Electronic device

By introducing a collaborative design of display layer, sensor layer, controller and driver in flexible electronic devices, the problem of malfunction of sensing electrodes during the rolling or folding process of flexible electronic devices is solved, thereby improving the reliability of the device and the user experience.

CN114690951BActive Publication Date: 2026-07-10SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
Filing Date
2021-12-28
Publication Date
2026-07-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing flexible electronic devices are prone to touch malfunctions during the rolling or folding process, which can lead to malfunctions or failures of the sensing electrodes, affecting the user experience.

Method used

It adopts a structural design that includes a display layer, a sensor layer, a controller, a display driver, and a sensing driver. It generates a change signal by detecting changes in the area of ​​the display layer, controls the driving mode of the sensing electrodes, distinguishes between image display areas and non-display areas, and optimizes the transmission of synchronization signals to reduce malfunctions.

Benefits of technology

This effectively prevents malfunctions of the sensing electrodes in flexible electronic devices during rolling or folding, improving device reliability and user experience.

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Abstract

An electronic device comprising: a display layer comprising an active area and a peripheral area adjacent to the active area, wherein the active area comprises a first area displaying an image; a sensor layer disposed on the display layer and comprising a plurality of sensing electrodes; a controller configured to generate a change signal in response to a change in a surface area of the first area; a display driver configured to transmit a horizontal synchronization signal to the display layer in response to the change signal; and a sensing driver configured to control at least some of the plurality of sensing electrodes in response to the horizontal synchronization signal.
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Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0187685, filed on December 30, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an electronic device capable of preventing touch malfunctions. Background Technology

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, navigation devices, and smart TVs, typically include display devices for displaying those images. A display device is an output device used to present information in a visual form. For example, a display device generates images and provides them to the user through a screen. Due to technological advancements, various types of display devices are being developed. For example, various flexible display devices that can be changed into curved shapes or can be folded or rolled up are under development. Flexible display devices are easy to carry and can improve user convenience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device comprising: a display layer including an active region and a peripheral region adjacent to the active region, wherein the active region includes a first region for displaying an image; a sensor layer disposed on the display layer and including a plurality of sensing electrodes; a controller configured to generate a change signal in response to a change in the surface area of ​​the first region; a display driver configured to transmit a horizontal synchronization signal to the display layer in response to the change signal; and a sensing driver configured to control at least some of the plurality of sensing electrodes in response to the horizontal synchronization signal.

[0006] Due to the change in the display layer, the active region may further include a second region where no image is displayed, wherein the sensing driver drives the sensing electrode among the plurality of sensing electrodes that overlaps with the first region, and does not drive the sensing electrode among the plurality of sensing electrodes that overlaps with the second region.

[0007] The change signal may include information about a first ratio of the first region to the active region and a second ratio of the second region to the active region.

[0008] The display driver can also transmit a vertical synchronization signal to the display layer, wherein the vertical synchronization signal may include a first cycle providing a low-level signal and a second cycle providing a high-level signal, and the horizontal synchronization signal may include a third cycle synchronized with the first cycle and a fourth cycle synchronized with the second cycle.

[0009] The third period may include a first partial period and a second partial period, and the horizontal synchronization signal may include a first signal and a second signal, wherein the first signal may be provided in the first partial period and the second signal may be provided in the second partial period.

[0010] The second part of the cycle may occur after the first part of the cycle.

[0011] The sensing driver can drive some of the plurality of sensing electrodes in response to the first signal, and can not drive the remaining sensing electrodes in response to the second signal.

[0012] The third ratio of the first partial period to the third period can be the same as the first ratio, and the fourth ratio of the second partial period to the third period can be the same as the second ratio.

[0013] The first signal can be provided based on the first ratio, and the second signal can be provided based on the second ratio.

[0014] The first signal may include a repeating square wave. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the inventive concept and, together with the description, serve to describe the inventive concept. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 1B The curled state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2B The folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 3This is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a display layer and a display driver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6A A display layer according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 6B The vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0025] Figure 7A A display layer according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 7B The vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0027] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown; and

[0028] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A sensor layer, a sensing driver, and a display driver are illustrated according to embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers.

[0030] The same reference numerals throughout this specification indicate the same elements. In the drawings, for the purpose of effectively describing the technical content, the thickness, ratio, and dimensions of the elements may be exaggerated.

[0031] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0032] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, areas, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or part from another. Therefore, the first element, component, area, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer, or part. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms.

[0033] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element (or more elements) or feature (or more features) as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings, the spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the apparatus during use or operation.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the inventive concept pertains. It will also be understood that, unless expressly defined herein, terms such as those defined in a general dictionary should be interpreted as having meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and not as having an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0035] It will also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” or “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0036] The inventive concept will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 1B The curled state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe electronic device 1000 may have a shape extending in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. The normal direction of the electronic device 1000, in other words, the thickness direction of the electronic device 1000, is indicated by a third direction DR3. In this specification, the phrases "when viewed in a plane," "in a plane," or "surface area when viewed in a plane" may refer to the view in the third direction DR3. The front (or top) and rear (or bottom) surfaces of each of the layers and cells described below are distinguished based on the third direction DR3. However, the directions indicated from the first direction DR1 to the third direction DR3 are relative and can be converted to different directions, such as opposite directions.

[0039] The top surface of the electronic device 1000 may be a display surface DS1. The display surface DS1 may have a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. An image IM generated in the electronic device 1000 can be provided to the user through the display surface DS1. An application icon is shown as an example of an image IM.

[0040] The display surface DS1 may include an active region AA and a peripheral region NA adjacent to the active region AA. The active region AA may be an area operated by an electrical signal. The peripheral region NA may surround the active region AA and form the boundary of the electronic device 1000 printed in a predetermined color. However, this is an example, and in embodiments of the present invention, the peripheral region NA may be adjacent only to a portion of the active region AA or the peripheral region NA may be omitted.

