Touch panel display device

Abstract

A touch panel-equipped display device is provided which has a touch panel of a memory-in-pixel type and an in-cell type. The display device (100) includes: a switching element (63) which switches between a state in which a pixel electrode (11) and a first wiring (63a) are connected and a state in which the pixel electrode (11) and a second wiring (63b) are connected in accordance with data held in a memory circuit (62); a white power supply circuit (54a) which supplies a first signal (VAT) which is in an opposite phase to a drive signal to the first wiring (63a) provided on a pixel (60) in which a Tx electrode (12a) is arranged; and a black power supply circuit (55a) which supplies a second signal (VBT) which is in the same phase as the drive signal to the second wiring (63b).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] It is now known that there are display devices with embedded touch panels. Such display devices with touch panels are disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the sensing electrodes of the touch panel display device are integrated into a pixel array. A driving voltage is supplied to the sensing electrodes. When the driving voltage is supplied, if an object touches the surface of the touch panel, an electrostatic capacitance is formed between the object and the sensing electrodes, and a charge is induced in the sensing electrodes. Furthermore, the touch panel display device detects the touch of the object based on a signal (self-capacitance signal) corresponding to the charge induced in the sensing electrodes.

[0004] Furthermore, the touch panel display device described in Non-Patent Document 1 includes pixel electrodes, thin-film transistors connected to the pixel electrodes, and multiple touch panel electrodes. Moreover, when a drive signal is supplied to the touch panel electrodes, the thin-film transistors are turned off. As a result, the pixel electrodes become floating, allowing electrostatic coupling between the pixel electrodes and a common electrode, thus preventing a change in the voltage of the liquid crystal layer. Therefore, touch detection does not affect the display.

[0005] Furthermore, display devices that have memory provided in each of multiple pixels are known to exist. For example, such a display device is disclosed in Patent Document 2.

[0006] The display device of Patent Document 2 includes multiple pixels, a storage control circuit, and a display control circuit. Each of the multiple pixels has a memory that stores digital signals corresponding to image data and a display element driven by output data from the memory. The storage control circuit causes the memory to store data from signal lines corresponding to the memory. The display control circuit provides display signals or non-display signals based on the data stored in the memory to the display element. Thus, display based on the data stored in the memory is performed in the multiple pixels.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-59265

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-83768

[0011] Non-patent literature

[0012] Non-Patent Literature 1: Cheolse Kim, Deuk Su Lee, Ju Han Kim, Hun Bae Kim, Seung Rok

[0013] Shin, Ji Hyun Jung, In Hyuk Song, Chul Sang Jang, Keuk Sang Kwon, Sung HoKim, Geon Tae Kim, Jeong Hwan Yoon, Bu-Yeol Lee, Byeong Koo Kim, and In-ByeongKang, "Advanced In-cell Touch Technology for Large Sized Liquid CrystalDisplays", SID 2015DIGEST, 2015, p.895-898. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0015] In the aforementioned Patent Document 2, each of the multiple pixels is equipped with a memory. In this so-called memory-embedded pixel type display device, a voltage of either High or Low potential is always applied to the pixel electrode via the memory. In this memory-embedded pixel type display device, even if the thin-film transistor is turned off as in Non-Patent Document 1, the pixel electrode cannot be made to float when an embedded touch panel is to be built in. Furthermore, the solution of setting a new thin-film transistor within the pixel to float the pixel electrode is difficult due to the presence of memory within the pixel. Even when the pixel is enlarged and a new thin-film transistor is set within the pixel, a drive signal is supplied in addition to the aforementioned High voltage. This results in the following problem: when the drive signal is superimposed on the High voltage, the voltage exceeds the withstand voltage of the new thin-film transistor. Therefore, a touch panel display device with a memory-embedded pixel type touch panel has not been realized.

[0016] Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, and its object is to provide a touch panel display device having a touch panel with embedded pixel type memory.

[0017] Solution for solving the problem

[0018] The touch panel display device according to the first configuration includes: a touch panel substrate comprising a plurality of pixels divided by a plurality of source lines and a plurality of gate lines; a plurality of pixel electrodes respectively disposed on the plurality of pixels; a thin-film transistor disposed on each of the plurality of pixels and connected to one of the plurality of source lines and one of the plurality of gate lines; a memory circuit disposed on each of the plurality of pixels and connected to the thin-film transistor; a plurality of touch sensor electrodes disposed opposite to the plurality of pixel electrodes; a driving circuit applying a voltage to the plurality of touch sensor electrodes; a first wiring supplying a voltage to each of the plurality of pixels with a voltage opposite in phase to the voltage applied to the plurality of touch sensor electrodes; a second wiring supplying a voltage to each of the plurality of pixels with a voltage in phase to the voltage applied to the plurality of touch sensor electrodes; and A switching element, based on data held in a storage circuit, switches the state of a pixel electrode and a first wiring connection, as well as the state of a pixel electrode and a second wiring connection. Multiple touch sensor electrodes include: multiple emitting electrodes supplied with a drive signal for touch detection from a driving circuit; and receiving electrodes supplying mutual capacitance signals generated by the drive signals supplied to the multiple driving circuits. The multiple emitting electrodes also include a first power supply circuit that supplies a first signal with an opposite phase to the drive signal to a first wiring disposed in a pixel having a pixel electrode disposed opposite to one of the multiple emitting electrodes, and supplies a second signal with the same phase as the drive signal to a second wiring disposed in a pixel having a pixel electrode disposed opposite to one of the multiple emitting electrodes (first configuration).

