Touch sensor and display device including the same

Abstract

A touch sensor and a display device including the same are provided. The touch sensor includes a sensor scan driver connected to an i-th sensor scan line and an i+1-th sensor scan line, a power supply unit connected to a j-th common line, a j+1-th common line, and a j+2-th common line, a readout circuit connected to the j-th common line, the j+1-th common line, and the j+2-th common line, a first sensor pixel connected to the j-th common line, the j+1-th common line, the i-th sensor scan line, and the i+1-th sensor scan line, and a second sensor pixel connected to the j+1-th common line, the j+2-th common line, the i-th sensor scan line, and the i+1-th sensor scan line, where i is a natural number and j is a natural number.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application "Touch Sensor and Display Device Including the Touch Sensor" filed on May 23, 2018, with application number 201810499496.X. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a touch sensor and a display device including the touch sensor. Background Technology

[0003] Various recognition methods, including optical, thermal, and capacitive methods, are considered for implementing touch sensors. Among these methods, capacitive touch sensors detect the point of change in capacitance when a user's hand or object touches them, thereby detecting the touch location. Because capacitive touch sensors easily detect multi-touch and have excellent accuracy, they have recently become widely used.

[0004] Recently, various functions have been provided to users by using touch sensors to detect not only the location of the touch but also fingerprints and touch pressure.

[0005] When the surface of a person's finger comes into contact with a conductive sensing electrode, the capacitive fingerprint sensor obtains the shape of the fingerprint (fingerprint pattern) by detecting changes in capacitance based on the shape of the ridges and valleys in the fingerprint. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiment provides a miniaturized and integrated touch sensor for touch and fingerprint sensing, and a display device including the touch sensor.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a touch sensor is provided, the touch sensor comprising: a plurality of sensor pixels; a sensor scan driver configured to supply sensor scan signals to the plurality of sensor pixels via a sensor scan line; a power supply unit configured to supply a common voltage to the plurality of sensor pixels via a common line; and a readout circuit connected to the plurality of sensor pixels via the common line, the readout circuit being configured to sense touch by utilizing an output signal output via the common line, wherein two adjacent sensor pixels among the plurality of sensor pixels share a common line.

[0008] One of the two sensor pixels can provide an output signal to the readout circuit only during a first time period within a frame, and the other of the two sensor pixels can provide an output signal to the readout circuit only during a second time period within a frame, which is different from the first time period.

[0009] The power supply unit can alternately provide a first common voltage and a second common voltage with a level lower than the first common voltage to each common line for each specific time period.

[0010] The power supply unit can simultaneously provide common voltages with different levels to both the odd-numbered and even-numbered common lines.

[0011] The first sensor pixel of the two sensor pixels can be connected to the j-th (j is a natural number) common line and the (j+1)-th common line, and the second sensor pixel of the two sensor pixels can be connected to the (j+1)-th common line and the (j+2)-th common line.

[0012] During a first time period within a frame, the power supply unit may supply a first common voltage to the j-th common line and the (j+2)-th common line, and supply a second common voltage with a level lower than the first common voltage to the (j+1)-th common line. During a second time period within the same frame, the power supply unit may supply the second common voltage to the j-th common line and the (j+2)-th common line, and supply the first common voltage to the (j+1)-th common line.

[0013] The first time period and the second time period can be separate.

[0014] The first sensor pixel can provide an output signal to the readout circuit during the first time period.

[0015] When an output signal is provided through the j-th common line, the readout circuit can determine that a touch has occurred on the first sensor pixel.

[0016] When the output signal is provided through the j+1 common line, the readout circuit can determine that no touch has occurred on the first sensor pixel.

[0017] The second sensor pixel can provide an output signal to the readout circuit during the second time period.

[0018] The sensor pixel among the plurality of sensor pixels connected to the j-th (j is a natural number) common line, the (j+1)-th common line, the i-th (i is a natural number) sensor scan line, and the (i+1)-th sensor scan line may include: a sensor electrode; a first transistor having a gate electrode connected to the sensor electrode, a first electrode connected to a first node, and a second electrode connected to a second node; a second transistor having a gate electrode connected to the (i+1)-th sensor scan line, a first electrode connected to the j-th common line, and a second electrode connected to the first node; a third transistor having a gate electrode connected to the i-th sensor scan line, a first electrode connected to the j-th common line, and a second electrode connected to the sensor electrode; and a fourth transistor having a first electrode connected to the second node and a gate electrode and a second electrode connected to the (j+1)-th common line.

[0019] The sensor pixel may also include a capacitor electrode that forms a first capacitor together with the sensor electrode.

[0020] When a touch occurs, the sensor electrodes can form a second capacitor together with the user's finger.

[0021] When a sensor scan signal is supplied to the (i+1)th sensor scan line, the sensor pixel can provide an output signal to the readout circuit.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a touch sensor is provided, the touch sensor comprising: a plurality of sensor pixels; a sensor scan driver configured to supply sensor scan signals to the plurality of sensor pixels via sensor scan lines; a power supply unit configured to supply a common voltage to the plurality of sensor pixels via a common line; and a readout circuit connected to the plurality of sensor pixels via the common line, the readout circuit being configured to sense touch by utilizing an output signal output via the common line, wherein a sensor pixel among the plurality of sensor pixels connected to the j-th (j is a natural number) common line, the (j+1)-th common line, the i-th (i is a natural number) sensor scan line, and the (i+1)-th sensor scan line comprises: a sensor electrode; a first transistor having a gate electrode connected to the sensor electrode, a first electrode connected to a first node, and a second electrode connected to a second node; a second transistor having a gate electrode connected to the (i+1)-th sensor scan line, a first electrode connected to the j-th common line, and a second electrode connected to the first node; a third transistor having a gate electrode connected to the i-th sensor scan line, a first electrode connected to the j-th common line, and a second electrode connected to the sensor electrode; and a fourth transistor having a first electrode connected to a second node and a gate electrode and a second electrode connected to the (j+1)-th common line.

[0023] The sensor pixel can be activated when a first common voltage is supplied to the j-th common line and a second common voltage with a lower level than the first common voltage is supplied to the (j+1)-th common line. The sensor pixel may not be activated when the second common voltage is supplied to the j-th common line and the first common voltage is supplied to the (j+1)-th common line.

