Electronic device

Abstract

The disclosure provides an electronic device including a display panel configured to display an image, an input sensing layer on the display panel and configured to operate in a first sensing mode in which a first input is sensed or a second sensing mode in which a second input provided by an input device is sensed, and a sensing controller configured to control an operation of the input sensing layer, wherein, in the first sensing mode, the sensing controller operates in a first mode in which an uplink signal for searching for the input device is transmitted to the input sensing layer at a first frequency or a second mode in which the uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at a second frequency less than the first frequency, and wherein, in the second sensing mode, the sensing controller transmits the uplink signal to the input sensing layer at the first frequency.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0037478, filed on March 23, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates herein to electronic devices having improved input sensing performance. Background Technology

[0004] Multimedia electronic devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigators, and game consoles include display devices for displaying images. In addition to common input methods such as buttons, keyboards, and mice, such electronic devices may include an input sensing layer capable of sensing touch-based input methods, allowing users to easily and intuitively input information or commands.

[0005] The input sensing layer can sense the touch or pressure of the user's body. Additionally, the input sensing layer can sense the touch or pressure of a pen used for detailed tactile input by users familiar with writing tools or for specific applications (e.g., applications for sketching or drawing). Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides electronic devices for improving the sensing sensitivity of an input sensing layer.

[0007] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide an electronic device comprising: a display panel configured to display an image; an input sensing layer on the display panel and configured to operate in a first sensing mode wherein a first input is sensed or in a second sensing mode wherein a second input provided by an input device is sensed; and a sensing controller configured to control the operation of the input sensing layer, wherein, in the first sensing mode, the sensing controller operates in either the first mode or the second mode, wherein the first mode transmits an uplink signal for searching the input device to the input sensing layer at a first frequency, the second mode transmits the uplink signal to the input sensing layer at a second frequency less than the first frequency, and wherein, in the second sensing mode, the sensing controller transmits the uplink signal to the input sensing layer at the first frequency.

[0008] The electronic device may further include: a main controller configured to control the operation of the electronic device and configured to transmit sensing control signals to the sensing controller to control the operation of the sensing controller.

[0009] The sensing control signal may include a first sensing control signal and a second sensing control signal, wherein when the first sensing control signal is received, the sensing controller operates in the first mode, and when the second sensing control signal is received, the sensing controller operates in the second mode.

[0010] The main controller can be configured to transmit the first sensing control signal to the sensing controller when a first application is executed in the electronic device, and to transmit the second sensing control signal to the sensing controller when a second application is executed in the electronic device.

[0011] The first application may include an application that receives the second input to operate, wherein the second application includes an application that receives the first input to operate.

[0012] The device sensing period during which the input sensing layer operates in the second sensing mode may include a synchronization period and an operation period, wherein the sensing controller is configured to: transmit the uplink signal to the input sensing layer at the first frequency during the synchronization period for identifying the input device, and transmit the uplink signal to the input sensing layer at a frequency less than the first frequency during the operation period in which the second input is received.

[0013] The operation period may include a first operation period and a second operation period, wherein the sensing controller is configured to: transmit the uplink signal to the input sensing layer at a third frequency less than the first frequency during the first operation period; and transmit the uplink signal to the input sensing layer at a fourth frequency less than the third frequency during the second operation period.

[0014] The device sensing period may also include a transition period for changing the frequency of the uplink signal transmitted from the sensing controller to the input sensing layer from the first frequency to a third frequency lower than the first frequency.

[0015] The transition period may include a first sub-transition period and a second sub-transition period, wherein the sensing controller is configured to: transmit the uplink signal to the input sensing layer at the first frequency during the first sub-transition period; and transmit the uplink signal to the input sensing layer at the third frequency during the second sub-transition period, wherein the first sub-transition period and the second sub-transition period are alternately repeated within the transition period.

[0016] The input sensing layer can be configured to sense the first input in the second sensing mode.

[0017] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide an electronic device comprising: a display panel configured to display an image; an input sensing layer on the display panel and configured to operate in a first sensing mode in which a first input is sensed, or in a second sensing mode in which a second input provided by an input device is sensed; and a sensing controller configured to control the operation of the input sensing layer, wherein a device sensing period in which the input sensing layer operates in the second sensing mode includes a first synchronization period and a first operation period, and wherein the sensing controller is configured to transmit a first uplink signal for searching for the first input device to the input sensing layer at a first frequency during the first synchronization period for identifying the first input device, and to transmit the first uplink signal to the input sensing layer at a frequency less than the first frequency during the first operation period in which the second input is received.

[0018] The device sensing period may further include a second operating period, wherein the sensing controller is configured to: transmit the first uplink signal to the input sensing layer at a second frequency less than the first frequency during the first operating period; and transmit the first uplink signal to the input sensing layer at a third frequency less than the second frequency during the second operating period.

[0019] The device sensing period may also include a transition period for changing the frequency of the first uplink signal transmitted from the sensing controller to the input sensing layer from the first frequency to a second frequency lower than the first frequency.

[0020] The transition period may include a first sub-transition period and a second sub-transition period, wherein the sensing controller is configured to: transmit the first uplink signal to the input sensing layer at the first frequency during the first sub-transition period; and transmit the first uplink signal to the input sensing layer at the second frequency during the second sub-transition period, wherein the first sub-transition period and the second sub-transition period are alternately repeated within the transition period.

[0021] The input sensing layer can be configured to sense a third input provided by the second input device in the second sensing mode, wherein the sensing controller is configured to: transmit a second uplink signal for searching the first input device and the second input device to the input sensing layer at the first frequency during the first synchronization period to identify the first input device and the second input device; receive the second input and the third input; and transmit the second uplink signal to the input sensing layer at a frequency less than the first frequency during the first operation period.

[0022] The input sensing layer can be configured to sense a third input provided by a second input device after the first synchronization period, wherein the device sensing period further includes a second synchronization period and a second operation period, and wherein the sensing controller is configured to: transmit a second uplink signal for searching for the first input device and the second input device to the input sensing layer at the first frequency during the second synchronization period for identifying the first input device and the second input device; and transmit the second uplink signal to the input sensing layer at a second frequency less than the first frequency during the second operation period in which the first input and the second input are received.

[0023] The sensing controller can be configured to sense the first input through the input sensing layer during a first input sensing frame in a first sensing mode, and to sense the second input through the input sensing layer during a second input sensing frame in a second sensing mode, wherein the second input sensing frame includes: a first time period, during which the sensing controller transmits the first uplink signal to the input sensing layer; a second time period, during which the sensing controller receives a downlink signal from the first input device through the input sensing layer; and a third time period, during which the sensing controller does not sense the second input through the input sensing layer.

[0024] Within the first synchronization period, the second period may include: a data period in which a data signal including information about the first input device is received; and a first position period in which a position signal including information about the second input is received, wherein, within the first operation period, the second period includes a second position period in which the position signal including the information about the second input is received, and wherein, the second period does not include a period in which the data signal including the information about the first input device is received.

[0025] The third time period within the first operation period may have a width greater than the width of the third time period within the first synchronization period.

[0026] The sensing controller can be configured to sense the first input through the input sensing layer during the third time period. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain various aspects of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the display device;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the display module;

[0031] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the configuration of the input sensing layer;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the input sensing layer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a display device and an input device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7A This is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation in a first sensing mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 7B This is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation in a second sensing mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 8A This is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation in a first mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8B This is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation in a second mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 9 It is a graph illustrating the variation of the frequency of the uplink signal over time during a device sensing period according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 10A It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 9 A conceptual diagram of the operation during the first synchronization period in the device sensing period;

[0040] Figure 10B It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 9 A conceptual diagram of the operation during the first operation period in the device sensing period;

[0041] Figure 10C It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 9 A conceptual diagram of the operation during the second operation period in the device sensing period;

[0042] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of the input sensing layer when it senses a second input and a third input according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 12 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation during a transition period according to some embodiments of this disclosure; and

[0044] Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of the input sensing layer during the downlink period according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Aspects of some embodiments of this disclosure and their implementation methods can be more readily understood by referring to the detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the described embodiments may have various modifications and may be implemented in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects of this disclosure to those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that this disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the spirit and technical scope of this disclosure. Therefore, processes, components, and techniques that are unnecessary for those skilled in the art to fully understand the aspects of this disclosure may not be described.

[0046] Unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals, characters, or combinations thereof denote the same elements throughout the drawings and written description, and therefore their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, for clarity, portions unrelated or irrelevant to the description of the embodiments may not be shown.

[0047] In the accompanying drawings, the relative dimensions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views that serve as schematic diagrams of examples and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the shapes shown in these drawings are expected due to factors such as manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Furthermore, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative and intended to describe embodiments based on the concepts of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the specific region shapes shown, but should include shape deviations due to factors such as manufacturing processes.

[0048] For example, an injection region, shown as rectangular, typically has rounded or curved edges and / or a gradient of injection concentration, rather than a binary variation from the injection region to the non-injection region. Similarly, the buried region formed by injection can result in a certain degree of injection in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the injection occurs.