[0019] Invention Effects

[0020] Based on the above configuration, a touch panel display device can be provided that has a memory-embedded pixel-type and embedded touch panel without providing a new thin-film transistor for floating pixel electrodes. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view of the touch panel along the direction of the gate line extension.

[0023] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view of the touch panel along the direction of the source line.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing the composition of the touch sensor electrodes, pixel electrodes, and reflector.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic plan view of an active matrix substrate.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to illustrate the configuration of a pixel having a pixel electrode that is opposite to the Tx electrode.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the configuration of a pixel having a pixel electrode that is opposite to the Rx electrode.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of the touch sensor electrode driving circuit.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a timing diagram used to illustrate the signals supplied to the pixel electrodes and touch sensor electrodes.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a planar schematic diagram illustrating the configuration relationship between the Tx electrode and Rx electrode and the touch sensor electrode driving circuit in the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the display device according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 This is a block diagram of the display device (touch sensor electrode driving circuit) according to the third embodiment.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of the display device (touch sensor electrode driving circuit) according to the fourth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 13 It is a timing diagram used to illustrate the operation of the switching elements in the touch sensor electrode drive circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or equivalent parts as in the drawings, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, in the drawings referred to below, the structure is shown in a simplified or schematic manner to facilitate understanding, or some constituent components are omitted. Additionally, the dimensional ratios between the constituent components shown in the figures do not necessarily represent actual dimensional proportions.

[0035] [First Implementation Method]

[0036] right Figure 1 The configuration of the touch panel display device 100 (hereinafter referred to as "display device 100") according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the display device 100 according to the first embodiment. Additionally, Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view along the extension direction (X direction) of gate line 15. Figure 2B It is a cross-sectional view along the extension direction (Y direction) of source line 13. Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the touch sensor electrode 12, the pixel electrode 11, and the reflector 40c.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the display device 100 includes a touch panel 1 and a controller 2. The touch panel 1 is, for example, a fully embedded touch panel. The touch panel 1 also functions as a display panel for displaying images or pictures. The controller 2 executes various control processes within the display device 100 based on the touch position obtained from the touch panel 1. Furthermore, the touch panel 1 is configured with multiple pixels 60 (see reference 60) Figure 5 Each of them is equipped with a memory circuit 62 (see reference). Figure 5 This refers to a display with in-memory pixels (MIP), also known as a memory-embedded pixel (MIP) type display. Additionally, such as... Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, a reflector 40c is provided on the touch panel 1, constituting a so-called reflective display. Additionally, a backlight 40e is provided on the touch panel 1. Therefore, the touch panel 1 of the first embodiment is a hybrid type of reflective and transmissive touch panel that uses reflected light from the reflector 40c and light (transmitted light) from the backlight 40e to display images or videos. Furthermore, the touch panel of this disclosure is not limited to reflective displays or hybrid types of reflective and transmissive displays. That is, in this disclosure, either the reflector 40c or the backlight 40e may not be provided on the touch panel 1.

[0038] like Figure 2A As shown, the touch panel 1 includes an active matrix substrate 10, a counter substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 30 sandwiched between the active matrix substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20. Furthermore, a pair of polarizing plates 40a and 40b are disposed to sandwich the active matrix substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20. A color filter (not shown) is disposed on the counter substrate 20. Although not shown, a protective glass or the like is disposed on the surface of the polarizing plate 40a. The outermost layer of this protective glass or the like constitutes the touch surface. A reflector 40c is disposed within the active matrix substrate 10. Additionally, a backlight 40e is disposed behind the polarizing plate 40b. The reflector 40c reflects light incident from the touch surface side. Furthermore, the backlight 40e illuminates light towards the touch surface side. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, the reflector 40c includes a reflective region A1 and a transmissive region A2. For example, in the reflector 40c, a recess (or aperture) is formed in the central portion when viewed from above, through which light from the backlight 40e passes in the Z direction; this recess (or aperture) functions as the transmissive region A2. Furthermore, by driving the liquid crystal layer 30, the light reflected from the reflective region A1 and / or the light transmitted through the transmissive region A2 switches between a state of transmission through the liquid crystal layer 30 and a state of diffusion. Additionally, Figure 2A and Figure 2BThis is a cross-sectional view of the reflective region A1. Additionally, in Figure 2A and Figure 2B The illustration shows an example in which the reflector 40c is disposed within the active matrix substrate 10, but this disclosure is not limited thereto; the reflector 40c may also be disposed between the active matrix substrate 10 and the polarizer 40b.

[0039] Then, the user visually confirms the image from the surface side of the polarizing plate 40a. Additionally, the touch panel 1 receives touch operations on the touch surface, for example, from a finger (indicator). For example, in the touch panel 1, the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 30 are driven by a lateral electric field. To achieve the lateral electric field driving method, pixel electrodes 11 and touch sensor electrodes 12 for forming an electric field are formed on the active matrix substrate 10. Furthermore, the "touch sensor electrode 12" can be either the emitting electrode 12a (hereinafter referred to as "Tx electrode 12a") or the receiving electrode 12b (hereinafter referred to as "Rx electrode 12b"). Without distinguishing between Tx electrode 12a and Rx electrode 12b, it is referred to as "touch sensor electrode 12" in this specification. The touch sensor electrode 12 functions as a shared electrode for the placement of multiple pixel electrodes 11. The touch sensor electrode 12 is set to be shared by multiple pixel electrodes 11. Furthermore, as shown in FIG2 and... Figure 3 As shown, one or more slits 12c are provided on the touch sensor electrode 12.

