Touch display device and driving circuit

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a touch display device and a driving circuit. A touch display device, a data driving circuit, and a driving method are provided. The touch display device, the data driving circuit, and the driving method convert an image digital signal into an image analog signal in response to a gamma reference voltage that is applied to a touch electrode arranged in a display panel and modulated in synchronization with a first touch electrode driving signal that is oscillated at a first amplitude, and output a data signal corresponding to the converted image analog signal to a data line. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively simultaneously perform display and touch sensing.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on June 14, 2019, with application number 201910515172.5 and entitled "Touch Display Device, Data Driving Circuit and Driving Method". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a touch display device, a data driving circuit, and a driving method. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of the information society, the demand for touch display devices for displaying images has increased in various types, and various display devices such as liquid crystal displays, plasma displays and organic light-emitting diode displays have been widely used.

[0004] Among these display devices, there are touch display devices that provide a touch-based input system that allows users to easily, intuitively and conveniently input information or commands, rather than the normal input system using buttons, keyboards, mice, etc.

[0005] In touch display devices according to related technologies, since both display functions (image display functions) and touch sensing functions must be provided, display and touch sensing are performed alternately at defined time intervals.

[0006] In such a time-division driven system, very fine timing control is required to execute the display driver and touch driver in a time-division manner, and high-cost components may be required.

[0007] In time-division multiplexing systems, both display driving time and touch driving time may be insufficient, resulting in reduced image quality and touch sensitivity. In particular, time-division multiplexing may fail to provide high-resolution image quality.

[0008] In touch display devices, various driving environments may exist, thus requiring different driving timings for both display and touch driving. However, a problem with touch display devices according to related technologies is that they cannot provide various driving timings for both display and touch driving. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In this context, one object of the present invention is to provide a touch display device, a data driving circuit, and a driving method capable of independently performing display and touch sensing.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a touch display device, a data driving circuit, and a driving method capable of effectively performing display and touch sensing simultaneously.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a touch display device, data driving circuit, and driving method capable of simultaneously performing display and touch sensing and achieving excellent display and touch sensing performance by minimizing or eliminating interference between display driving and touch driving.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a touch display device, data driving circuit, and driving method capable of operating to suit various driving environments.

[0013] According to one aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a touch display device, the touch display device comprising: a display panel having a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines arranged therein, and a plurality of touch electrodes arranged therein; a gate driving circuit electrically connected to and driving the plurality of gate lines; a data driving circuit electrically connected to and driving the plurality of data lines; and a touch driving circuit electrically connected to and driving the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0014] The data driving circuit converts the digital image signal into an analog image signal in response to a gamma reference voltage that is modulated synchronously with a first touch electrode driving signal that swings at a first amplitude and is applied to the touch electrodes arranged in the display panel, and outputs a data signal corresponding to the converted analog image signal to the data line.

[0015] The frequency and phase of the converted gamma reference voltage can correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal.

[0016] The amplitude of the converted gamma reference voltage can correspond to the first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal.

[0017] The data signal may have a signal pattern consisting of a first pulse having a first pulse width and a second pulse having a second pulse width, wherein the second pulse width is greater than the first pulse width.

[0018] When the period of the first touch electrode driving signal is shorter than the predetermined horizontal time, the first pulse may include a portion whose amplitude corresponds to the first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal, and the first pulse width may correspond to the pulse width of the first touch electrode driving signal.

[0019] When the period of the first touch electrode driving signal is longer than the predetermined horizontal time, the second pulse may include a portion whose amplitude corresponds to the first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal, and the second pulse width may correspond to the pulse width of the first touch electrode driving signal.

[0020] The data driving circuit may include: a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that receives the image digital signal, receives a first gamma reference voltage, a second gamma reference voltage, a third gamma reference voltage, and a fourth gamma reference voltage whose frequencies and phases correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal, and converts the image digital signal into a first image analog signal in response to the first gamma reference voltage and the second gamma reference voltage, or converts the image digital signal into a second image analog signal in response to the third gamma reference voltage and the fourth gamma reference voltage; a first output buffer circuit that receives the first image analog signal and outputs a first data signal to a data line; and a second output buffer circuit that receives the second image analog signal and outputs a second data signal to a data line.

[0021] The first gamma reference voltage can be set to a voltage higher than the second gamma reference voltage, the second gamma reference voltage can be set to a voltage higher than the third gamma reference voltage, and the third gamma reference voltage can be set to a voltage higher than the fourth gamma reference voltage.

[0022] The first data signal can be a positive data signal output to the data line in the i-th frame, and the second data signal can be a negative data signal output to the data line in the (i+1)-th frame.

[0023] A drive voltage and a half-drive voltage can be applied to the first output buffer circuit, and the half-drive voltage and the base voltage can be applied to the second output buffer circuit.

[0024] The driving voltage and the base voltage can be DC voltages.

[0025] The semi-driving voltage can be a signal that oscillates between the driving voltage and the base voltage, and can be a modulated signal whose frequency and phase correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal.

[0026] The first gamma reference voltage and the second gamma reference voltage can be set to voltages higher than the half-drive voltage. The third gamma reference voltage and the fourth gamma reference voltage can be set to voltages lower than the half-drive voltage.

[0027] The low-level voltage of the fourth gamma reference voltage can be set to be higher than the base voltage.

[0028] Considering no-load drive, the difference between the low-level voltage of the first gamma reference voltage and the drive voltage can be set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude of the first gamma reference voltage.

[0029] The data driving circuit includes: a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that receives the image digital signal, receives a first gamma reference voltage and a second gamma reference voltage whose frequency and phase correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal, and converts the image digital signal into a first image analog signal in response to the first gamma reference voltage and the second gamma reference voltage; and an output buffer circuit that receives the image analog signal and outputs the data signal to a data line. The first gamma reference voltage can be set to a voltage higher than the second gamma reference voltage.

[0030] A drive voltage and a base voltage can be applied to the output buffer circuit.

[0031] The low-level voltage of the second gamma reference voltage can be set to be higher than the base voltage.

[0032] The difference between the low-level voltage of the first gamma reference voltage and the driving voltage can be set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude of the first gamma reference voltage.

[0033] The period of the first touch electrode driving signal can be shorter than the predetermined horizontal time.

[0034] Alternatively, the period of the first touch electrode drive signal may be longer than a predetermined horizontal time.

[0035] The touch driving circuit can supply the first touch electrode driving signal with the first amplitude or the second touch electrode driving signal corresponding to the DC voltage to the plurality of touch electrodes during the display time (active time).

[0036] The touch driving circuit can supply a third touch electrode driving signal with a third amplitude different from the first amplitude to one or more of the plurality of touch electrodes during the blanking time.

[0037] The first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal during the display time may be less than the third amplitude of the third touch electrode driving signal during the blanking time.

[0038] When the first touch electrode driving signal is output to the plurality of touch electrodes, the gating driving circuit can supply a first cutoff level gate voltage with a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal to the gating line, or supply a first on level gate voltage offset to the first cutoff level gate voltage to the gating line.

[0039] When the second touch electrode driving signal is output to the plurality of touch electrodes, the gating driving circuit can supply the gating line with the second cutoff level gate voltage as a DC voltage or supply the gating line with the second conduction level gate voltage as a DC voltage.

[0040] When the third touch electrode driving signal is output to the plurality of touch electrodes, the gating driving circuit can supply a third cutoff level gate voltage with a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the third touch electrode driving signal to the gating line.

[0041] The touch display device may further include a touch power circuit, which outputs a gamma reference voltage with an amplitude corresponding to the first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal to the data driving circuit, or outputs a gamma reference voltage corresponding to a DC voltage to the data driving circuit.

[0042] When the display time is displayed and the first touch electrode drive signal is output to the plurality of touch electrodes, the data drive circuit can convert the image digital signal into an image analog signal in response to a gamma reference voltage having a modulation signal pattern having a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal, and output a data signal corresponding to the converted image analog signal to the data line.

[0043] When the display time is displayed and a second touch electrode drive signal corresponding to a DC voltage is output to the plurality of touch electrodes, the data drive circuit can convert the digital image signal into an analog image signal in response to a gamma reference voltage corresponding to the DC voltage, and output a data signal corresponding to the converted analog image signal to the data line.

[0044] The gamma reference voltage can be excluded from input to the data drive circuit during the blanking time.

[0045] The touch driving circuit can output a third touch electrode driving signal with a third amplitude different from the first amplitude to all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes. The third touch electrode driving signal, or a signal corresponding to the third touch electrode driving signal, can be applied to all or some of the plurality of data lines.

[0046] The display panel, the data driving circuit, the gating driving circuit, and the touch driving circuit can be grounded to a DC ground voltage.

[0047] According to another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a data driving circuit comprising: a digital-to-analog converter that converts an image digital signal into an image analog signal in response to a gamma reference voltage of a modulation signal pattern oscillating with a predetermined amplitude; and an output buffer circuit that outputs a data signal corresponding to the converted image analog signal to a data line.

[0048] The gamma reference voltage can be modulated synchronously with a first touch electrode drive signal that swings at a first amplitude and applied to the touch electrodes arranged in the display panel.

[0049] When a second touch electrode drive signal corresponding to a DC voltage is applied to the touch electrodes arranged in the display panel, the digital-to-analog converter can convert the digital image signal into an analog image signal in response to a gamma reference voltage corresponding to the DC voltage.

[0050] According to another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a driving method for a touch display device, the driving method comprising the steps of: converting an image digital signal into an image analog signal in response to a gamma reference voltage modulated synchronously with a first touch electrode driving signal swinging at a first amplitude and applied to a touch electrode disposed in the display panel; and outputting a data signal corresponding to the converted image analog signal to a data line.

[0051] According to embodiments of the present invention, a touch display device, a data driving circuit, and a driving method capable of independently performing display and touch sensing can be provided.

[0052] According to embodiments of the present invention, a touch display device, a data driving circuit, and a driving method capable of effectively performing display and touch sensing simultaneously can be provided.

[0053] According to embodiments of the present invention, a touch display device, a data driving circuit, and a driving method are provided that can simultaneously perform display and touch sensing and achieve excellent display and touch sensing performance by minimizing or eliminating interference between the display driver and the touch driver.

[0054] According to embodiments of the present invention, a touch display device, a data driving circuit, and a driving method that can operate in various driving environments can be provided.

[0055] Postscript:

[0056] Appendix 1. A touch display device, the touch display device comprising:

[0057] The display panel has multiple data lines and multiple gate lines arranged in it, as well as multiple touch electrodes.

[0058] A gating drive circuit is electrically connected to the plurality of gating lines and drives the plurality of gating lines;

[0059] A data driving circuit, electrically connected to and driving the plurality of data lines; and

[0060] A touch driving circuit, which is electrically connected to and drives the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0061] The data driving circuit converts the digital image signal into an analog image signal in response to a gamma reference voltage that is modulated synchronously with a first touch electrode driving signal swinging at a first amplitude and applied to the touch electrodes arranged in the display panel.

[0062] The data driving circuit outputs the data signal corresponding to the converted image analog signal to the data line.

[0063] Note 2. The touch display device according to Note 1, wherein the frequency and phase of the gamma reference voltage correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal.

[0064] Appendix 3. The touch display device according to Appendix 1, wherein the data signal has a signal pattern consisting of a first pulse having a first pulse width and a second pulse having a second pulse width, the second pulse width being greater than the first pulse width.

[0065] Wherein, when the period of the first touch electrode driving signal is shorter than a predetermined horizontal time, the first pulse includes a portion whose amplitude corresponds to the first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal, and the first pulse width corresponds to the pulse width of the first touch electrode driving signal.

