a first data line DL1, a first power line EVDD, and a second power line EVSS. The sub-pixel SP may include a pixel circuit having a switching transistor, a driving transistor, a capacitor, and an organic light emitting diode. The sub-pixel SP used in the light emitting display device directly emits light, which has a complex circuit configuration. In addition, there are various compensation circuits for compensating not only the degradation of the organic light emitting diode that emits light but also the degradation of the driving transistor that applies a driving current to the organic light emitting diode. In the context, the sub-pixel SP is simplified and shown in the form of a block.

[0044] The timing controller 120 , the scan driver 130 , and the data driver 140 described above are described as separate components. However, according to an embodiment of the light emitting display device, one or more of the timing controller 120 , the scan driver 130 , and the data driver 140 may be integrated into one IC.

[0045] Figures 3 to 6 is a block diagram showing a touch display device.

[0046] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the touch display device may include a display panel 150 (or PNL), a touch sensor 155 (or TSP), a data driver 140 (or DIC), and a touch driver 145 (or ROIC) (readout circuit or sensing circuit).

[0047] The touch sensor 155, which is an input device capable of receiving a touch input from a user, may be provided together with the display panel 150 that displays an image. The touch sensor 155 may have a touch electrode. The touch sensor 155 may be implemented as a separate touch sensor, implemented together with a part of the display panel 150, or implemented inside the display panel 150 (integrated with the display panel 150), depending on how the touch electrode and its peripheral structure are manufactured.

[0048] The touch driver 145 may detect the presence or absence of a touch on the display panel 150 and information about the position of the input based on a process of applying a touch driving voltage through a touch electrode included in the touch sensor 155 and performing sensing. The touch driver 145 may operate in conjunction with the touch sensor 155 and sense a user's finger touch or a pen touch.

[0049] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The touch driver 145 may be implemented in various ways depending on how the touch panel 150 and the touch sensor 155 are implemented. For example, the touch driver 145 may be configured in the form of an integrated circuit (IC) separate from the data driver 140 or may be incorporated into the data driver 140.

[0050] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a touch display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A detailed diagram of a sensor unit is shown. Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 8 A diagram of a cross section of the sensor unit shown taken along line A1 - A2 .

[0051] refer to Figure 7 , the touch sensor 155 may include first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 , second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2 , and dummy touch electrodes DMY arranged in the active area AA.

[0052] The first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 may be connected to the touch driver 145 through the first touch lines TX L1 and TX L2. The second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2 may be connected to the touch driver 145 through the second touch lines RX L1 and RX L2. The virtual touch electrodes DMY may be connected to the touch driver 145 through the virtual touch lines DML. The first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 and the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2 may be arranged on the same layer, crossing each other. The virtual touch electrodes DMY may be arranged near the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 and the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2 on the same layer, in particular, between the branches of the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 and between the branches of the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2.

[0053] The first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 and / or the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2 may be mesh touch electrodes. Each opening in the mesh touch electrode may correspond to a light-emitting area of ​​a sub-pixel. The shape of the virtual electrode DMY may be formed by partially disconnecting some connections inside the mesh touch electrode. However, the shapes and arrangements of the touch electrodes TX1, TX2, RX1, and RX2 and the virtual touch electrode DMY according to the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0054] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2, the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2, and the dummy touch electrode DMY may be interposed between the second insulating layer INS2 and the third insulating layer INS3. The first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2, the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2, and the dummy touch electrode DMY may be spaced apart (electrically isolated) from each other in the active area AA. In addition, even in the sensor unit SEN forming one sensing area, the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 and the dummy touch electrode DMY except the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2 may be arranged separately from each other.

[0055] The structures of the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 , the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2 , and the dummy touch electrode DMY will be described below, focusing on some of the touch electrodes TX1 , TX2 , RX1 , RX2 , and DMY arranged in the sensor unit SEN.

[0056] The second touch electrode RX1 may include a main electrode portion RX1M extending in the first direction (horizontal direction) and a plurality of sub-electrode portions RX1S branched at both ends of the main electrode portion RX1M. Therefore, in the sensing unit SEN, the second touch electrode RX1 may extend in the first direction (horizontal direction) and have a plurality of branches without being disconnected.