[0041] Electronic device 1000 may include large electronic devices such as televisions, monitors, and outdoor digital signage. Additionally, electronic device 1000 may include small to medium-sized electronic devices such as personal computers, laptops, personal digital assistants, car navigation systems, game consoles, smartphones, tablets, and cameras. However, these are examples, and electronic device 1000 may include a variety of other electronic devices.

[0042] Electronic device 1000 can be a flexible electronic device that can be rolled up. For example, electronic device 1000 can be a rollable electronic device.

[0043] The electronic device 1000 can be rolled up in the first direction DR1. The electronic device 1000 can be rolled into a circular shape. The user can carry the electronic device 1000 in its rolled-up state and can unfold the electronic device 1000 as needed to view images. In this case, the portability of the electronic device 1000 can be enhanced.

[0044] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2BThe folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0045] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The electronic device 1000-1 can display an image IM via a display surface DS-1. The display surface DS-1 may include an active region AA-1 and a peripheral region NA-1 adjacent to the active region AA-1. The active region AA-1 may be an area operated by an electrical signal. The peripheral region NA-1 may surround the active region AA-1 and form a boundary of the electronic device 1000-1 printed in a predetermined color. However, the peripheral region NA-1 is not limited to this; it may only be adjacent to a portion of the active region AA-1, or the peripheral region NA-1 may be omitted.

[0046] According to embodiments of the present invention, the electronic device 1000-1 may include a flexible material and can be folded about a folding axis. For example, the electronic device 1000-1 may include a first flat portion NFA1, a second flat portion NFA2, a third flat portion NFA3, a first folded portion FA1, and a second folded portion FA2.

[0047] The first flat portion NFA1 may be disposed between the second flat portion NFA2 and the third flat portion NFA3. The first folded portion FA1 may be disposed between the first flat portion NFA1 and the second flat portion NFA2, and the second folded portion FA2 may be disposed between the first flat portion NFA1 and the third flat portion NFA3.

[0048] Each of the first flat portion NFA1, the second flat portion NFA2, and the third flat portion NFA3 may have a flat shape and may not be folded. The first folding portion FA1 may be folded about a first folding axis FX1. The second folding portion FA2 may be folded about a second folding axis FX2. Each of the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2 may extend in the same direction as the second direction DR2.

[0049] In embodiments of the present invention, the second folding portion FA2 can be folded after the first folding portion FA1 is folded. Alternatively, the first folding portion FA1 can be folded after the second folding portion FA2 is folded. In other words, the electronic device 1000-1 according to embodiments of the present invention can be folded by either or both of the first folding portion FA1 and the second folding portion FA2, regardless of the order.

[0050] In the folded state, the first folded portion FA1 may have a first radius of curvature. The second folded portion FA2 may have a second radius of curvature. The first and second radii of curvature may be the same. Since the first folded portion FA1 is folded, the first flat portion NFA1 and the second flat portion NFA2 may face each other. The first flat portion NFA1 and the second flat portion NFA2 may not be exposed to the outside. Since the second folded portion FA2 is folded, the third flat portion NFA3 may be exposed to the outside. Image IM may be displayed on the third flat portion NFA3.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 The electronic device 1000 may include a display layer 100, a sensor layer 200, a display driver 100C, a sensor driver 200C, and a controller 1000C.

[0053] Display layer 100 can generate images including IM (see image IM). Figure 1A The display layer 100 is a component of the image. The display layer 100 may be a light-emitting display layer, and may be, for example, an organic light-emitting display layer, a quantum dot display layer, a micro light-emitting diode (LED) display layer, or a nano LED display layer.

[0054] A sensor layer 200 may be disposed on a display layer 100. The sensor layer 200 may sense external input 2000 applied from the outside (e.g., user input through the user's body).

[0055] The controller 1000C can control the overall operation of the electronic device 1000 or detect changes in the electronic device 1000. For example, the controller 1000C can control the operation of the display driver 100C and the sensor driver 200C. The controller 1000C may include at least one microprocessor and may be referred to as a host.

[0056] The display driver 100C can control the display layer 100. The controller 1000C may also include a graphics controller. The display driver 100C can receive change signals TS, image data RGB, and data control signals D-CS from the controller 1000C.

[0057] The change signal TS can be generated by detecting changes in the display layer 100. The controller 1000C can be generated by detecting changes in the rollable electronic device 1000 (see...). Figure 1BThe rollable display layer 100 generates a change signal TS by detecting the roll-up state of the rollable electronic device 100-1 (see [link to controller 1000C]). For example, the change signal TS may include information about the unfolded area and the rolled-up area. Furthermore, the controller 1000C can detect the rollable electronic device 1000-1 (see [link to controller 1000C]). Figure 2B The change signal TS is generated by adjusting the folded state of the foldable display layer 100-1. For example, the change signal TS may include information about areas exposed to the outside and areas not exposed to the outside. For example, the change signal TS may indicate that the first flat portion NFA1 is not exposed to the outside and the third flat portion NFA3 is exposed to the outside.

[0058] The data control signal D-CS can include various signals. For example, the data control signal D-CS can include an input vertical synchronization signal, an input horizontal synchronization signal, a master clock signal, and a data enable signal. The display driver 100C can generate a vertical synchronization signal Vsync and a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync to control the timing of signals provided to the display layer 100 based on the data control signal D-CS and the change signal TS. The vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync will be described later.

[0059] The display driver 100C can provide the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync to the sensor driver 200C.