[0049] Therefore, the areas shown in the accompanying drawings are purely schematic, and their shapes are not intended to represent the actual shape of the areas of the device, nor are they intended to be limiting. Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0050] In the detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, it will be apparent that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or using one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

[0051] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “below,” “above,” and “above” are used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature as shown in the figures to other elements or features. It will be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below,” “below,” or “below” other elements or features would then be positioned “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below” and “below” can cover both orientations of “above” and “below.” The device may be positioned otherwise (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when a first component is described as being arranged “above” a second component, this means that the first component is arranged above or below the second component, not limited to being above the second component based on the direction of gravity.

[0052] Furthermore, in this specification, the phrase "in a plane" or "plan view" refers to viewing the target portion from the top, and the phrase "in a cross section" refers to viewing the cross section formed by vertically cutting the target portion from the side.

[0053] It will be understood that when a component, layer, region, or assembly is referred to as being "formed" "on," "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another component, layer, region, or assembly, that component, layer, region, or assembly can be directly "formed" "on," directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "coupled to" another component, layer, region, or assembly, thereby allowing for the existence of one or more intermediate components, intermediate layers, intermediate regions, or intermediate assemblies. Furthermore, this can collectively imply direct or indirect coupling or connection, as well as integral or non-integral coupling or connection. For example, when a component, layer, region, or assembly is referred to as being "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to another component, layer, region, or assembly, that component, layer, region, or assembly may be directly "electrically connected" or directly "electrically coupled" to the other component, layer, region, and / or assembly, or there may be intermediate components, intermediate layers, intermediate regions, or intermediate assemblies. However, "directly connected or directly coupled" or "directly on" means that a component is "directly connected or coupled" to another component or "directly on" another component without any intermediate components. Similarly, other expressions describing relationships between components can be interpreted, such as "between," "directly between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to." Furthermore, it will be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as being "between" two components or two layers, that component or layer may be the only component or layer between those two components or two layers, or there may be one or more intermediate components or intermediate layers.

[0054] For the purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as "at least one" when following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and not individual elements of the list. For example, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ, or any variations thereof. Similarly, expressions such as "at least one of A and B" can include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, expressions such as "A and / or B" can include A, B, or A and B.

[0055] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and / or part from another element, component, region, layer, and / or part. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, a first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first part may be named a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second part. An element described as a “first” element may not require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. The terms “first,” “second,” etc., may also be used herein to distinguish different categories or groups of elements. For the sake of brevity, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may respectively mean “first type (or first group),” “second type (or second group),” etc.

[0056] In this example, the x-axis, y-axis, and / or z-axis are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis can be perpendicular to each other, or they can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. The same applies to a first direction, a second direction, and / or a third direction.

[0057] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and / or “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and / or “containing” are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0058] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree and are intended to explain the inherent biases of measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Taking into account the measurements discussed and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system), “approximately” or “approximately” as used herein includes the listed values ​​and means within an acceptable range of deviations from a particular value or range of values ​​as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “approximately” may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the listed values. Furthermore, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.”

[0059] When one or more embodiments can be implemented differently, a particular process sequence can be performed differently than the described sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes can be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description.

[0060] Furthermore, any numerical ranges disclosed and / or enumerated herein are intended to include all subranges containing the same numerical precision within the enumerated range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the enumerated minimum value of 1.0 and the enumerated maximum value of 10.0 (and including endpoint values), i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit enumerated herein is intended to include all smaller numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit enumerated in this specification is intended to include all larger numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including the claims) to expressly enumerate any subranges contained within the ranges expressly enumerated herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that modifications to expressly enumerate any such subranges will comply with the applicable requirements.

[0061] Electronic or electrical devices and / or any other related devices or components according to embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware to process data or digital signals. For example, various components of these devices can be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip or on a separate IC chip. Furthermore, various components of these devices can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape-on-a-package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate. The circuit hardware can include, for example, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), general-purpose or special-purpose central processing units (CPUs) configured to execute instructions stored in a non-transitory storage medium, digital signal processors (DSPs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and programmable logic devices such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0062] Furthermore, the various components of these devices can be processes or threads that run on one or more processors, execute computer program instructions within one or more computing devices, and interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in memory, which can be implemented within the computing device using standard storage devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM)). The computer program instructions can also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media (such as, for example, CD-ROMs or flash drives). Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this disclosure, the functions of various computing devices can be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device can be distributed across one or more other computing devices.

[0063] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that, unless expressly defined herein, terms (e.g., those defined in a common dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and / or in this specification, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0064] Figure 1 These are perspective views of electronic devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the display device.

[0065] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electronic device ED includes a display device DD and a first input device AP.

[0066] The display device DD can be a device activated by an electrical signal. The display device DD according to this disclosure can be used in large display devices such as televisions and monitors, as well as small and medium-sized display devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, vehicle navigation units, and game consoles. The above-described devices are provided only as some embodiments, and therefore, the electronic device ED can be used in other electronic devices unless departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0067] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device DD has a rectangular shape including a major axis in a first direction DR1 and a minor axis in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. However, the display device DD is not limited in shape. For example, the display device DD can have various shapes. The display device DD can display an image IM on a third direction DR3 on a display surface IS parallel to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The display surface IS on which the image IM is displayed can correspond to the front surface of the display device DD.

[0068] In some embodiments, the front (or top) or rear (or bottom) surface of each component may be defined based on the orientation in which the image IM is displayed. The front and rear surfaces may be opposite each other on a third direction DR3. The normal direction of each of the front and rear surfaces may be substantially parallel to the third direction DR3.

[0069] The spacing between the front and rear surfaces in the third direction DR3 can correspond to the thickness of the display device DD in the third direction DR3. The directions indicated as the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 can be relative concepts and therefore can be changed to different directions.

[0070] The display device DD can sense external input applied from the outside. External input can include various types of input provided from outside the display device DD. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the display device DD can sense a first input TC1 applied from the outside by a user US. The first input TC1 of the user US can be one or a combination of various types of external input, such as a part of the user US's body, light, heat, or pressure. In some embodiments, it can be assumed that the first input TC1 of the user US is a touch input applied by the user US's hand to the front surface, but this is merely exemplary, and therefore, as mentioned above, the first input TC1 of the user US can be provided in various forms. Additionally, depending on the structure of the display device DD, the display device DD can sense the first input TC1 of the user US applied to the side surface or rear surface of the display device DD, but is not limited to specific embodiments.

[0071] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the display device DD can sense a second input TC2 applied from an external source. The second input TC2 includes input via a first input device AP (e.g., a stylus, active pen, touch pen, electronic pen, etc.) other than the user's hand. In the following description, as an example, the case where the second input TC2 is input via an active pen will be described.

[0072] The display device DD and the first input device AP can communicate bidirectionally with each other. The display device DD can provide an uplink signal ULS to the first input device AP (see...). Figure 6 For example, the uplink signal ULS may include, but is not limited to, the synchronization signal or information of the display device DD. The first input device AP may provide the downlink signal DLS to the display device DD (see...). Figure 6 The downlink signal DLS may include synchronization signals or status information of the first input device (AP). For example, the downlink signal DLS may include, but is not limited to, the location information of the first input device (AP), the battery information of the first input device (AP), the tilt information of the first input device (AP), and / or various information stored in the first input device (AP). See later. Figure 6 The description is used to describe the uplink signal ULS and the downlink signal DLS.

[0073] The front surface of the display device DD can be divided into a transmissive region TA and a border region BZA. The transmissive region TA can be the area on which an image IM is displayed. The user US can see the image IM through the transmissive region TA. In some embodiments, each vertex of the transmissive region TA can have a rounded rectangular shape. However, this is only an example. For example, the display device DD can have various shapes and is not limited to any particular embodiment.

[0074] The border region BZA is adjacent to the transmissive region TA. The border region BZA may have a color (e.g., a predetermined color). The border region BZA may surround the transmissive region TA. Therefore, the shape of the transmissive region TA may be substantially defined by the border region BZA. However, this is only an example. For example, the border region BZA may be positioned to be adjacent only to one side of the transmissive region TA or may be omitted. The display device DD according to some embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented according to various embodiments, but is not limited to any particular embodiment.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, the display device DD may include a display module DM and a window WM located on the display module DM. The display module DM may include a display panel DP and an input sensing layer ISP.

[0076] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel DP can be an emissive display panel. For example, the display panel DP can be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. An organic light-emitting display panel may include organic light-emitting materials. The emitting layer of a quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods, etc. The display panel DP can output an image IM, and the output image IM can be displayed through the display surface IS.

[0077] The input sensing layer (ISP) can be located on the display panel (DP) to sense the first input TC1 and the second input TC2. (See below for further details.) Figure 4 and Figure 5 Describe the construction and operation of the input sensing layer (ISP).

[0078] The window WM can be made of a transparent material capable of transmitting the image IM. For example, the window WM can be made of glass, sapphire, and plastic. Although the window WM is provided as a single layer, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the window WM may include multiple layers.

[0079] In some embodiments, the bezel region BZA of the display device DD described above may be substantially provided as an area printed with a material having a color (e.g., a predetermined color) on a region of the window WM. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the window WM may include a light-blocking pattern for defining the bezel region BZA. The light-blocking pattern may be formed using a colored organic film, for example, by coating.