[0057] In the sensing unit SEN, the first touch electrode TX1 may extend in the second direction (vertical direction), including one electrode portion TX1A disposed on one side of the main electrode portion RX1M of the second touch electrode RX1 and another electrode portion TX1B disposed on the other side of the main electrode portion RX1M of the second touch electrode RX1. Each of the one electrode portion TX1A and the other electrode portion TX1B of the first touch electrode TX1 may include a main electrode portion TX1M extending in the second direction (vertical direction) and an extended electrode portion TX1S extending from the main electrode portion TX1M in the first direction (horizontal direction). Therefore, in the sensing unit SEN, the first touch electrode TX1 may extend in the second direction (vertical direction) and be divided into a plurality of portions.

[0058] The virtual touch electrode DMY may be separately arranged, wherein the separated portions are arranged between the branch portions of the second touch electrode RX1 and between the branch portions of the first touch electrode TX1. The virtual touch electrode DMY may include an F-shaped portion DMYF and an I-shaped portion DMYI. The F-shaped portion DMYF of the virtual touch electrode DMY may be arranged near the corner of the second touch electrode RX1. In addition, the I-shaped portion DMYI of the virtual touch electrode DMY may be arranged along the first direction (horizontal direction) in the F-shaped portion DMYF. Relative to other electrodes, each of the I-shaped portions DMYI of the virtual touch electrode DMY may be arranged between the extended electrode portions TX1S of the first touch electrode TX1. Therefore, in the sensor unit SEN, the virtual touch electrode DMY may have a plurality of portions between the branches of the second touch electrode RX1 and the branches of the first touch electrode TX1.

[0059] Although the virtual touch electrode DMY has a plurality of portions arranged between the branches of the second touch electrode RX1 and the branches of the first touch electrode TX1, the portions may be electrically connected to each other through the first connection electrode BRD1 located between the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2. That is, the individually arranged portions of the virtual touch electrode DMY may be electrically connected to each other by contacting the first connection electrode BRD1 exposed through the first contact hole CH1.

[0060] Each of the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 may also be located between the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2, and separated portions thereof may be electrically connected by contacting the second connection electrode BRD2 exposed through the second contact hole CH2. Although the second connection electrode BRD2 is located on the first insulating layer INS1 like the first connection electrode BRD1, the second connection electrode BRD2 is electrically isolated (separately disposed) from the first connection electrode BRD1.

[0061] The structure of the virtual touch electrode according to the present invention is only shown and described for better understanding, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 When the above-described touch sensor 155 is formed in a series of processes involved in manufacturing the display panel 150, the overall structure of the touch sensor 155 and the display panel 150 and specific portions thereof will be shown and described as follows.

[0062] Fig.10 and Fig.11 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a connection structure of first touch electrodes and a connection structure of dummy touch electrodes, and an overall structure of a display panel and a touch sensor.

[0063] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 The display panel 150 may include a transistor layer TFT forming a thin film transistor and a light emitting diode layer OLED forming an organic light emitting diode. The touch sensor 155 may include a first touch electrode TX, a second touch electrode RX, and a dummy touch electrode DMY.

[0064] The touch sensor 155 may be implemented as an in-box type or an on-box type formed in a series of processes for manufacturing the display panel 150 and an off-box type separately attached to the display panel 150. The connection structure between the first touch electrode part and the dummy touch electrode part will be described in the context of the on-box type.

[0065] The multi-buffer layer 112 may be disposed on the substrate 111. The transistor layer TFT may be disposed on the multi-buffer layer 112. The transistor layer TFT may include a semiconductor layer 134 stacked on the multi-buffer layer 112, a gate insulating layer 102, a gate 132, an interlayer insulating layer 114, and a source electrode 136 and a drain electrode 138 in contact with the semiconductor layer 134. The transistor layer TFT shown is a driving transistor that supplies a driving current to the organic light emitting diode. A protective layer 108, a planarization layer 118, and a bank 128 may be stacked on the transistor layer TFT.

[0066] The light emitting diode layer OLED may be disposed on the bank 128. The light emitting diode layer OLED may include a lower electrode 122 electrically connected to the drain electrode 138 of the transistor layer TFT through a contact hole 116, a light emitting layer 124, and an upper electrode 126. The upper electrode 126 may be connected to a second power line that transmits a second power through a jump electrode 104 on the planarization layer 118 and an interlayer electrode 106 on the interlayer insulating layer 114. The lower electrode 122 may be selected as an anode, and the upper electrode 126 may be selected as a cathode, which should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention. The light emitting layer 124 may emit red light, green light, blue light, or white light, without being limited thereto.