[0024] When a sensor pixel is activated and a user touch is generated on the sensor pixel, an output signal can be provided to the readout circuit via the first transistor, the second transistor, and the fourth transistor through the j-th common line.

[0025] When a sensor pixel is activated and no user touch occurs on the sensor pixel, an output signal can be provided to the readout circuit through the j+1 common line.

[0026] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a display device is provided, the display device comprising: a display pixel configured to display an image; a plurality of sensor pixels disposed on the display pixel; a sensor scan driver configured to supply sensor scan signals to the plurality of sensor pixels via a sensor scan line; a power supply unit configured to supply a common voltage to the plurality of sensor pixels via a common line; and a readout circuit connected to the plurality of sensor pixels via the common line, the readout circuit being configured to sense touch by utilizing an output signal output via the common line, wherein two adjacent sensor pixels among the plurality of sensor pixels share a common line. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Example embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, example embodiments may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0028] When drawing accompanying figures, dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as "between" two elements, it can be a single element located between the two elements, or there may be one or more intermediate elements. The same reference numerals always denote the same element.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a view illustrating a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 The image shows a partial cross-sectional view of the touch sensor.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a plan view of sensor pixels according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a view showing the capacitance of a capacitor as it changes according to the ridges and valleys of a fingerprint.

[0034] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 The circuit diagram shown is of an embodiment of the sensor pixel.

[0035] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 The timing diagram shown is a sequence diagram of the operation of the sensor pixels.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the operation of a sensor pixel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a conceptual view illustrating the operation of a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a view illustrating a display pixel unit and a display driving unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 The image shows a view of an embodiment of the display pixels. Detailed Implementation

[0040] For the purpose of describing embodiments based on the concepts of this disclosure, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative. Embodiments based on the concepts of this disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0041] Embodiments based on the concept of this disclosure can be modified in various ways and have various shapes. Therefore, embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and it is intended that the embodiments be described in detail herein. However, embodiments based on the concept of this disclosure are not to be construed as limited to the particular disclosure and include all changes, equivalents, or substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0042] When terms such as “first” and “second” can be used to describe various components, such components need not be construed as limited to the terms above. The terms above are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the claims of this disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.

[0043] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected" or "joined" to another element, it can be directly connected or joined to said other element, or there may be an intermediate element. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly joined" to another element, there is no intermediate element. Similarly, other expressions describing relationships between components, such as "between," "directly between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to," can be interpreted in a similar way.

[0044] The terminology used in this application is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms in this disclosure are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of features, quantities, operations, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to exclude the possibility that one or more other features, quantities, operations, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof may be present or added.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, shall have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms having definitions such as those in dictionaries should be understood to have a meaning consistent with the context of the relevant art. Terms should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal manner unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device 10 may include a display panel 12 for displaying images and a touch sensing layer 11 disposed on a surface of the display panel 12.

[0048] The display device 10 can be configured as a rectangular plate with two pairs of parallel sides. When the display device 10 is configured as a rectangular plate, either pair of sides can be configured to be longer than the other pair of sides. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display device 10 can be configured in various shapes such as a circular shape and a rectangular shape including curved corners.

[0049] Display panel 12 can display visual information such as text, video, pictures, two-dimensional images, or three-dimensional images on one of its surfaces. The visual information can be displayed as an "image". The type of display panel 12 is not specifically limited to display panels that display images.

[0050] The touch sensing layer 11 may include a touch sensor that recognizes touch events generated by a user's finger 300 or a separate input tool. The touch sensor is used to sense touch and / or pressure by using sensing electrodes, without specifically limiting the type of touch sensor. For example, a touch sensor may be implemented using capacitive or piezoresistive methods.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a view illustrating a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 The image shows a partial cross-sectional view of the touch sensor.

[0052] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the touch sensor 100 can recognize touch input by the user.

[0053] For example, the recognition operations that can be performed by the touch sensor 100 may include at least one of identifying the location where the touch occurred, recognizing the fingerprint of the finger touching, and sensing the touch pressure.

[0054] The touch sensor 100 may include a substrate SUB, sensor pixels SP, sensor scan driver 110, readout circuitry 120, and power supply unit 130.

[0055] The substrate SUB can be made of an insulating material such as glass or resin. Furthermore, the substrate SUB can be made of a flexible material to be bendable or foldable. The substrate SUB can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0056] For example, the substrate SUB may include at least one of polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate, and cellulose acetate propionate.

[0057] However, the materials constituting the substrate SUB can be varied, and the substrate SUB can be made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), etc.

[0058] The sensor pixel SP can be located on the substrate SUB. Furthermore, the sensor pixel SP can be connected to the sensor scan lines SSL1 to SSLn and the common lines CL1 to CLm.

[0059] The sensor pixel SP can receive sensor scan signals input through sensor scan lines SSL1 to SSLn. During the supply period of the sensor scan signals, the sensor pixel SP can output a predetermined output current to some of the common lines CL1 to CLm corresponding to the touch state.

[0060] Specifically, two adjacent sensor pixel columns in the sensor pixel SP can share a common line (any one of CL1 to CLm). In this case, instead of activating both sensor pixel columns simultaneously, only one sensor pixel column corresponding to the common voltage supply can be activated for touch sensing.

[0061] For example, one of the two sensor pixel columns may provide output current to the readout circuit 120 only during a first time period within a frame time period, and the other sensor pixel column may provide output current to the readout circuit 120 only during a second time period within a frame time period that is different from the first time period.

[0062] Sensor scan lines SSL1 to SSLn can be disposed on the substrate SUB. Sensor scan lines SSL1 to SSLn can extend in a first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) to connect to sensor pixels SP in units of sensor pixel rows.

[0063] Specifically, at least two sensor pixel rows can be connected to the same sensor scan line (one of SSL1 to SSLn) and simultaneously receive sensor scan signals input from the sensor scan line (one of SSL1 to SSLn).

[0064] Common lines CL1 to CLm can be located on the substrate SUB. Common lines CL1 to CLm can extend in a second direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) to connect to sensor pixels SP on a line-by-line basis.

[0065] Specifically, at least two sensor pixel columns can be connected to the same common line (one of CL1 to CLm) and simultaneously receive a common voltage supplied from the common line (one of CL1 to CLm). That is, adjacent sensor pixel columns can share a common line (one of CL1 to CLm).

[0066] In addition, the sensor pixel SP can provide output current to the readout circuit 120 via some of the common lines CL1 to CLm in response to a user's touch.