[0040] like Figure 2A As shown, in the active matrix substrate 10, from the touch surface side, the components include touch sensor electrode 12, touch signal line 13, first insulating layer 14a, pixel electrode 11, second insulating layer 14b, reflector 40c, third insulating layer 14c, and gate line 15 (see reference). Figure 2B ), fourth insulating layer 14d, semiconductor layer 16 (refer to) Figure 2B ), Drain electrode 17 (refer to) Figure 2B The sequential arrangement of the switching element 63, the fifth insulating layer 14e, the source line 18, and the glass substrate 10a. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, in a top-down view, the touch sensor electrode 12 and the pixel electrode 11 are arranged overlappingly. Additionally, as... Figure 2AAs shown, the touch signal line 13 is configured to overlap with the source line 18 when viewed from above. Furthermore, the width W1 of the touch signal line 13 is the same as the width of the source line 18. Additionally, the touch signal line 13 is formed to extend parallel to the source line 18. With this configuration, compared to a configuration where the multiple source lines 18 and multiple touch signal lines 13 are staggered when viewed from above, the size of the touch panel 1 when viewed from above can be reduced. Furthermore, the multiple touch signal lines 13 include an emitter wiring 13a connected to the emitter electrode 12a and a receiver wiring 13b connected to the receiver electrode 12b. Moreover, the arrangement position and thickness order of the layers in the active matrix substrate 10 are not limited to this example.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a planar schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the gate drive circuit 51, the source drive circuit 52, and the thin-film transistor 61. The gate drive circuit 51 and the source drive circuit 52 are provided in the active matrix substrate 10. Multiple gate lines 15 and multiple source lines 18 intersect each other and form a grid pattern when viewed from above. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, on the active matrix substrate 10, each region, namely a plurality of pixels 60, is formed by a plurality of gate lines 15 and a plurality of source lines 18. The region where the plurality of pixels 60 are disposed is designated as pixel region E1.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, in the first embodiment, the active matrix substrate 10 and the pixel region E1 have a non-rectangular shape when viewed from above, for example, a circular shape. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the active matrix substrate 10 and the pixel region E1 are not limited to having a circular shape when viewed from above; they can have a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape, or an elliptical shape when viewed from above.

[0043] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the configuration of a pixel 60 having a pixel electrode 11 opposite to the Tx electrode 12a. Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the configuration of a pixel 60 having a pixel electrode 11 opposite to the Rx electrode 12b. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, a thin-film transistor 61, a memory circuit 62, and a switching element 63 are disposed in pixel 60. The gate of the thin-film transistor 61 is connected to the gate line 15, and the source of the thin-film transistor 61 is connected to the source line 18. Additionally, the drain of the thin-film transistor 61 is connected to the memory circuit 62. The memory circuit 62 includes, for example, a 1-bit SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The switching element 63 switches the connection state of pixel electrode 11 and the first wiring 63a, and the connection state of pixel electrode 11 and the second wiring 63b, according to instructions from the memory circuit 62. The memory circuit 62 activates the switching element 63 based on data written via the source drive circuit 52 through the thin-film transistor 61 (data stored in the memory circuit 62). Thus, a constant voltage is supplied to pixel electrode 11 through the first wiring 63a or the second wiring 63b.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, a touch sensor electrode driving circuit 53, white power supply circuits 54a and 54b, and black power supply circuits 55a and 55b are disposed on the active matrix substrate 10. The touch sensor electrode driving circuit 53, white power supply circuits 54a and 54b, and black power supply circuits 55a and 55b are each configured as independent integrated circuits, for example. Figure 5 As shown, the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 53 is connected to the Tx electrode 12a via the emitter wiring 13a. Additionally, as... Figure 6 As shown, the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 53 is connected to the Rx electrode 12b via the receiving electrode wiring 13b. Furthermore, at least two of the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 53, the white power supply circuits 54a and 54b, and the black power supply circuits 55a and 55b can also be constructed from a common integrated circuit.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 53. Figure 8 This is a timing diagram illustrating the waveforms of the voltages output from the touch sensor electrode drive circuit 53, the white power supply circuits 54a and 54b, and the black power supply circuits 55a and 55b, respectively. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 53 includes a common electrode control circuit 53a and a touch panel control circuit 53b. The common electrode control circuit 53a and the touch panel control circuit 53b are each configured as an integrated circuit, for example. Furthermore, both the common electrode control circuit 53a and the touch panel control circuit 53b are connected to the touch signal line 13. In addition, the above description shows an example where the common electrode control circuit 53a and the touch panel control circuit 53b are configured as independent integrated circuits, but they can also be configured as a single integrated circuit.

[0046] like Figure 8 As shown, the common electrode control circuit 53a outputs a voltage VCOM, which is used for display. Voltage VCOM is a reference voltage relative to the potential of pixel electrode 11, and the liquid crystal layer 30 is driven by the potential difference between the pixel electrode 11 and voltage VCOM. Furthermore, the polarity of voltage VCOM is reversed every predetermined period P1. That is, the common electrode control circuit 53a reverses the driving polarity of touch sensor electrode 12 (common electrode). Specifically, "voltage VCOM" alternately repeats a high potential state and a low potential state every predetermined period P1.