[0067] The transistor layer TFT and the light emitting diode layer OLED may be protected by the encapsulation layer ENC. The encapsulation layer ENC may include a first inorganic layer 142, an organic layer 144, and a second inorganic layer 146. The second inorganic layer 146 may cover a region including the first partition wall 186 located at an edge of the substrate 111. However, the encapsulation layer ENC may be formed as a single layer and may vary according to the shape of the structure on the substrate 111, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0068] The first touch electrode TX, the second touch electrode RX, the virtual touch electrode DMY and the touch connection line SL may be disposed between the touch buffer layer 148 and the touch protection layer 188 on the encapsulation layer ENC. The touch connection line SL may be used to electrically connect at least one of the first touch electrode TX, the second touch electrode RX or the virtual touch electrode DMY to the touch pad PAD. The touch protection layer 188 may partially cover the second partition wall 178 (anti-crack wall) located outside the first partition wall 186, but should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention.

[0069] The touch pad PAD may be located outside the second partition wall 178 or at the edge of the substrate 111. The touch pad PAD may include a lower touch electrode 172 and an upper touch electrode 174 stacked on the multi-buffer layer 112. The lower touch electrode 172 may be formed of the same material as the drain electrode 138 and located on the interlayer insulating layer 114. The upper touch electrode 174 may be formed of the same material as the touch electrode TE and located on the touch buffer layer 148. The upper touch electrode 174 may be electrically connected to the lower touch electrode 172 exposed by the touch pad contact hole 176 penetrating the protective layer 108 and the touch buffer layer 148. In addition, the touch pad PAD may be electrically connected to the touch connection line SL through the touch connection electrode 184 located between the substrate 111 and the second partition wall 178. The touch connection electrode 184 may be connected to the touch connection line SL through the first side contact hole 182a and connected to the upper touch electrode 174 through the second side contact hole 182b.

[0070] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 8 ② in the figure shows an example of a portion of a virtual touch electrode. Fig.11 It is shown Figure 8 ① in FIG. 1 represents an example of a portion of a first touch electrode. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the dummy touch electrode DMY may be electrically connected to the first connection electrode BRD1 exposed through the first contact hole 148a penetrating the touch buffer layer 148. The first touch electrode TX may be electrically connected to the second connection electrode BRD2 exposed through the second contact hole 148b penetrating the touch buffer layer 148.

[0071] The touch sensor 155 may be formed in the form of a film or implemented in the form of a panel together with the display panel 150. In this case, the touch sensor 155 may have a size of about 1:1 corresponding to the size of the display panel 150. In addition, even when the size of the touch sensor 155 is increased to correspond to the size of the display panel 150, an input may be received through an active pen. Therefore, a method of increasing the transmission and reception sensitivity of a signal is required.

[0072] Fig.12 and Fig.13 is a diagram showing a method of sensing an active pen, Fig.14 and Fig.15 is a diagram showing a touch display device and a driving method thereof according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig.16 and Fig.17 FIG. 1 is a diagram referred to for explaining the effects of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 , the touch display device can sense the presence or absence of a touch (i.e., a pen touch by the active pen A-Pen placed on the touch sensor 155). In addition, the touch display device can sense the pressure applied to the touch sensor 155 by the active pen A-Pen or a hovering state in which the active pen A-Pen hovers above the touch sensor 155 by a predetermined distance.

[0074] The touch display device may transmit and receive signals between the touch sensor 155 and the active pen A-Pen to sense various types of inputs by the active pen A-Pen. An example of signal transmission and reception is given below.

[0075] First, the touch sensor 155 (or the sensing circuit SEN) may generate an uplink signal to be sent to the active pen A-Pen, as shown in “(1) Uplink generation”. Then, the active pen A-Pen may sense the uplink signal generated from the touch sensor 155, as shown in “(2) Uplink sensing”. The active pen A-Pen may generate a downlink pulse to be sent to the touch sensor 155, as shown in “(3) Downlink pulse”. The touch sensor 155 may sense the downlink pulse generated from the active pen A-Pen, as shown in “(4) Downlink sensing”.