[0067] At the same time, the arrangement direction of the common lines CL1 to CLm can be changed in various ways. For example, the common lines CL1 to CLm can be set to be parallel to the sensor scan lines SSL1 to SSLn.

[0068] The sensor scan driver 110 can supply sensor scan signals to the sensor pixels SP through the sensor scan lines SSL1 to SSLn.

[0069] In some embodiments, the sensor scan driver 110 can sequentially output sensor scan signals to sensor scan lines SSL1 to SSLn.

[0070] The sensor scan signal can have a voltage level that turns on the transistor supplied with the sensor scan signal.

[0071] The sensor scan driver 110 can be mounted directly on the substrate SUB, or it can be connected to the substrate SUB via a separate component such as a flexible printed circuit board.

[0072] The readout circuit 120 can receive the output current from the sensor pixel SP through the common lines CL1 to CLm.

[0073] For example, when the sensor scan driver 110 sequentially supplies sensor scan signals, sensor pixels SP can be selected on a line-by-line basis, and the readout circuit 120 can sequentially receive the output current from the selected sensor pixels SP through common lines CL1 to CLm.

[0074] In this case, if an output current is supplied from the first common line of the two common lines connected to a sensor pixel SP, the readout circuit 120 can determine that a touch has been generated on the corresponding sensor pixel SP.

[0075] On the other hand, if an output current is supplied from the second common line of the two common lines connected to the sensor pixel SP, the readout circuit 120 can determine that no touch has been generated on the corresponding sensor pixel SP.

[0076] Here, the first common line refers to the line supplied with a common voltage having a first voltage level (hereinafter referred to as the first common voltage), and the second common line refers to the line supplied with a common voltage having a second voltage level lower than the first voltage level (hereinafter referred to as the second common voltage).

[0077] By utilizing the determined results, the readout circuit 120 can generate information about the location of a touch occurring on the sensor pixel SP, the pressure applied by the touch, and valleys and ridges included in the fingerprint of the finger.

[0078] The readout circuit 120 can be mounted directly on the substrate SUB, or it can be connected to the substrate SUB via a separate component such as a flexible printed circuit board.

[0079] The power supply unit 130 can supply a common voltage to the sensor pixel SP through common lines CL1 to CLm. In this case, the power supply unit 130 can supply a first common voltage to some of the common lines CL1 to CLm and a second common voltage to the other common lines.

[0080] For example, power supply unit 130 can supply a first common voltage or a second common voltage to the odd-numbered common lines CL1, CL3, ... and a second common voltage or a first common voltage to the even-numbered common lines CL2, CL4, ... That is, power supply unit 130 can simultaneously supply common voltages with different voltage levels to the odd-numbered common lines CL1, CL3, ... and the even-numbered common lines CL2, CL4, ...

[0081] Furthermore, the power supply unit 130 can alternately supply a first common voltage and a second common voltage to each of the common lines CL1 to CLm for each specific time period.

[0082] For example, during a first time period within a frame, power supply unit 130 may supply a first common voltage to the odd-numbered common lines CL1, CL3, ... and a second common voltage to the even-numbered common lines CL2, CL4, ... Thereafter, during a second time period within the same frame that does not overlap with the first time period, power supply unit 130 may supply the second common voltage to the odd-numbered common lines CL1, CL3, ... and the first common voltage to the even-numbered common lines CL2, CL4, ...

[0083] exist Figure 2 The sensor scan driver 110, readout circuit 120 and power supply unit 130 are shown separately, but at least some of the components can be integrated if needed.

[0084] Furthermore, the sensor scan driver 110, readout circuit 120, and power supply unit 130 can be mounted in various ways, such as chip-on-glass, chip-on-plastic, tape-on-package, and chip-on-film.

[0085] Figure 4 This is a plan view of sensor pixels according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] For ease of description, Figure 4 The diagram shows a first sensor pixel SP1 and a second sensor pixel SP2. The first sensor pixel SP1 is connected to the i-th sensor scan line SSLi and the (i+1)-th sensor scan line SSLi+1, as well as the j-th common line CLj and the (j+1)-th common line CLj+1. The second sensor pixel SP2 is connected to the i-th sensor scan line SSLi and the (i+1)-th sensor scan line SSLi+1, as well as the (j+1)-th common line CLj+1 and the (j+2)-th common line CLj+2 (where i and j are natural numbers).

[0087] Reference Figure 4 Each of the first sensor pixel SP1 and the second sensor pixel SP2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a sensor electrode 240, a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a third transistor T3, a fourth transistor T4, and a capacitor electrode 250.

[0088] In the following text, only the connection relationships between the components included in the first sensor pixel SP1 will be described in detail to avoid redundancy.

[0089] The first transistor T1 can control the output current flowing in the j-th common line CLj. For this purpose, the first transistor T1 can be connected between the second transistor T2 and the fourth transistor T4.

[0090] For example, the first transistor T1 may include a first electrode 212 connected to the second electrode 223 of the second transistor T2, a second electrode 213 connected to the first electrode 242 of the fourth transistor T4, a gate electrode 214 connected to the sensor electrode 240, and a semiconductor layer 211 connected between the first electrode 212 and the second electrode 213.

[0091] In addition, the gate electrode 214, the first electrode 212, and the second electrode 213 of the first transistor T1 can be connected to other components through contact holes CH1, CH2, and CH3, respectively.

[0092] Therefore, the first transistor T1 can control the output current to the j-th common line CLj by corresponding to the potential of the sensor electrode 240.

[0093] The second transistor T2 can be connected between the j-th common line CLj and the first transistor T1.

[0094] For example, the second transistor T2 may include a first electrode 222 connected to the j-th common line CLj, a second electrode 223 connected to the first electrode 212 of the first transistor T1, a gate electrode 224 connected to the i+1-th sensor scan line SSLi+1, and a semiconductor layer 221 connected between the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223.

[0095] Furthermore, the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 of the second transistor T2 can be connected to other components through contact holes CH4 and CH5, respectively.

[0096] Therefore, when a sensor scan signal is supplied to the (i+1)th sensor scan line SSLi+1, the second transistor T2 can be turned on. When the second transistor T2 is turned on, a first common voltage or a second common voltage can be applied to the first electrode 212 of the first transistor T1.

[0097] The third transistor T3 can be connected between the j-th common line CLj and the sensor electrode 240.