[0080] The window WM can be coupled to the display module DM via an adhesive film. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the adhesive film may include an optically clear adhesive film (OCA). However, the adhesive film is not limited to this and may include common adhesives or pressure-sensitive adhesives. For example, the adhesive film may include an optically clear resin (OCR) or a pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA).

[0081] An anti-reflective layer may be further located between the window WM and the display module DM. The anti-reflective layer reduces the reflectivity of external light incident from the upper side of the window WM. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the anti-reflective layer may include a retarder and a polarizer. The retarder may be a film-type retarder or a liquid crystal-coated retarder, and may include a λ / 2 retarder and / or a λ / 4 retarder. The polarizer may also be provided as a film-type polarizer or a liquid crystal-coated polarizer. The film-type may include a stretched synthetic resin, and the liquid crystal-coated type may include liquid crystals arranged in an array (e.g., a predetermined array). The retarder and polarizer may be implemented as polarizing films.

[0082] The display module DM can display an image IM based on electrical signals and can send / receive information about external inputs. The display module DM can be defined as an active region AA and a passive region NAA. The active region AA can be defined as the area on which the image IM provided from the display module DM is transmitted. Additionally, the active region AA can be defined as the area on which the input sensing layer ISP senses a first input TC1 and a second input TC2 applied externally.

[0083] The non-active region NAA is adjacent to the active region AA. For example, the non-active region NAA may surround the active region AA. However, this is merely an example. For example, the non-active region NAA may have various shapes and is not limited to any particular embodiment. According to some embodiments, the active region AA of the display module DM may correspond to at least a portion of the transmissive region TA.

[0084] The display module DM may also include a main circuit board MCB, a flexible circuit film FCB, and a driver chip DIC. The main circuit board MCB can be electrically connected to the flexible circuit film FCB and electrically connected to the display panel DP. The flexible circuit film FCB is connected to the display panel DP to electrically connect the display panel DP to the main circuit board MCB.

[0085] The main circuit board (MCB) may include multiple driving elements. These driving elements may include circuitry for driving the display panel (DP). The driving chip (DIC) may be mounted on the flexible circuit film (FCB). The flexible circuit film (FCB) according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown as a single film, but is not limited thereto. For example, multiple flexible circuit films (FCBs) may be provided and may be connected to the display panel (DP). Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a structure in which the driver chip DIC is mounted on the flexible circuit film FCB, but the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, the driver chip DIC can be directly mounted on the display panel DP. In this case, the portion of the display panel DP on which the driver chip DIC is mounted can be bent to be positioned on the rear surface of the display module DM.

[0086] The input sensing layer (ISP) can be electrically connected to the main circuit board (MCB) via a flexible circuit film (FCB). However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. That is, the display module (DM) may additionally include a flexible circuit film for electrically connecting the input sensing layer (ISP) to the main circuit board (MCB).

[0087] The display device DD also includes a housing EDC that houses the display module DM. The housing EDC may be attached to a window WM to define the appearance of the display device DD. The housing EDC absorbs external impacts and reduces or prevents foreign matter / moisture from penetrating into the display module DM to protect the components housed within the housing EDC. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the housing EDC may be provided in a shape in which multiple housing members engage with each other.

[0088] According to some embodiments, the display device DD includes an electronic module having various functional modules for driving the display module DM, a power supply module for supplying power required for the overall operation of the display device DD, and a bracket coupled to the display module DM and / or the housing EDC to divide the internal space of the display device DD.

[0089] Figure 3yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the display module.

[0090] Reference Figure 3 The display module DM may include a display panel DP and an input sensing layer ISP. The display panel DP includes a substrate layer BL, a circuit element layer DP-CL located on the substrate layer BL, a display element layer DP-OLED, and an encapsulation layer TFE. In some embodiments, the display panel DP may also include functional layers such as an anti-reflective layer and a refractive index adjustment layer.

[0091] The substrate layer BL may include at least one plastic film. The substrate layer BL may include a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, a metal substrate, and an organic / inorganic composite substrate. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the substrate layer BL may be a flexible substrate. (See also...) Figure 2 The described active region AA and non-active region NAA can be equivalently defined on the matrix layer BL.

[0092] The circuit element layer DP-CL includes at least one intermediate insulating layer and circuit elements. The intermediate insulating layer includes at least one intermediate inorganic layer and at least one intermediate organic layer. The circuit elements include signal lines and pixel driving circuits, etc.

[0093] The display element layer of a DP-OLED may include light-emitting elements. These light-emitting elements may include at least organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The DP-OLED display element layer may also include organic layers such as pixel-defining layers.

[0094] A TFE (Transmission Electrode Environment) encapsulation layer seals the DP-OLED display element layer. The TFE encapsulation layer includes at least one inorganic layer. The TFE encapsulation layer may also include at least one organic layer. The inorganic layer protects the DP-OLED display element layer from moisture / oxygen, and the organic layer protects the DP-OLED display element layer from foreign matter such as dust particles. The inorganic layer may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic layer may include an acrylic organic layer, but embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0095] The input sensing layer ISP can be positioned on the display panel DP via a continuous process. Alternatively, the input sensing layer ISP and the display panel DP can be bonded to each other via an adhesive film. The input sensing layer ISP can have a multilayer structure. The input sensing layer ISP may include an insulating layer having a single-layer or multilayer structure. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, when the input sensing layer ISP is directly positioned on the display panel DP via a continuous process, the input sensing layer ISP can be directly located on the encapsulation layer TFE, and the adhesive film may not be located between the input sensing layer ISP and the display panel DP. However, in other embodiments, the adhesive film can be located between the input sensing layer ISP and the display panel DP. In this case, the input sensing layer ISP can be fabricated together with the display panel DP without a continuous process. Therefore, after being fabricated via a process separate from the process of forming the display panel DP, the input sensing layer ISP can be fixed to the top surface of the display panel DP via the adhesive film.

[0096] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the configuration of the input sensing layer.

[0097] Reference Figure 4 The input sensing layer ISP may include a first sensing insulating layer IIL1, a first conductive layer ICL1, a second sensing insulating layer IIL2, a second conductive layer ICL2, and a third sensing insulating layer IIL3. The first sensing insulating layer IIL1 may be located directly on the encapsulation layer TFE. However, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first sensing insulating layer IIL1 may be omitted.

[0098] Each of the first conductive layer ICL1 and the second conductive layer ICL2 may include multiple conductive patterns. The conductive patterns may include multiple sensing electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 (SE1_1, SE1_2, SE1_3, SE1_4, and SE1_5) and SE2_1 to SE2_4 (SE2_1, SE2_2, SE2_3, and SE2_4) (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 ) and multiple signal lines SL1_1 to SL1_5 (SL1_1, SL1_2, SL1_3, SL1_4 and SL1_5) and SL2_1 to SL2_4 (SL2_1, SL2_2, SL2_3 and SL2_4) connected to multiple sensing electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and SE2_1 to SE2_4 (see See Figure 5 ).

[0099] Each of the first sensing insulating layer IIL1 and the second sensing insulating layer IIL2 may comprise an inorganic or organic material. In some embodiments, each of the first sensing insulating layer IIL1 and the second sensing insulating layer IIL2 may be an inorganic layer. The inorganic layer may comprise at least one oxide selected from titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The inorganic layer may have a thickness of approximately 1,000 angstroms to approximately 4,000 angstroms.

[0100] The third sensing insulating layer IIL3 can be an organic layer. The organic layer may include at least one of acrylic resins, methacrylic resins, polyisoprene resins, vinyl resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, cellulose resins, siloxane resins, polyimide resins, polyamide resins, and perylene resins. The third sensing insulating layer IIL3, which includes organic materials, can reduce or prevent moisture and other substances from being introduced from the outside into the first conductive layer ICL1 and the second conductive layer ICL2.

[0101] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the input sensing layer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] Reference Figure 5 According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the input sensing layer ISP includes an active region AA and an active region NAA adjacent to the active region AA. Multiple sensing electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and SE2_1 to SE2_4 may be located in the active region AA, and multiple signal lines SL1_1 to SL1_5 and SL2_1 to SL2_4 may be located in the active region NAA. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and SE2_1 to SE2_4 include transmitting electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and receiving electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4.

[0103] Signal lines SL1_1 to SL1_5 and SL2_1 to SL2_4 may include transmit signal lines SL1_1 to SL1_5 connected to transmit electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and receive signal lines SL2_1 to SL2_4 connected to receive electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4.

[0104] Transmitting electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and receiving electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4 intersect each other. Transmitting electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 are arranged in a first direction DR1, and each of the transmitting electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 extends in a second direction DR2. Receiving electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4 are arranged in the second direction DR2, and each of the receiving electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4 extends in the first direction DR1.