[0076] After the touch sensor 155 and the active pen A-Pen exchange signals in the above process, a process of sensing the presence or absence of finger touch may be performed, as shown in “(5) Finger sensing”, which should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0077] "(1) Uplink generation" to "(5) Finger sensing" may be performed during the duration of one frame (e.g., the Nth frame). During the duration of the next frame (e.g., the N+1th frame), the process of sensing the presence or absence of a touch by the active pen A-Pen and the finger may be performed in the same flow.

[0078] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the touch driver 145 may operate alone during an uplink signal generation period (UPLINK GENERATION) and a downlink pulse sensing period (DOWNLINK SENSING) to synchronize with the active pen and sense the active pen.

[0079] During the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation), the touch driver 145 may generate uplink signals Tx, Rx, and Dmy to be sent to the active pen A-Pen through the first touch line TXL1, the second touch line RXL1, and the virtual touch line DML. The uplink signals Tx, Rx, and Dmy may be sent to the first touch electrode TX1, the second touch electrode RX1, and the virtual touch electrode DMY through the first touch line TXL1, the second touch line RXL1, and the virtual touch line DML, respectively. The active pen may obtain at least one of the uplink signals Tx, Rx, and Dmy sent through the touch electrodes TX1, RX1, and DMY. The uplink signal Rx output through the second touch line RXL1 may be omitted from the uplink signals Tx, Rx, and Dmy.

[0080] During the downlink pulse sensing period (Downlink Sensing), the touch driver 145 may generate a downlink signal Tx for sensing a downlink pulse from the active pen through the first touch line TXL1. The downlink signal Tx may be transmitted to the first touch electrode TX1 through the first touch line TXL1.

[0081] The active pen can transmit and receive position information based on the downlink signal Tx transmitted through the first touch line TXL1 and transmit at least one of the strength, position, pressure or tilt of the active pen. During the downlink pulse generation period (downlink sensing), the touch driver 145 can output a logic low signal Low or a low voltage VSS (or ground voltage) through the virtual touch line DML without generating (outputting) a signal to be transmitted through the second touch line RXL1.

[0082] refer to Fig.16 , since other electrodes or lines are located nearby, the sensor unit SEN including the first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX may not be free of parasitic capacitance components (parasitic capacitance / parasitic components). Therefore, arranging the virtual electrode DMY in an area adjacent to the sensor unit SEN or inside the sensor unit SEN can improve uplink performance and reduce noise.

[0083] refer to Fig.17 When the virtual electrode DMY is disposed in a region adjacent to the sensor unit SEN or inside the sensor unit SEN and is used for uplink driving, uplink performance may be significantly improved and noise may be significantly reduced.

[0084] The significant improvement of uplink performance can be attributed to the required uplink power increased by sending the uplink signal to the virtual electrode DMY during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation). In addition, the significant noise reduction can be attributed to the possibility of reducing the occurrence of the parasitic capacitance component Cp and improving the noise shielding capability by sending the logic low signal Low or the low voltage VSS (or ground voltage) to the virtual electrode DMY during the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing).

[0085] Fig.18 is an exemplary internal circuit diagram showing a touch driver according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig.19 is a diagram showing an example of a module configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] refer to Fig.18 The touch driver 145 may include a controller MCU, a first level shifter LS1 (Tx), a second level shifter LS2 (Uplink), a first switch TS, a first circuit Tx_SSU, an uplink unit Uplink, a second switch RS, and a second circuit Rx_SSU.

[0087] The controller MCU can control the first level shifter LS1 (Tx), the second level shifter LS2 (Uplink), the first switch TS and the second switch RS. The controller MCU can control the first level shifter LS1 (Tx) based on the first control signal PWM_Tx, control the second level shifter LS2 (Uplink) based on the second control signal PWM_Uplink, and control the first switch TS and the second switch RS based on the third control signal Up_Con.

[0088] The first level shifter LS1 (Tx) may operate based on the first control signal PWM_Tx. The first level shifter LS1 (Tx) may generate and output a voltage or a signal to be provided to the first circuit Tx_SSU based on the first voltage Tx voltage.

[0089] The second level shifter LS2 (Uplink) can operate based on the second control signal PWM_Uplink. The second level shifter LS2 (Uplink) can generate and output a voltage or signal to be provided to the uplink unit Uplink based on the second voltage Uplink voltage. In addition, the second level shifter LS2 (Uplink) can output an uplink signal through the third channel DCH of the touch driver 145, or output a logic low signal Low or a low voltage VSS (or ground voltage).