[0098] For example, the third transistor T3 may include a first electrode 232 connected to the j-th common line CLj, a second electrode 233 connected to the sensor electrode 240, a gate electrode 234 connected to the i-th sensor scan line SSLi, and a semiconductor layer 231 connected between the first electrode 232 and the second electrode 233.

[0099] In addition, the first electrode 232 and the second electrode 233 of the third transistor T3 can be connected to other components through contact holes CH6 and CH7, respectively.

[0100] Therefore, when a sensor scan signal is supplied to the i-th sensor scan line SSLi, the third transistor T3 can be turned on. When the third transistor T3 is turned on, the voltage of the sensor electrode 240 can be initialized to either the first common voltage or the second common voltage.

[0101] The fourth transistor T4 can be connected between the first transistor T1 and the (j+1)th common line CLj+1.

[0102] For example, the fourth transistor T4 may include a first electrode 242 connected to the second electrode 213 of the first transistor T1, a second electrode 243 connected to the j+1th common line CLj+1 and a gate electrode 244, and a semiconductor layer 241 connected between the first electrode 242 and the second electrode 243.

[0103] In addition, the first electrode 242, the second electrode 243, and the gate electrode 244 of the fourth transistor T4 can be connected to other components through contact holes CH9, CH10, and CH8, respectively.

[0104] Therefore, when a first common voltage is supplied to the first electrode 242 and a second common voltage is supplied to the (j+1)th common line CLj+1, the fourth transistor T4 can be turned on. That is, when the first common voltage supplied to the j-th common line CLj is supplied to the first electrode 242 via the first transistor T1 and the second common voltage is supplied to the (j+1)th common line CLj+1, the fourth transistor T4 can be turned on.

[0105] On the other hand, when a second common voltage is supplied to the first electrode 242 and a first common voltage is supplied to the (j+1)th common line CLj+1, the fourth transistor T4 can be turned off. That is, when the second common voltage supplied to the j-th common line CLj is supplied to the first electrode 242 via the first transistor T1 and the first common voltage is supplied to the (j+1)th common line CLj+1, the fourth transistor T4 can be turned off.

[0106] When the fourth transistor T4 is turned on, the first transistor T1 can provide output current to the j-th common line CLj corresponding to the potential of the sensor electrode 240.

[0107] The capacitor electrode 250 can be positioned to overlap with the sensor electrode 240. Therefore, the capacitor electrode 250 and the sensor electrode 240 together form a first capacitor.

[0108] Furthermore, capacitor electrode 250 can be connected to the (i+1)th sensor scan line SSLi+1. For example, capacitor electrode 250 can be connected to the (i+1)th sensor scan line SSLi+1 via the gate electrode 224 of the second transistor T2.

[0109] In this case, the capacitor electrode 250 and the gate electrode 224 of the second transistor T2 can be formed of the same material as the material of the (i+1)th sensor scan line SSLi+1.

[0110] The sensor electrode 240 can be formed into a capacitor together with the capacitor electrode 250. Furthermore, the sensor electrode 240 can be formed into a capacitor in response to touch, such as a finger.

[0111] In addition, the sensor electrode 240 may include a conductive material.

[0112] For example, conductive materials may include at least one of metals, any alloys thereof, conductive polymers, and transparent conductive materials.

[0113] For example, the metal may include at least one of copper, silver, gold, platinum, palladium, nickel, tin, aluminum, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, iron, ruthenium, osmium, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, tantalum, titanium, bismuth, antimony, and lead.

[0114] For example, conductive polymers may include at least one of polythiophene compounds, polypyrrole compounds, polyaniline compounds, polyacetylene compounds, and polyphenylene compounds, and mixtures thereof. Specifically, polythiophene compounds made from PEDOT / PSS compounds can be used as conductive polymers.

[0115] For example, transparent conductive materials may include at least one of silver nanowires (AgNW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc antimony oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene.

[0116] Simultaneously, the first sensor pixel SP1 and the second sensor pixel SP2 can share the (j+1)th common line CLj+1. That is, the fourth transistor T4 of the first sensor pixel SP1 and the second transistor T2 and third transistor T3 of the second sensor pixel SP2 can be connected to the (j+1)th common line CLj+1. Therefore, when a first common voltage or a second common voltage is supplied to the (j+1)th common line CLj+1, the first sensor pixel SP1 and the second sensor pixel SP2 can be supplied with either the first common voltage or the second common voltage simultaneously.

[0117] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a view showing the capacitance of a capacitor as it changes according to the ridges and valleys of a fingerprint. Specifically, Figure 5A The image shows the fingerprint ridge 310 of finger 300 located on sensor pixel SP. Figure 5B The image shows the situation where the valley 320 of the fingerprint 300 is located on the sensor pixel SP.

[0118] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B The sensor electrode 240 and the capacitor electrode 250 can form a first capacitor C1. The sensor electrode 240 and the capacitor electrode 250 can be positioned separately from each other, and at least one insulating layer (not shown) can be located between the sensor electrode 240 and the capacitor electrode 250.

[0119] Furthermore, when the user's finger 300 is placed on the sensor pixel SP to identify the fingerprint, the sensor electrode 240 and the finger 300 can form a second capacitor C2.

[0120] In this case, the second capacitor C2 is a variable capacitor, and the capacitance of the second capacitor C2 can vary depending on whether the ridge 310 or valley 320 of the fingerprint is located on the sensor electrode 240.

[0121] That is, because the distance between the ridge 310 and the sensor electrode 240 is shorter than the distance between the valley 320 and the sensor electrode 240, when... Figure 5A When the ridge 310 shown is located on the sensor electrode 240, the capacitance of the second capacitor C2 can be compared with that when... Figure 5B The capacitance of the second capacitor C2 is different when the valley 320 is located on the sensor electrode 240.

[0122] The change in capacitance of the second capacitor C2 affects the output current of the sensor pixel SP. Therefore, the readout circuit 120 can identify the user's fingerprint by sensing the change in output current.

[0123] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 The circuit diagram shown is of an embodiment of the sensor pixel. Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 The timing diagram shown is a sequence diagram of the operation of the sensor pixels.