[0066] Wherein, when the period of the first touch electrode driving signal is longer than the predetermined horizontal time, the second pulse includes a portion whose amplitude corresponds to the first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal, and the second pulse width corresponds to the pulse width of the first touch electrode driving signal.

[0067] Appendix 4. The touch display device according to Appendix 1, wherein the data driving circuit comprises:

[0068] A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) receives the image digital signal, receives a first gamma reference voltage, a second gamma reference voltage, a third gamma reference voltage, and a fourth gamma reference voltage whose frequencies and phases correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal, and converts the image digital signal into a first image analog signal in response to the first gamma reference voltage and the second gamma reference voltage, or converts the image digital signal into a second image analog signal in response to the third gamma reference voltage and the fourth gamma reference voltage;

[0069] A first output buffer circuit, which receives the first image analog signal and outputs a first data signal to a data line; and

[0070] A second output buffer circuit receives the second image analog signal and outputs the second data signal to the data line.

[0071] Wherein, the first gamma reference voltage is set to a voltage higher than the second gamma reference voltage, the second gamma reference voltage is set to a voltage higher than the third gamma reference voltage, and the third gamma reference voltage is set to a voltage higher than the fourth gamma reference voltage.

[0072] Appendix 5. The touch display device according to Appendix 4, wherein the first data signal is a positively polarized data signal output to the data line in the i-th frame, and

[0073] The second data signal is a negative-polarity data signal output to the data line in the (i+1)th frame.

[0074] Appendix 6. The touch display device according to Appendix 4, wherein a driving voltage and a half-driving voltage are applied to the first output buffer circuit,

[0075] Specifically, the half-drive voltage and base voltage are applied to the second output buffer circuit.

[0076] Wherein, the driving voltage and the base voltage are DC voltages.

[0077] The half-driving voltage is a signal that oscillates between the driving voltage and the base voltage, and has a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal.

[0078] The first gamma reference voltage and the second gamma reference voltage are set to voltages higher than the half-drive voltage.

[0079] The third gamma reference voltage and the fourth gamma reference voltage are set to voltages lower than the half-drive voltage.

[0080] Wherein, the low-level voltage of the fourth gamma reference voltage is set to be higher than the base voltage, and

[0081] Wherein, the difference between the low-level voltage of the first gamma reference voltage and the driving voltage is set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude of the first gamma reference voltage.

[0082] Note 7. The touch display device according to Note 6, wherein a voltage with a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal is applied via a capacitor to a node commonly connected to the node that applies the half-driving voltage to the first output buffer circuit and the node that applies the half-driving voltage to the second output buffer circuit.

[0083] Appendix 8. The touch display device according to Appendix 1, wherein the data driving circuit comprises:

[0084] A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) receives the image digital signal, receives a first gamma reference voltage and a second gamma reference voltage whose frequency and phase correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal, and converts the image digital signal into a first image analog signal in response to the first gamma reference voltage and the second gamma reference voltage; and

[0085] An output buffer circuit receives the first image analog signal and outputs the data signal to the data line.

[0086] The first gamma reference voltage is set to a higher voltage than the second gamma reference voltage.

[0087] Appendix 9. The touch display device according to Appendix 8, wherein a drive voltage and a base voltage are applied to the output buffer circuit,

[0088] Wherein, the low-level voltage of the second gamma reference voltage is set to be higher than the base voltage, and

[0089] Wherein, the difference between the low-level voltage of the first gamma reference voltage and the driving voltage is set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude of the first gamma reference voltage.

[0090] Note 10. The touch display device according to Note 1, wherein the period of the first touch electrode drive signal is shorter than a predetermined horizontal time.

[0091] Note 11. The touch display device according to Note 1, wherein the period of the first touch electrode drive signal is longer than a predetermined horizontal time.

[0092] Appendix 12. The touch display device according to Appendix 1, wherein the touch driving circuit supplies a first touch electrode driving signal having the first amplitude or a second touch electrode driving signal corresponding to a DC voltage to the plurality of touch electrodes during the display time, and

[0093] During the blanking time, the touch driving circuit supplies a third touch electrode driving signal with a third amplitude that is different from the first amplitude to one or more of the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0094] Note 13. The touch display device according to Note 12, wherein the first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal during the display time is less than the third amplitude of the third touch electrode driving signal during the blanking time.

[0095] Appendix 14. In the touch display device according to Appendix 12, when the first touch electrode driving signal is output to the plurality of touch electrodes, the gating driving circuit supplies a first cutoff level gate voltage with a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal to the gating line, or supplies a first on-level gate voltage offset by the first cutoff level gate voltage to the gating line.

[0096] Specifically, when the second touch electrode driving signal is output to the plurality of touch electrodes, the gating driving circuit supplies either a second cutoff level gate voltage (as a DC voltage) to the gating line or a second on-level gate voltage (as a DC voltage) to the gating line.

[0097] When the third touch electrode driving signal is output to the plurality of touch electrodes, the gating driving circuit supplies a third cutoff level gate voltage with a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the third touch electrode driving signal to the gating line.

[0098] Note 15. The touch display device according to Note 1 further includes a touch power circuit, which outputs a gamma reference voltage with an amplitude corresponding to a first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal to the data driving circuit, or outputs a gamma reference voltage corresponding to a DC voltage to the data driving circuit.

[0099] Note 16. According to the touch display device of Note 1, when it is display time and a second touch electrode drive signal corresponding to a DC voltage is output to the plurality of touch electrodes, the data drive circuit converts the image digital signal into an image analog signal in response to a gamma reference voltage corresponding to the DC voltage, and outputs a data signal corresponding to the converted image analog signal to a data line.

[0100] Note 17. The touch display device according to Note 16, wherein, when it is the display time and the second touch electrode drive signal is output to the plurality of touch electrodes, the touch drive circuit receives a pen signal from the pen via the display panel.

[0101] Note 18. The touch display device according to Note 1, wherein, when it is display time and the first touch electrode driving signal is output to the plurality of touch electrodes, the data driving circuit converts the image digital signal into an image analog signal in response to a gamma reference voltage having a modulation signal pattern having a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal, and outputs a data signal corresponding to the converted image analog signal to a data line.

[0102] Note 19. The touch display device according to Note 1, wherein the gamma reference voltage is not input to the data drive circuit during the blanking time.

[0103] The touch driving circuit outputs a third touch electrode driving signal with a third amplitude different from the first amplitude to all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes, and

[0104] The third touch electrode driving signal or the signal corresponding to the third touch electrode driving signal is applied to all or some of the multiple data lines.

[0105] Note 20. The touch display device according to Note 1, wherein the gamma reference voltage is not input to the data drive circuit during the blanking time.

[0106] The touch driving circuit outputs a fourth touch electrode driving signal, which oscillates irregularly between high and low levels, to all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0107] The fourth touch electrode drive signal is sent to the pen.

[0108] Note 21. The touch display device according to Note 1, wherein the display panel, the data driving circuit, the gating driving circuit and the touch driving circuit are grounded to a DC ground voltage.

[0109] Appendix 22. A data driving circuit that drives data lines arranged in a display panel, the data driving circuit comprising:

[0110] A digital-to-analog converter that converts an image digital signal into an image analog signal in response to a gamma reference voltage of a modulation signal pattern that swings with a predetermined amplitude; and

[0111] The output buffer circuit outputs the data signal corresponding to the converted image analog signal to the data line.

[0112] Note 23. The data driving circuit according to Note 22, wherein the gamma reference voltage is modulated synchronously with a first touch electrode driving signal swinging at a first amplitude and applied to the touch electrodes arranged in the display panel.

[0113] Appendix 24. The data driving circuit according to Appendix 23, wherein the data signal has a signal pattern consisting of a first pulse having a first pulse width and a second pulse having a second pulse width, the second pulse width being greater than the first pulse width.

[0114] Wherein, when the period of the first touch electrode driving signal is shorter than a predetermined horizontal time, the first pulse includes a portion whose amplitude corresponds to the first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal, and the first pulse width corresponds to the pulse width of the first touch electrode driving signal.

[0115] Wherein, when the period of the first touch electrode driving signal is longer than the predetermined horizontal time, the second pulse includes a portion whose amplitude corresponds to the first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal, and the second pulse width corresponds to the pulse width of the first touch electrode driving signal.

[0116] Appendix 25. According to the data driving circuit described in Appendix 23, the digital-to-analog converter receives the image digital signal, receives a first gamma reference voltage, a second gamma reference voltage, a third gamma reference voltage, and a fourth gamma reference voltage whose frequencies and phases correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal, and converts the image digital signal into a first image analog signal in response to the first gamma reference voltage and the second gamma reference voltage, or converts the image digital signal into a second image analog signal in response to the third gamma reference voltage and the fourth gamma reference voltage.

[0117] The output buffer circuit includes:

[0118] A first output buffer circuit, which receives the first image analog signal and outputs a first data signal to a data line; and

[0119] A second output buffer circuit receives the second image analog signal and outputs the second data signal to the data line.

[0120] Wherein, the first gamma reference voltage is set to a voltage higher than the second gamma reference voltage, the second gamma reference voltage is set to a voltage higher than the third gamma reference voltage, and the third gamma reference voltage is set to a voltage higher than the fourth gamma reference voltage.

[0121] Appendix 26. The data driving circuit according to Appendix 25, wherein the first data signal is a positively polarized data signal output to the data line in the i-th frame, and

[0122] The second data signal is a negative-polarity data signal output to the data line in the (i+1)th frame.

[0123] Note 27. The data driving circuit according to Note 25, wherein a driving voltage and a half-driving voltage are applied to the first output buffer circuit,

[0124] Specifically, the half-drive voltage and base voltage are applied to the second output buffer circuit.

[0125] Wherein, the driving voltage and the base voltage are DC voltages.

[0126] The half-driving voltage is a signal that oscillates between the driving voltage and the base voltage, and has a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal.

[0127] The first gamma reference voltage and the second gamma reference voltage are set to voltages higher than the half-drive voltage.

[0128] The third gamma reference voltage and the fourth gamma reference voltage are set to voltages lower than the half-drive voltage.

[0129] Wherein, the low-level voltage of the fourth gamma reference voltage is set to be higher than the base voltage, and

[0130] Wherein, the difference between the low-level voltage of the first gamma reference voltage and the driving voltage is set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude of the first gamma reference voltage.

[0131] Note 28. According to the data driving circuit of Note 23, when a second touch electrode driving signal corresponding to a DC voltage is applied to a touch electrode arranged in the display panel, the digital-to-analog converter converts the image digital signal into an image analog signal in response to a gamma reference voltage corresponding to the DC voltage.

[0132] Appendix 29. A driving method for a touch display device, the touch display device comprising a display panel with multiple data lines and multiple touch electrodes arranged thereon, the driving method comprising the following steps:

[0133] The step of converting an image digital signal into an image analog signal in response to a gamma reference voltage modulated synchronously with a first touch electrode drive signal swinging at a first amplitude and applied to touch electrodes disposed in the display panel; and

[0134] The step of outputting the data signal corresponding to the converted image analog signal to the data line. Attached Figure Description

[0135] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the system configuration of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0136] Figure 2 This is a schematic illustration of the display driver of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0137] Figure 3 This is a schematic illustration of the touch drive of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0138] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a time-division driving system for a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0139] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a time-free drive system for a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0140] Figure 7A This diagram illustrates three cases of time-free driving in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0141] Figure 7B This is a diagram illustrating various timing methods for finger sensing and pen sensing in a touch display device based on a time-free drive system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0142] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the touch electrode drive signal TDS in three cases of time-free driving in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0143] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the waveforms of the main signals in three cases of time-free driving in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0144] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a time-free drive system in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0145] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the signal transmission system between elements in case 1 of three cases of time-free driving in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0146] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the signal transmission system between elements in case 2 of the three cases of time-free driving in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0147] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the signal transmission system between elements in case 3 of the three cases of time-free driving in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0148] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a time-free drive gamma block that performs time-free drive on a data line using a gamma modulation method in a time-free drive system of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the voltage level and characteristics of the gamma reference voltage used in the gamma block that performs time-free driving on the data line using a gamma modulation method in the time-free driving system of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the digital-to-analog conversion characteristics in a gamma block that performs time-free driving on a data line using a gamma modulation method in a time-free driving system of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a loadless drive block in a time-free drive system of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0152] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the circuitry for generating various voltages in a time-free drive system of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, for a gamma modulation method.