[0060] The sensor driver 200C can control the sensor layer 200. The sensor driver 200C can receive a control signal I-CS from the controller 1000C. The control signal I-CS may include a clock signal. The sensor driver 200C can calculate the coordinate information of an external input 2000 (e.g., user input) based on the signal received from the sensor layer 200, and can provide the controller 1000C with a coordinate signal I-SS including that coordinate information. The controller 1000C can allow the execution of an operation corresponding to the user input based on the coordinate signal I-SS. For example, the controller 1000C can operate the display driver 100C based on the coordinate signal I-SS to display a new application image on the display layer 100.

[0061] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] refer to Figure 4A The electronic device 1000 may include a display layer 100 and a sensor layer 200. The display layer 100 may include a substrate layer 110, a circuit layer 120, a light-emitting element layer 130, and an encapsulation layer 140.

[0063] The substrate layer 110 may be a component providing a substrate surface on which the circuit layer 120 is disposed. The substrate layer 110 may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer substrate. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the substrate layer 110 may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0064] The substrate layer 110 may have a multilayer structure. For example, the substrate layer 110 may include a first synthetic resin layer and silicon dioxide (SiO2) disposed on the first synthetic resin layer. x ) layer, set in silicon oxide layer (SiO) x The amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer is disposed on the amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer and a second synthetic resin layer disposed on the amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer. The silicon oxide layer and the amorphous silicon layer can be referred to as substrate barrier layers.

[0065] 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 selected from acrylate-based resins, methacrylate-based resins, polyisoprene-based resins, vinyl resins, epoxy-based resins, polyurethane-based resins, cellulose-based resins, siloxane-based resins, polyamide-based resins, and perylene-based resins. In this specification, "~~"-based resin can refer to a "~~"-based resin including the "~~" functional group.

[0066] Circuit layer 120 may be disposed on substrate layer 110. Circuit layer 120 may include insulating layers, semiconductor patterns, conductive patterns, and signal lines, etc. The insulating layer, semiconductor layer, and conductive layer may be formed on substrate layer 110 by methods such as coating and deposition, and thereafter the insulating layer, semiconductor layer, and conductive layer may be selectively patterned by multiple photolithography processes. Subsequently, semiconductor patterns, conductive patterns, and signal lines included in circuit layer 120 may be formed.

[0067] 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. For example, the light-emitting element layer 130 may include organic light-emitting materials, quantum dots, quantum rods, micro LEDs, or nano LEDs.

[0068] An encapsulation layer 140 may 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.

[0069] The sensor layer 200 can be formed on the display layer 100 via a continuous process. In this case, the sensor layer 200 can be said to be directly disposed on the display layer 100. For example, the sensor layer 200 can be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer 140. The phrase "directly disposed" can mean that no third component is disposed between the sensor layer 200 and the display layer 100. In other words, no separate adhesive member may be disposed between the sensor layer 200 and the display layer 100. Optionally, the sensor layer 200 may be bonded to the display layer 100 by an adhesive member. The adhesive member may include an adhesive or a separable adhesive.

[0070] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. When given regarding... Figure 4B The description has been referenced. Figure 4A When the components described are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, the description of these components may be omitted.

[0071] refer to Figure 4B The electronic device 1000a may include a display layer 100a and a sensor layer 200a. The display layer 100a may include a substrate 110a, a circuit layer 120a, a light-emitting element layer 130a, a packaging substrate 140a, and a bonding member 150a.

[0072] Each of the substrate 110a and the encapsulation substrate 140a may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate or a polymer substrate, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0073] A bonding member 150a may be disposed between the substrate 110a and the encapsulation substrate 140a. For example, the bonding member 150a may be in direct contact with both the substrate 110a and the encapsulation substrate 140a. The bonding member 150a can bond the encapsulation substrate 140a to the substrate 110a or the circuit layer 120a. The bonding member 150a may comprise inorganic or organic materials. For example, inorganic materials may include frit seals, and organic materials may include photocurable resins or photoplastic resins. However, the materials constituting the bonding member 150a are not limited to the examples above.

[0074] The sensor layer 200a can be directly disposed on the encapsulation substrate 140a. The phrase "directly disposed" can mean that no third component is disposed between the sensor layer 200a and the encapsulation substrate 140a. In other words, no separate adhesive member is required between the sensor layer 200a and the display layer 100a. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and an adhesive layer may be further disposed between the sensor layer 200a and the encapsulation substrate 140a.

[0075] Figure 5This is a block diagram of a display layer and a display driver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] refer to Figure 5 An active region DP-AA and a surrounding peripheral region DP-NAA can be provided in the display layer 100. The active region DP-AA can be a region activated according to an electrical signal. The active region DP-AA can be associated with an electronic device 1000 (see [link]). Figure 1A The active region AA (see) Figure 1A The outer region of DP-NAA overlaps with electronic device 1000 (see...). Figure 1A The outer region NA (see) Figure 1A )overlapping.

[0077] Display layer 100 may include multiple scan lines SL1 to SLn, multiple data lines DL1 to DLm, and multiple pixels PX. Each pixel PX may be connected to a corresponding data line among the multiple data lines DL1 to DLm and to a corresponding scan line among the multiple scan lines SL1 to SLn. In embodiments of the present invention, display layer 100 may further include light emission control lines, and display driver 100C may further include light emission driving circuitry that provides control signals to the light emission control lines. The construction of display layer 100 is not particularly limited.

[0078] The display driver 100C may include a signal control circuit 100C1, a scan drive circuit 100C2, and a data drive circuit 100C3.

[0079] Signal control circuit 100C1 can control controller 1000C (see...) Figure 3 It receives the change signal TS, image data RGB, and data control signal D-CS.

[0080] The signal control circuit 100C1 can generate a first control signal CONT1 based on the data control signal D-CS, and generate a vertical synchronization signal Vsync based on the data control signal D-CS and the change signal TS. The signal control circuit 100C1 can output the first control signal CONT1 and the vertical synchronization signal Vsync to the scan drive circuit 100C2. The vertical synchronization signal Vsync can also be included in the first control signal CONT1.