[0124] For ease of description, Figure 6 The diagram shows a first sensor pixel SP1 and a second sensor pixel SP2. The first sensor pixel SP1 is connected to the i-th sensor scan line SSLi and the (i+1)-th sensor scan line SSLi+1, as well as the j-th common line CLj and the (j+1)-th common line CLj+1. The second sensor pixel SP2 is connected to the i-th sensor scan line SSLi and the (i+1)-th sensor scan line SSLi+1, as well as the (j+1)-th common line CLj+1 and the (j+2)-th common line CLj+2.

[0125] also, Figure 7 The diagram shows the first sensor scan signal SS1 supplied to the first sensor scan line SSL1 to the nth sensor scan signal SSn supplied to the nth sensor scan line SSLn. Figure 7 The diagram shows the common voltage CLodd supplied to the odd-numbered common lines CL1, CL3, ... and the common voltage CLeven supplied to the even-numbered common lines CL2, CL4, ...

[0126] Each of the first sensor pixel SP1 and the second sensor pixel SP2 may include a first capacitor C1, a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a third transistor T3, and a fourth transistor T4.

[0127] In the following text, only the connection relationships between the components included in the first sensor pixel SP1 will be described in detail to avoid redundancy.

[0128] As described above, the first capacitor C1 can be formed by the sensor electrode 240 connected to the third node N3 and the capacitor electrode 250 connected to the i+1th sensor scan line SSLi+1.

[0129] Furthermore, the second capacitor C2 is a variable capacitor and, as described above, can be formed by the sensor electrode 240 and the user's finger 300. In this case, the capacitance of the second capacitor C2 can be changed depending on the distance between the sensor electrode 240 and the finger 300, whether the ridge or valley of the fingerprint is located on the sensor electrode 240, or the intensity of the pressure generated by the touch, etc.

[0130] The first transistor T1 may include a first electrode connected to a first node N1, a second electrode connected to a second node N2, and a gate electrode connected to a third node N3.

[0131] The second transistor T2 may include a first electrode connected to the j-th common line CLj, a second electrode connected to the first node N1, and a gate electrode connected to the i+1-th sensor scan line SSLi+1.

[0132] The third transistor T3 may include a first electrode connected to the j-th common line CLj, a second electrode connected to the third node N3, and a gate electrode connected to the i-th sensor scan line SSLi.

[0133] The fourth transistor T4 may include a first electrode connected to the second node N2, a second electrode connected to the j+1th common line CLj+1, and a gate electrode.

[0134] Here, the first node N1 is the node that connects the first electrode of the first transistor T1 and the second electrode of the second transistor T2. The second node N2 is the node that connects the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the first electrode of the fourth transistor T4. The third node N3 is the node that connects the sensor electrode 240, the gate electrode of the first transistor T1, and the second electrode of the third transistor T3.

[0135] Here, the first electrode of each of the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the third transistor T3, and the fourth transistor T4 can be set as either the source electrode or the drain electrode, and the second electrode of each of the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the third transistor T3, and the fourth transistor T4 can be set as an electrode different from the first electrode. For example, if the first electrode is set as the source electrode, then the second electrode is set as the drain electrode.

[0136] exist Figure 6 The example shown illustrates a case where the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the third transistor T3, and the fourth transistor T4 are PMOS transistors. However, in another embodiment, the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the third transistor T3, and the fourth transistor T4 can be implemented as NMOS transistors.

[0137] Reference Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the supply of first sensor scan signals SS1 to nth sensor scan signals SSn, common voltage CLodd supplied to odd common lines CL1, CL3, ... and common voltage CLeven supplied to even common lines CL2, CL4, ... during the first time period PD1 and the second time period PD2 in a frame time period 1 FRAME.

[0138] Here, a frame time period 1FRAME can mean a time period during which sensor scan signals SS1 to SSn are supplied to all sensor pixels at least twice, or it can mean a time period corresponding to a time period of vertical synchronization signals supplied to the display panel 12.

[0139] The first sensor scan signal SS1 to the nth sensor scan signal SSn can be sequentially supplied to the first sensor scan line SSL1 to the nth sensor scan line SSLn during the first time period PD1, and can be repeatedly supplied to the first sensor scan line SSL1 to the nth sensor scan line SSLn during the second time period PD2, which does not overlap with the first time period PD1.

[0140] In addition, a common voltage CLodd with a first voltage level V1 can be supplied to the odd common lines CL1, CL3, ... during the first time period PD1, and a common voltage CLodd with a second voltage level V2 can be supplied to the odd common lines CL1, CL3, ... during the second time period PD2.

[0141] In addition, a common voltage CLeven with a second voltage level V2 can be supplied to the even-numbered common lines CL2, CL4, ... during the first time period PD1, and a common voltage CLeven with a first voltage level V1 can be supplied to the even-numbered common lines CL2, CL4, ... during the second time period PD2.

[0142] Therefore, during the first time period PD1, a common voltage CLodd with a first voltage level V1 can be supplied to the first electrode of the second transistor T2 and the first electrode of the third transistor T3 on the odd-numbered sensor pixel column, and a common voltage CLeven with a second voltage level V2 can be supplied to the second electrode of the fourth transistor T4 on the odd-numbered sensor pixel column.

[0143] In the following text, the operation of the first sensor pixel SP1 and the second sensor pixel SP2 will be described by assuming that the first sensor pixel SP1 is located in an odd-numbered sensor pixel column and the second sensor pixel SP2 is located in an even-numbered sensor pixel column.

[0144] If the i-th sensor scan signal SSi is supplied during the first time period PD1, the third transistor T3 of the first sensor pixel SP1 can be turned on, causing the third node N3 to be initialized to the first voltage level V1. Furthermore, the third transistor T3 of the second sensor pixel SP2 can be turned on, causing the third node N3 to be initialized to the second voltage level V2.

[0145] Subsequently, if the (i+1)th sensor scan signal SSi+1 is supplied during the first time period PD1, the second transistor T2 of the first sensor pixel SP1 can be turned on, so that a common voltage CLodd with a first voltage level V1 is supplied to the first node N1. Furthermore, the second transistor T2 of the second sensor pixel SP2 can be turned on, so that a common voltage CLeven with a second voltage level V2 is supplied to the first node N1.

[0146] In this case, the first transistor T1 can control the supply of output current according to the gate voltage (the voltage applied to the third node N3), and the gate voltage of the first transistor T1 can be determined according to the following equation.

[0147] Vg=[CA2 / (CA1+CA2)]×Vs

[0148] Here, Vg is the gate voltage, CA1 is the capacitance of the first capacitor C1, CA2 is the capacitance of the second capacitor C2, and Vs is the voltage change of the (i+1)th sensor scan signal SSi+1 supplied to the (i+1)th sensor scan line SSLi+1.