[0153] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating the waveform of the main signal of time-free drive in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention when the frequency of the touch electrode drive signal is fast;

[0154] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating the waveform of the main signal for time-free driving in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention when the frequency of the touch electrode driving signal is slow;

[0155] Figure 21This is a diagram illustrating another example of a gamma block in a time-free drive system of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which performs time-free drive on a data line using a gamma modulation method.

[0156] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating the main control signals for time-free driving in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0157] Figure 23 and Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating pen sensing operation in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0158] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating a driving method for a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0159] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing the invention with reference to the drawings, the same reference numerals or symbols will be used to denote the same elements regardless of the reference numerals used. Where a detailed description of a known configuration or function involved in the invention would obscure the essential points of the invention, it will not be described in detail.

[0160] Elements of the invention may be described using terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b). These terms are used merely to distinguish one element from another, and the nature, order, sequence, number, etc., of the elements are not limited to these terms. When reference is made that an element is “linked,” “connected,” or “attached” to another element, it should be understood that the element may be directly linked, connected, or attached to another element, or that another element may be “inserted” between them, or that these elements may be “linked,” “connected,” or “attached” to each other using another element inserted between them.

[0161] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the system configuration of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This diagram schematically illustrates the display driver of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This diagram schematically illustrates the touch drive of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] Reference Figure 1 The touch display device according to embodiments of the present invention can provide a display function for displaying images. The touch display device according to embodiments of the present invention can also provide a touch sensing function for sensing a user's touch and a touch input function for performing touch-based input processing using the touch sensing results.

[0163] In the following description, reference will be made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This describes the components used to provide display functionality and display driving, and will refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 3 Describes the components used to provide touch sensing functionality and touch driving.

[0164] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel DISP, wherein a plurality of data lines DL and a plurality of gating lines GL are arranged in the display panel DISP and a plurality of sub-pixels SP defined by the plurality of data lines DL and the plurality of gating lines GL are arranged therein; a data driving circuit DDC that drives the plurality of data lines DL; a gating driving circuit GDC that drives the plurality of gating lines GL; and a display controller DCTR that controls the data driving circuit DDC and the gating driving circuit GDC.

[0165] The display controller DCTR supplies various control signals to the data drive circuit DDC and the gating drive circuit GDC, and controls the data drive circuit DDC and the gating drive circuit GDC.

[0166] The display controller DCTR starts scanning at the appropriate time in each frame, converts the input image data from the external input into the data signal format corresponding to that used in the data drive circuit DDC, outputs the converted image data, and controls the data drive at the appropriate time to correspond to the scan.

[0167] Under the control of the display controller DCTR, the gating drive circuit GDC supplies on or off voltage gating signals to multiple gating lines GL.

[0168] When the gate drive circuit GDC selects a specific gate line GL, the data drive circuit DDC converts the image data signal received from the display controller DCTR into an image analog signal, and supplies the data signal Vdata corresponding to the image analog signal to multiple data lines DL.

[0169] The display controller DCTR can be a timing controller for normal display technology or a control device that performs another control function besides the timing controller, or it can be a control device different from the timing controller.

[0170] The display controller DCTR can be implemented as a separate component from the data drive circuit DDC, or it can be implemented as an integrated circuit together with the data drive circuit DDC.

[0171] The data driver circuit DDC drives multiple data lines DL by supplying data signals Vdata to them. Here, the data driver circuit DDC is also referred to as the "source driver".

[0172] The data driver circuit (DDC) may include at least one source driver integrated circuit (SDIC). Each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) may include a shift register, latch circuitry, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and an output buffer circuitry. In some cases, each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) may also include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0173] Each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be connected to the bonding pads of the display panel DISP via a tape-on-board (TAB) system or a chip-on-glass (COG) system. It can be directly mounted on the display panel DISP, or in some cases, integrated and mounted on the display panel DISP. Each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can also be implemented as a chip-on-film (COF) system mounted on the film connected to the display panel DISP.

[0174] The gating drive circuit GDC sequentially drives multiple gating lines GL by supplying scan signals Vgate (also known as scan voltage, gating signal, or gate voltage) to them in sequence. Here, the gating drive circuit GDC is also referred to as a "scan driver".

[0175] Here, the scan signal Vgate includes a cutoff gate voltage for disabling the corresponding gating line GL and a turn-on gate voltage for enabling the corresponding gating line GL.

[0176] More specifically, the scan signal Vgate includes a cutoff gate voltage for turning off the transistor connected to the corresponding gate line GL and a turn-on gate voltage for turning on the transistor connected to the corresponding gate line GL.

[0177] When the transistor is N-type, the cutoff gate voltage can be a low gate voltage VGL, and the on-level gate voltage can be a high gate voltage VGH. When the transistor is P-type, the cutoff gate voltage can be a high gate voltage VGH, and the on-level gate voltage can be a low gate voltage VGL. In the following description, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the cutoff gate voltage is a low gate voltage VGL and the on-level gate voltage is a high gate voltage VGH.

[0178] The gating driver circuit GDC may include at least one gating driver integrated circuit GDIC. Each gating driver integrated circuit GDIC may include a shift register and a level shifter.

[0179] Each gate driver integrated circuit (GDIC) can be connected to the bonding pads of the display panel DISP via a tape-on-board (TAB) system or a chip-on-glass (COG) system, or it can be implemented as a gate-in-panel (GIP) system and directly disposed on the display panel DISP. In some cases, each gate driver integrated circuit (GDIC) can be integrated and disposed on the display panel DISP. Each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be implemented as a chip-on-film (COF) system in which it is mounted on the film connected to the display panel DISP.

[0180] In some cases, depending on the drive system, panel design system, etc., the data drive circuit (DDC) can be set only in the following configuration: Figure 1 The display panel DISP illustrated in the figure can be located on one side (e.g., the top or bottom side), or it can be located on both sides of the display panel DISP (e.g., the top and bottom sides).

[0181] In some cases, depending on the drive system, panel design system, etc., the gate drive circuit GDC can be set only to such... Figure 1 The display panel DISP illustrated in the figure can be located on one side (e.g., the right or left side), or it can be located on both sides of the display panel DISP (e.g., the right and left sides).

[0182] The touch display device according to embodiments of the present invention can be various types of display devices such as liquid crystal display devices and organic light-emitting display devices. The display panel DISP according to embodiments can be various types of display panels such as liquid crystal display panels and organic light-emitting display panels.

[0183] Each subpixel SP arranged in the display panel DISP can include one or more circuit elements (e.g., transistors and capacitors).

[0184] For example, when the display panel DISP is a liquid crystal display panel, pixel electrodes are disposed in each sub-pixel SP, and transistors are electrically connected between the pixel electrodes and the corresponding data lines DL. The transistors can be turned on by a scan signal Vgate supplied to the gate node via the corresponding gate line GL, and can output a data signal Vdata supplied to the source node (or drain node) via the corresponding data line DL to the drain node (or source node). When the transistors are turned on, the data signal Vdata is applied to the pixel electrode electrically connected to the drain node (or source node). An electric field is formed between the pixel electrode to which the data signal Vdata is applied and the common electrode to which a common voltage Vcom is applied, and a capacitor can be formed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode.

[0185] The structure of each sub-pixel SP can be determined differently depending on the panel type, the functions provided, the design system, etc.

[0186] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 According to embodiments of the present invention, a touch display device may include a touch screen TSP, a touch drive circuit TDC that drives the touch screen TSP and performs sensing, and a touch controller TCTR that uses the sensing results from the touch screen TSP from the touch drive circuit TDC to sense touch in order to provide touch sensing functionality.

[0187] The user's pointing device can touch or approach the touchscreen TSP. Touch sensors can be placed on the touchscreen TSP.

[0188] Here, the user's pointing device can be a finger or a pen.

[0189] The pen can be a passive pen without signal transmission / reception or an active pen with signal transmission / reception capabilities. The touch driver circuit (TDC) supplies touch drive signals to the touchscreen TSP and senses the touchscreen TSP. The touch controller (TCTR) can use the sensing results from the touchscreen TSP via the touch driver circuit (TDC) to sense touch. Here, "sensing touch" means determining whether a touch has occurred and / or the touch coordinates.

[0190] A touchscreen TSP can be an externally mounted type, which is placed outside the display panel DISP, or an embedded type, which is placed inside the display panel DISP.

[0191] When the touchscreen TSP is an externally mounted type, the touchscreen TSP and the display panel DISP can be manufactured separately and then joined together using adhesives or similar methods. Externally mounted touchscreen TSPs are also known as add-on types.

[0192] When the touchscreen TSP is embedded, it can be manufactured together with the display panel DISP during the manufacturing process. In other words, the touch sensor constituting the touchscreen TSP can be integrated into the display panel DISP. Embedded touchscreen TSPs can be in-cell, on-cell, or hybrid types.

[0193] On the other hand, for ease of explanation, the following description assumes that the touchscreen TSP is an embedded type that is set inside the display panel DISP.

[0194] When the touchscreen TSP is embedded in the display panel DISP, that is, when multiple touch electrodes TE are arranged in the display panel DISP, the multiple touch electrodes TE can be arranged separately from the electrodes used for display driving in the display panel DISP, or the electrodes used for display driving arranged in the display panel DISP can be used as multiple touch electrodes TE.

[0195] For example, a common electrode disposed in a display panel DISP can be divided into multiple parts and can be used as multiple touch electrodes TE. That is, the multiple touch electrodes TE disposed in the display panel DISP can be electrodes for touch sensing and electrodes for display driving. In the following description, it is assumed that the multiple touch electrodes TE disposed in the display panel DISP are a common electrode.

[0196] The touch controller TCTR can be implemented, for example, by a microcontroller unit (MCU) or processor.

[0197] The display controller DCTR and the touch controller TCTR can be implemented separately or as a whole.

[0198] Reference Figure 3 Multiple touch electrodes TE are arranged in the touch screen TSP of the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and multiple touch lines TL electrically connecting the multiple touch electrodes TE to the touch driving circuit TDC are provided in the touch screen TSP. One or more touch lines TL may be electrically connected to each touch electrode TE via one or more contact holes.

[0199] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a touch display device can sense touch based on the self-capacitance of the touch electrode TE, or based on the mutual capacitance between the touch electrodes TE.

[0200] When the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is based on self-capacitance sensing touch, a plurality of first touch electrode lines and a plurality of second touch electrode lines can be arranged to intersect each other. For example, the plurality of first touch electrode lines can be arranged in the X-axis direction, and the plurality of second touch electrode lines can be arranged in the Y-axis direction. Here, each of the first touch electrode lines and the second touch electrode lines can be a single touch electrode with a strip shape, or it can have a shape in which two or more touch electrodes are electrically connected to each other. The first touch electrode line can be referred to as a driving line, driving electrode, driving touch electrode line, Tx line, Tx electrode, or Tx touch electrode line. The second touch electrode line can be referred to as a receiving line, receiving electrode, receiving touch electrode line, sensing line, sensing electrode, sensing touch electrode line, Rx line, Rx electrode, or Rx touch electrode line.