[0081] The signal control circuit 100C1 can generate a second control signal CONT2 based on the data control signal D-CS, and generate a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync based on the data control signal D-CS and the change signal TS. The signal control circuit 100C1 can output the second control signal CONT2 and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync to the data drive circuit 100C3. The horizontal synchronization signal Hsync can also be included in the second control signal CONT2.

[0082] Furthermore, the signal control circuit 100C1 can output the data signal DS obtained by processing the image data RGB to the data drive circuit 100C3 according to the operating conditions of the display layer 100. The first control signal CONT1 and the second control signal CONT2 are the signals required for the operation of the scan drive circuit 100C2 and the data drive circuit 100C3, respectively, and are not particularly limited.

[0083] The scan drive circuit 100C2 can drive multiple scan lines SL1 to SLn in response to the first control signal CONT1 and the vertical synchronization signal Vsync. In embodiments of the present invention, this can be achieved in conjunction with the circuit layer 120 in the display layer 100 (see...). Figure 4A The same process is used to form the scan drive circuit 100C2, but the scan drive circuit 100C2 is not limited thereto. For example, the scan drive circuit 100C2 can be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) to be directly mounted on a predetermined area of ​​the display layer 100, or it can be mounted on a separate printed circuit board by a film-on-fly (COF) method to be electrically connected to the display layer 100.

[0084] The data driving circuit 100C3 can respond to the second control signal CONT2, the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, and the data signal DS from the signal control circuit 100C1 to output grayscale voltages for driving multiple data lines DL1 to DLm. The data driving circuit 100C3 can be implemented as an integrated circuit to be directly mounted on a predetermined area of ​​the display layer 100, or it can be mounted on a separate printed circuit board using a film-on-chip method for electrical connection to the display layer 100, but there are no particular limitations on the data driving circuit 100C3. For example, the data driving circuit 100C3 can be connected to the circuit layer 120 in the display layer 100 (see...). Figure 4A Formed using the same process.

[0085] Figure 6A A display layer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, and Figure 6B The vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal are shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6A and Figure 6B The display layer 100 may be rollable. The active region DP-AA of the display layer 100 may include a first region DA and a second region NDA. The first region DA may include an unfolded region. The first region DA may display an image IM (see image IM). Figure 1A The second region NDA may include a curled area. The second region NDA may not display an image. However, it should be understood that in some cases, the second region NDA may display an image.

[0087] The controller 1000C can generate a change signal TS by detecting changes in the first region DA and the second region NDA. For example, the change signal TS can be detected in response to the curling or folding of the display layer 100. The controller 1000C can transmit the change signal TS to the display driver 100C. The change signal TS may include information about a first ratio of the first region DA to the active region DP-AA of the display layer 100 and a second ratio of the second region NDA to the active region DP-AA of the display layer 100. For example, the first ratio may be approximately 80%, and the second ratio may be approximately 20%. However, this is an example, and the first and second ratios according to embodiments of the present invention may vary depending on the degree to which the display layer 100 is curled.

[0088] The display driver 100C can transmit the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, which are generated based on the change signal TS, to the display layer 100.

[0089] Display layer 100 can display an image for each frame period FR. The frame period FR can be the period from the falling edge of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync to the next falling edge of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync. However, this is an example, and the frame period FR according to embodiments of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the frame period FR can be the period from the rising edge of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync to the next rising edge of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync.

[0090] When the operating frequency of the display layer 100 is approximately 60 Hz, the corresponding frame period FR can be approximately 16.44 ms, and when the operating frequency of the display layer 100 is approximately 120 Hz, the corresponding frame period FR can be approximately 8.33 ms.

[0091] In a frame period FR, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync may include a first period AR1 providing a low-level signal and a second period AR2 providing a high-level signal. In other words, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync may be low in the first period AR1 and high in the second period AR2. The horizontal synchronization signal Hsync may include a third period AR3 synchronized with the first period AR1 and a fourth period AR4 synchronized with the second period AR2. In other words, the third period AR3 may overlap with the first period AR1 and the fourth period AR4 may overlap with the second period AR2.

[0092] The vertical synchronization signal Vsync can define the frame period FR of the display layer 100. In other words, the pulse period of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync can be set to the length of the frame period FR. The frequency corresponding to the period set to the length of the frame period FR as described above can be called the display frame rate.

[0093] The horizontal synchronization signal Hsync indicates the horizontal time required to write data to a pixel PX in a row of the display layer 100. In other words, the pulse period of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync can be set to the horizontal time.

[0094] Display time can be a period of time obtained by multiplying the number of rows of pixels PX of display layer 100 by the horizontal time. In other words, display time can be a period of time required to write data to all rows of display layer 100. For example, display time can include a second period AR2 and a fourth period AR4.

[0095] The display porch time can be set as a period obtained by excluding the display time from the frame period FR. In other words, the display porch time can be the period during which data is not written to display layer 100. For example, the display porch time can include a first period AR1 and a third period AR3. In other words, at the beginning of the frame period FR, no data is written to display layer 100.

[0096] The third period AR3 may include a first period P1 and a second period P2 depending on the changing signal TS. The first period P1 and the second period P2 may be the first and second sub-periods of the third period AR3, respectively. The second period P2 may appear after the first period P1. The third ratio of the first period P1 to the third period AR3 may be the same as the first ratio of the first region DA to the active region DP-AA. The fourth ratio of the second period P2 to the third period AR3 may be the same as the second ratio of the second region NDA to the active region DP-AA. For example, the third ratio may be approximately 80%, and the fourth ratio may be approximately 20%.