[0090] The first circuit Tx_SSU may output or sense a first touch signal through the first channel TCH of the touch driver 145. The second circuit Rx_SSU may output or sense a second touch signal through the second channel RCH of the touch driver 145. The uplink unit Uplink may output an uplink signal through the first channel TCH of the touch driver 145 or the second channel RCH of the touch driver 145.

[0091] The first switch TS can electrically connect the first channel TCH to the first circuit Tx_SSU or the uplink unit Uplink based on the third control signal Up_Con. The second switch RS can electrically connect the second channel RCH to the second circuit Rx_SSU or the uplink unit Uplink based on the third control signal Up_Con. That is, the first switch TS and the second switch RS can be used for input / output of channel control signals.

[0092] The touch driver 145 may include a first channel TCH connected to the first touch line TXL1, a second channel RCH connected to the second touch line RXL1, and a third channel DCH connected to the dummy touch line DML. The touch driver 145 may selectively output a signal required for touch in response to the operation of the first switch TS and the second switch RS. In addition, the touch driver 145 may selectively output a signal required for touch or a signal or voltage to reduce noise in response to the operation of the second level shifter LS2 (Uplink).

[0093] refer to Fig.19 , the touch driver 145 may be mounted on a substrate on which the touch sensor 155 is implemented. As previously described, the touch sensor 155 may be formed in a series of processes involved in manufacturing the display panel 150. Therefore, the touch sensor 155 and the touch driver 145 may be implemented in one module together with the touch panel 150.

[0094] Fig. 20 , Fig.21 , Fig. 22 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting each mode in a touch display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] refer to Fig.18 , Fig.19 and Fig. 20 , the touch display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be set to a mode for reducing the RC load in the uplink (load reduction mode). The load reduction mode reduces the load caused by signal driving by excluding the output of the second uplink signal Rx during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation), and reduces noise by outputting a logic low signal Low or a low voltage VSS (or ground voltage) during the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing).

[0096] In order to realize the load reduction mode, it can be configured to output the first uplink signal Tx during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation), and not output the remaining second uplink signal Rx and the virtual touch signal Dmy. For this purpose, the third control signal Up_Con can be a logic high H, but is not limited thereto. Since the signal is output during the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing) Fig.15 The signal operation will not be described here because the signal operation operates in the manner shown.

[0097] refer to Fig.18 and Fig.21 , the touch display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be set to an uplink power boost mode. The uplink power boost mode increases the uplink power by using the virtual touch signal Dmy for uplink signal application and the first uplink signal Tx and the second uplink signal Rx during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation), and reduces noise by outputting a logic low signal Low or a low voltage VSS (or a ground voltage) during the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing).

[0098] In order to implement the uplink power boost mode, it can be configured to output the virtual touch signal Dmy together with the first uplink signal Tx and the second uplink signal Rx during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation). For this purpose, the third control signal Up_Con can be a logic high H, but is not limited thereto. Since the signal is at a high level during the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing), the virtual touch signal Dmy can be output together with the first uplink signal Tx and the second uplink signal Rx. Fig.15 The signal operation will not be described here because the signal operation operates in the manner shown.

[0099] refer to Fig.18 and Fig. 22, the touch display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be set to a user specified mode. The user specified mode can be regarded as an intermediate mode between the load reduction mode and the uplink power boost mode. The user specified mode sets the uplink power to an appropriate level using only the first uplink signal Tx and the second uplink signal Rx during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation), and reduces noise by outputting a logic low signal Low or a low voltage VSS (or ground voltage) during the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing).

[0100] In order to implement the user specified mode, it can be configured to output the first uplink signal Tx and the second uplink signal Rx during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation) without outputting the remaining virtual touch signal Dmy. For this purpose, the third control signal Up_Con can be a logic high H, but is not limited thereto. Since the signal is at a high level during the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing), the third control signal Up_Con can be at a high level during the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing). Fig.15 The signal operation will not be described here because the signal operation operates in the manner shown.

[0101] Fig.23 is a diagram showing an example of a module configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Fig.24 2 is an exemplary internal circuit diagram showing a touch driver according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] refer to Fig.23 , the touch sensor 155 and the touch driver 145 may be implemented in one module together with the touch panel 150. Unlike the first embodiment, the touch display device module according to the second embodiment may further include a ring-shaped guard member RG surrounding the active area AA. The ring-shaped guard member RG may be connected to the virtual touch line DML like the virtual touch electrode DMY.