[0149] When a user touches the device, the first transistor T1 can be turned on according to the equation. Conversely, when no user touches the device, the first transistor T1 can be turned off according to the equation.

[0150] When the first transistor T1 of the first sensor pixel SP1 is turned on during the first time period PD1, a common voltage CLodd with a first voltage level V1 can be supplied to the first electrode of the fourth transistor T4. Furthermore, when the first transistor T1 of the second sensor pixel SP2 is turned on, a common voltage CLeven with a second voltage level V2 can be supplied to the first electrode of the fourth transistor T4.

[0151] At this time, because a common voltage CLodd with a first voltage level V1 is supplied to the first electrode of the fourth transistor T4 of the first sensor pixel SP1, and a common voltage CLeven with a second voltage level V2 is supplied to the second electrode and gate electrode of the fourth transistor T4, the fourth transistor T4 can be turned on. In this case, output current can be provided to the j-th common line CLj via the fourth transistor T4, the first transistor T1, and the second transistor T2.

[0152] On the other hand, because a common voltage CLeven with a second voltage level V2 is supplied to the first electrode of the fourth transistor T4 of the second sensor pixel SP2 and a common voltage CLodd with a first voltage level V1 is supplied to the second electrode and gate electrode of the fourth transistor T4, the fourth transistor T4 can be turned off. In this case, the second sensor pixel SP2 can not provide any output current to the readout circuit 120.

[0153] As mentioned above, odd-numbered sensor pixel columns can be activated for touch sensing during the first time period PD1, but even-numbered sensor pixel columns can be deactivated.

[0154] Subsequently, during the second time period PD2, a common voltage CLodd with a second voltage level V2 can be supplied to the first electrode of the second transistor T2 and the first electrode of the third transistor T3 on the odd-numbered sensor pixel columns, and a common voltage CLeven with a first voltage level V1 can be supplied to the second electrode of the fourth transistor T4.

[0155] Furthermore, during the second time period PD2, a common voltage CLeven with a first voltage level V1 can be supplied to the first electrode of the second transistor T2 and the first electrode of the third transistor T3 on the even-numbered sensor pixel columns, and a common voltage CLodd with a second voltage level V2 can be supplied to the second electrode of the fourth transistor T4.

[0156] The first sensor pixel SP1 can perform the same operation as the second sensor pixel SP2 during the first time period PD1, and the second sensor pixel SP2 can perform the same operation as the first sensor pixel SP1 during the first time period PD1. Repeated descriptions will be omitted below.

[0157] Therefore, during the second time period PD2, odd-numbered sensor pixel columns are not activated, while even-numbered sensor pixel columns are activated for touch sensing.

[0158] As described above, in the touch sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, odd-numbered sensor pixel columns can be activated during a first time period PD1 in a frame, and even-numbered sensor pixel columns can be activated during a second time period PD2.

[0159] At the same time, although Figure 7 The illustration shows the first time period PD1 in a frame time period 1 FRAME preceding the second time period PD2, but this disclosure is not limited thereto; the second time period PD2 may precede the first time period PD1. That is, during a frame time period 1 FRAME, even-numbered sensor pixel columns may be activated first, and odd-numbered sensor pixel columns may be activated subsequently.

[0160] In addition, although Figure 7 The illustration shows a first time period PD1 and a second time period PD2 existing in a frame time period 1 FRAME, but this disclosure is not limited to this, and multiple first time periods PD1 and multiple second time periods PD2 can exist in a frame time period 1 FRAME.

[0161] Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the operation of a sensor pixel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0162] Reference Figure 8The diagram illustrates first sensor pixels SP1 to fourth sensor pixels SP4, which are commonly connected to the first sensor scan line SSL1 and the second sensor scan line SSL2. First sensor pixel SP1 is connected to the first common line CL1 and the second common line CL2; second sensor pixel SP2 is connected to the second common line CL2 and the third common line CL3; third sensor pixel SP3 is connected to the third common line CL3 and the fourth common line CL4; and fourth sensor pixel SP4 is connected to the fourth common line CL4 and the fifth common line CL5.

[0163] In addition, a common voltage with a first voltage level V1 can be supplied to the first common line CL1, the third common line CL3 and the fifth common line CL5, and a common voltage with a second voltage level V2 can be supplied to the second common line CL2 and the fourth common line CL4.

[0164] Therefore, the first sensor pixel SP1 and the third sensor pixel SP3 are activated for touch sensing, but the second sensor pixel SP2 and the fourth sensor pixel SP4 may not be activated.

[0165] exist Figure 8 The diagram shows arrows illustrating the path of the output current that changes depending on whether a touch is generated by a user. Below, the cases where no touch is generated on the first sensor pixel SP1 and the cases where a touch is generated on the third sensor pixel SP3 are described to distinguish them from each other. However, this is merely an embodiment for ease of description, and embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0166] Simultaneously, when output current is supplied from the common line of the second transistor T2 and the third transistor T3 connected to the activated sensor pixel, the readout circuit 120 can determine that a touch has occurred on the corresponding sensor pixel. Furthermore, when output current is supplied from the common line of the fourth transistor T4 connected to the activated sensor pixel, the readout circuit 120 can determine that no touch has yet occurred on the corresponding sensor pixel. That is, the readout circuit 120 can determine the occurrence of a touch based on whether output current is supplied from the common line of the fourth transistor T4 connected to the activated sensor pixel.

[0167] First, although the second sensor scan signal SS2 is supplied to the gate electrode of the second transistor T2 of the first sensor pixel SP1, no touch has yet occurred on the first sensor pixel SP1, so the first transistor T1 is turned off. Therefore, the output current I1 of the first sensor pixel SP1 is provided to the readout circuit 120 through the second common line CL2 without passing through the first transistor T1.

[0168] Furthermore, if a second sensor scan signal SS2 is supplied to the gate electrode of the second transistor T2 of the third sensor pixel SP3, and a touch has been generated on the third sensor pixel SP3, then the first transistor T1 is turned on. Therefore, the output current I2 of the third sensor pixel SP3 is supplied to the third common line CL3 via the fourth transistor T4, the first transistor T1, and the second transistor T2.