[0097] The horizontal synchronization signal Hsync may include a first signal SG1 and a second signal SG2. The first signal SG1 can be provided during a first partial period P1. The first signal SG1 can be provided based on a second region NDA. The first signal SG1 may include a signal with a repeating square wave shape. The second signal SG2 can be provided during a second partial period P2. The second signal SG2 can be provided based on the first region DA. The second signal SG2 may include a high-level signal. In other words, the first signal SG1 may correspond to the second region NDA and the second signal SG2 may correspond to the first region DA.

[0098] The display driver 100C can provide a vertical synchronization signal Vsync and a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync to the sensor driver 200C. The sensor driver 200C can separate a first region DA from a second region NDA based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. For example, the sensor driver 200C can identify the first region DA displaying an image based on a high-level second signal SG2, and can identify the second region NDA, which does not display an image, based on a first signal SG1 having a repeating square wave shape. In other words, the first signal SG1 and the second signal SG2 can respectively identify the non-image display area and the image display area of ​​the display layer 100. The sensor driver 200C can control the sensor layer 200 based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. A description of this will be given later.

[0099] Figure 7A A display layer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, and Figure 7B The vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. When given about Figure 7B The description has been referenced. Figure 6B When the components described are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, the description of these components may be omitted.

[0100] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 7A and Figure 7B The display layer 100-1 can be foldable. An active region can be provided in the display layer 100-1. The active region of the display layer 100-1 can be connected to the electronic device 1000-1 (see...). Figure 2A The active region AA-1 (see) Figure 2A )overlapping.

[0101] The active region of display layer 100-1 may include a first region DA-1 and multiple second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b. The first region DA-1 may include a region exposed to the outside. The first region DA-1 may be connected to a third planar portion NFA3 (see...). Figure 2BOverlap. The first region DA-1 can display including image IM (see...). Figure 2A The image is shown. Each of the plurality of second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b may include an area not exposed to the outside. The plurality of second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b may not display an image. However, in some cases, the plurality of second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b may display an image. The plurality of second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b may include a first non-display region NDA-1a and a second non-display region NDA-1b. The first non-display region NDA-1a may be associated with a first flat portion NFA1 (see [link to image]). Figure 2B The second non-display area NDA-1b may overlap with the second flat portion NFA2 (see...). Figure 2B (Overlap.) Multiple second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b can face each other.

[0102] The controller 1000C can generate a change signal TS by detecting changes in the surface area of ​​each of the first region DA-1 and the plurality of second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b. The controller 1000C can transmit the change signal TS to the display driver 100C. The change signal TS may include information about a first ratio of the first region DA-1 to the active area of ​​the display layer 100-1 and a second ratio of the plurality of second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b to the active area. For example, the first ratio may be approximately 1 / 3 and the second ratio may be approximately 2 / 3. However, this is an example, and the first and second ratios according to embodiments of the present invention may vary depending on the folded state of the display layer 100-1. For example, the first ratio may be 1 / 4 and the second ratio may be 3 / 4.

[0103] The display driver 100C can transmit the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync-1, which are generated based on the change signal TS, to the display layer 100-1.

[0104] The horizontal synchronization signal Hsync-1 may include a third period AR3-1 synchronized with the first period AR1 of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and a fourth period AR4-1 synchronized with the second period AR2 of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync.

[0105] The third period AR3-1 may include a first partial period P1-1 and a second partial period P2-1 depending on the changing signal TS. For example, the first partial period P1-1 may correspond to a first state of the changing signal TS, and the second partial period P2-1 may correspond to a second state of the changing signal TS. The third ratio of the first partial period P1-1 to the third period AR3-1 may be the same as the first ratio of the first region DA-1 to the active region. The fourth ratio of the second partial period P2-1 to the third period AR3-1 may be the same as the second ratio of the multiple second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b to the active region. For example, the third ratio may be approximately 1 / 3, and the fourth ratio may be approximately 2 / 3.

[0106] The horizontal synchronization signal Hsync-1 may include a first signal SG1-1 and a second signal SG2-1. The first signal SG1-1 may be provided during a first partial period P1-1. The first signal SG1-1 may be provided based on a first ratio or a first region DA-1. In other words, the first signal SG1-1 can identify the first region DA-1. The first signal SG1-1 may include a high-level signal. The second signal SG2-1 may be provided during a second partial period P2-1. The second signal SG2-1 may be provided based on a second ratio or multiple second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b. In other words, the second signal SG2-1 can identify multiple second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b. The second signal SG2-1 may include a signal with a repeating square wave shape.

[0107] The display driver 100C can provide a vertical synchronization signal Vsync and a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync-1 to the sensor driver 200C. The sensor driver 200C can separate a first region DA-1 from a plurality of second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync-1. For example, the sensor driver 200C can identify the first region DA-1 displaying an image based on a high-level first signal SG1-1, and can identify the plurality of second regions NDA-1a and NDA-1b not displaying an image based on a second signal SG2-1 having a repeating square wave shape. The sensor driver 200C can control the sensor layer 200 based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync-1. Its description will be given later.

[0108] Figure 8A The vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. When given about Figure 8A The description has been referenced. Figure 6B When the components described are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, the description of these components may be omitted.

[0109] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 8A The controller 1000C can generate a change signal TS by detecting changes in the surface area of ​​each of the first and second regions. The controller 1000C can transmit the change signal TS to the display driver 100C. The change signal TS can include information about a first ratio of the first region displaying an image to the active region DP-AA of the display layer 100 and a second ratio of the second region not displaying an image to the active region DP-AA.

[0110] The display driver 100C can transmit the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsynca, which are generated based on the changing signal TS, to the display layer 100. In other words, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsynca are generated in response to the changing signal TS.