[0047] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the touch panel control circuit 53b controls the touch sensor period Pt (which is part of period P1) during which the touch sensor period Pt (in) Figure 8 During the periods from time t1 to t2 and from time t4 to t5, a drive signal Vd is supplied to the emitter wiring 13a to which voltage VCOM is applied. Furthermore, the voltage applied to the emitter wiring 13a is set as VCOMT. The "drive signal Vd" is, for example, a signal that causes the polarity of voltage VCOM to reverse multiple times during touch sensor operation Pt. Here, when a pulse voltage is applied to voltage VCOM and overlapped, it becomes a voltage higher than the High voltage of voltage VCOM, sometimes exceeding the withstand voltage of the element to which the voltage is applied. In contrast, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, even when the drive signal Vd overlaps with voltage VCOM, the voltage VCOMT will not become a voltage higher than the High voltage of voltage VCOM, thus preventing damage due to exceeding the withstand voltage of the element to which the voltage is applied.

[0048] In addition, in the first embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the touch panel control circuit 53b does not supply a drive signal Vd to the receiving electrode wiring 13b, but instead supplies a voltage VCOMR with the same phase as the voltage VCOM. Here, "same phase" means that the timing of the switching from High to Low is the same even when the voltage values ​​are different. Figure 8 The timing of the transition from Low to High is equal to time t3, and the timing of the transition is equal to time t3. Figure 8The times t0 and t6 are equal. Furthermore, the touch panel control circuit 53b acquires the change in voltage VCOMR as a mutual capacitance signal during the touch sensor period Pt, and detects touch by an indicator, etc., based on the acquired mutual capacitance signal. That is, if an indicator such as a finger exists between the Tx electrode 12a and the Rx electrode 12b, when the drive signal Vd supplied to the Tx electrode 12a is transmitted to the Rx electrode 12b, the mutual capacitance changes due to the indicator, and the voltage VCOMR changes. The touch panel control circuit 53b detects the mutual capacitance signal by detecting the change in voltage VCOMR.

[0049] In addition, such as Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the white power supply circuits 54a and 54b are connected to the pixel electrode 11 via the first wiring 63a and the switching element 63, respectively. Additionally, the black power supply circuits 55a and 55b are connected to the pixel electrode 11 via the second wiring 63b and the switching element 63, respectively.

[0050] In this first embodiment, the white power supply circuit 54a supplies a first signal VdA (refer to) to the first wiring 63a of the pixel 60 on which the Tx electrode 12a is disposed, which includes a first signal VdA that is opposite in phase to the driving signal Vd (see reference). Figure 8 The voltage VAT. Additionally, the black power supply circuit 55a supplies a second signal VdB (refer to) having the same phase as the drive signal Vd to the second wiring 63b of the pixel 60 where the Tx electrode 12a is disposed. Figure 8 The voltage VBT is used for the white signal. Additionally, the white signal power supply circuit 54b supplies voltage VAR to the first wiring 63a of the pixel 60 where the Rx electrode 12b is located. This voltage VAR is in the opposite phase to the voltage VCOMR supplied to the Rx electrode 12b. The black signal power supply circuit 55b supplies voltage VBR to the second wiring 63b of the pixel 60 where the Rx electrode 12b is located. This voltage VBR is in the same phase as the voltage VCOMR supplied to the Rx electrode 12b. Here, "opposite phase" means that when the voltage values ​​are different, when one switches from High to Low, the other switches from Low to High, and vice versa.

[0051] Therefore, when the first wiring 63a is connected to the pixel electrode 11 via the switching element 63, a potential difference is generated between the pixel electrode 11 and the Tx electrode 12a or Rx electrode 12b, driving the liquid crystal layer 30 and allowing light to pass through. Conversely, when the second wiring 63b is connected to the pixel electrode 11 via the switching element 63, no potential difference is generated between the pixel electrode 11 and the Tx electrode 12a or Rx electrode 12b, the liquid crystal layer 30 is not driven, and light diffuses (or is blocked). Furthermore, according to the above configuration, since touch detection based on mutual capacitance can be performed, touch detection can be performed even when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 11 via the memory circuit 62. Additionally, even during the period when the driving signal Vd is supplied (touch sensor period Pt), the potential difference between the pixel electrode 11 and the Tx electrode 12a can be kept constant; therefore, during touch sensor period Pt, the potential difference of the liquid crystal layer 30 does not change. As a result, the influence of touch detection on the display can be prevented. As a result, a display device 100 with an embedded touch panel 1 having embedded memory pixels can be provided without reducing display quality or increasing the size of the pixels 60.

[0052] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the configuration of the Tx electrodes 12a, Rx electrodes 12b, and touch sensor electrode driving circuit 53 on the active matrix substrate 10. The Tx electrodes 12a and Rx electrodes 12b are arranged alternately along the Y direction when viewed from above. Multiple Tx electrodes 12a are formed, for example, into strips having a rectangular shape and a long side along the X direction when viewed from above. Multiple Rx electrodes 12b are arranged side-by-side in the X direction. Therefore, if the receiving electrode wiring 13b is formed to extend along the Y direction, multiple receiving electrodes 12b can be easily connected to the receiving electrode wiring 13b. Furthermore, the unit cell 12d is composed of a Tx electrode 12a and two Rx electrodes 12b sandwiching the Tx electrode 12a along the Y direction when viewed from above. The unit cell 12d is a region that serves as a coordinate unit during touch detection. Additionally, the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 53 is disposed in a portion (border portion) further outward than the pixel region E1. Furthermore, in Figure 9 An example is shown with 5 Tx electrodes 12a and 16 Rx electrodes 12b, but the number and arrangement of Tx electrodes 12a and the number and arrangement of Rx electrodes 12b are not limited to this example.