[0201] In this configuration, the touch driver circuit (TDC) can supply drive signals to one or more of the multiple first touch electrode lines, sense the second touch electrode line, and output sensing data. The touch controller (TCTR) can use the sensing data to calculate the presence of a touch and / or touch coordinates.

[0202] When the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is based on mutual capacitance sensing touch, multiple touch electrodes TE can be respectively arranged in the touch screen TSP, such as Figure 3 exemplified in .

[0203] In this configuration, the touch drive circuit TDC can supply drive signals (hereinafter referred to as touch electrode drive signals TDS) to all or some of the multiple touch electrodes TE, sense one or more touch electrodes TE that have been supplied with drive signals, and output sensing data. The touch controller TCTR can use the sensing data to calculate the presence of a touch and / or touch coordinates.

[0204] In the following description, for illustrative purposes, it is assumed that the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention senses touch based on self-capacitance, and the touchscreen TSP is as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 Configuration as shown in the example.

[0205] The touch electrode drive signal TDS output from the touch driver circuit TDC can be a constant voltage signal or a variable voltage signal.

[0206] When the touch electrode drive signal TDS is a variable voltage signal, the touch electrode drive signal TDS can have various signal waveforms such as sine wave, triangular wave or rectangular wave.

[0207] In the following description, it is assumed that when the touch electrode drive signal TDS is a variable voltage signal, the touch electrode drive signal TDS is a pulse signal comprising two or more pulses. When the touch electrode drive signal TDS is a pulse signal comprising two or more pulses, the touch electrode drive signal TDS may have a constant frequency or may have a variable frequency.

[0208] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The size of the area occupied by a touch electrode TE can correspond to the size of the area occupied by a sub-pixel SP, or it can correspond to the size of the area occupied by two or more sub-pixels SP.

[0209] Multiple touch electrodes TE are arranged in a touch electrode array, and multiple touch lines TL electrically connected to the multiple touch electrodes TE can overlap with the multiple touch electrodes TE. For example, when assuming that the multiple touch electrodes TE arranged in a touch electrode array include a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode, the first touch line connected to the first touch electrode can overlap with the second touch electrode, but can be electrically isolated from the second touch electrode.

[0210] Figure 4 and Figure 5This is a diagram illustrating a time-division driving (TDD) system for a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0211] Reference Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a touch display device can alternately perform display and touch sensing. A system that alternately performs display driving for display and touch driving for touch sensing in this manner is called a time-division driving system.

[0212] In a time-division driving system, display periods for display and touch sensing periods for touch sensing alternate. The touch display device can perform display driving during the display period and touch driving during the touch sensing period.

[0213] In one example of a time-division driven system, a frame can be divided into a display period and a touch sensing period. In another example of a time-division driven system, a frame can be divided into two or more display periods and one or more touch sensing periods.

[0214] Reference Figure 4 In a time-division drive system, the touch electrode drive signal TDS can be applied to one or more of the multiple touch electrodes TE. In this case, multiple data lines DL and multiple gating lines GL may not be driven.

[0215] In this situation, unwanted parasitic capacitance can form between the touch electrode TE, to which the touch electrode drive signal TDS is applied, and one or more data lines DL located nearby, due to a potential difference. This unwanted parasitic capacitance can increase the RC delay between the corresponding touch electrode TE and the touch line TL connected to it, thereby reducing touch sensitivity.

[0216] In this situation, unwanted parasitic capacitance can form between the touch electrode TE, to which the touch electrode drive signal TDS is applied, and one or more gating lines GL located nearby, due to the potential difference. This unwanted parasitic capacitance can increase the RC delay between the corresponding touch electrode TE and the touch line TL connected to it, thereby reducing touch sensitivity.

[0217] In this situation, unwanted parasitic capacitance can form between the touch electrode TE to which the touch electrode drive signal TDS is applied and one or more other touch electrodes TE located nearby, due to the potential difference. This unwanted parasitic capacitance can increase the RC delay between the corresponding touch electrode TE and the touch line TL connected to it, thereby reducing touch sensitivity.

[0218] The RC delay mentioned above is referred to as the time constant or load.

[0219] To remove the load, the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can perform loadless driving (LFD) during the touch sensing period.

[0220] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a touch electrode drive signal TDS is applied to all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes TE under no-load drive, the no-load drive signal can be applied as a data signal Vdata to all or some of the data lines DL, which may result in parasitic capacitance.

[0221] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a touch electrode drive signal TDS is applied to all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes TE under no-load drive, the no-load drive signal can be applied as a data signal Vdata to all or some of the gate lines GL, which may result in parasitic capacitance.

[0222] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a touch electrode drive signal TDS is applied to some of a plurality of touch electrodes TE under no-load drive, the no-load drive signal can be applied as a data signal Vdata to all touch electrodes or some other touch electrodes TE, which may result in parasitic capacitance.

[0223] The no-load drive signal can be a touch electrode drive signal, or a signal with the same or similar signal characteristics as the touch electrode drive signal.

[0224] For example, the frequency and phase of the no-load drive signal can be exactly the same as, or the same as, the frequency and phase of the touch electrode drive signal TDS within a predetermined error range. The amplitude of the no-load drive signal and the amplitude of the touch electrode drive signal TDS can be exactly the same or the same within a predetermined error range, and in some cases, they can have an intentional difference.

[0225] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a time-free drive (TFD) system for a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0226] Reference Figure 6 According to embodiments of the present invention, a touch display device can independently perform display and touch sensing. In this way, a drive system that independently performs display driving for display and touch driving for touch sensing is called a time-free drive system.

[0227] In a time-free drive system, both the display driver for display and the touch driver for touch sensing can be executed simultaneously. During a specific time period, only the display driver for display or only the touch driver for touch sensing can be executed.

[0228] Figure 7A The diagram illustrates three cases (case 1, case 2, and case 3) of time-free driving when the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention performs time-free driving. Figure 7B This is a diagram illustrating various timings for finger sensing (F / S) and pen sensing (P / S) in a touch display device based on a time-free drive system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the touch electrode drive signal TDS in three cases (case 1, case 2 and case 3) of time-free driving in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0229] In case 1, where time is free to drive, the touch display device can execute both display driving and touch driving simultaneously.

[0230] In case 1, the touch display device can supply a variable voltage touch electrode drive signal TDS to the touch electrode TE in order to perform touch driving.

[0231] In the following description, the touch electrode drive signal TDS applied to the touch electrode TE in case 1 is referred to as the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1. The first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 has a first amplitude AMP1.

[0232] In scenario 1, the touch display device can perform touch driving and sense finger touch using the touchscreen TSP. This touch sensing is referred to as finger sensing.

[0233] Alternatively, in case 1, the touch display device can perform touch actuation and sense the touch of a finger or pen when the finger or pen is not touching the touchscreen TSP but is close to it. This touch sensing is referred to as hover sensing.

[0234] In case 2, where time is free to drive, the touch display device can perform only the display drive.

[0235] In scenario 2, since the touch display device does not need to sense finger touch, it does not perform the usual touch drive. That is, the touch display device does not supply the variable voltage touch electrode drive signal TDS to the multiple touch electrodes TE disposed in the touchscreen TSP.

[0236] In case 2, the touch display device can supply a DC voltage touch electrode drive signal TDS. In the following description, the touch electrode drive signal TDS applied to the touch electrode TE in case 2 is referred to as the second touch electrode drive signal TDS2.

[0237] On the other hand, in scenario 2, the touch display device can receive the pen signal output from the pen and sense the pen. The touch display device can acquire the results of pen sensing, pen position, tilt and pressure (pen pressure), or various additional information.

[0238] In case 3, where time is free to drive, the touch display device can perform only touch driving.

[0239] In case 3, for the purpose of touch driving, the touch display device can supply a touch electrode drive signal TDS with a variable voltage to the touch electrode TE.

[0240] In the following description, the touch electrode drive signal TDS applied to the touch electrode TE in case 3 is referred to as the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3. The third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 has a third amplitude AMP3 that is different from the first amplitude AMP1.

[0241] In case 3, the touch display device can sense the touch of a finger by executing a touch drive using the touchscreen TSP.

[0242] Reference Figure 7A In the three cases (case 1, case 2, and case 3) of time-free driving in a touch display device, case 1 can be executed during the display time, and case 3 can be executed during the blanking time. Here, the display time corresponds to the time for displaying one frame of the image, and the blanking time corresponds to the time required from displaying one frame of the image until the next frame of the image is displayed.

[0243] Reference Figure 7A You can switch from scenario 1 to scenario 2 in the time display.

[0244] Reference Figure 7A During the display time, the touch display device can stop the touch drive for finger sensing while executing the display drive and the touch drive (execution case 1) (i.e., case 1 is switched to case 2).

[0245] In cases 1 and 3, when performing touch driving for finger sensing, touch electrode driving signals TDS1 and TDS3 with amplitudes AMP1 and AMP3, respectively, can be applied to the touch electrode TE.

[0246] In case 2, for pen sensing purposes, a DC voltage touch electrode drive signal TDS2 can be applied to the touch electrode TE.

[0247] On the other hand, refer to Figure 8When both display driving and touch driving are executed simultaneously (Case 1), the first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1 applied to the touch electrode TE can be less than the third amplitude AMP3 of the third touch electrode driving signal TDS3 applied to the touch electrode TE when only touch driving is executed (Case 3).

[0248] The first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 applied to the touch electrode TE during the display time can be less than the third amplitude AMP3 of the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 applied to the touch electrode TE during the blanking time.

[0249] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 8 During the display time, the touch driving circuit TDC can supply a first touch electrode driving signal TDS1 with a first amplitude AMP1 or a second touch electrode driving signal TDS2 with a DC voltage to multiple touch electrodes TE.

[0250] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 8 During the blanking time, the touch drive circuit TDC can supply a third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 with a third amplitude AMP3 to one or more of the multiple touch electrodes TE.

[0251] On the other hand, the driver corresponding to Case 1 can be executed in one frame, or it can be executed only in a portion of the time interval of one frame. The driver corresponding to Case 2 can be executed in all frames or some frames, or it can be executed only in a portion of the time interval of one frame. In the case of the driver corresponding to Case 3, a driver for finger sensing or a driver for pen sensing can be executed.

[0252] Reference Figure 7B In the time-free drive system of the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, finger sensing (F / S) and pen sensing (P / S) can be performed at various timings.

[0253] For example, as in frame i, only the display driver for display can be executed, without executing finger sensing (F / S) and pen sensing (P / S) in a single frame. This corresponds to case 2, where pen sensing (P / S) is not executed.

[0254] As in frame j, finger sensing (F / S) can be performed only for the necessary portion of the time interval within a frame. This corresponds to case 1. Pen sensing (P / S) can be performed only for the necessary portion of the time interval within a frame. This corresponds to case 2. Within a frame, finger sensing (F / S) and pen sensing (P / S) can be performed in non-overlapping portion of the time interval within a frame.

[0255] As in the k-th frame, finger sensing (F / S) and pen sensing (P / S) can be performed in overlapping time intervals within a frame. In this case, a touch controller such as TCTR can be used to distinguish the sensing results of finger sensing (F / S) and pen sensing (P / S) based on the sensing position using a predetermined algorithm or signal analysis.

[0256] In addition to the examples mentioned above, display and touch sensing (finger sensing and / or pen sensing) can be performed independently at various time intervals.