[0111] The horizontal synchronization signal Hsynca may include a third period AR3a synchronized with the first period AR1 of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and a fourth period AR4a synchronized with the second period AR2 of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync.

[0112] The third period AR3a may include a first period Pla and a second period P2a, depending on the state of the changing signal TS. The third ratio of the first period P1a to the third period AR3a may be the same as the first ratio. The fourth ratio of the second period P2a to the third period AR3a may be the same as the second ratio.

[0113] The horizontal synchronization signal Hsynca may include a first signal SG1a and a second signal SG2a. The first signal SG1a may be provided during a first partial period P1a. The first signal SG1a may be provided based on a first region of the display layer 100. A portion of the first signal SG1a may be provided during the first partial period Plaa, and the remainder of the first signal SG1a may be provided during the second partial period P2a. For example, a portion of the first signal SG1a during the first partial period P1a may be high and then transition to low. The remainder of the first signal SG1a during the second partial period P2a may be low. The second signal SG2a may be provided based on a second region. The second signal SG2a may include a high-level signal. For example, the second signal SG2a may remain high throughout the entire second partial period P2a.

[0114] The display driver 100C can provide a vertical synchronization signal Vsync and a horizontal synchronization signal Hsynca to the sensor driver 200C. The sensor driver 200C can separate a first region from a second region based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsynca. For example, the sensor driver 200C can separate a first region displaying an image from a second region not displaying an image based on the boundary BDa between a first partial period P1a and a second partial period P2a of the first signal SGla. The sensor driver 200C can control the sensor layer 200 based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsynca.

[0115] Figure 8B The vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. When given about Figure 8B The description has been referenced. Figure 6B When the components described are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, the description of these components may be omitted.

[0116] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 8B The controller 1000C can generate a change signal TS by detecting changes in the first and second regions. The controller 1000C can transmit the change signal TS to the display driver 100C. The change signal TS can include information about a first ratio of the first region displaying the image to the active region DP-AA of the display layer 100 and a second ratio of the second region not displaying the image to the active region DP-AA.

[0117] The display driver 100C can transmit the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsyncb, which are generated based on the change signal TS, to the display layer 100.

[0118] The horizontal synchronization signal Hsyncb may include a third period AR3b synchronized with the first period AR1 of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and a fourth period AR4b synchronized with the second period AR2 of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync.

[0119] The third period AR3b may include a first period P1b and a second period P2b defined based on the changing signal TS. The third ratio of the first period P1b to the third period AR3b may be the same as the first ratio. The fourth ratio of the second period P2b to the third period AR3b may be the same as the second ratio.

[0120] The horizontal synchronization signal Hsyncb may include a first signal SG1b and a second signal SG2b. The first signal SG1b may be provided within a first partial period P1b. The first signal SG1b may be provided based on a first region of the display layer 100. The first signal SG1b may include signals provided immediately after the boundary BD1b between the third period AR3b and the fourth period AR4b, and immediately after the boundary BD2b between the first partial period P1b and the second partial period P2b. The second signal SG2b may be provided based on a second region. The second signal SG2b may include a high-level signal.

[0121] The display driver 100C can provide a vertical synchronization signal Vsync and a horizontal synchronization signal Hsyncb to the sensing driver 200C. The sensing driver 200C can separate a first region from a second region based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsyncb. For example, the sensing driver 200C can identify the first region providing an image based on a signal provided after the boundary BD1b between the third period AR3b and the fourth period AR4b, and can identify the second region not providing an image based on a signal provided after the boundary BD2b between the first partial period P1b and the second partial period P2b. The sensing driver 200C can control the sensor layer 200 based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsyncb.

[0122] Figure 9A The illustration shows a sensor layer, a sensing driver, and a display driver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 9A An active region IS-AA and a surrounding peripheral region IS-NAA can be provided in the sensor layer 200. The active region IS-AA can be a region activated according to an electrical signal. For example, the active region IS-AA can be a region used for sensing input. When viewed on a plane, the active region IS-AA can be integrated with the display layer 100 (see [link to display layer 100]). Figure 5 The active region DP-AA (see) Figure 5 The outer IS-NAA region overlaps with the display layer 100 (see [link]). Figure 5 The outer region of DP-NAA (see ) Figure 5 )overlapping.

[0124] The sensor layer 200 may include a substrate insulating layer BS, multiple sensing electrodes TE, and multiple sensing lines TL. The multiple sensing electrodes TE may have their own coordinate information. The multiple sensing electrodes TE may be disposed in an active region IS-AA, a portion of each of the multiple sensing lines TL may be disposed in the active region IS-AA, and the remaining portion of each of the multiple sensing lines TL may be disposed in a peripheral region IS-NAA.

[0125] The substrate insulating layer BS can be an inorganic layer including silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide. Optionally, the substrate insulating layer BS can be an organic layer including epoxy resin, acrylic resin, or imide resin. The substrate insulating layer BS can be formed directly on the display layer 100 (see...). Figure 3 Alternatively, the substrate insulating layer BS can be bonded to the display layer 100 via an adhesive component (see [link]). Figure 3 ).

[0126] Multiple sensing electrodes TE can have their own coordinate information. For example, multiple sensing electrodes TE can be arranged in a matrix. Multiple sensing electrodes TE can be electrically connected to multiple sensing lines TL respectively. Multiple sensing electrodes TE and multiple sensing lines TL can be arranged in different layers. The sensor layer 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention can acquire coordinate information using a self-capacitance method.

[0127] Figure 9A The plurality of sensing electrodes TE are shown as each having a rectangular shape, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, each of the plurality of sensing electrodes TE may have a polygonal shape.