[0169] Therefore, the readout circuit 120 can determine that no touch has been generated on the first sensor pixel SP1, which is one of the activated first sensor pixel SP1 and the third sensor pixel SP3, and that a touch has been generated on the third sensor pixel SP3.

[0170] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a conceptual view illustrating the operation of a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0171] exist Figure 9A and Figure 9B The sensor includes first sensor scan lines SSL1 to ninth sensor scan lines SSL9, first common lines CL1 to ninth common lines CL9, and sensor pixels SP with an 8×8 matrix structure. For ease of description, this is conceptually shown. Figure 2 The touch sensor 100 shown in the figure. The number and arrangement of the first sensor scan lines SSL1 to the ninth sensor scan lines SSL9, the first common lines CL1 to the ninth common lines CL9, and the sensor pixels SP with an 8×8 matrix structure are not limited to this, and various modifications and implementations can be made.

[0172] Meanwhile, some sensor pixels (SPs) are displayed in black. However, the black is only used to describe the active sensor pixels and does not contain any specific technical meaning.

[0173] Reference Figure 9A The sensor scan driver 110 can be connected to the sensor pixel SP via the first sensor scan line SSL1 to the ninth sensor scan line SSL9, and the readout circuit 120 and the power supply unit 130 can be connected to the sensor pixel SP via the first common line CL1 to the ninth common line CL9.

[0174] Furthermore, adjacent sensor pixel columns can share a common line. For example, the first sensor pixel column and the second sensor pixel column can be connected to a second common line CL2.

[0175] like Figure 9AAs shown, if a common voltage with a first voltage level V1 is supplied to the odd common lines CL1, CL3, ..., CL9 and a common voltage with a second voltage level V2 is supplied to the even common lines CL2, CL4, ..., CL8, then the odd sensor pixels can be activated for touch sensing, and the even sensor pixels can be deactivated.

[0176] Reference Figure 9B If a common voltage with a second voltage level V2 is supplied to the odd common lines CL1, CL3, ..., CL9 and a common voltage with a first voltage level V1 is supplied to the even common lines CL2, CL4, ..., CL8, then the odd sensor pixels can be deactivated and the even sensor pixels can be activated for touch sensing.

[0177] As described above, the touch sensor 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can control the sensor pixel SP to be activated by selectively supplying a common voltage having a first voltage level V1 or a second voltage level V2 to a common line.

[0178] Figure 10 This is a view illustrating a display pixel unit and a display driving unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0179] Reference Figure 10 The display panel 12 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display pixel unit 500 and a display driving unit 400.

[0180] Display pixel unit 500 may include multiple display pixel units (DPs).

[0181] Display pixels DP can be connected to data lines D1 to Dq and display scan lines DS1 to DSp. For example, display pixels DP can be arranged in a matrix at the intersection of data lines D1 to Dq and display scan lines DS1 to DSp.

[0182] Furthermore, each of the display pixels DP can be supplied with data signals and display scan signals via data lines D1 to Dq and display scan lines DS1 to DSP.

[0183] Each of the display pixels DP may include a light-emitting device (e.g., an organic light-emitting diode) that can emit light corresponding to a data signal from the display pixel DP via a current flowing from a first power supply ELVDD through the light-emitting device to a second power supply ELVSS.

[0184] The display driver unit 400 may include a scan driver 410, a data driver 420, and a timing controller 450.

[0185] The scan driver 410 can supply scan signals to display scan lines DS1 to DSP in response to the scan driver control signal SCS. For example, the scan driver 410 can sequentially supply display scan signals to display scan lines DS1 to DSP.

[0186] To connect the scan driver 410 to the display scan lines DS1 to DSP, the scan driver 410 can be mounted directly on the substrate or connected to the substrate via a separate component such as a flexible printed circuit board.

[0187] The data driver 420 can receive the data driver control signal DCS and image data DATA input from the timing controller 450 to generate a data signal.

[0188] The data driver 420 can supply the generated data signals to the data lines D1 to Dq.

[0189] To connect the data driver 420 to the data lines D1 to Dq, the data driver 420 can be mounted directly on the substrate or connected to the substrate via a separate component such as a flexible printed circuit board.

[0190] If a display scan signal is supplied to a specific display scan line, some display pixels DP connected to that specific display scan line can be supplied with data signals transmitted from data lines D1 to Dq. These display pixels DP can emit light with a brightness corresponding to the supplied data signal.

[0191] The timing controller 450 can generate control signals for controlling the scan driver 410 and the data driver 420.

[0192] For example, the control signals may include a scan driver control signal SCS for controlling the scan driver 410 and a data driver control signal DCS for controlling the data driver 420.

[0193] In addition, the timing controller 450 can supply scan driver control signal SCS to scan driver 410 and data driver control signal DCS to data driver 420.

[0194] The timing controller 450 can convert image data DATA into a specification suitable for the data driver 420 and supply the converted image data to the data driver 420.

[0195] exist Figure 10 The scan driver 410, data driver 420, and timing controller 450 are shown separately, but at least some of the components can be integrated if needed.

[0196] Furthermore, the scan driver 410, data driver 420, and timing controller 450 can be mounted in various ways, such as chip-on-glass, chip-on-plastic, tape-on-package, and chip-on-film.

[0197] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 The image shows a view of an embodiment of the display pixels.

[0198] For ease of explanation, Figure 11 The diagram shows the display pixel DP connected to the p-th display scan line DSP and the q-th data line Dq.

[0199] Reference Figure 11 The display pixel DP may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and a pixel circuit PC connected to the q-th data line Dq and the p-th display scan line DSP to control the OLED.

[0200] The anode electrode of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can be connected to the pixel circuit PC, and the cathode electrode of an OLED can be connected to the second power supply ELVSS.

[0201] Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) can produce light with a predetermined brightness corresponding to the current supplied from the pixel circuit PC.

[0202] When a display scan signal is supplied to the p-th display scan line DSP, the pixel circuit PC can store the data signal supplied to the q-th data line Dq. The pixel circuit PC can then control the amount of current supplied to the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) according to the stored data signal.

[0203] For example, the pixel circuit PC may include a first transistor M1, a second transistor M2, and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0204] The first transistor M1 can be connected between the q-th data line Dq and the second transistor M2.

[0205] For example, the gate electrode of the first transistor M1 can be connected to the p-th display scan line DSp, the first electrode of the first transistor M1 can be connected to the q-th data line Dq, and the second electrode of the first transistor M1 can be connected to the gate electrode of the second transistor M2.