[0257] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the waveforms of the main signals TDS1, Vdata, VGL_M and VGH_M in three cases (case 1, case 2 and case 3) of time-free driving in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0258] Cases 1 and 2 involve driving the device during the display period. Case 3 involves driving the device during the blanking period.

[0259] In these three cases, the touch electrode drive signal TDS applied to the touch electrode TE, the data signal Vdata supplied to the data line DL, and the cutoff level gate voltage VGL and the on-level gate voltage VGH supplied to the gating drive circuit GDC to generate the scan signal supplied to the gating line GL are the main signals.

[0260] In case 2, where only the display driver is executed during the display time, the touch electrode drive signal TDS applied to the touch electrode TE is a second touch electrode drive signal TDS2 with a DC voltage.

[0261] The data signal Vdata applied to the data line DL is a signal corresponding to the image analog signal converted from the image digital signal by digital-to-analog conversion for display purposes, and can be the pixel voltage applied to the pixel electrode of the corresponding sub-pixel SP via the corresponding data line DL. The data signal Vdata can oscillate between the drive voltage AVDD and the base voltage AVSS.

[0262] The cutoff gate voltage VGL and the on-gate voltage VGH that constitute the scan signal Vgate applied to the gate line GL are DC voltages.

[0263] As described above, the touch electrode TE can also be used as a common electrode for display driving. Therefore, in case 2, where only display driving is performed during display time, the second touch electrode driving signal TDS2 applied to the touch electrode TE corresponds to the common voltage used for display.

[0264] Therefore, in the corresponding sub-pixel SP, an electric field is formed between the pixel electrode and the touch electrode TE due to the voltage difference between the data signal Vdata applied to the pixel electrode via the data line DL and the second touch electrode drive signal TDS2 corresponding to the common voltage applied to the touch electrode TE, so the desired light can be emitted from the sub-pixel PS.

[0265] In case 3, where only touch driving is performed during the blanking time, the touch electrode driving signal TDS applied to the touch electrode TE is a third touch electrode driving signal TDS3 with a third amplitude AMP3.

[0266] During the blanking time, the data line DL can be supplied with a data signal Vdata corresponding to the DC voltage or can be in a floating state. During the blanking time, the gate line GL can be supplied with a scan signal Vgate corresponding to the cutoff level gate voltage VGL corresponding to the DC voltage or can be in an electrically floating state.

[0267] When no-load driving is performed during the blanking time of touch-only driving, from the perspective of voltage characteristics, the data line DL and the strobe line GL can swing in the same way as the touch electrode TE.

[0268] The data signal Vdata applied to the data line DL during the blanking time under no-load drive can be the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 or a no-load drive signal whose signal characteristics (e.g., phase, frequency, and amplitude) are the same as or similar to those of the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3.

[0269] The cutoff level gate voltage VGL applied to the gate line GL during the blanking time according to the no-load drive can be the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 or a no-load drive signal whose signal characteristics (e.g., phase, frequency, and amplitude) are the same as or similar to those of the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3.

[0270] In case 1, where display driving and touch driving are executed simultaneously during the display time, the touch electrode driving signal TDS applied to the touch electrode TE is a first touch electrode driving signal TDS1 with a first amplitude AMP1.

[0271] In Case 1, since display driving and touch driving are performed simultaneously during display time, the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1 is a driving signal for touch sensing and is also used as a common voltage Vcom for display.

[0272] The first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 applied to the touch electrode TE should have a predetermined voltage difference for display relative to the data signal Vdata corresponding to the pixel voltage for display.

[0273] In Case 1, where both display driving and touch driving are executed simultaneously, the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1 performs two functions (a driving signal for touch sensing and a common voltage for display).

[0274] As described above, since the common voltage Vcom corresponding to the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 is not a fixed voltage but a variable voltage, in addition to the original voltage change used for display, the data signal Vdata applied to the data line DL should also be subjected to the additional voltage change of the first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 in order to prevent the data line DL from being affected by the touch drive.

[0275] Therefore, the voltage difference between the data signal Vdata corresponding to the pixel voltage and the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 corresponding to the common voltage Vcom excludes the voltage change portion of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 (i.e., the first amplitude AMP1), leaving only the original voltage change used for display. Therefore, normal display can be performed.

[0276] Therefore, the data signal Vdata in case 1, where both display driving and touch driving are executed simultaneously, can have a signal pattern that combines the data signal Vdata in case 2, where only display driving is executed, and the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1.

[0277] In other words, the data signal Vdata in case 1, where both display driving and touch driving are performed simultaneously, can have a signal pattern obtained by offsetting the original data signal Vdata in case 2, where only display driving is performed, using the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1. Here, the data signal Vdata can withstand a large voltage change between the driving voltage AVDD and the base voltage AVSS.

[0278] Therefore, the voltage difference between the data signal Vdata and the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 in case 1, where both display driving and touch driving are executed simultaneously, is the same as the voltage difference between the data signal Vdata and the second touch electrode drive signal TDS2 in case 2, where only display driving is executed.

[0279] In case 1, since both the display driver and the touch driver are executed simultaneously, a no-load driver may be required.

[0280] In other words, in case 1, since both display driving and touch driving are executed simultaneously, it may be necessary to prevent the formation of parasitic capacitance between the touch electrode TE and the data line DL due to touch driving, and to prevent the formation of parasitic capacitance between the touch electrode TE and the gate line GL due to touch driving.

[0281] As described above, in Case 1, since the touch electrode TE and the data line DL fluctuate with the voltage change of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1, there is only a voltage difference between the touch electrode TE and the data line DL for display purposes, and no unnecessary parasitic capacitance is formed due to touch driving. That is, in Case 1, it is necessary to perform no-load driving of the data line DL.

[0282] In case 1, the gate voltage VGL and the gate voltage VGH supplied to the gating drive circuit GDC so that the gating drive circuit GDC can generate the cut-off level gate voltage VGL and the turn-on level gate voltage VGH of the scan signal SCAN applied to the gating line GL can be no-load drive signals with signal characteristics (e.g., phase, frequency, and amplitude) that are the same as or similar to the signal characteristics of the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3.

[0283] The time-free drive of the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0284] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a time-free drive system in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0285] Reference Figure 10 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a touch display device includes a display panel (DISP), a gating drive circuit (GDC), a data drive circuit (DDC), and a touch drive circuit (TDC).

[0286] In the display panel DISP, multiple data lines DL and multiple gate lines GL are arranged, along with multiple touch electrodes TE. A gate drive circuit GDC is electrically connected to and drives the multiple gate lines GL. A data drive circuit DDC is electrically connected to and drives the multiple data lines DL. A touch drive circuit TDC is electrically connected to and drives the multiple touch electrodes TE.

[0287] The touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: a display controller DCTR, which controls the driving operation of a data driving circuit DDC and a gating driving circuit GDC; and a touch controller TCTR, which controls the driving operation of a touch driving circuit TDC, or uses sensing data output from the touch driving circuit TDC to calculate whether a touch exists and / or touch coordinates.

[0288] The touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a touch power circuit (TPIC) for power supply and a power management circuit (PMIC).

[0289] The Touch Power Circuit (TPIC) can supply the on-state gate voltage VGH_H and off-state gate voltage VGL_M required to drive the gating line GL to the gating drive circuit (GDC).

[0290] The touch power circuit TPIC can supply the touch electrode drive signal TDS required to drive the touch electrode TE to the touch drive circuit TDC.

[0291] On the other hand, depending on the driving entity of the touch electrode TE, the touch driving circuit TDC can supply touch electrode driving signals TDS1 and TDS3 for touch sensing to the touch electrode TE to be sensed among the multiple touch electrodes TE, based on the modulation signal (e.g., pulse width modulation signal) received from the touch controller TCTR. The touch power circuit TPIC can also supply the modulation signal (e.g., pulse width modulation signal) received from the touch controller TCTR as a no-load driving signal (a type of touch electrode driving signal) to the touch electrode TE that will not be sensed among the multiple touch electrodes TE. Here, the touch electrode driving signals TDS1 and TDS2 applied to the touch electrode TE to be sensed and the no-load driving signal applied to the touch electrode TE that will not be sensed (which can also be considered as a touch electrode driving signal) can be the same signal.

[0292] The power management circuit PMIC can supply various DC voltages (such as AVDD, Vcom, VGH, and VGL) required by the touch power circuit TPIC to provide signals to the touch power circuit TPIC.

[0293] The power management circuit PMIC can supply various DC voltages (such as AVDD and AVSS) required for data driving in the data driving circuit DDC to the data driving circuit DDC.

[0294] The touch controller TCTR can supply pulse-width modulated (PWM) signals for outputting or generating various signals (e.g., TDS) in circuits such as the touch power circuit TPIC, the touch drive circuit TDC, and the data drive circuit DDC. The touch controller TCTR can be implemented by, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU) or a processor.

[0295] The touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include one or more level shifters L / S that change the voltage level of various signals.

[0296] The one or more level shifters L / S can be implemented separately from the data drive circuit DDC, gating drive circuit GDC, touch drive circuit TDC, touch power circuit TPIC, power management circuit PMIC, display controller DCTR, and touch controller TCTR, or can be included as one or more internal modules in the data drive circuit DDC, gating drive circuit GDC, touch drive circuit TDC, touch power circuit TPIC, power management circuit PMIC, display controller DCTR, and touch controller TCTR.

[0297] Reference Figure 10 The data drive circuit DDC may include a gamma block GMA, which converts digital image signals input from the display controller DCTR and other inputs into analog image signals.

[0298] Reference Figure 10 The touch power circuit TPIC is configured to supply the D / A conversion control signal DACS required to convert the digital image signal into an analog image signal to the gamma block GMA in the data drive circuit DDC.

[0299] The D / A conversion control signal DACS may include, for example, a gamma reference voltage EGBI_M, and may also include a drive voltage AVDD, which is a half-drive voltage HVDD_M that is an intermediate level between a high-level voltage and a base voltage AVSS that is a low-level voltage.

[0300] The gamma reference voltage EGBI_M, which serves as the D / A conversion control signal DACS, can include a high gamma reference voltage and a low gamma reference voltage across the resistor string in the input gamma block GMA.

[0301] The half-drive voltage HVDD_M, which serves as another D / A conversion control signal (DACS), can be essentially half the drive voltage AVDD.

[0302] As described above, the touch driving circuit TDC can output a first touch electrode driving signal TDS1, which swings with a first amplitude AMP1, to a plurality of touch electrodes TE, output a second touch electrode driving signal TDS2, which corresponds to a DC voltage, to a plurality of touch electrodes TE, or output a third touch electrode driving signal TDS3, which swings with a third amplitude AMP3, to all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes TE.

[0303] Here, the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 is a drive signal for touch sensing and corresponds to the common voltage Vcom used for display. The second touch electrode drive signal TDS2 corresponds to the common voltage Vcom used for display. The third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 corresponds to the drive signal used for touch sensing.

[0304] In Case 1, where both display driving and touch driving are executed simultaneously, when the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1 is output to multiple touch electrodes TE, a no-load drive is required to prevent the formation of unnecessary parasitic capacitances between the multiple touch electrodes and multiple data lines DL.

[0305] For this purpose, the data drive circuit DDC can supply a data signal Vdata to the data line DL to generate a voltage change state that is the same as the voltage change state of the touch electrode TE caused by the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 in the data line DL.

[0306] To perform this no-load drive, the data drive circuit DDC can use gamma modulation technology.

[0307] More specifically, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the data driving circuit DDC can convert the digital image signal into an analog image signal in response to the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M of the modulation signal pattern swinging with a predetermined amplitude, and output the data signal Vdata corresponding to the converted analog image signal to the data line DL.