[0105] The input sensing layer (ISP) can acquire coordinate information in mutual capacitance mode. A capacitance is formed between the transmitting electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and the receiving electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4. This capacitance can be transmitted via the first input TC1 (see...). Figure 1 ) or the second input TC2 (see Figure 1 The sensing sensitivity of the input sensing layer ISP can be determined based on the change in capacitance. That is, the sensing sensitivity of the input sensing layer ISP is improved because the capacitance change caused by the first input TC1 or the second input TC2 increases.

[0106] However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and the input sensing layer ISP can acquire coordinate information in self-capacitance mode. The transmitting electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and the receiving electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4 can be integrated into a single sensing electrode to sense the first input TC1 or the second input TC2.

[0107] Each of the transmitting electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 includes a first sensor section SSP1 and a first connecting section CP1 located in the active region AA. Each of the receiving electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4 includes a second sensor section SSP2 and a second connecting section CP2 located in the active region AA.

[0108] Each of the two first sensor units SSP1 located at both ends of a transmitting electrode can have a smaller size compared to the other first sensor units SSP1, and for example, can have a size corresponding to approximately half the size of the first sensor unit SSP1 located at the center. Similarly, each of the two second sensor units SSP2 located at both ends of a receiving electrode can have a smaller size than the other second sensor units SSP2, and for example, can have a size corresponding to approximately half the size of the second sensor unit SSP2 located at the center.

[0109] exist Figure 5The present disclosure illustrates transmitting electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and receiving electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4 according to some embodiments, but their shapes are not limited thereto. In some embodiments of this disclosure, each of the transmitting electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and the receiving electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4 may have a shape in which there is no distinction between the sensor portion and the connecting portion (e.g., a strip shape). Although a first sensor portion SSP1 and a second sensor portion SSP2, both having a diamond shape, are shown as examples, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the first sensor portion SSP1 and the second sensor portion SSP2 may have different polygonal shapes.

[0110] A first sensor unit SSP1 is arranged within a transmitting electrode on a second direction DR2, and a second sensor unit SSP2 is arranged within a receiving electrode on a first direction DR1. Each first connection CP1 connects adjacent first sensor units SSP1, and each second connection CP2 connects adjacent second sensor units SSP2.

[0111] Each of the transmitting electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and the receiving electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4 can have a grid shape. Because each of the transmitting electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and the receiving electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4 has a grid shape, the size of the electrodes included in the display panel DP (see...) can be reduced. Figure 2 The parasitic capacitance of the electrodes in ).

[0112] Each of the grid-shaped transmitting electrodes SE1_1 to SE1_5 and the grid-shaped receiving electrodes SE2_1 to SE2_4 may include, but is not limited to, silver, aluminum, copper, chromium, nickel or titanium, etc.

[0113] Transmit signal lines SL1_1 to SL1_5 and receive signal lines SL2_1 to SL2_4 can be located in the non-active area (NAA).

[0114] The input sensing layer (ISP) may include input pads I_PD extending from the ends of transmit signal lines SL1_1 to SL1_5 and receive signal lines SL2_1 to SL2_4 and located in the non-active area (NAA). Input pads I_PD may be electrically connected to the transmit signal lines SL1_1 to SL1_5 and the receive signal lines SL2_1 to SL2_4. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, input pads I_PD may include transmit input pads I_PD1 to which transmit signal lines SL1_1 to SL1_5 are electrically connected, and receive input pads I_PD2 to which receive signal lines SL2_1 to SL2_4 are electrically connected.

[0115] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, a pad region PLD having an input pad I_PD thereon can be included in a non-active region NAA. The input pad I_PD can be exposed from an intermediate insulating layer included in the circuit element layer DP_CL (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 It is provided by some circuit elements in ).

[0116] The pad area PLD may also include a spacer for attaching a flexible circuit film FCB (see [link]). Figure 2 Connect to the display panel DP (see...) Figure 2 ) pixel pad D_PD.

[0117] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a display device and an input device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7A This is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation in a first sensing mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 7B This is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation in a second sensing mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0118] Reference Figure 6 The display device DD may include a display panel DP, an input sensing layer ISP, a main controller 1000, a panel controller 2000, and a sensing controller 3000.

[0119] The input sensing layer (ISP) can be located on the display panel (DP) to sense input applied from the outside. The input sensing layer (ISP) can sense input through the user's input (US) (see [link]). Figure 1 The first input TC1 (see) Figure 1 ) and / or the second input TC2 of the first input device AP (see Figure 1 ).

[0120] The main controller 1000 can control the overall operation of the electronic device ED. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the main controller 1000 can control the operation of the control panel controller 2000 and the sensing controller 3000.

[0121] The panel controller 2000 can receive image data RGB and control signals D_CS from the main controller 1000. The control signals D_CS can include various signals. For example, the control signals D_CS can include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a master clock signal, and a data enable signal. The panel controller 2000 can generate vertical and horizontal initial signals based on the control signals D_CS to control the timing of signals applied to the display panel DP.

[0122] The sensing controller 3000 can control the input sensing layer ISP. The sensing controller 3000 can receive sensing control signals I_CS1 and I_CS2 from the main controller 1000. The sensing control signals I_CS1 and I_CS2 may include a first sensing control signal I_CS1 and a second sensing control signal I_CS2.

[0123] Each of the first sensing control signal I_CS1 and the second sensing control signal I_CS2 may include a mode determination signal and a clock signal that determine the drive mode of the sensing controller 3000 in the first sensing mode of the input sensing layer ISP, which will be described later. (Referring later...) Figure 8A and Figure 8B The description is used to describe the first sensing control signal I_CS1 and the second sensing control signal I_CS2.

[0124] The sensor controller 3000 can calculate the coordinate information of the first input TC1 or the second input TC2 based on the signal received from the input sensing layer ISP, and can provide the coordinate signal I_SS containing the coordinate information to the main controller 1000. The main controller 1000 performs an operation corresponding to the user input based on the coordinate signal I_SS. For example, the main controller 1000 can allow the panel controller 2000 to operate based on the coordinate signal I_SS, thereby displaying a new application image on the display panel DP.

[0125] The input device AP may include a communication module 100, a pen controller 200, a power module 300, a housing 400, and pen electrodes 500. However, the components constituting the first input device AP are not limited to those listed above. For example, the first input device AP may also include an electrode switch for switching between a signal transmission mode and a signal reception mode, a pressure sensor for sensing pressure, a memory for storing predetermined information, and a rotation sensor for sensing rotation, etc.

[0126] The housing 400 may have a pen shape and may define an accommodating space within the housing 400. The power module 300, pen controller 200, communication module 100, and pen electrodes 500 may be accommodated within the accommodating space defined inside the housing 400.

[0127] The power module 300 can supply power to the pen controller 200 and communication module 100 inside the first input device AP. The power module 300 may include a battery or a high-capacity capacitor.

[0128] The pen controller 200 can control the operation of the first input device AP. The pen controller 200 can be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The pen controller 200 can be configured to operate according to a designed program.

[0129] The communication module 100 may include a transmitting circuit 110 and a receiving circuit 120. The receiving circuit 120 may receive an uplink signal ULS provided from the input sensing layer ISP. The transmitting circuit 110 may output a response signal in response to the uplink signal ULS and a downlink signal DLS to the input sensing layer ISP. The downlink signal DLS may include coordinate information of the second input TC2, the strength of the second input TC2, the tilt angle of the first input device AP, the remaining battery power of the first input device AP, its operating status, and information such as the identification ID of the first input device AP. The transmitting circuit 110 may receive a signal provided from the pen controller 200 to modulate the signal into a signal that can be sensed by the input sensing layer ISP, and the receiving circuit 120 may modulate the signal provided from the input sensing layer ISP into a signal that can be processed by the pen controller 200.

[0130] The pen electrode 500 can be electrically connected to the communication module 100. A portion of the pen electrode 500 can protrude from the housing 400. Optionally, the first input device AP may also include a cover shell covering the pen electrode 500 exposed from the housing 400. Optionally, the pen electrode 500 can be embedded in the housing 400. The pen electrode 500 can be the portion of the first input device AP that is in direct contact with the input sensing layer ISP.

[0131] Reference Figures 6 to 7B The input sensing layer ISP can sense either the first input TC1 or the second input TC2 in units of one sensing frame. When the operating frequencies of the input sensing layer ISP, OF1 and OF2, are each approximately 60 Hz, the time corresponding to one sensing frame can be approximately 16.67 ms. When the operating frequencies of the input sensing layer ISP, OF1 and OF2, are approximately 120 Hz, the time corresponding to one sensing frame can be approximately 8.33 ms. The operating frequencies OF1 and OF2 can include a first operating frequency OF1 and a second operating frequency OF2.

[0132] The input sensing layer ISP can operate in a first sensing mode in which it senses the first input TC1 or in a second sensing mode in which it senses the second input TC2, and can operate depending on whether the first input device AP is present. For example, if the first input device AP is not detected, the input sensing layer ISP can operate in the first sensing mode, and when the first input device AP is detected, the input sensing layer ISP can operate in the second sensing mode. However, as an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the input sensing layer ISP can sense both the second input TC2 and the first input TC1 in the second sensing mode.