[0206] The first transistor M1 can be turned on when the display scan signal is supplied to the p-th display scan line DSP, so as to supply the data signal from the q-th data line Dq to the storage capacitor Cst.

[0207] In this case, the storage capacitor Cst can be charged with a voltage corresponding to the data signal.

[0208] The second transistor M2 can be connected between the first power supply ELVDD and the organic light-emitting diode OLED.

[0209] For example, the gate electrode of the second transistor M2 can be connected to the first electrode of the storage capacitor Cst and the second electrode of the first transistor M1, the first electrode of the second transistor M2 can be connected to the second electrode of the storage capacitor Cst and the first power supply ELVDD, and the second electrode of the second transistor M2 can be connected to the anode electrode of the organic light-emitting diode OLED.

[0210] The second transistor M2 is a driving transistor and can control the amount of current flowing from the first power supply ELVDD to the second power supply ELVSS via the organic light-emitting diode OLED, corresponding to the voltage stored in the storage capacitor Cst.

[0211] In this case, the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can produce light corresponding to the amount of current supplied from the second transistor M2.

[0212] Here, the first electrode of each of the first transistor M1 and the second transistor M2 can be set as either the source electrode or the drain electrode, and the second electrode of each of the first transistor M1 and the second transistor M2 can be set as an electrode different from the first electrode. For example, if the first electrode is set as the source electrode, then the second electrode can be set as the drain electrode.

[0213] exist Figure 11 The example shown illustrates the case where the first transistor M1 and the second transistor M2 are PMOS transistors. However, in another embodiment, the first transistor M1 and the second transistor M2 can be implemented as NMOS transistors.

[0214] In the touch sensor and display device including the touch sensor according to the present disclosure, although separate common voltage lines and separate output lines are not provided, a common voltage can be supplied to the sensor pixel through a common line, and the output current output from the sensor pixel can be sensed.

[0215] In the touch sensor according to the present disclosure and the display device including the touch sensor, the number of lines required to drive the touch sensor can be reduced.

[0216] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terminology has been used, it is intended to be used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. In some instances, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art as of the time of this application, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with specific embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless expressly indicated otherwise. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A touch sensor, the touch sensor comprising: A sensor scan driver is connected to the i-th sensor scan line and the (i+1)-th sensor scan line; The power supply unit is connected to the j-th common line, the (j+1)-th common line, and the (j+2)-th common line; The readout circuit is connected to the j-th common line, the (j+1)-th common line, and the (j+2)-th common line; The first sensor pixel is connected to the j-th common line, the (j+1)-th common line, the ith sensor scan line, and the (i+1)-th sensor scan line; as well as The second sensor pixel is connected to the (j+1)th common line, the (j+2)th common line, the (i)th sensor scan line, and the (i+1)th sensor scan line. Where i is a natural number and j is a natural number.

2. The touch sensor according to claim 1, in, The first sensor pixel includes a first selection transistor, and The first selection transistor has a first electrode, a gate electrode connected to the (j+1)th common line, and a second electrode connected to the (j+1)th common line.

3. The touch sensor according to claim 2, in, The second sensor pixel includes a second selection transistor, and The second selection transistor has a first electrode, a gate electrode connected to the (j+2)th common line, and a second electrode connected to the (j+2)th common line.

4. The touch sensor according to claim 2, in, The first sensor pixel further includes: a sensor electrode; a first transistor having a gate electrode connected to the sensor electrode, a first electrode connected to a first node, and a second electrode connected to a second node; a second transistor having a gate electrode connected to the (i+1)th sensor scan line, a first electrode connected to the jth common line, and a second electrode connected to the first node; and a third transistor having a gate electrode connected to the i-th sensor scan line, a first electrode connected to the jth common line, and a second electrode connected to the sensor electrode. The first electrode of the first selection transistor is connected to the second node.

5. The touch sensor according to claim 4, in, The sensor scan driver is configured to supply sensor scan signals to the first sensor pixel and the second sensor pixel through the i-th sensor scan line and the (i+1)-th sensor scan line; The power supply unit is configured to supply a common voltage to the first sensor pixel and the second sensor pixel through the j-th common line, the (j+1)-th common line, and the (j+2)-th common line; and The readout circuit is configured to sense touch by using the output signal output through the j-th common line, the (j+1)-th common line, and the (j+2)-th common line.

6. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein, The first sensor pixel provides the output signal to the readout circuit only during a first time period within a frame time period, and The second sensor pixel provides the output signal to the readout circuit only during a second time period, which is different from the first time period, within the frame time period.

7. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein, The power supply unit alternately provides a first common voltage and a second common voltage with a level lower than the first common voltage to each of the j-th common line, the j+1-th common line, and the j+2-th common line for each detection time period.

8. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein, The power supply unit simultaneously provides the common voltage, which has different levels from each other, to the odd-numbered common line and the even-numbered common line among the j-th common line, the (j+1)-th common line and the (j+2)-th common line.

9. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein, During a first time period within a frame, the power supply unit supplies a first common voltage to the j-th common line and the (j+2)-th common line, and supplies a second common voltage with a level lower than the first common voltage to the (j+1)-th common line. During the second time period within the frame time period, the power supply unit supplies the second common voltage to the j-th common line and the j+2-th common line, and supplies the first common voltage to the j+1-th common line.

10. The touch sensor according to claim 9, wherein, The first time period and the second time period do not overlap.

11. The touch sensor according to claim 9, wherein, The first sensor pixel provides the output signal to the readout circuit during the first time period.

12. The touch sensor according to claim 11, wherein, When the output signal is provided through the j-th common line, the readout circuit determines that a touch has occurred on the first sensor pixel.

13. The touch sensor of claim 11, wherein when the output signal is provided via the (j+1)th common line, the readout circuit determines that no touch has been generated on the first sensor pixel.

14. The touch sensor according to claim 9, wherein, The second sensor pixel provides the output signal to the readout circuit during the second time period.

15. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein, The first sensor pixel also includes a capacitor electrode that forms a first capacitor together with the sensor electrode.

16. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein, When the touch occurs, the sensor electrode, together with the user's finger, forms a second capacitor.

17. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein, When the sensor scan signal is supplied to the (i+1)th sensor scan line, the first sensor pixel provides the output signal to the readout circuit.

Images