[0053] In addition, such as Figure 9As shown, multiple Tx electrodes 12a are connected to a common emitter wiring 13a. With this configuration, the structure of the touch panel 1 can be simplified because the emitter wiring 13a connected to the multiple Tx electrodes 12a can be shared. Furthermore, a voltage VCOMT is supplied to the multiple Tx electrodes 12a at the same timing. Multiple Rx electrodes 12b are each connected to a separate receiver wiring 13b. The touch panel control circuit 53b detects the touch of the indicator and determines the touch position (coordinates) by supplying a common drive signal Vd to the multiple Tx electrodes 12a and obtaining mutual capacitance signals from the receiver wirings 13b respectively connected to the multiple Rx electrodes 12b. The touch panel control circuit 53b determines the touch position by determining which receiver wiring 13b from which the mutual capacitance signal was obtained.

[0054] [Second Implementation]

[0055] Next, refer to Figure 10 The configuration of the touch panel display device 200 (hereinafter referred to as "display device 200") according to the second embodiment will be described. Unlike the configuration of the first embodiment, where a common emitter wiring 13a is provided for the plurality of Tx electrodes 12a, in the second embodiment, emitter wiring 213a is provided individually for each of the plurality of Tx electrodes 212a. Furthermore, in the following description, the same configuration as the first embodiment is shown using the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment; unless otherwise specified, the previous description will be used.

[0056] (Configuration of the display device according to the second embodiment)

[0057] Figure 10 This is a plan view of the touch panel 201 of the display device 200 according to the second embodiment. A plurality of Tx electrodes 212a and a plurality of Rx electrodes 212b are provided on the touch panel 201. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the Tx electrodes 212a and Rx electrodes 212b are alternately arranged in the Y direction on the touch panel 201. Additionally, a touch sensor electrode driving circuit 253 is provided on the touch panel 201. Moreover, in the second embodiment, each of the plurality of Tx electrodes 212a is individually provided with an emitter wiring 213a between it and the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 253. Furthermore, the Rx electrodes 212b with equal coordinates in the X direction are connected to a common receiver wiring 213b. If the Rx electrodes 212 are designated as Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, Rx4, and Rx5 in the X direction, then the plurality of Rx1 electrodes are connected to a common receiver wiring 213b. Rx2 through Rx5, like Rx1, are connected to the common receiver wiring 213b. Receiver wiring 213b is configured, for example, to extend along the Y direction.

[0058] Furthermore, if the Tx electrodes 212a are designated as Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, Tx4, and Tx5 in the Y direction, the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 253 supplies driving signals Vd to Tx1 through Tx5 at different timings. For example, the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 253 supplies driving signals Vd sequentially to Tx1 through Tx5. Then, the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 253 determines the touch position (coordinates) by determining the timing at which the mutual capacitance signal is obtained from the Rx electrode 212b and the receiving electrode wiring 213b where the mutual capacitance signal is obtained. For example, if the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 253 supplies driving signal Vd to Tx2 at the same timing, and a mutual capacitance signal is obtained from the receiving electrode wiring 213b connected to Rx5, the touch position in the Y direction becomes near Tx2, and the touch position in the X direction becomes near Rx5.

[0059] According to the configuration of the second embodiment described above, the receiving electrode wiring 213b connected to the plurality of Rx electrodes 212b can be shared, thus simplifying the configuration of the touch panel 201. Furthermore, the number of touch signal lines 13 in the first embodiment is 17, while in the second embodiment, the number of touch signal lines (the total number of receiving electrode wiring 213b and transmitting electrode wiring 213a) is 10, reducing the number of touch signal lines. By reducing the number of touch signal lines, the number of terminals of the touch panel 201 can also be reduced, enabling miniaturization of the flexible printed circuit board connected to the terminals. Moreover, the other configurations and effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0060] [Third Implementation Method]

[0061] Next, refer to Figure 11 The configuration of the touch panel display device 300 (hereinafter referred to as "display device 300") according to the third embodiment will be described. An AC coupling circuit 356 for passing the AC component of the voltage is provided in the touch sensor electrode drive circuit 353 of the display device 300 of the third embodiment. Furthermore, in the following description, configurations identical to those in the first or second embodiment are shown where the same reference numerals are used as in the first or second embodiment; unless otherwise specified, reference will be made to the preceding description.

[0062] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 353 of the display device 300 according to the third embodiment. Figure 11As shown, the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 353 is connected to the touch sensor electrode 12 via the touch signal line 13. Furthermore, the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 353 includes a touch panel control circuit 353a, a common electrode control circuit 353b, and an AC coupling circuit 356.