[0133] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7AIf the first input device AP is not detected, the input sensing layer ISP can operate in a first sensing mode to sense the first input TC1. The operating frequency of the input sensing layer ISP in the first sensing mode can be referred to as the first operating frequency OF1. The sensing frame when the input sensing layer ISP operates in the first sensing mode can be referred to as the first sensing frame IF1. When the input sensing layer ISP operates in the first sensing mode, it can sense the first input TC1 in at least one of self-capacitance mode and mutual capacitance mode.

[0134] The first sensing frame IF1 may include a first search period SP1 and a first sensing period DTP1. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the input sensing layer ISP may search for the first input device AP during the first search period SP1, and may sense the first input TC1 in at least one of self-capacitance mode and mutual capacitance mode during the first sensing period DTP1.

[0135] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, in the first sensing frame IF1, the first sensing period DTP1 may be after the first search period SP1. In addition, the first sensing period DTP1 may have a width greater than the width of the first search period SP1 (e.g., the first sensing period DTP1 may be longer in time than the first search period SP1).

[0136] The sensor controller 3000 can transmit an uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP during the first search period SP1. The uplink signal ULS is a signal used to search for the first input device AP.

[0137] The first sensing frame IF1 may further include a first response period RP1, which is located between the first search period SP1 and the first sensing period DTP1. During the first response period RP1, a response signal sent by the first input device AP in response to the uplink signal ULS is received, or a waiting occurs during the first response period RP1. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, when no response signal is received during the first response period RP1, the sensing controller 3000 may allow the input sensing layer ISP to operate in the first sensing mode.

[0138] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the first delay period DE1 may be located between the first search period SP1 and the first response period RP1. That is, the first response period RP1 may be temporally separated from the first search period SP1 by the first delay period DE1.

[0139] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7BWhen the first input device AP is detected, the input sensing layer ISP can operate in a second sensing mode to sense the second input TC2. The operating frequency of the input sensing layer ISP in the second sensing mode can be referred to as the second operating frequency OF2. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the first operating frequency OF1 and the second operating frequency OF2 may be the same, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The sensing frame when the input sensing layer ISP operates in the second sensing mode can be referred to as the second sensing frame IF2. The second sensing frame IF2 may include a second search period SP2, a communication period CP, and a second sensing period DTP2.

[0140] The sensor controller 3000 can transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP during the second search period SP2, and the first input device AP can receive the uplink signal ULS through the input sensing layer ISP.

[0141] The sensing controller 3000 can receive downlink signal DLS from the first input device AP via the input sensing layer ISP during the communication period CP. The sensing controller 3000 can sense the second input TC2 input by the first input device AP based on the downlink signal DLS.

[0142] The second sensing period DTP2 is defined as the period during which the sensing controller 3000 does not sense the second input TC2 through the input sensing layer ISP. However, as an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing controller 3000 may sense the first input TC1 through the input sensing layer ISP during the second sensing period DTP2. The sensing controller 3000 may sense the first input TC1 during the second sensing period DTP2 in at least one of a self-capacitance mode and a mutual capacitance mode. When sensing the first input TC1 during the second sensing period DTP2, the sensing controller 3000 may sense both the first input TC1 and the second input TC2 in a second sensing mode.

[0143] The second sensing frame IF2 may further include a second response period RP2, which is located between the second search period SP2 and the communication period CP, and during which a response signal from the first input device AP is received. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, when a response signal is received during the second response period RP2, the sensing controller 3000 may cause the input sensing layer ISP to operate in a second sensing mode.

[0144] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the second delay period DE2 may be located between the second search period SP2 and the second response period RP2. That is, the second response period RP2 may be temporally separated from the second search period SP2 by the second delay period DE2.

[0145] Figure 8A This is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation in a first mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8B This is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation in a second mode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following text, references to... Figure 7A and Figure 7B The configuration described herein is the same as the configuration described in the previous section.

[0146] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 8A and Figure 8B The sensing controller 3000 can operate in either the first sensing mode or the second mode.

[0147] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, it can be determined whether the sensing controller 3000 operates in a first mode or a second mode based on the application executed in the electronic device ED.

[0148] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the transmission frequency of the uplink signal ULS of the first input device AP can be changed according to the usage frequency of the first input device AP of the application executed in the electronic device ED.

[0149] For example, when a first application is executed in the electronic device ED, the main controller 1000 transmits a first sensing control signal I_CS1 to the sensing controller 3000. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the first application may be a high-frequency application among applications executed in the electronic device ED that performs corresponding operations via a second input TC2 provided by the first input device AP. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the first application may be an application that waits for the second input TC2 provided by the first input device AP and performs corresponding operations when the second input TC2 is sensed, such as a notepad, internet browser, image processing software (Photoshop), drawing program, etc. The first application may include applications such as cameras.

[0150] When the sensing controller 3000 receives the first sensing control signal I_CS1, the sensing controller 3000 can operate in a first mode based on the first sensing control signal I_CS1, in which it transmits the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at a first frequency F1_a. Therefore, the sensing controller 3000 can search for the first input device AP during the time period corresponding to the first frequency F1_a.

[0151] When a second application is executed in the electronic device ED, the main controller 1000 transmits a second sensing control signal I_CS2 to the sensing controller 3000. As an example of this disclosure, the second application may be a low-frequency application, such as a game or video, that performs corresponding operations via a second input TC2 provided by the first input device AP, among the applications executed in the electronic device ED. Therefore, in the second mode, the sensing controller 3000 transmits an uplink signal ULS for searching the first input device AP at a second frequency F1_b, which is less than the first frequency F1_a. However, as an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, when it is determined that the usage frequency of the second input TC2 provided by the first input device AP is high, the first application may even include an application corresponding to a game. This can be achieved by changing the classification data of the first and second applications preset in the electronic device ED.

[0152] When the sensing controller 3000 receives the second sensing control signal I_CS2, the sensing controller 3000 can operate in a second mode based on the second sensing control signal I_CS2, in which it transmits the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at the second frequency F1_b. Therefore, the sensing controller 3000 can search for the first input device AP during the time period corresponding to the second frequency F1_b.

[0153] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, in a first mode, the sensing controller 3000 can transmit an uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at a first frequency F1_a.

[0154] When the input sensing layer ISP operates in the first mode, the first sensing frame can be referred to as the first mode sensing frame IF1_a.

[0155] The first mode sensing frame IF1_a may include a first mode search period SP1_a and a first mode sensing period DTP1_a. The input sensing layer ISP can search for the first input device AP during the first search period SP1, and can sense the first input TC1 during the first sensing period DTP1 in at least one of self-capacitance mode and mutual capacitance mode. In the first mode, the first mode search period SP1_a is generated at a first frequency F1_a.

[0156] The first mode sensing frame IF1_a may also include a first mode delay period DE1_a and a first mode response period RP1_a.

[0157] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, in the second mode, the sensing controller 3000 can transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at a second frequency F1_b.

[0158] When the input sensing layer ISP operates in the second mode, the first sensing frame can be referred to as the second mode sensing frame IF1_bc.

[0159] The second mode sensing frame IF1_bc includes the first sub-sensing frame IF1_b and the second sub-sensing frame IF1_c.

[0160] The first sub-sensing frame IF1_b may include a second mode search period SP1_b and a first sub-sensing period DTP1_b. The first sub-sensing frame IF1_b may also include a second mode delay period DE1_b and a second mode response period RP1_b.

[0161] The second sub-sensing frame IF1_c may include the second sub-sensing period DTP1_c. The second mode search period SP1_b may not be included in the second sub-sensing frame IF1_c. Therefore, in the second mode, the second mode search period SP1_b may be generated at a second frequency F1_b, which is less than the first frequency F1_a.

[0162] The input sensing layer ISP can repeat the first sub-sensing frame IF1_b, which includes the second mode search period SP1_b, and the second sub-sensing frame IF1_c, which does not include the second mode search period SP1_b, to sense the first input TC1.

[0163] When the transmission frequency of the uplink signal ULS decreases to the second frequency F1_b, the second sub-sensing period DTP1_c used to sense the first input TC1 can be reduced in width. For example, the second sub-sensing period DTP1_c included in the second sub-sensing frame IF1_c without the second mode search period SP1_b can have a wider width than the first sub-sensing period DTP1_b included in the first sub-sensing frame IF1_b with the second mode search period SP1_b.

[0164] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the second sub-sensing frame IF1_c may omit the second mode delay period DE1_b and the second mode response period RP1_b. The second sub-sensing frame IF1_c may include only the second sub-sensing period DTP1_c.

[0165] Therefore, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, in the first sensing mode, until the first input device AP is identified, the sensing controller 3000 can adjust the transmission frequency of the uplink signal ULS according to the application executed in the electronic device ED.

[0166] When the first application is being executed in the electronic device ED, the sensing controller 3000 can transmit the uplink signal ULS at a first frequency F1_a to quickly sense the first input device AP used to provide the second input TC2.

[0167] When the second application is being performed in the electronic device ED, the sensing controller 3000 can transmit the uplink signal ULS at the second frequency F1_b to increase the width of the time period used to sense the first input TC1.