[0308] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data driving circuit DDC includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and an output buffer circuit. The DAC converts the digital image signal into an analog image signal in response to a gamma reference voltage EGBI_M of a modulation signal pattern that swings with a predetermined amplitude. The output buffer circuit outputs a data signal Vdata corresponding to the converted analog image signal to the data line DL.

[0309] The gamma reference voltage EGBI_M of the modulation signal pattern can be modulated synchronously with the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1, which swings with a first amplitude AMP1, and applied to the touch electrode TE arranged in the display panel DISP.

[0310] The gamma reference voltage EGBI_M of the modulated signal pattern can have a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1. In some cases, the amplitude of the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M can be equal to or close to the first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0311] The data signal Vdata generated by the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M based on the modulation signal pattern may include a voltage change portion corresponding to the voltage change of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0312] For the gamma modulation technology of the data drive circuit DDC, the touch power circuit TPIC can output the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M, whose amplitude corresponds to the first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1, to the data drive circuit DDC at the drive timing corresponding to case 1.

[0313] In the driving timing corresponding to case 2, the touch power circuit TPIC can output the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M corresponding to the DC voltage to the data drive circuit DDC.

[0314] In the driving timing corresponding to case 3, the touch power circuit TPIC does not supply any gamma reference voltage EGBI_M of any pattern to the data drive circuit DDC.

[0315] Reference Figure 10 In the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel DISP, data driving circuit DDC, gating driving circuit GDC, touch driving circuit TDC, etc. can be connected to the DC ground voltage GND.

[0316] Figures 11 to 13 This diagram illustrates the signal transmission system between components in three cases of time-free driving in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that the touch driving circuit TDC and the data driving circuit DDC are integrated into a single driving integrated circuit TDIC.

[0317] Reference Figures 11 to 13 The touch power circuit TPIC receives the drive voltage AVDD, the on-level gate voltages VGH1 and VGH2, and the off-level gate voltages VGL1 and VGL2 as DC voltages from the power management circuit PMIC.

[0318] Reference Figure 11 When display driving and touch driving are executed simultaneously during the display time (Case 1), the touch power circuit TPIC can supply the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1 with the first amplitude AMP1 to the data driving circuit DDC.

[0319] The touch power circuit TPIC can supply a half-drive voltage HVDD_M and a gamma reference voltage EGBI_M, which swing synchronously with the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1, to the gamma block GMA of the data drive circuit DDC. Here, the half-drive voltage HVDD_M and the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M can have frequencies and phases corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0320] The touch power circuit TPIC can supply the on-level gate voltage VGH_M and the off-level gate voltage VGL_M, which swing synchronously with the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1, to the gating drive circuit GDC. Here, the on-level gate voltage VGH_M and the off-level gate voltage VGL_M can have a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0321] The touch power circuit TPIC can change the on-state gate voltage VGH_M and the off-state gate voltage VGL_M via a level shifter L / S, and supply the changed voltage to the gating drive circuit GDC. The level shifter L / S can be set in the gating drive circuit GDC.

[0322] The touch driving circuit TDC can output the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1 with the first amplitude AMP1 to multiple touch electrodes TE.

[0323] Here, the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 is used as a drive signal for touch sensing, and also as a common voltage Vcom for display.

[0324] The data drive circuit DDC can convert the digital image signal into an analog image signal in response to the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1, and output the data signal Vdata corresponding to the converted analog image signal to the data line DL.

[0325] When the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 is output to multiple touch electrodes TE, the gating drive circuit GDC can supply a first cutoff level gate voltage VGL_M with a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1, or supply a first on-level gate voltage VGH_M offset to the gating line GL.

[0326] In case 1, the display panel DISP can have voltage swing characteristics.

[0327] Reference Figure 12 When only display driving is executed during the display time (case 2), the touch power circuit TPIC can supply the second touch electrode driving signal TDS2 corresponding to the DC voltage to the touch driving circuit TDC.

[0328] The Touch Power Circuit (TPIC) can supply the half-drive voltage HVDD_M of the DC voltage pattern and the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M of the DC voltage pattern to the gamma block GMA of the data drive circuit (DDC).

[0329] The Touch Power Circuit (TPIC) can supply the on-state gate voltage VGH_M and off-state gate voltage VGL_M of the DC voltage pattern to the gating drive circuit (GDC).

[0330] The touch power circuit TPIC can change the voltage levels of the on-state gate voltage VGH_M and the off-state gate voltage VGL_M of the DC voltage pattern via a level shifter L / S, and supply the changed voltage to the gating drive circuit GDC. The level shifter L / S can be set in the gating drive circuit GDC.

[0331] The touch driving circuit TDC can supply the second touch electrode driving signal TDS2 with a DC voltage pattern to multiple touch electrodes TE.

[0332] Here, the second touch electrode drive signal TDS2, which supplies a DC voltage pattern to the multiple touch electrodes TE, can be used as a common voltage for display driving. Therefore, the multiple touch electrodes TE can be used as a common electrode.

[0333] The data drive circuit DDC can convert the digital image signal into an analog image signal in response to the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M and the half-drive voltage HVDD_M corresponding to the DC voltage, and output the data signal Vdata corresponding to the converted analog image signal to the data line DL.

[0334] When the second touch electrode drive signal TDS2 is output to multiple touch electrodes TE, the gating drive circuit GDC can supply the second cutoff level gate voltage VGL_M, which is a DC voltage, to the gating line GL, or supply the second on level gate voltage VGH_M, which is a DC voltage, to the gating line GL.

[0335] In case 2, the display panel DISP can have DC voltage characteristics.

[0336] Reference Figure 13 When only touch driving is performed during the blanking time (case 3), the touch power circuit TPIC can supply the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 with the third amplitude AMP3 to the touch driving circuit TDC.

[0337] Since display driving is not required during the blanking time, the touch power circuit TPIC does not supply the half-drive voltage HVDD_M and the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M to the gamma block GMA of the data drive circuit DDC. In other words, because touch driving is performed during the blanking time and not display driving is performed in case 3 of time-free driving, the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M is not input to the data drive circuit DDC.

[0338] The touch power circuit TPIC can supply a cutoff level gate voltage VGL_M, which swings synchronously with the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3, to the gating drive circuit GDC. Here, the frequency and phase of the cutoff level gate voltage VGL_M correspond to the frequency and phase of the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3.

[0339] Since no display drive is required during the blanking time, the touch power circuit TPIC does not output the on-level gate voltage VGH_M that swings synchronously with the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3.

[0340] The touch power circuit TPIC can change the voltage level of the cutoff gate voltage VGL_M via a level shifter L / S, and supply the changed voltage to the gating drive circuit GDC. The level shifter L / S can be set in the gating drive circuit GDC.

[0341] During the blanking time, the touch drive circuit TDC can output the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3, which has a third amplitude AMP3 that is different from the first amplitude AMP1, to all or some of the multiple touch electrodes TE.

[0342] Here, the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 is not used as a common voltage for display, but as a drive signal for touch sensing.

[0343] The third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 output from the touch drive circuit TDC can be applied to all or some of the multiple touch electrodes TE, and can also be applied via the switching circuit S / C to other electrodes (e.g., other touch electrodes) or other lines (DL, GL) arranged in the display panel DISP for no-load driving purposes.

[0344] More specifically, during the blanking time, the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3, or a signal corresponding to the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3, can be applied to all or some of the multiple data lines DL. Here, the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3, or a signal corresponding to the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3, applied to all or some of the multiple data lines DL, is a no-load drive signal capable of preventing the formation of parasitic capacitance between the corresponding touch electrode TE and the corresponding data line DL and eliminating the load (RC delay) in the corresponding touch electrode TE and the corresponding touch line TL.

[0345] When the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 is supplied to multiple touch electrodes TE, the gating drive circuit GDC can supply the third cutoff level gate voltage VGL_M, whose frequency and phase correspond to the frequency and phase of the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3, to the gating line GL.

[0346] During the blanking time, the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 or the signal corresponding to the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 (the third cutoff level gate voltage) can be applied to all or some of the multiple gate lines GL.

[0347] Here, all or some of the third touch electrode drive signals TDS3 applied to the multiple gate lines GL are loadless drive signals that prevent the formation of parasitic capacitance between the corresponding touch electrode TE and the corresponding gate line GL and eliminate the load (RC delay) in the corresponding touch electrode TE and the corresponding touch line TL.

[0348] In case 3, the display panel DISP can have voltage swing characteristics.

[0349] The following section will describe in more detail Case 1, which involves the simultaneous execution of display driving and touch driving in three time-free driving scenarios (Case 1, Case 2, and Case 3).

[0350] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a gamma block GMA in a time-free drive (TFD) system of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which performs time-free drive TFD on a data line DL using a gamma modulation method. Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the voltage levels and characteristics of the gamma reference voltages EGBI1_M, EGBI2_M, EGBI3_M, and EGBI4_M used in the gamma block GMA that performs time-free driving on the data line DL using gamma modulation technology in the time-free driving system of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0351] In the following description, it is assumed that the data line DL is driven based on polarity reversal.

[0352] The gamma block GMA in the data drive circuit DDC according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which uses gamma reference voltages EGBI1_M, EGBI2_M, EGBI3_M and EGBI4_M to convert the digital image signal into an analog image signal with positive or negative polarity.

[0353] A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes a first conversion section (positive conversion section) and a second conversion section (negative conversion section).

[0354] The first conversion section of the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes a first resistor string P-RS and a first switch P-SW. Multiple resistors in the first resistor string P-RS are connected in series. The first switch P-SW selects an analog image voltage with positive polarity based on the digital image signal. The second conversion section of the DAC includes a second resistor string N-RS and a second switch N-SW. Multiple resistors in the second resistor string N-RS are connected in series. The second switch N-SW selects an analog image voltage with negative polarity based on the digital image signal.

[0355] The gamma block GMA in the data driving circuit DDC according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: a multiplexer MUX, which selects an image analog voltage with positive polarity and an image analog voltage with negative polarity; a first output buffer circuit P-BUF, which outputs a first data signal Vdata corresponding to the image analog signal with positive polarity to the data line DL; and a second output buffer circuit N-BUF, which outputs a second data signal Vdata corresponding to the image analog signal with negative polarity to the data line DL.

[0356] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 When the data driving circuit DDC performs polarity reversal drive, the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M of the modulation signal pattern may include a first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M and a second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M applied to the two ends of the resistor string R-RS with positive polarity, and a third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M and a fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M applied to the two ends of the second resistor string N-RS with negative polarity.

[0357] The four gamma reference voltages EGBI1_M, EGBI2_M, EGBI3_M and EGBI4_M can be signals generated by synchronously modulating the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0358] Each of the four gamma reference voltages EGBI1_M, EGBI2_M, EGBI3_M and EGBI4_M is a variable voltage and may have an amplitude equal to or approximately the first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0359] In other words, the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in the data drive circuit (DDC) can receive a first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M, a second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M, a third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M, and a fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M whose frequencies and phases correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1. In response to the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M and the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M, it converts the image digital signal into a first image analog signal (an image analog signal with positive polarity), or in response to the third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M and the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M, it converts the image digital signal into a second image analog signal (an image analog signal with negative polarity).

[0360] The first output buffer circuit P-BUF can receive the first image analog signal and output the first data signal Vdata to the data line DL.

[0361] The second output buffer circuit N-BUF can receive the second image analog signal and output the second data signal Vdata to the data line DL.

[0362] The first data signal Vdata is a positive data signal Vdata output to the data line DL in the i-th frame. The second data signal Vdata is a negative data signal Vdata output to the data line DL in the (i+1)-th frame.