[0103] The ring guard RG is disposed to surround the active area AA. Thus, when a signal or voltage to be applied to the dummy electrode DMY is transmitted to the ring guard RG, the radiation area can be increased enough to further increase uplink power or further reduce noise.

[0104] refer to Fig.24 , the touch driver 145 may include a controller MCU, a first level shifter LS1 (Tx), a second level shifter LS2 (Uplink), a first switch TS, a first circuit Tx_SSU, an uplink unit Uplink, a second switch RS, a second circuit Rx_SSU, a third switch DS, and a third circuit VSS. The remaining components except the third switch DS and the third circuit VSS refer to Fig.18 Description.

[0105] The third switch DS may operate in response to the third control signal Up_Con, like the first switch TS and the second switch RS. The signal or voltage output through the third channel DCH may be different according to the operation of the third switch DS. The third switch DS may connect the third channel DCH to the third circuit VSS or the uplink unit Uplink.

[0106] The touch driver 145 may include a first channel TCH connected to the first touch line TXL1, a second channel RCH connected to the second touch line RXL1, and a third channel DCH connected to the dummy touch line DMY. The touch driver 145 may selectively output a signal required for touch in response to the operation of the first switch TS and the second switch RS. In addition, the touch driver 145 may selectively output a signal required for touch or a signal or voltage to reduce noise in response to the operation of the third switch DS.

[0107] Although the dummy touch electrode DMY is connected to the third channel DCH of the touch driver 145 through the dummy touch line DML, the dummy touch electrode DMY may be placed in an electrically floating state when necessary (eg, when the third switch DS does not contact VSS or Uplink).

[0108] Fig.25 is a diagram showing a touch display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, Fig.26 It is shown Fig.25 Detailed diagram of the touch sensor shown. The following description of the third embodiment focuses on the differences from the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[0109] refer to Fig.25 and Fig.26 , the touch sensor 155 may include first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2, second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2, first dummy touch electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2, second dummy touch electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2, first dummy transistors TDT1 and TDT2, and second dummy transistors RDT1 and RDT2. The first dummy transistors TDT1 and TDT2 and the second dummy transistors RDT1 and RDT2 may be formed in the form of a thin film inside the touch sensor 155, or may be formed in the form of an IC outside the touch sensor 155.

[0110] The first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 may be connected to the touch driver 145 through the first touch lines TXL1 and TXL2. The second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2 may be connected to the touch driver 145 through the second touch lines RXL1 and RXL2. The first dummy touch electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2 may be connected to the first touch lines TXL1 and TXL2 through the first dummy transistors TDT1 and TDT2. The second dummy touch electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2 may be connected to the second touch lines RXL1 and RXL2 through the second dummy transistors RDT1 and RDT2.

[0111] The first virtual transistors TDT1 and TDT2 may have first electrodes connected to the first virtual touch electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2, respectively, second electrodes connected to the first touch lines TXL1 and TXL2, respectively, and gates commonly connected to the virtual touch line DML. The second virtual transistors RDT1 and RDT2 may have first electrodes connected to the second virtual touch electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2, respectively, second electrodes connected to the second touch lines RXL1 and RXL2, respectively, and gates commonly connected to the virtual touch line DML.

[0112] When the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2, the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2, the first dummy touch electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2, the second dummy touch electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2, the first dummy transistors TDT1 and TDT2, and the second dummy transistors RDT1 and RDT2 are connected in the above manner, the following operations may be performed.

[0113] When a logic high signal is applied through the virtual touch line DML, the first virtual transistors TDT1 and TDT2 and the second virtual transistors RDT1 and RDT2 may all be turned on. When the first virtual transistors TDT1 and TDT2 are turned on, the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 may be electrically connected to the first virtual touch electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2, respectively. For example, the first touch electrode TX1 and the first virtual touch electrode TDMY1 may form a TX touch electrode in the first row, and the first touch electrode TX2 and the first virtual touch electrode TDMY2 may form a TX touch electrode in the second row. When the second virtual transistors RDT1 and RDT2 are turned on, the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2 may be electrically connected to the second virtual touch electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2, respectively. For example, the second touch electrode RX1 and the second virtual touch electrode RDMY1 may form an RX touch electrode in the first row, and the second touch electrode RX2 and the second virtual touch electrode RDMY2 may form an RX touch electrode in the second row.