[0168] When the sensing controller 3000 operates in the first mode, it can sense the first input TC1 within the first mode sensing period DTP1_a included in the first mode sensing frame IF1_a. When the sensing controller 3000 operates in the second mode, it can sense the first input TC1 within the first sub-sensing period DTP1_b included in the first sub-sensing frame IF1_b and the second sub-sensing period DTP1_c included in the second sub-sensing frame IF1_c. In this case, because the sum of the width of the first sub-sensing period DTP1_b and the width of the second sub-sensing period DTP1_c is greater than the sum of the widths of the two first mode sensing periods DTP1_a, the first input TC1 of the input sensing layer ISP can be improved in terms of sensing sensitivity.

[0169] Therefore, the sensing controller 3000 in the first sensing mode can operate in the first mode or the second mode according to the application executed in the electronic device ED to quickly sense the first input device AP and can improve the sensing sensitivity of the first input TC1.

[0170] Reference Figure 8A and Figure 8B When the sensing controller 3000 senses the first input device AP, the sensing controller 3000, which operates in the first mode or the second mode, operates in the second sensing mode. In the second sensing mode, the sensing controller 3000 can transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at a third frequency F2.

[0171] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the first frequency F1_a and the third frequency F2 may be the same.

[0172] Figure 9 It is a graph used to illustrate the variation of the frequency of the uplink signal over time during a device sensing period according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10A It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 9 A conceptual diagram of the operation during the first synchronization period in the device sensing period. Figure 10B It is shown that in the included Figure 9 The diagram shows a conceptual illustration of the operation during the first operation period in the sensing period of the device, and Figure 10C It is shown that in the included Figure 9 The diagram shown illustrates the operation during the second operation period within the sensing period of the device. It is a conceptual diagram for illustrative purposes. In the following text, details related to... Figures 7A to 8BRepeated descriptions of the same time period as described in the text.

[0173] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7B and Figure 9 The input sensing layer ISP can operate in a second sensing mode for sensing the second input TC2 provided by the first input device AP. The period during which the input sensing layer ISP operates in the second sensing mode can be referred to as the device sensing period.

[0174] Reference Figure 9 The device sensing period may include a first synchronization period PD2, a first operation period PD3, a second operation period PD4, a second synchronization period PD5, and a third operation period PD6.

[0175] The finger sensing period PD1 is the period during which the input sensing layer ISP is operating in the first sensing mode. While the input sensing layer ISP is operating in the first sensing mode, it can switch to operating in the second sensing mode at the moment T1 when the first input device AP is sensed. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the moment T1 when the first input device AP is sensed can be the moment when the sensing controller 3000 is in the first response period RP1 (see...). Figure 7A The moment when a response signal transmitted from the first input device AP is received within the finger sensing period PD1. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the transmission frequency of the uplink signal ULS during the finger sensing period PD1 is shown as a first sub-frequency F2_a, but the uplink signal ULS may be transmitted at a frequency less than the first sub-frequency F2_a.

[0176] During the first synchronization period PD2, the sense controller 3000 can transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at the first sub-frequency F2_a. During the first synchronization period PD2, the sense controller 3000 can identify the first input device AP based on the identifier ID of the first input device AP included in the downlink signal DLS, the remaining battery power, and the current operating mode.

[0177] In order for the sensing controller 3000 to sense the second input TC2 based on the downlink signal DLS, the sensing controller 3000 needs to identify the state of the first input device AP. Before the sensing controller 3000 identifies the first input device AP, the sensing controller 3000 can transmit the uplink signal ULS to the first input device AP via the sensing layer ISP at the first sub-frequency F2_a.

[0178] Reference Figure 10A When the input sensing layer ISP operates within the first synchronization period PD2, the second sensing frame of the input sensing layer ISP can be referred to as the first synchronization frame IF2_a.

[0179] The first synchronization frame IF2_a includes a synchronization search period SP2_a, a synchronization delay period DE2_a, a synchronization response period RP2_a, a synchronization communication period CP_a, and a synchronization sensing period DTP2_a.

[0180] The input sensing layer ISP can search for the first input device AP during the synchronization search period SP2_a, and can receive the downlink signal DLS from the first input device AP during the synchronization communication period CP_a. The input sensing layer ISP can sense the first input TC1 in at least one of self-capacitance mode and mutual capacitance mode during the synchronization sensing period DTP2_a.

[0181] Within the first synchronization period PD2, a synchronization search period SP2_a is generated at the first sub-frequency F2_a.

[0182] However, as an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, even before the sensing controller 3000 completes the identification of the first input device AP, the sensing controller 3000 can receive the downlink signal DLS through the input sensing layer ISP during the synchronous communication period CP_a.

[0183] During the first operating period PD3, the sensing controller 3000 may transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at a frequency lower than the first sub-frequency F2_a. During the first operating period PD3, the sensing controller 3000 may also transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at a second sub-frequency F2_b, which is lower than the first sub-frequency F2_a.

[0184] During the first operation period PD3, the sensing controller 3000 can sense the second input TC2 based on the coordinate information of the second input TC2 included in the downlink signal DLS received from the identified first input device AP, can sense the intensity of the second input TC2, and can sense information such as the tilt of the first input device AP.

[0185] Reference Figure 10B When the input sensing layer ISP operates within the first operation period PD3, the second sensing frame of the input sensing layer ISP can be referred to as the first operation frame IF2_bc.

[0186] The first operation frame IF2_bc includes the first sub-operation frame IF2_b and the second sub-operation frame IF2_c.

[0187] The first sub-operation frame IF2_b includes a first operation search period SP2_b, a first operation delay period DE2_b, a first operation response period RP2_b, a first operation communication period CP_b, and a first operation sensing period DTP2_b. The input sensing layer ISP can search for the first input device AP during the first operation search period SP2_b and can receive the downlink signal DLS from the first input device AP during the first operation communication period CP_b. The input sensing layer ISP can sense the first input TC1 in at least one of self-capacitance mode and mutual capacitance mode during the first operation sensing period DTP2_b.

[0188] The second sub-operation frame IF2_c includes a second operation communication period CP_c and a second operation sensing period DTP2_c. The first operation search period SP2_b is not included in the second sub-operation frame IF2_c. Therefore, within the first operation period PD3, the first operation search period SP2_b can be generated at a second sub-frequency F2_b that is less than the first sub-frequency F2_a. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the second sub-operation frame IF2_c may not include the first operation delay period DE2_b and the first operation response period RP2_b.

[0189] When the transmission frequency of the uplink signal ULS decreases to the second sub-frequency F2_b during the first operation period PD3, the second operation sensing period DTP2_c used to sense the first input TC1 can be increased in width. For example, the second operation sensing period DTP2_c included in the second sub-sensing frame IF2_c excluding the first operation search period SP2_b can have a wider width than the width of the first operation sensing period DTP2_b included in the first sub-sensing frame IF2_b including the first operation search period SP2_b.

[0190] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, since the sensing controller 3000 has already identified the first input device AP during the first synchronization period PD2, the sensing controller 3000 can receive information about the second input TC2 during the first operation period PD3 without identifying the first input device AP. Therefore, during the first operation period PD3, the uplink signal ULS can be transmitted at the second sub-frequency F2_b, and the width of the second operation sensing period DTP2_c can be increased to improve the sensing sensitivity of the first input TC1.

[0191] During the second operation period PD4, the sensing controller 3000 can transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at a third sub-frequency F2_c, which is less than the second sub-frequency F2_b.

[0192] Reference Figure 10CWhen the input sensing layer ISP operates within the second operation period PD4, the second sensing frame of the input sensing layer ISP can be referred to as the second operation frame IF2_def.

[0193] The second operation frame IF2_def includes the third sub-operation frame IF2_d, the fourth sub-operation frame IF2_e, and the fifth sub-operation frame IF2_f.

[0194] The third sub-operation frame IF2_d includes the second operation search period SP2_c, the second operation delay period DE2_c, the second operation response period RP2_c, the third operation communication period CP_d, and the third operation sensing period DTP2_d.

[0195] The fourth sub-operation frame IF2_e includes the fourth operation communication period CP_e and the fourth operation sensing period DTP2_e. The fifth sub-operation frame IF2_f includes the fifth operation communication period CP_f and the fifth operation sensing period DTP2_f.

[0196] The fourth sub-operation frame IF2_e and the fifth sub-operation frame IF2_f do not include the second operation search period SP2_c. Therefore, within the second operation period PD4, the second operation search period SP2_c can be generated at a third sub-frequency F2_c, which is less than the first sub-frequency F2_a and the second sub-frequency F2_b.

[0197] When the transmission frequency of the uplink signal ULS decreases to the third sub-frequency F2_c within the second operation period PD4, each of the fourth operation sensing period DTP2_e and the fifth operation sensing period DTP2_f used for sensing the first input TC1 can be increased in width. For example, each of the fourth operation sensing period DTP2_e included in the fourth sub-operation frame IF2_e excluding the second operation search period SP2_c and the fifth operation sensing period DTP2_f included in the fifth sub-operation frame IF2_f excluding the second operation search period SP2_c can have a wider width than the third operation sensing period DTP2_d included in the third sub-operation frame IF2_d including the second operation search period SP2_c.