[0128] Multiple sensing electrodes TE may comprise conductive materials. For example, conductive materials may comprise metals or alloys thereof. Examples of metals may include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and platinum (Pt). Each of the multiple sensing electrodes TE may have a mesh structure. However, this is just an example, and the multiple sensing electrodes TE may also be composed of transparent conductive materials. Examples of transparent conductive materials may include silver nanowires (AgNW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc antimony oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), carbon nanotubes, and graphene. The multiple sensing electrodes TE may be formed from a single layer or multiple layers.

[0129] The sensor driver 200C can be controlled from the controller 1000C (see...) Figure 3The sensor driver 200C can receive the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync from the display driver 100C.

[0130] The active region IS-AA can include a third region SA and a fourth region NSA. The third region SA may overlap with the first region DA. The fourth region NSA may overlap with the second region NDA. Although Figure 9A The illustration shows a case where the third region SA and the fourth region NSA have the same surface area; however, the surface area of ​​each of the third region SA and the fourth region NSA is not limited to this in embodiments of the present invention. The third region SA and the first region DA may have the same surface area, and the fourth region NSA and the second region NDA may have the same surface area.

[0131] The sensing driver 200C can control at least some of the multiple sensing electrodes TE based on a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. The sensing driver 200C can drive the sensing electrode located in the third region SA among the multiple sensing electrodes TE based on a first signal SG1 of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. The sensing driver 200C can choose not to drive the remaining sensing electrodes among the multiple sensing electrodes TE. In other words, the sensing driver 200C can choose not to drive the sensing electrode located in the fourth region NSA among the multiple sensing electrodes TE based on a second signal SG2 of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync.

[0132] The sense driver 200C can calculate the coordinate information of an external input (e.g., user input) based on signals received from a sense electrode disposed in a third region SA among a plurality of sense electrodes TE, and can provide a coordinate signal I-SS including the coordinate information to the controller 1000C (see [link to controller 1000C]). Figure 3 ). Controller 1000C (see Figure 3 It can allow the execution of operations corresponding to user input based on the coordinate signal I-SS.

[0133] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a rollable electronic device 1000 (see...) Figure 1A ) or foldable electronic device 1000-1 (see Figure 2AIn this device, controller 1000C can generate a change signal TS by detecting changes in the surface area of ​​the first region DA and the second region NDA. Display driver 100C can generate a vertical synchronization signal Vsync and a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync based on the change signal TS, which include information about the first region DA and the second region NDA. Sensing driver 200C can control multiple sensing electrodes TE based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. Sensing driver 200C can drive the sensing electrode among the multiple sensing electrodes TE that overlaps with the first region DA based on a first signal SG1 of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. Sensing driver 200C can not drive the sensing electrode among the multiple sensing electrodes TE that overlaps with the second region NDA based on a second signal SG2 of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. For example, when electronic device 1000 or 1000-1 is folded or rolled up, sensing driver 200C can drive the sensing electrode TE located in the area where an image is intended to be displayed, and when electronic device 1000 or 1000-1 is folded or rolled up, sensing driver 200C can not drive the sensing electrode TE located in the area where an image is not intended to be displayed. Therefore, electronic device 1000 (see Figure 1A Touch failure can be prevented by not driving the sensing electrodes in the fourth NSA region, which overlaps with the second NSA region and does not display an image, and which should not be sensing touch.

[0134] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, the electronic device 1000 (see Figure 1A The sensing electrodes in the fourth NSA region, which does not require touch sensing, can be discontinued based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, which overlap with the second NSA region where no image is displayed. Therefore, the electronic device 1000 (see...) can be reduced in size. Figure 1A The power consumption of ).

[0135] Figure 9B A sensor layer, a sensing driver, and a display driver are illustrated according to embodiments of the present invention. When given regarding... Figure 9B The description has been referenced. Figure 9A When the components described are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, no description of those components will be given.

[0136] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 9B The active region IS-AA and the peripheral region IS-NAA surrounding the active region IS-AA can be provided in sensor layer 200-1.

[0137] The sensor layer 200-1 may include a substrate insulating layer BS-1, multiple first sensing electrodes TE1, multiple second sensing electrodes TE2, and multiple sensing lines TL1 and TL2. The multiple first sensing electrodes TE1 and multiple second sensing electrodes TE2 may be disposed in the active region IS-AA, and the multiple sensing lines TL1 and TL2 may be disposed in the peripheral region IS-NAA.

[0138] The sensor layer 200-1 can obtain information about external inputs by the changes in the capacitance located between the plurality of first sensing electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second sensing electrodes TE2.

[0139] A plurality of first sensing electrodes TE1 can be arranged on a first direction DR1. Each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes TE1 can extend on a second direction DR2. Each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes TE1 can include a plurality of first portions SP1 and a plurality of second portions BP1. Each of the plurality of second portions BP1 can electrically connect two adjacent first portions SP1. The plurality of first portions SP1 and the plurality of second portions BP1 can have a mesh structure.

[0140] A plurality of second sensing electrodes TE2 may be arranged on a second direction DR2. Each of the plurality of second sensing electrodes TE2 may extend on a first direction DR1. Each of the plurality of second sensing electrodes TE2 may include a plurality of sensing patterns SP2 and a plurality of bridging patterns BP2. Each of the plurality of bridging patterns BP2 may electrically connect two adjacent sensing patterns SP2. The plurality of sensing patterns SP2 may have a grid structure.

[0141] Although, Figure 9B In this diagram, a bridging pattern BP2 is shown connected to two adjacent sensing patterns SP2. However, the connection relationship between the multiple bridging patterns BP2 and the multiple sensing patterns SP2 according to embodiments of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two adjacent sensing patterns SP2 can also be connected to each other through two bridging patterns BP2.

[0142] Multiple second portions BP1 can be disposed in layers different from the layers of multiple bridging patterns BP2. The multiple bridging patterns BP2 can intersect with the multiple first sensing electrodes TE1 in an insulated manner. For example, the multiple second portions BP1 can intersect with the multiple bridging patterns BP2 in an insulated manner, respectively.