[0114] Therefore, when the first and second dummy transistors TDT1 and TDT2 and RDT1 and RDT2 are turned on, the first and second dummy touch electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2 may perform the same function as the first and second touch electrodes TX1 and TX2, and the second dummy touch electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2 may perform the same function as the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2.

[0115] Compared with the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the F-shaped portion DMYF and the I-shaped portion DMYI of the virtual electrode can be separated from each other to form the first virtual touch electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2 and the second virtual touch electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2, respectively, and perform different functions. Referring to the first virtual touch electrode TDMY1 that forms the TX touch electrode of the first row together with the first touch electrode TX1, the I-shaped portion DMYI can be electrically connected to each other through the third connection electrode BRD3. Referring to the second virtual touch electrode RDMY that forms the RX touch electrode of the first row together with the second touch electrode RX1, the F-shaped portion DMYF can be electrically connected to each other through the fourth connection electrode BRD4. As described above, the third connection electrode BRD3 and the fourth connection electrode BRD4 are located below the first virtual electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2 and the second virtual electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2, and are isolated by the insulating layer. As described above, in the third embodiment, the virtual touch electrodes connected in common within one sensor unit are separated to perform different functions.

[0116] The touch driver 145 may include a controller MCU, a first level shifter LS1 (Tx), a second level shifter LS2 (Uplink), first switches TS1 and TS2, a first circuit Tx_SSU, an uplink unit Uplink, second switches RS1 and RS2, and a second circuit Rx_SSU.

[0117] Since the virtual electrode of the third embodiment has the above structure, the touch driver 145 can be modified to output the virtual control signal Dmy_Con through the third channel DCH instead of outputting the uplink signal or outputting the logic low signal or the low voltage (or the ground voltage). In addition, the first virtual transistors TDT1 and TDT2 and the second virtual transistors RDT1 and RDT2 can be turned on or off at the same time in response to the virtual control signal Dmy_Con output through the third channel DCH of the touch driver 145.

[0118] However, this is only an example, and the first dummy transistors TDT1 and TDT2 and the second dummy transistors RDT1 and RDT2 may be connected to different channels of the touch driver 145 to be turned on or off at different periods.

[0119] Figures 27 to 30FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting each mode in a touch display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] refer to Fig. 27 and Fig.28 , the touch display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be set to a mode for reducing the RC load in the uplink (load reduction mode). In the load reduction mode, when the first uplink signal Tx and the second uplink signal Rx are output, the first virtual touch electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2 and the second virtual touch electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2 are in an unused state to reduce the load during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation).

[0121] In order to implement the load reduction mode, the dummy control signal Dmy_Con may be output during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation) to turn off the first dummy transistors TDT1 and TDT2 and the second dummy transistors RDT1 and RDT2 .

[0122] refer to Fig. 27 and Fig.29 , the touch display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be set to an uplink performance and pen touch enhancement mode. In the uplink performance and pen touch enhancement mode, the first uplink signal Tx and the second uplink signal Rx are output through the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2, the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2, the first virtual electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2, and the second virtual electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2 during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation).

[0123] In order to realize the uplink performance and the pen contact enhancement mode, the virtual control signal Dmy_Con can be output during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation) to turn on the first virtual transistors TDT1 and TDT2 and the second virtual transistors RDT1 and RDT2. When the first virtual touch electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2 and the second virtual touch electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2 are used in the uplink in the same manner as the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 and the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2, the signal Pen according to the contact of the active pen can be easily sensed during the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing).

[0124] When the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 and the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2 are electrically disconnected from the first virtual touch electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2 and the second virtual touch electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2 during the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing), the noise introduced by the parasitic capacitance and the driving load can be reduced, thereby further improving the pen contact accuracy of the active pen.

[0125] refer to Fig. 27 and Fig.30 , the touch display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be set to the hovering performance and pen hovering enhancement mode. The hovering performance and pen hovering enhancement mode are similar to the uplink performance and pen contact enhancement mode, except that the first virtual touch electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2 and the second virtual touch electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2 are used in the same manner as the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 and the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2 even during the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing).