[0198] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, during the second operating period PD4, the sensing controller 3000 may transmit an uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at a third sub-frequency F2_c that is smaller than each of the first sub-frequency F2_a and the second sub-frequency F2_b during the first operating period PD3, in order to improve the sensing sensitivity of the first input TC1.

[0199] During the second synchronization period PD5, the sensing controller 3000 can transmit an uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at a first sub-frequency F2_a. When the input sensing layer ISP further senses a third input provided by the second input device after the first synchronization period PD2, the sensing controller 3000 can transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at the first sub-frequency F2_a until the second input device is identified. The second synchronization period PD5 can be the period during which the sensing controller 3000 identifies the first input device AP and the second input device. In this case, the uplink signal ULS can be a signal used to sense the first input device AP and the second input device. Figure 9 In this embodiment, the second synchronization period PD5 is located after the first operation period PD3 and the second operation period PD4, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the second synchronization period PD5 may be located between the first operation period PD3 and the second operation period PD4, depending on the time when the second input device is identified.

[0200] During the third operating period PD6, the sensing controller 3000 may transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at the second sub-frequency F2_b. The third operating period PD6 may be the period during which the input sensing layer ISP receives signals including information about the second input TC2 from the first input device AP and signals including information about the third input from the second input device.

[0201] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of the input sensing layer when sensing a second input and a third input according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0202] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 9 , Figure 11A and Figure 11B As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the input sensing layer ISP can sense a second input TC2 provided by a first input device AP and a third input provided by a second input device during the device sensing period.

[0203] Figure 11A The diagram illustrates a first synchronization period PD2a in which the input sensing layer ISP identifies the first input device AP and the second input device. When the input sensing layer ISP operates within the first synchronization period PD2a, the second sensing frame of the input sensing layer ISP can be referred to as the first synchronization frame IF2_g.

[0204] The first synchronization frame IF2_g includes a synchronization search period SP2_d, a synchronization delay period DE2_d, a first synchronization response period RP2_d, a second synchronization response period RP2_e, and a synchronization sensing period DTP2_g. The sensing controller 3000 receives a response signal from the first input device AP during the first synchronization response period RP2_d and from the second input device during the second synchronization response period RP2_e. Within the first synchronization frame IF2_g, the sensing controller 3000 includes a first synchronization communication period CP_g and a second synchronization communication period CP_h. During the first synchronization communication period CP_g, the sensing controller 3000 receives a downlink signal DLS from the first input device AP, and during the second synchronization communication period CP_h, the sensing controller 3000 receives a downlink signal from the second input device.

[0205] During the first synchronization period PD2a, the sensing controller 3000 can transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at the first sub-frequency F2_d.

[0206] Figure 11B The diagram illustrates a first operating period PD3a in which the input sensing layer ISP receives a signal including information about the second input TC2 and the third input. During the first operating period PD3a, the second sensing frame of the input sensing layer ISP can be referred to as the first operating frame IF2_hi.

[0207] The first operation frame IF2_hi includes the first sub-operation frame IF2_h and the second sub-operation frame IF2_i.

[0208] The first sub-operation frame IF2_h includes a first operation search period SP2_e, a first operation delay period DE2_e, a first operation response period RP2_f, a second operation response period RP2_g, and a first operation sensing period DTP2_h. The first sub-operation frame IF2_h may also include a first operation communication period CP_i and a second operation communication period CP_j.

[0209] The second sub-operation frame IF2_i includes a third operation communication period CP_k, a fourth operation communication period CP_m, and a second operation sensing period DTP2_i. The first operation search period SP2_e is not included in the second sub-operation frame IF2_i. Therefore, within the first operation period PD3a, the first operation search period SP2_e can be generated at a second sub-frequency F2_e that is less than the first sub-frequency F2_d. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the second sub-operation frame IF2_i may not include the first operation delay period DE2_e, the first operation response period RP2_f, and the second operation response period RP2_g.

[0210] When the transmission frequency of the uplink signal ULS decreases to the second sub-frequency F2_e during the first operation period PD3a, the second operation sensing period DTP2_i used to sense the first input TC1 can be increased in width. For example, the second operation sensing period DTP2_i included in the second sub-operation frame IF2_i excluding the first operation search period SP2_e can have a wider width than the width of the first operation sensing period DTP2_h included in the first sub-operation frame IF2_h including the first operation search period SP2_e.

[0211] Figure 12 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating operation during a transition period according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following text, references to "in" will be omitted. Figure 9 Repeated descriptions of the same time period as described in the text.

[0212] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 12 The device sensing period may include a first transition period TS1 located between the second period PD2_a and the third period PD3_a, a second transition period TS2 located between the third period PD3_a and the fourth period PD4_a, and a third transition period TS3 located between the fourth period PD4_a and the fifth period PD5_a.

[0213] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the first transition period TS1 may be the period during which the sensing controller 3000 changes the frequency of the uplink signal ULS transmitted to the input sensing layer ISP from a first sub-frequency F2_a to a second sub-frequency F2_b. The second transition period TS2 may be the period during which the sensing controller 3000 changes the frequency of the uplink signal ULS transmitted to the input sensing layer from the second sub-frequency F2_b to a third sub-frequency F2_c. The third transition period TS3 may be the period during which the sensing controller 3000 changes the frequency of the uplink signal ULS transmitted to the input sensing layer ISP from the second sub-frequency F2_c to the first sub-frequency F2_a.

[0214] As examples of some embodiments of this disclosure, the first transition period TS1 may include first sub-transition periods TS1_a to fifth sub-transition periods TS1_e (first sub-transition period TS1_a, second sub-transition period TS1_b, third sub-transition period TS1_c, fourth sub-transition period TS1_d, and fifth sub-transition period TS1_e). The second transition period TS2 may include sixth sub-transition periods TS2_a to tenth sub-transition periods TS2_e (sixth sub-transition period TS2_a, seventh sub-transition period TS2_b, eighth sub-transition period TS2_c, ninth sub-transition period TS2_d, and tenth sub-transition period TS2_e). The third transition period TS3 may include eleventh sub-transition periods TS3_a to seventeenth sub-transition periods TS3_g (eleventh sub-transition period TS3_a, twelfth sub-transition period TS3_b, thirteenth sub-transition period TS3_c, fourteenth sub-transition period TS3_d, fifteenth sub-transition period TS3_e, sixteenth sub-transition period TS3_f, and seventeenth sub-transition period TS3_g).

[0215] During the first sub-transition period TS1_a, the sensor controller 3000 transmits the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at the second sub-frequency F2_b. During the second sub-transition period TS1_b, the sensor controller 3000 transmits the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at the first sub-frequency F2_a. During the third sub-transition period TS1_c, the sensor controller 3000 transmits the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at the second sub-frequency F2_b. During the fourth sub-transition period TS1_d, the sensor controller 3000 transmits the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at the first sub-frequency F2_a. During the fifth sub-transition period TS1_e, the sensor controller 3000 transmits the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at the second sub-frequency F2_b.

[0216] The sensing controller 3000 may alternate the frequency to either a first sub-frequency F2_a or a second sub-frequency F2_b within each of the first sub-transition periods TS1_a to TS1_e in the first transition period TS1, to transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP. The sensing controller 3000 may also alternate the frequency to either a second sub-frequency F2_b or a third sub-frequency F2_c within each of the sixth sub-transition periods TS2_a to TS2_e in the second transition period TS2, to transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP. Furthermore, the sensing controller 3000 may alternate the frequency to either a third sub-frequency F2_c or a first sub-frequency F2_a within each of the eleventh sub-transition periods TS3_a to TS3_g in the third transition period TS3, to transmit the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP.

[0217] When noise is present near the electronic device ED, communication between the sensing controller 3000 and the first input device AP may be unstable when the sensing controller 3000 transmits the uplink signal ULS at a frequency below a suitable frequency. Therefore, during the first transition period TS1, the second transition period TS2, and the third transition period TS3, the sensing controller 3000 alternately transmits the uplink signal ULS to the input sensing layer ISP at the frequency to be switched and the frequency before the switch. Therefore, when the uplink signal ULS is transmitted at the frequency to be switched, it is possible to check whether the communication between the sensing controller 3000 and the first input device AP becomes unstable. Therefore, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, even when noise is present near the electronic device ED, the transmission frequency of the uplink signal ULS can be converted to a stable frequency for communication between the sensing controller 3000 and the first input device AP.

[0218] Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of the input sensing layer during a downlink period according to some embodiments of this disclosure. In the following text, references to... Figure 7B Repeated descriptions of the same time period as described in the text.

[0219] Reference Figure 13A and Figure 13B ,exist Figure 13A The diagram shows the input sensing layer ISP identifying the first input device AP (see...). Figure 1 The first synchronization period PD2b. When the input sensing layer ISP operates within the first synchronization period PD2b, the second sensing frame of the input sensing layer ISP can be referred to as the first synchronization frame IF2_j.