[0363] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 The first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M is a positive high gamma reference voltage, the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M is a positive low gamma reference voltage, the third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M is a negative high gamma reference voltage, and the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M is a negative low gamma reference voltage.

[0364] The first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M, the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M, the third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M, and the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M are modulated signals that swing synchronously with the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1, and can have a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1.

[0365] The first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M, the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M, the third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M, and the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M can have an amplitude AMP corresponding to the first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0366] The first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M can be set to a higher voltage than the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M. The second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M can be set to a higher voltage than the third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M. The third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M can be set to a higher voltage than the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M.

[0367] On the other hand, refer to Figure 14 The first output buffer circuit P-BUF can operate when the drive voltage AVDD is applied to the PH node and the half-drive voltage HVDD_M is applied to the PL node.

[0368] The second output buffer circuit N-BUF can operate when the half-drive voltage HVDD_M is applied to the NH node and the base voltage AVSS is applied to the NL node.

[0369] The drive voltage AVDD applied to the first output buffer circuit P-BUF and the half-drive voltage HVDD_M applied to the second output buffer circuit N-BUF are voltages that perform the same function (buffer drive voltages). The half-drive voltage HVDD_M applied to the first output buffer circuit P-BUF and the base voltage AVSS applied to the second output buffer circuit N-BUF are voltages that perform the same function (buffer base voltages).

[0370] The driving voltage AVDD can be a DC voltage. The base voltage AVSS can be a DC voltage lower than the driving voltage AVDD. For example, the base voltage AVSS can be 0 [V].

[0371] The half-drive voltage HVDD_M can be a signal whose voltage swings between the drive voltage AVDD and the base voltage AVSS.

[0372] The half-drive voltage HVDD_M can be a signal whose frequency and phase correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1. Therefore, the frequency and phase of the half-drive voltage HVDD_M can correspond to the frequencies and phases of the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M, the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M, the third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M, and the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M.

[0373] In some cases, the half-drive voltage HVDD_M can have an amplitude corresponding to the first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1. Therefore, the amplitude of the half-drive voltage HVDD_M can correspond to the amplitudes of the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M, the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M, the third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M, and the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M.

[0374] The first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M and the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M can be set to voltages higher than the half-drive voltage HVDD_M. The third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M and the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M can be set to voltages lower than the half-drive voltage HVDD_M.

[0375] The low-level voltage of the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M can be set to be higher than the base voltage AVSS. Specifically, the difference ΔV between the low-level voltage of the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M and the driving voltage AVDD can be set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude AMP of the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M.

[0376] Reference Figure 14 The voltage AVSS_M, whose amplitude corresponds to the first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1, can be applied to the NHV node via capacitor Ch. The NHV node is connected to the node (PL node) that applies the half-drive voltage HVDD_M to the first output buffer circuit P-BUF and the node (NH node) that applies the half-drive voltage HVDD_M to the second output buffer circuit N-BUF.

[0377] The half-drive voltage HVDD_M serves as the low-level base voltage for the first output buffer circuit P-BUF and as the high-level drive voltage for the second output buffer circuit N-BUF. In this regard, the capacitor Ch connected to the NHV node can contribute to the voltage stabilization of the NHV node and the half-drive voltage HVDD_M.

[0378] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the digital-to-analog conversion characteristics in a gamma block (GMA) performing time-free driving on a data line DL using gamma modulation technology in a time-free drive system of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0379] Reference Figure 16 The digital-to-analog converter (DAC) causes the first conversion section (positive conversion section) and the second conversion section (negative conversion section) to operate alternately.

[0380] During the digital-to-analog conversion in the first conversion unit (positive conversion unit), the high gamma reference voltage is the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M and the low gamma reference voltage is the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M.

[0381] During the digital-to-analog conversion in the second conversion unit (negative conversion unit), the high gamma reference voltage is the third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M and the low gamma reference voltage is the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M.

[0382] The analog image signal output from the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) can swing between the drive voltage AVDD and the base voltage AVSS. Here, the base voltage AVSS can be a fixed ground voltage GND.

[0383] The image analog signal output from the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) undergoes large voltage variations due to polarity reversal drive, and also small voltage variations due to voltage variations between the high gamma reference voltage and the low gamma reference voltage.

[0384] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the no-load drive block LFDB in the time-free drive system of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the circuitry for generating various voltages EGBI1_M, EGBI2_M, EGBI3_M, EGBI4_M and HVDD_M for gamma modulation in a time-free drive system of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0385] Reference Figure 17 Touch power circuit (TPIC) and printed circuit boards with TPIC installed may include no-load drive block (LFDB).

[0386] The no-load drive block (LFDB) receives four or more DC voltages AVDD1, AVDD2, VGH, and VGL. The pulse generation circuit PGC in the LFDB uses these four or more DC voltages AVDD1, AVDD2, VGH, and VGL to generate the modulation signals TDS, VGL_M, VGH_M, VDD_M, and VSS_M required for time-free drive and no-load drive.

[0387] The modulation signals TDS, VGL_M, VGH_M, VDD_M, and VSS_M generated by the pulse generation circuit PGC in the no-load drive block LFDB are signals of variable voltages that swing with a predetermined amplitude, and can be pulse signals or AC signals.

[0388] Here, when the touch electrode drive signal TDS applied to the touch electrode TE is the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 or the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3, the pulse generation circuit PGC can generate the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 or the third touch electrode drive signal TDS3 with a modulation signal pattern that swings between voltages AVDD1 and AVDD2 by setting voltage AVDD1 to a low level and voltage AVDD2 to a high level.

[0389] Reference Figure 18The no-load drive block LFDB applies the modulation drive voltage VDD_M and modulation base voltage VSS_M from the generated modulation signals TDS, VGL_M, VGH_M, VDD_M and VSS_M to the two ends of each of the first voltage divider circuit VDC1, the second voltage divider circuit VDC2, the third voltage divider circuit VDC3, the fourth voltage divider circuit VDC4 and the fifth voltage divider circuit VDC5.

[0390] The first voltage divider circuit VDC1 includes resistors R1a and R1b connected in series between the modulation drive voltage VDD_M and the modulation base voltage VSS_M, and outputs the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M to the connection node between the two resistors R1a and R1b.

[0391] Here, the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M can be a modulated signal with a variable voltage, similar to the modulated drive voltage VDD_M and the modulated base voltage VSS_M, and the voltage level of the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M can be changed according to the values ​​of resistors R1a and R1b.

[0392] The second voltage divider circuit VDC2 includes resistors R2a and R2b connected in series between the modulation drive voltage VDD_M and the modulation base voltage VSS_M, and outputs the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M to the connection node between these two resistors R2a and R2b.

[0393] Here, the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M can be a modulated signal with a variable voltage, just like the modulated drive voltage VDD_M and the modulated base voltage VSS_M, and the voltage level of the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M can be changed according to the values ​​of resistors R2a and R2b.

[0394] The third voltage divider circuit VDC3 includes resistors R3a and R3b connected in series between the modulation drive voltage VDD_M and the modulation base voltage VSS_M, and outputs the third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M to the connection node between these two resistors R3a and R3b.

[0395] Here, the third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M can be a modulated signal with a variable voltage, just like the modulated drive voltage VDD_M and the modulated base voltage VSS_M, and the voltage level of the third gamma reference voltage EGBI3_M can be changed according to the values ​​of resistors R3a and R3b.

[0396] The fourth voltage divider circuit VDC4 includes resistors R4a and R4b connected in series between the modulation drive voltage VDD_M and the modulation base voltage VSS_M, and outputs the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M to the connection node between these two resistors R4a and R4b.

[0397] Here, the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M can be a variable voltage modulation signal, just like the modulation drive voltage VDD_M and the modulation base voltage VSS_M, and the voltage level of the fourth gamma reference voltage EGBI4_M can be changed according to the values ​​of resistors R4a and R4b.

[0398] The first voltage divider circuit VDC1, the second voltage divider circuit VDC2, the third voltage divider circuit VDC3, the fourth voltage divider circuit VDC4, and the fifth voltage divider circuit VDC5 can be incorporated into the touch power circuit TPIC or mounted on a printed circuit board. Here, the touch power circuit TPIC can be mounted on a printed circuit board.

[0399] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating the waveforms of the main signals TDS1, Vdata, VGL_M, VGH_M, and Vgate in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the frequency of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 is fast. Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating the waveforms of the main signals TDS1, Vdata, VGL_M, VGH_M, and Vgate in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the frequency of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 is slow.

[0400] The frequency of the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1 can be set to fast or slow. That is, the period T of the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1 can be set to short or long.

[0401] like Figure 19 As illustrated, the period T of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 can be shorter than a predetermined horizontal time. For example... Figure 20 As illustrated, the period T of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 can be longer than the predetermined horizontal time.

[0402] Here, the predetermined horizontal time can be 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc. In the following description, it is assumed that the predetermined horizontal time is 1 hour.

[0403] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20When display driving and touch driving are executed simultaneously in a time-free drive system, the data signal Vdata can have a single pattern composed of a first pulse PULSE1 with a first pulse width W1 and a second pulse PULSE2 with a second pulse width W2. Here, the second pulse width W2 is greater than the first pulse width W1.

[0404] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 The voltage of the data signal Vdata can vary between the driving voltage AVDD and the base voltage AVSS.

[0405] like Figure 19 As illustrated, when the period T of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 is shorter than a predetermined horizontal time (e.g., 1H), the first pulse PULSE1 in the data signal Vdata may have a portion whose amplitude corresponds to the first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1. The first pulse width W1 of the first pulse PULSE1 corresponds to the pulse width of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0406] like Figure 20 As illustrated, when the period T of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 is longer than a predetermined horizontal time (e.g., 1H), the second pulse PULSE2 in the data signal Vdata may have a portion whose amplitude corresponds to the first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1. The second pulse width W2 of the second pulse PULSE2 corresponds to the pulse width of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0407] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 The cutoff gate voltage VGL_M supplied from the touch power circuit TPIC to the gating drive circuit GDC has a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1. The on-state gate voltage VGH_M supplied from the touch power circuit TPIC to the gating drive circuit GDC has a frequency and phase corresponding to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0408] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 The cutoff gate voltage VGL_M and the on gate voltage VGH_M can have the same amplitude as the first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1, or substantially the same amplitude within an allowable range.

[0409] Reference Figure 19The scan signal Vgate applied to the gate line GL has a cutoff gate voltage VGL_M during the horizontal time (1H) when the corresponding gate line GL is enabled, and a conduction gate voltage VGH_M during the horizontal time (1H) when the corresponding gate line GL is enabled. It can also have a pattern that adds the voltage (ΔVgate) corresponding to the amplitude required to enable the corresponding gate line GL and the conduction gate voltage VGH_M. Here, the voltage (ΔVgate) corresponding to the amplitude required to enable the corresponding gate line GL can be the voltage difference between the high-level gate voltage VGH and the low-level gate voltage VGL of the DC voltage pattern.

[0410] Reference Figure 19 The scan signal Vgate applied to the gate line GL has a pattern of a cutoff level gate voltage VGL_M with a modulation signal pattern superimposed on the conduction level gate voltage VGH_M during the horizontal time (1H) when the corresponding gate line GL is enabled, and a pattern of a cutoff level gate voltage VGL_M with a modulation signal pattern during the time other than the horizontal time (1H). Here, the frequency and phase of the cutoff level gate voltage VGL_M with the modulation signal pattern correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0411] Reference Figure 20 The scan signal Vgate applied to the gate line GL has a pattern of voltage ΔVgate corresponding to the amplitude required to enable the corresponding gate line GL during the horizontal time (1H) of enabling the corresponding gate line GL. This pattern is superimposed on the cutoff level gate voltage VGL_M of the modulation signal pattern, and has a pattern of the cutoff level gate voltage VGL_M of the modulation signal pattern during the time other than the horizontal time (1H). Here, the frequency and phase of the cutoff level gate voltage VGL_M of the modulation signal pattern correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0412] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating another example of a time-free drive system for a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which uses gamma modulation technology to perform time-free drive gamma blocks (GMA) on a data line.