[0063] like Figure 11 As shown, the AC coupling circuit 356 is connected to the touch panel control circuit 353a and the common electrode control circuit 353b, and is connected to the touch sensor electrode 12 via the touch signal line 13. Furthermore, the AC coupling circuit 356 includes a capacitor 356a connected to the touch panel control circuit 353a and a resistor 356b connected to the common electrode control circuit 353b. Thus, the AC coupling circuit 356 allows the AC components (drive signal Vd and mutual capacitance signal) to pass between the touch sensor electrode 12 and the touch panel control circuit 353a, while the DC components from the touch sensor electrode 12 and the common electrode control circuit 353b are not applied to the touch panel control circuit 353a. According to this configuration, even if the magnitude (DC component) of the display voltage VCOM output from the common electrode control circuit 353b is different from the magnitude (DC component) of the voltage VCOMT supplied from the touch panel control circuit 353a to the touch sensor electrode 12, current flow between the common electrode control circuit 353b and the touch panel control circuit 353a can be prevented. Furthermore, the drive signal Vd, transmitted as an AC component, can be supplied from the touch panel control circuit 353a to the touch sensor electrode 12. As a result, the touch panel control circuit 353a can be constructed using a general-purpose integrated circuit whose output voltage VCOM differs from the output voltage of the common electrode control circuit 353b. Compared to constructing a dedicated integrated circuit that matches the output voltage of the common electrode control circuit 353b, the touch panel control circuit 353a can be constructed more easily (reducing cost). Moreover, the other configurations and effects of the display device 300 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the display device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0064] [Fourth Implementation Method]

[0065] Next, refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The configuration of the touch panel display device 400 (hereinafter referred to as "display device 400") according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The touch sensor electrode driving circuit 453 of the display device 400 of the fourth embodiment includes an AC coupling circuit 456 having a switching element 456b. Furthermore, in the following description, configurations identical to those in the first to third embodiments are shown using the same reference numerals as in the first to third embodiments; unless otherwise specified, reference will be made to the preceding description.

[0066] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 453 of the display device 400 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 12 As shown, the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 453 is connected to the touch sensor electrode 12 via the touch signal line 13. Furthermore, the touch sensor electrode driving circuit 453 includes a touch panel control circuit 453a, a common electrode control circuit 453b, and an AC coupling circuit 456.

[0067] like Figure 12 As shown, the AC coupling circuit 456 is connected to the touch panel control circuit 353a and the common electrode control circuit 353b, and is connected to the touch sensor electrode 12 via the touch signal line 13. Furthermore, the AC coupling circuit 456 includes a capacitor 456a connected to the touch panel control circuit 453a and a switching element 456b connected to the common electrode control circuit 453b.

[0068] Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the timing sequence of the operation of the switching element 456b. Based on instructions from the touch panel control circuit 453a, the switching element 456b switches between a state where the common electrode control circuit 453b and the touch sensor electrode 12 are on (ON) and a state where the common electrode control circuit 453b and the touch sensor electrode 12 are not on (OFF). Figure 13 As shown, the touch panel control circuit 453a acquires the mutual capacitance signal from the touch sensor electrode 12 at time tr during the off-state period Poff when the switching element 456b is off. According to this configuration, when receiving the mutual capacitance signal, the touch sensor electrode 12 and the common electrode control circuit 453b can be made non-conductive by the switching element 456b, thus preventing the current flowing from the common electrode control circuit 453b from affecting the mutual capacitance signal. As a result, the touch panel control circuit 453a can be constructed using a general-purpose integrated circuit, and the accuracy of touch detection is improved. Furthermore, the other configurations and effects of the display device 400 of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the display device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0069] [Deformation, etc.]

[0070] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative examples for implementing this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from its spirit.

[0071] (1) In the first to fourth embodiments described above, examples are shown in which the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode are formed into rectangular shapes when viewed from above, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode may also be formed into rhomboid, polygonal, circular or elliptical shapes when viewed from above.

[0072] (2) In the first embodiment described above, an example of a transmit electrode wiring shared by multiple Tx electrodes was shown. In the second embodiment described above, an example of a receive electrode wiring shared by multiple Rx electrodes was shown. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples. For instance, transmit electrode wiring may be connected separately to each of the multiple Tx electrodes, and receive electrode wiring may be connected separately to each of the multiple Rx electrodes.

[0073] Furthermore, the aforementioned display device with a touch panel can be described as follows.

[0074] The first configuration of the touch panel display device includes: a touch panel substrate comprising a plurality of pixels divided by a plurality of source lines and a plurality of gate lines; a plurality of pixel electrodes respectively disposed on the plurality of pixels; a thin-film transistor disposed on each of the plurality of pixels and connected to one of the plurality of source lines and one of the plurality of gate lines; a memory circuit disposed on each of the plurality of pixels and connected to the thin-film transistor; a plurality of touch sensor electrodes disposed opposite to the plurality of pixel electrodes; a driving circuit applying a voltage to the plurality of touch sensor electrodes; a first wiring supplying a voltage to each of the plurality of pixels with a voltage opposite in phase to the voltage applied to the plurality of touch sensor electrodes; and a second wiring supplying a voltage to each of the plurality of pixels with a voltage in phase to the voltage applied to the plurality of touch sensor electrodes; and so on. The plurality of touch sensor electrodes include: a plurality of emitting electrodes supplied with a drive signal for touch detection from a drive circuit; and a receiving electrode that supplies mutual capacitance signals generated by the drive signals supplied to the plurality of drive circuits. The plurality of emitting electrodes also include a first power supply circuit that supplies a first signal with an opposite phase to the drive signal to a first wiring disposed on a pixel electrode disposed opposite to one of the plurality of emitting electrodes, and supplies a second signal having the same phase as the drive signal to a second wiring disposed on a pixel electrode disposed opposite to one of the plurality of emitting electrodes (first configuration).