[0126] In order to achieve hovering performance and pen hovering enhancement mode, a virtual control signal Dmy_Con can be output during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation) and the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing) to turn on the first virtual electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2 and the second virtual electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2. In other words, during the uplink signal generation period (uplink generation) and the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing), the first virtual electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2 and the second virtual electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2 can remain in a conductive state. When the first virtual touch electrodes TDMY1 and TDMY2 and the second virtual touch electrodes RDMY1 and RDMY2 are used in the same manner as the first touch electrodes TX1 and TX2 and the second touch electrodes RX1 and RX2 in the uplink and downlink, it can be easily determined whether the active pen is hovering during the downlink pulse sensing period (downlink sensing).

[0127] As can be seen from the foregoing description of the present invention, since the virtual touch electrode is formed around the touch electrode and a specific signal or voltage is applied through the virtual touch electrode, the signal transmission / reception sensitivity between the active pen and the device can be improved and the noise can be reduced. In addition, the problem of signal transmission and reception degradation caused by the space occupation of the virtual electrode can be solved by using the virtual touch electrode for different purposes in each driving mode. In addition, based on the improvement of the ability to send signals to / receive signals from the active pen, the recognition ability (no interruption) or driving ability (movement, such as painting) of the active pen can be improved.

[0128] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A touch display device, include: a display panel, the display panel being configured to display an image; a touch sensor including first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes arranged on the display panel to cross each other and dummy touch electrodes disposed adjacent to the first touch electrodes and the second touch electrodes; as well as a touch driver configured to drive the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode and apply a signal or a voltage to the virtual touch electrode, wherein, during an uplink signal generation period for generating a signal to be transmitted to an active pen located on the touch sensor, the touch driver applies the same uplink signal as that applied to the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode to the virtual touch electrode, Wherein, during a downlink pulse sensing period of sensing a pen signal generated from an active pen located on the touch sensor, the touch driver applies a logic low signal or a low voltage to the virtual touch electrode.

2. The touch display device according to claim 1, in, The touch driver applies a logic low signal or a low voltage to the virtual touch electrode during an uplink signal generation period for generating a signal to be transmitted to an active pen located on the touch sensor.

3. The touch display device according to claim 1, in, The touch sensor further includes a ring-shaped guard member arranged to surround an active area where the first touch electrode, the second touch electrode, and the dummy touch electrode are placed, and The touch driver applies the signal or the voltage to the annular protective member.

4. The touch display device according to claim 1, in, The virtual touch electrode comprises: a first virtual touch electrode configured to perform the same function as the first touch electrode; and The second virtual touch electrode is configured to perform the same function as the second touch electrode.

5. The touch display device according to claim 4, in, When a first dummy transistor located between the first touch electrode and the first channel of the touch driver is turned on, the first dummy touch electrode performs the same function as the first touch electrode, and When the second dummy transistor located between the second touch electrode and the second channel of the touch driver is turned on, the second dummy touch electrode performs the same function as the second touch electrode.

6. The touch display device according to claim 5, in, The first dummy transistor and the second dummy transistor are simultaneously turned on or off in response to a dummy control signal output from a third channel of the touch driver.

7. The touch display device according to claim 6, in, The touch driver comprises: a switch configured to control input and output of the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel; A circuit configured to output or sense the signal when the circuit is connected to one of the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel through the switch; and A controller configured to control the switch and the circuit.

8. The touch display device according to claim 1,[ wherein,[ The virtual touch electrode is located between multiple parts of the first touch electrode and between multiple parts of the second touch electrode, and the virtual touch electrode is on the same layer as the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode.

9. A driving method for a touch display device, the touch display device comprising:[ A display panel configured to display an image; A touch sensor including a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode arranged to cross each other on the display panel and a virtual touch electrode provided adjacent to the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode; And a touch driver configured to drive the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode and apply a signal or voltage to the virtual touch electrode, the method comprising:[ Generating an uplink signal to be sent to an active pen located on the touch sensor; and Sensing a downlink pulse generated from the active pen located on the touch sensor,[ wherein, during the uplink signal generation, the same signal as the uplink signal applied to the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode is applied to the virtual touch electrode,[ wherein, during the downlink pulse sensing, a logic low signal or a low voltage is applied to the virtual touch electrode.

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