[0413] Reference Figure 21When polarity reversal drive is not performed during data driving, the gamma block GMA in the data driving circuit DDC may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and an output buffer circuit BUF. The DAC receives the image digital signal, receives the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M and the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M whose frequency and phase correspond to the frequency and phase of the first touch electrode driving signal TDS1, and converts the image digital signal into an image analog signal in response to the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M and the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M. The output buffer circuit BUF receives the image analog signal and outputs the data signal Vdata to the data line DL.

[0414] A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) consists of a resistor string (RS) and a switch (SW).

[0415] The output buffer circuit BUF can operate when the drive voltage AVDD and the base voltage AVSS are applied to the H node and L node, respectively.

[0416] The first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M can be set to a higher voltage than the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M.

[0417] The low-level voltage of the second gamma reference voltage EGBI2_M can be set higher than the base voltage AVSS.

[0418] The difference between the low-level voltage of the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M and the driving voltage AVDD can be set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude of the first gamma reference voltage EGBI1_M.

[0419] Figure 22 This diagram illustrates the main control signals in three cases of time-free driving in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that the touch driving circuit TDC and the data driving circuit DDC are implemented as a single driver integrated circuit TDIC.

[0420] Reference Figure 22 As described above, in order to perform time-free driving, the touch power circuit TPIC can supply the touch electrode drive signal TDS to the touch drive circuit TDC, and supply the gamma reference voltages EGBI1_M, EGBI2_M, EGBI3_M and EGBI4_M and the half-drive voltage HVDD_M to the data drive circuit DDC.

[0421] The Touch Power Circuit (TPIC) can supply the on-level gate voltage VGH_M and the off-level gate voltage VGL_M to the gating drive circuit (GDC).

[0422] On the other hand, such as Figure 22As illustrated, the Touch Power Circuit (TPIC) can additionally supply the signals required for gating drive, such as two or more gating clock signals (e.g., GCLK1_M to GCLK8_M), one or more start signals (VST_M), and one or more reset signals (VRST_M), to the gating drive circuit (GDC).

[0423] The signals required for gating, such as gating clock signals GCLK1_M to GCLK8_M, start signal VST_M, and reset signal VRST_M, can be modulated signals (pulse signals) generated corresponding to the touch electrode drive signal TDS, or signals including such modulated signals (pulse signals). "Corresponds to the touch electrode drive signal TDS" means that the frequency and phase are the same or substantially the same within an acceptable range, and also means that the amplitude is the same or substantially the same within an acceptable range.

[0424] Reference Figure 22 The display controller DCTR can supply the synchronization signal TSYNC, which indicates the timing for display driving and the timing for touch driving, to the touch controller TCTR.

[0425] The touch controller TCTR supplies the display off control signal DISP_OFF, which instructs the display to turn off, to the touch power circuit TPIC and the driver integrated circuit TDIC.

[0426] The display off control signal DISP_OFF ​​supplied to the driver integrated circuit TDIC can be supplied to the data driver circuit DDC to stop the display drive.

[0427] Figure 23 and Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating pen sensing operation in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0428] The display driver is not executed during the blanking time.

[0429] For the purpose of touch driving for finger sensing, during the blanking time, the touch driving circuit TDC can supply the third touch electrode driving signal TDS3, which is a regular pulse signal pattern with a regular pulse width, to the touch electrode TE.

[0430] In some cases, such as Figure 23 As illustrated, during the blanking time, the touch drive circuit TDC can supply the fourth touch electrode drive signal TDS4, which has an irregular pulse signal pattern with an irregular pulse width, to all or some of the multiple touch electrodes TE.

[0431] Here, the fourth touch electrode drive signal TDS4 can be a beacon signal, which is sent by the touch display device to the pen for pen sensing.

[0432] This beacon signal is used to send the information needed for pen sensing to the pen, and can represent, for example, panel information and pen drive timing information.

[0433] Reference Figure 24 When this is the display time and the second touch electrode drive signal TDS2 of the DC voltage pattern is output to multiple touch electrodes TE (case 2), the touch drive circuit TDC can receive the pen signal PDS from the pen via the display panel DISP.

[0434] The pen signal PDS can be a regular pulse signal with a constant pulse width, or it can be an irregular pulse signal with an irregular pulse width.

[0435] When the touch driver circuit TDC receives the pen signal with regular pulse signals and outputs sensing data, the touch controller TCR can use the sensing data to obtain the pen's position and / or tilt.

[0436] When the touch driver circuit (TDC) receives the pen signal (PDS) with regular pulse signals and outputs sensing data, the touch controller (TCR) can use the sensing data to acquire various types of additional pen information. This additional pen information can include one or more of the following: pressure (pen pressure), pen ID, button information, battery information, and function information. The additional pen information can be represented by pulses in the pen signal (PDS).

[0437] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating a driving method for a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0438] Reference Figure 25 The driving method of the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: step (S2510), converting an image digital signal into an image analog signal in response to a gamma reference voltage EGBI_M that is modulated synchronously with a first touch electrode driving signal TDS1 that swings with a first amplitude AMP1 and applied to a touch electrode TE arranged in a display panel DISP; and step (S2520), outputting a data signal Vdata corresponding to the converted image analog signal to a data line DL.

[0439] The first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 can be a signal applied to the touch electrode TE during the display time.

[0440] When the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M is modulated synchronously with the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1, it means that the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M and the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1 oscillate at the same frequency and have the same phase.

[0441] The amplitude of the gamma reference voltage EGBI_M can correspond to the first amplitude AMP1 of the first touch electrode drive signal TDS1.

[0442] According to embodiments of the present invention, a touch display device, a data driving circuit, and a driving method capable of independently performing display and touch sensing can be provided.

[0443] According to embodiments of the present invention, a touch display device, a data driving circuit, and a driving method capable of effectively performing display and touch sensing simultaneously can be provided.

[0444] According to embodiments of the present invention, a touch display device, a data driving circuit, and a driving method are provided that can simultaneously perform display and touch sensing and achieve excellent display and touch sensing performance by minimizing or eliminating interference between the display driver and the touch driver.

[0445] According to embodiments of the present invention, a touch display device, a data driving circuit, and a driving method that can operate in various driving environments can be provided.

[0446] The above description and accompanying drawings illustrate the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes, such as combinations, separations, substitutions, and alterations of configurations, without departing from the basic characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention, but rather to illustrate it. The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0447] Cross-references to related applications

[0448] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0068110, filed on June 14, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A touch display device, the touch display device comprising: The display panel has multiple data lines, multiple gate lines and multiple touch electrodes arranged in it; as well as A driving circuit, configured to output data signals to the plurality of data lines based on a gamma reference voltage. The gamma reference voltage is a swing signal with a predetermined amplitude during the first time period and a DC voltage with a constant voltage level during the second time period. Wherein, when the gamma reference voltage is the oscillating signal with the predetermined amplitude during the first time period... The data signal changes its voltage level according to the predetermined amplitude of the gamma reference voltage, and A first touch electrode drive signal having a first amplitude corresponding to the predetermined amplitude of the gamma reference voltage is applied to all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes; and Wherein, when the gamma reference voltage is the DC voltage with the constant voltage level during the second time period, which is different from the first time period, Based on the DC voltage of the gamma reference voltage, the data signal is output in a signal form different from the data signal during the first time period, and a second touch electrode drive signal in the form of a DC voltage signal is applied to all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes.

2. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, During the second time period, the touch electrode, to which the second touch electrode drive signal in the form of the DC voltage signal is applied, receives a pen signal from the pen.

3. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The driving time of the display panel includes the display time for frame display and the blanking time that exists between the display times, and the first time period is included in the display time.

4. The touch display device according to claim 3, wherein, The gating signal applied to each of the plurality of gating lines has an on-level gate voltage or an off-level gate voltage, and Each of the on-level gate voltage and the off-level gate voltage has an amplitude corresponding to the first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal.

5. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The driving time of the display panel includes the display time for frame display and the blanking time that exists between the display times, and the second time period is included in the display time.

6. The touch display device according to claim 5, wherein, The gating signal applied to each of the plurality of gating lines has an on-level gate voltage or an off-level gate voltage, and Wherein, each of the on-level gate voltage and the off-level gate voltage is a DC voltage with a constant voltage level.

7. The touch display device according to claim 5, wherein, During the second time period included in the display time, the touch electrode, to which the second touch electrode drive signal in the form of the DC voltage signal is applied, receives a pen signal from the pen, and The pen signal includes irregular pulse signals representing additional information about the pen.

8. The touch display device according to claim 7, wherein, During the blanking time, a beacon signal, which is an irregular pulse signal, is applied to the plurality of touch electrodes, and the beacon signal is transmitted to the pen through at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes.

9. A driving circuit for driving data lines arranged in a display panel, the driving circuit comprising: A digital-to-analog converter, configured to receive an image digital signal and a gamma reference voltage, and output an image analog signal based on the gamma reference voltage; as well as An output buffer circuit outputs a data signal corresponding to the analog image signal to the data line. The gamma reference voltage is a swing signal with a predetermined amplitude during the first time period and a DC voltage with a constant voltage level during the second time period. Wherein, when the gamma reference voltage is the oscillating signal with the predetermined amplitude during the first time period... The data signal changes its voltage level according to the predetermined amplitude of the gamma reference voltage, and A first touch electrode drive signal having a first amplitude corresponding to the predetermined amplitude of the gamma reference voltage is applied to all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes in the display panel; and Wherein, when the gamma reference voltage is the DC voltage with the constant voltage level during the second time period, which is different from the first time period, Based on the DC voltage of the gamma reference voltage, the data signal is output in a signal form different from the data signal during the first time period, and a second touch electrode drive signal in the form of a DC voltage signal is applied to all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes.

10. The driving circuit according to claim 9, wherein, During the second time period, the touch electrode, to which the second touch electrode drive signal in the form of the DC voltage signal is applied, receives a pen signal from the pen.

11. The driving circuit according to claim 9, wherein, The driving time of the display panel includes the display time for frame display and the blanking time that exists between the display times, and the first time period is included in the display time.

12. The driving circuit according to claim 11, wherein, The gating signal applied to each of the multiple gating lines has an on-level gate voltage or an off-level gate voltage, and Each of the on-level gate voltage and the off-level gate voltage has an amplitude corresponding to the first amplitude of the first touch electrode driving signal.

13. The driving circuit according to claim 9, wherein, The driving time of the display panel includes the display time for frame display and the blanking time that exists between the display times, and the second time period is included in the display time.

14. The driving circuit according to claim 13, wherein, The gating signal applied to each of the multiple gating lines has an on-level gate voltage or an off-level gate voltage, and Wherein, each of the on-level gate voltage and the off-level gate voltage is a DC voltage with a constant voltage level.

15. The driving circuit according to claim 13, wherein, During the second time period included in the display time, the touch electrode, to which the second touch electrode drive signal in the form of the DC voltage signal is applied, receives a pen signal from the pen, and The pen signal includes irregular pulse signals representing additional information about the pen.

16. The driving circuit according to claim 15, wherein, During the blanking time, a beacon signal, which is an irregular pulse signal, is applied to the plurality of touch electrodes, and the beacon signal is transmitted to the pen through at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes.

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