[0075] Here, we consider supplying a drive signal to the touch sensor electrode to obtain the change in the self-capacitance of the touch sensor electrode, and detecting the touch based on the change in self-capacitance (charge amount), which is called self-capacitance-based touch detection. However, in a memory-embedded pixel type display device, a voltage of high potential or low potential is always applied to the pixel electrode through the memory circuit. Therefore, there is a difference in the self-capacitance between the touch sensor electrode opposite to the pixel electrode with a high voltage and the touch sensor electrode opposite to the pixel electrode with a low voltage. In this case, it is impossible to detect the touch based on the change in self-capacitance (charge amount). In this regard, according to the first configuration described above, since touch detection based on mutual capacitance is possible, touch detection can be performed even when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode through the memory circuit. Therefore, touch detection can be performed in a memory-embedded pixel type display device without providing a new thin-film transistor for floating the pixel electrode. As a result, a touch panel display device with a memory-embedded pixel type touch panel can be provided. Furthermore, by supplying a first signal with an opposite phase to the driving signal to a first wiring disposed on a pixel electrode opposite to the emission electrode, and supplying a second signal with the same phase as the driving signal to a second wiring disposed on a pixel electrode opposite to the emission electrode, the potential difference between the pixel electrode and the emission electrode can be kept constant. As a result, since the potential difference in the liquid crystal layer does not change, the influence of touch detection on the display can be prevented. Consequently, a display device with a memory-embedded pixel type and embedded touch panel can be provided without degrading display quality or increasing pixel size.

[0076] In the first configuration, a second power supply circuit may also be provided, which is separate from the first power supply circuit. The second power supply circuit supplies a voltage that is opposite in phase to the voltage applied to the touch sensor electrode to the first wiring disposed opposite to one of the plurality of receiving electrodes, and supplies a voltage that is in phase with the voltage applied to the touch sensor electrode to the second wiring disposed opposite to one of the plurality of receiving electrodes (second configuration).

[0077] According to the second configuration described above, by using a second power supply circuit that is different from the first power supply circuit, it is possible to easily supply a voltage different from the voltage supplied to the pixel electrode that is positioned opposite the transmitting electrode to the pixel electrode that is positioned opposite the receiving electrode.

[0078] In the first or second configuration, the multiple transmitting electrodes and multiple receiving electrodes can be alternately arranged when viewed from above, and the multiple receiving electrodes can be arranged in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes are alternately arranged (third configuration).

[0079] According to the third configuration described above, as long as the emitter wiring connected to multiple emitter electrodes or the receiver wiring connected to multiple receiver electrodes is formed in a direction that extends along the alternating arrangement of emitter electrodes and receiver electrodes, it is easy to connect the emitter electrodes and emitter wiring, or it is easy to connect the receiver electrodes and receiver wiring.

[0080] In any of the first to third configurations, multiple transmitting electrodes may be connected to a common transmitting electrode wiring, or multiple receiving electrodes may be connected to independent multiple receiving electrode wiring. The driving circuit may supply a common driving signal to the multiple transmitting electrodes via the transmitting electrode wiring, and receive mutual capacitance signals from the multiple receiving electrodes via the multiple receiving electrode wiring (fourth configuration).

[0081] According to the fourth configuration described above, the emitter wiring connected to multiple emitter electrodes can be shared, thus simplifying the configuration of the touch panel.

[0082] In any of the first to third configurations, multiple independent emitter wirings can be connected to multiple emitter electrodes, or at least two of the multiple receiver electrodes can be connected to a common receiver wiring. The driving circuit can supply different driving signals to each of the multiple emitter electrodes via each of the multiple emitter wirings, and receive mutual capacitance signals from the multiple receiver electrodes via the receiver wirings (fifth configuration).

[0083] According to the fifth configuration described above, since the wiring of the receiving electrodes connected to multiple receiving electrodes can be shared, the configuration of the touch panel can be simplified.

[0084] In any of the first to fifth configurations, the driving circuit may further include a display control circuit for applying a voltage for display to the touch sensor electrode, a touch panel control circuit for providing a driving signal to the touch sensor electrode, and an AC coupling circuit (sixth configuration) connected to the touch sensor electrode and the touch panel control circuit and for allowing the AC component of the voltage to pass through.

[0085] According to the sixth configuration described above, even when the magnitude (DC component) of the display voltage output from the display control circuit differs from the magnitude (DC component) of the voltage supplied from the touch panel control circuit to the touch sensor electrodes, current flow between the display control circuit and the touch panel control circuit can be prevented, and a drive signal transmitted as an AC component can be supplied to the touch sensor electrodes. As a result, a general-purpose integrated circuit with a voltage output from the display control circuit of a different magnitude can be used to construct the touch panel control circuit. Compared to constructing a dedicated integrated circuit that matches the voltage output from the display control circuit, it is easier to construct a touch panel control circuit.

[0086] In the sixth configuration, the driving circuit can also be connected to the touch sensor electrode and the display control circuit. The touch panel display device can also have a switching element that switches the touch sensor electrode and the display control circuit between an on state and a non-on state. The driving circuit can be configured to switch the on state of the touch sensor electrode and the display control circuit to a non-on state by means of the switching element when receiving a mutual capacitance signal from at least one of the plurality of receiving electrodes (seventh configuration).