[0143] The multiple sensing lines TL1 and TL2 may include multiple first sensing lines TL1 and multiple second sensing lines TL2. The multiple first sensing lines TL1 may be electrically connected to multiple first sensing electrodes TE1 respectively. The multiple second sensing lines TL2 may be electrically connected to multiple second sensing electrodes TE2 respectively.

[0144] The sensor driver 200C can be controlled from the controller 1000C (see...) Figure 3 The sensor driver 200C can receive the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync from the display driver 100C.

[0145] The sensing driver 200C can control at least some of the multiple sensing electrodes TE based on a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. The sensing driver 200C can drive the sensing electrode TE overlapping with the first region DA based on a first signal SG1 of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. The sensing driver 200C can not drive the sensing electrode TE overlapping with the second region NDA based on a second signal SG2 of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync.

[0146] The sensor driver 200C can calculate the coordinate information of an external input (e.g., user input) based on a signal received from a sensing electrode TE disposed in the third region SA, and can provide a coordinate signal I-SS including the coordinate information to the controller 1000C (see [link]). Figure 3 ). Controller 1000C (see Figure 3 It can allow the execution of operations corresponding to user input based on the coordinate signal I-SS.

[0147] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a rollable electronic device 1000 (see...) Figure 1A ) or foldable electronic device 1000-1 (see Figure 2AIn the electronic device 1000, the controller 1000C can generate a change signal TS by detecting changes in the surface area of ​​the first region DA and the second region NDA. The display driver 100C can generate a vertical synchronization signal Vsync and a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync based on the change signal TS, which include information about the first region DA and the second region NDA. The sensor driver 200C can control a plurality of first sensing electrodes TE1 and / or a plurality of second sensing electrodes TE2 based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. Based on the first signal SG1 of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, the sensor driver 200C can drive the sensing electrode among the plurality of first sensing electrodes TE1 and / or the plurality of second sensing electrodes TE2 that overlaps with the first region DA. Based on the second signal SG2 of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, the sensor driver 200C can choose not to drive the sensing electrode among the plurality of first sensing electrodes TE1 and / or the plurality of second sensing electrodes TE2 that overlaps with the second region NDA. Therefore, the electronic device 1000 (see...) Figure 1A Touch failure can be prevented by not driving the sensing electrodes that overlap with the second region NDA that does not display an image and are located in an area where touch should not be sensed.

[0148] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, the electronic device 1000 (see Figure 1A The sensing electrodes, which overlap with the second region NDA where no image is displayed and are located in areas where touch sensing is not required, can be discontinued based on the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync. Therefore, the electronic device 1000 (see...) can be reduced in size. Figure 1A The power consumption of ).

[0149] In an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a controller can generate a change signal by detecting changes in the surface area of ​​a first area displaying an image and a second area not displaying an image. In other words, the change signal can identify the first and second areas. A display driver can generate a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal based on the change signal, including information about the first and second areas. A sensing driver can control a plurality of sensing electrodes based on the vertical and horizontal synchronization signals. The sensing driver can drive the sensing electrode among the plurality of sensing electrodes that overlaps with the first area based on the horizontal synchronization signal. The sensing driver can not drive the sensing electrode among the plurality of sensing electrodes that overlaps with the second area based on the horizontal synchronization signal. Therefore, the electronic device can prevent touch malfunctions by not driving the sensing electrodes that overlap with the second area where no image is displayed and are located in areas where touch should not be sensed. For example, when the electronic device is in a folded state, touching a display surface where no image is displayed will not trigger sensing because the sensing electrodes in these areas are not driven.

[0150] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, the electronic device can, based on vertical and horizontal synchronization signals, not drive sensing electrodes located in areas where a second area does not display an image and where touch sensing is not required. Therefore, the power consumption of the electronic device can be reduced.

[0151] While embodiments of the inventive concept have been described herein, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as set forth in the claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, wherein, The electronic device includes: The display layer includes an active region and a peripheral region adjacent to the active region, wherein the active region includes a first region for displaying an image; A sensor layer is disposed on the display layer and includes multiple sensing electrodes; The controller is configured to generate a change signal in response to a change in the surface area of ​​the first region; A display driver, configured to transmit a horizontal synchronization signal to the display layer in response to the change signal; and A sensing driver configured to control at least some of the plurality of sensing electrodes in response to the horizontal synchronization signal.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, Due to the change in the display layer, the active region also includes a second region where no image is displayed. The sensing driver drives the sensing electrode that overlaps with the first region among the plurality of sensing electrodes, but does not drive the sensing electrode that overlaps with the second region among the plurality of sensing electrodes.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The change signal includes information about a first ratio of the first region to the active region and a second ratio of the second region to the active region.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, The display driver also transmits a vertical synchronization signal to the display layer. The vertical synchronization signal includes a first cycle providing a low-level signal and a second cycle providing a high-level signal. The horizontal synchronization signal includes a third cycle synchronized with the first cycle and a fourth cycle synchronized with the second cycle.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The third cycle includes the first part of the cycle and the second part of the cycle. The horizontal synchronization signal includes a first signal and a second signal, and The first signal is provided in the first portion of the period, and the second signal is provided in the second portion of the period.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The second part of the cycle appears after the first part of the cycle.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The sensing driver drives some of the plurality of sensing electrodes in response to the first signal, and does not drive the remaining sensing electrodes in response to the second signal.

8. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The third ratio of the first partial period to the third period is the same as the first ratio, and The fourth ratio of the second part of the cycle to the third cycle is the same as the second ratio.

9. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The first signal is provided based on the first ratio, and the second signal is provided based on the second ratio.

10. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The first signal comprises a repeating square wave.