[0220] The first synchronization frame IF2_j includes a synchronization search period SP2_f, a first synchronization delay period DE2_f, a synchronization response period RP2_h, a second synchronization delay period DE2_g, a synchronization communication period CP_n, and a synchronization sensing period DTP2_j. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the synchronization communication period CP_n includes a first data period DT1, a second data period DT2, a first position period PS1_a, and a second position period PS2_a. The input sensing layer ISP receives data signals including information about the first input device AP (such as the identifier ID of the first input device AP, the remaining battery power, and the operating state of the first input device AP) during the first data period DT1 and the second data period DT2. The input sensing layer ISP receives position signals including coordinate information of the second input TC2 and information about the second input TC2 (such as the intensity of the second input TC2, the tilt of the first input device AP providing the second input TC2, etc.). As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the synchronization communication interval CP_n may also include two or more data periods and may also include two or more position periods.

[0221] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the synchronous communication period CP_n may include a communication delay period DE2_h located between the first data period DT1 and the first position period PS1_a, a communication delay period DE2_i located between the first data period DT1 and the second position period PS2_a, and a communication delay period DE2_j located between the second data period DT2 and the second position period PS2_a.

[0222] Figure 13B It shows that the reception includes information about the second input TC2 (see...) Figure 1 The first operation period PD3b of the input sensing layer ISP is used to receive the signal containing the information of the second input TC2. When the input sensing layer ISP operates within the first operation period PD3b, the second sensing frame of the input sensing layer ISP can be referred to as the first operation frame IF2_k. The first operation frame IF2_k includes a first operation search period SP2_g, a first operation delay period DE2_k, a first operation response period RP2_i, a second operation delay period DE2_m, a first operation communication period CP_l, and a first operation sensing period DTP2_k. As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, the first operation communication period CP_l includes a third position period PS1_b and a fourth position period PS2_b for receiving a position signal including coordinate information of the second input TC2 and information about the second input TC2 (such as the strength of the second input TC2, the tilt of the first input device AP providing the second input TC2, etc.).

[0223] The first operational communication period CP_l does not include the first data period DT1 and the second data period DT2 for receiving data signals including information about the first input device AP.

[0224] As an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, when the first operation communication period CP_l does not include the first data period DT1 and the second data period DT2, the first operation sensing period DTP2_k for sensing the first input TC1 can be increased in width.

[0225] For example, the first operational communication period CP_l included in the first operational frame IF2_k, which does not include the first data period DT1 and the second data period DT2, can have a smaller width than the width of the synchronization communication period CP_n included in the first synchronization frame IF2_j, which includes the first data period DT1 and the second data period DT2. Therefore, the first operational sensing period DTP2_k included in the first operational frame IF2_k can have a larger width than the width of the synchronization sensing period DTP2_j included in the first synchronization frame IF2_j.

[0226] During the first synchronization period PD2b, because the sensing controller 3000 has already received a data signal including information about the first input device AP, the sensing controller 3000 will still receive the second input TC2 provided by the first input device AP even if no data signal including information about the first input device AP is received during the first operation period PD3b. However, as an example of some embodiments of this disclosure, a data period may also be included in the first operation period PD3b. In this case, the data period included in the first operation period PD3b may have a period larger than the period of each of the first data period DT1 and the second data period DT2 included in the first synchronization period PD2b.

[0227] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in an electronic device that senses a first input provided by a user's body and a second input provided by an input device, the sensing sensitivity to the first input can be improved. For example, the electronic device can adjust the transmission period of the uplink signal used to identify an external device to ensure a long sensing period, thereby improving the sensing sensitivity to the first input.

[0228] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the invention, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0229] Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the contents described in the specific embodiments of the specification, but should be determined by the claims, and its functional equivalents will be included therein.

Claims

1. An electronic device, wherein, The electronic device includes: The display panel is configured to display images; An input sensing layer, on the display panel, is configured to operate in either a first sensing mode where a first input provided by an object other than an input device is sensed, or in either a second sensing mode where a second input provided by the input device is sensed; and A sensing controller is configured to transmit uplink signals for searching the input device to the input sensing layer. In the first sensing mode, when the first application is executed in the electronic device, the sensing controller transmits the uplink signal to the input sensing layer at a first frequency. In the first sensing mode, when a second application different from the first application is executed in the electronic device, the sensing controller transmits the uplink signal to the input sensing layer at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, thereby increasing the width of the time period used to sense the first input. In the second sensing mode, the sensing controller transmits the uplink signal to the input sensing layer at the first frequency.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic device further includes a main controller configured to control the operation of the electronic device and configured to transmit sensing control signals to the sensing controller to control the operation of the sensing controller.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The sensing control signal includes a first sensing control signal and a second sensing control signal, and Specifically, when the first sensing control signal is received, the sensing controller operates in a first mode, and when the second sensing control signal is received, the sensing controller operates in a second mode.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, The main controller is configured as follows: When the first application is executed in the electronic device, the first sensing control signal is transmitted to the sensing controller, and When the second application is performed in the electronic device, the second sensing control signal is transmitted to the sensing controller.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The first application includes an application that receives the second input to operate, and The second application includes an application that receives the first input to operate.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The device sensing period during which the input sensing layer operates in the second sensing mode includes a synchronization period and an operation period, and The sensing controller is configured as follows: During the synchronization period for identifying the input device, the uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at the first frequency, and During the operation period in which the second input is received, the uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at a frequency lower than the first frequency. The second input is detected based on the downlink signal received during the operation period.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, The operation period includes: First operating period; and The second operation period, and The sensing controller is configured as follows: During the first operation period, the uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at a third frequency lower than the first frequency; and During the second operation period, the uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at a fourth frequency, which is less than the third frequency.

8. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, The device sensing period also includes a transition period for changing the frequency of the uplink signal transmitted from the sensing controller to the input sensing layer from the first frequency to a third frequency lower than the first frequency.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, The transition period includes a first sub-transition period and a second sub-transition period. The sensing controller is configured as follows: During the first sub-transition period, the uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at the first frequency; and During the second sub-transition period, the uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at the third frequency, and The first sub-transition period and the second sub-transition period are repeated alternately within the transition period.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The input sensing layer is configured to sense the first input in the second sensing mode.

11. An electronic device, wherein, The electronic device includes: The display panel is configured to display images; An input sensing layer, on the display panel, is configured to operate in a first sensing mode where a first input is sensed, or in a second sensing mode where a second input provided by an input device is sensed; and A sensing controller is configured to control the operation of the input sensing layer. Wherein, the device sensing period during which the input sensing layer operates in the second sensing mode includes a first synchronization period and a first operation period, and The sensing controller is configured to transmit a first uplink signal for searching the first input device to the input sensing layer at a first frequency during a first synchronization period for identifying the first input device, and to transmit the first uplink signal to the input sensing layer at a frequency less than the first frequency during a first operation period in which the second input is received.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, The sensing period of the device also includes a second operation period. The sensing controller is configured as follows: During the first operation period, the first uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at a second frequency less than the first frequency; and During the second operation period, the first uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at a third frequency lower than the second frequency.

13. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, The device sensing period also includes a transition period for changing the frequency of the first uplink signal transmitted from the sensing controller to the input sensing layer from the first frequency to a second frequency lower than the first frequency.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, The transition period includes a first sub-transition period and a second sub-transition period. The sensing controller is configured as follows: During the first sub-transition period, the first uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at the first frequency; and During the second sub-transition period, the first uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at the second frequency, and The first sub-transition period and the second sub-transition period are repeated alternately within the transition period.

15. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, The input sensing layer is configured to sense a third input provided by the second input device in the second sensing mode, and The sensing controller is configured as follows: During the first synchronization period, a second uplink signal for searching the first input device and the second input device is transmitted to the input sensing layer at the first frequency to identify the first input device and the second input device. Receive the second input and the third input; and During the first operation period, the second uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at a frequency lower than the first frequency.

16. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, The input sensing layer is configured to sense a third input provided by the second input device after the first synchronization period. The sensing period of the device further includes a second synchronization period and a second operation period, and The sensing controller is configured as follows: During the second synchronization period for identifying the first input device and the second input device, a second uplink signal for searching the first input device and the second input device is transmitted to the input sensing layer at the first frequency; and During the second operation period in which the first input and the second input are received, the second uplink signal is transmitted to the input sensing layer at a second frequency less than the first frequency.

17. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, The sensing controller is configured to sense the first input through the input sensing layer during a first input sensing frame in a first sensing mode, and to sense the second input through the input sensing layer during a second input sensing frame in a second sensing mode. The second input sensing frame includes: In the first time period, the sensing controller transmits the first uplink signal to the input sensing layer. In the second time period, the sensing controller receives a downlink signal from the first input device through the input sensing layer; and In the third time period, the sensing controller does not sense the second input through the input sensing layer.

18. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein, Within the first synchronization period, the second period includes: During the data period, data signals including information about the first input device are received; and During a first location time period, a location signal including information about the second input is received. Wherein, within the first operation period, the second period includes a second position period in which the position signal including the information about the second input is received, and The second time period does not include the time period in which the data signal including the information about the first input device is received.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein, The third time period within the first operation period has a width greater than the width of the third time period within the first synchronization period.

20. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein, The sensing controller is configured to sense the first input through the input sensing layer during the third time period.

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