[0087] According to the seventh configuration described above, since the touch sensor electrodes and the display control circuit can be de-conductively connected via a switching element when receiving the mutual capacitance signal, it is possible to prevent the current flowing from the display control circuit from affecting the mutual capacitance signal. As a result, the touch panel control circuit can be constructed using general-purpose integrated circuits, while simultaneously improving the accuracy of touch detection.

[0088] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0089] 1, 201… Touch panel, 10… Active matrix substrate, 11… Pixel electrode, 12… Touch sensor electrode, 12a, 212a, Tx1~Tx5… Emitter electrode (Tx electrode), 12b, 212b, Rx1~Rx5… Receiver electrode (Rx electrode), 13… Touch signal line, 53, 253, 353, 453… Touch sensor electrode driving circuit, 53a… Common electrode control circuit, 53b, 353a, 453a… Touch panel control circuit 54a, 54b… Power supply circuit for white, 55a, 55b… Power supply circuit for black, 60… Pixel, 61… Thin film transistor, 62… Storage circuit, 63… Switching element, 63a, 263a… First wiring, 63b, 263b… Second wiring, 100, 200, 300, 400… Display device with touch panel, 356, 456… AC coupling circuit, 456b… Switching element, Vd… Drive signal, VdA… First signal, VdB… Second signal

Claims

1. A display device with a touch panel, characterized in that, have: A touch panel substrate, comprising multiple pixels defined by multiple source lines and multiple gate lines; Multiple pixel electrodes are respectively disposed on the multiple pixels; A thin-film transistor is disposed in each of the plurality of pixels and connected to one of the plurality of source lines and one of the plurality of gate lines; A storage circuit is disposed in each of the plurality of pixels and connected to the thin-film transistor; Multiple touch sensor electrodes are configured opposite to the multiple pixel electrodes; A driving circuit applies voltage to the plurality of touch sensor electrodes; The first wiring supplies each of the plurality of pixels with a voltage that is out of phase with the voltage applied to the plurality of touch sensor electrodes; The second wiring supplies each of the plurality of pixels with a voltage that is in phase with the voltage applied to the plurality of touch sensor electrodes; as well as A switching element, based on data held in the storage circuit, switches the state of the pixel electrode and the first wiring connection, and the state of the pixel electrode and the second wiring connection. The plurality of touch sensor electrodes includes: a plurality of transmitting electrodes, which receive a driving signal for touch detection from the driving circuit; and a plurality of receiving electrodes, which supply the driving circuit with a mutual capacitance signal generated by supplying the driving signal to the plurality of transmitting electrodes. It also includes a first power supply circuit that supplies a first signal with an opposite phase to the driving signal to the first wiring. The first wiring is disposed in a pixel having a pixel electrode disposed opposite to one of the plurality of emitter electrodes. The first power supply circuit supplies a second signal with the same phase as the driving signal to the second wiring, the second wiring being disposed in a pixel having a pixel electrode configured opposite to one of the plurality of emitter electrodes.

2. The display device with a touch panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a second power supply circuit that is separate from the first power supply circuit. The second power supply circuit supplies a voltage that is out of phase with the voltage applied to the touch sensor electrode to a first wiring disposed in a pixel having a pixel electrode disposed opposite to one of the plurality of emitter electrodes, and supplies a voltage that is in phase with the voltage applied to the touch sensor electrode to a second wiring disposed in a pixel having a pixel electrode disposed opposite to one of the plurality of emitter electrodes.

3. The display device with a touch panel as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of transmitting electrodes and the plurality of receiving electrodes are arranged alternately when viewed from above. The plurality of receiving electrodes are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the transmitting electrodes and the receiving electrodes are alternately arranged.

4. The display device with a touch panel as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of emitter electrodes are connected to a common emitter wiring. Each of the multiple receiving electrodes is connected to an independent set of receiving electrode wiring. The driving circuit supplies a common driving signal to the plurality of emitter electrodes via the emitter wiring. The driving circuit receives mutual capacitance signals from each of the plurality of receiving electrodes via wiring of each of the plurality of receiving electrodes.

5. The display device with a touch panel as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of emitter electrodes is connected to a separate plurality of emitter wiring. At least two of the plurality of receiving electrodes are connected to a common receiving electrode wiring. The driving circuit supplies different driving signals to each of the plurality of emitter electrodes via the plurality of emitter wirings. The driving circuit receives mutual capacitance signals from the plurality of receiving electrodes via the shared receiving electrode wiring.

6. The display device with a touch panel as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The driving circuit also includes: A display control circuit applies a display voltage to the plurality of touch sensor electrodes; Touch panel control circuitry, which supplies drive signals to the touch sensor electrodes; and An AC coupling circuit is connected to the touch sensor electrodes and the touch panel control circuit, and allows the AC component of the voltage to pass through.

7. The display device with a touch panel as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The driving circuit also includes a switching element connected to the touch sensor electrode and the display control circuit, which switches the on and off states of the touch sensor electrode and the display control circuit. When the driving circuit receives a mutual capacitance signal from at least one of the plurality of receiving electrodes, it switches from the conducting state of the touch sensor electrode and the display control circuit to the non-conducting state via the switching element.

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