Smart watch

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smartwatch, and more particularly, to a smartwatch capable of improving the sensitivity of a wheel touch. A smartwatch according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a display module including a cover member, a display unit disposed below the cover member and having a touch sensor including a plurality of electrode patterns, and a substrate disposed below the display unit; a guide that is disposed so as to surround the cover member and the display unit and is made of an insulating material; a wheel touch sensor disposed so as to surround the display unit and disposed below the guide; and an outer housing configured to surround the guide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a smart watch, and more particularly, to a smart watch capable of improving the sensitivity of wheel touch. Background Art

[0002] Various touch input devices are being used to operate computing systems. For example, input devices such as buttons, keys, joysticks, and touch screens are used. Since touch screens are easy to operate, the use of touch screens in operating computing systems is increasing.

[0003] With the development of technology, the development of wearable computers is accelerating. Wearable computers refer to computers that can be worn naturally on the body like clothes, watches, glasses, and accessories.

[0004] Smartphones and tablets can be used conveniently with one finger or a stylus, but may be inconvenient to carry in a bag or a bag or to hold in the hand.

[0005] In contrast, wearable computers can be worn on the wrist or like glasses, and therefore may be easier to carry than smartphones or tablets. In particular, as a type of wearable computer and a type of touch input device, a variety of products related to wristwatches, i.e., smart watches, have emerged as a type of wearable computer and a type of touch input device that can wirelessly search for a variety of services such as dates, messages, notifications, and stock quotes.

[0006] Some existing smart watches have a circular touch screen.

[0007] As an example, there is Samsung's Galaxy Watch series. The Galaxy Watch series has a product with a physically rotatable wheel or bezel ring installed on the periphery of a circular touch screen. When the user physically rotates the wheel, various applications are run on the circular touch screen or the screen scrolls up or down accordingly.

[0008] In addition, there are products in the Galaxy Watch series that do not have the wheel and implement wheel touch in software. The wheel touch is that the user touches a specific part of the outer periphery of the circular touch screen and moves clockwise or counterclockwise to run various applications on the circular touch screen or scroll the screen up or down (called "digital wheel operation") through the wheel touch.

[0009] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 2 An example of a conventional smartwatch without a physical wheel is described.

[0010] Figure 1is a front view of an existing smart watch having a circular touch screen but no physical wheel. Figure 2 is along Figure 1 A-A' brief cross-sectional diagram.

[0011] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The existing smart watch is composed of a cover glass 11, a circular display unit 15 arranged below the cover glass 11 and having a built-in touch sensor, a guide member 30 arranged to surround the cover glass 11 and the circular display unit 10, and an external shell 50 arranged to surround the guide member 30.

[0012] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The conventional smartwatch shown does not have a physical wheel, so the digital wheel operation is implemented in software. However, when the user touches the upper end of the guide 30 or the upper end of the outer shell 50 with the wheel, the user's finger is relatively far away from the touch sensor configuration built into the display unit 15, so the touch sensor cannot recognize the user's finger well. Due to these problems, the user may intentionally touch the wheel, but the digital wheel operation may not occur on the smartwatch, or an operation that is not the user's desired operation (error operation) may occur. Summary of the invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention provide a smart watch capable of stably and accurately implementing a digital wheel touch operation by recognizing a user's wheel touch.

[0015] In addition, a smart watch capable of improving the sensitivity of a user's wheel touch is provided.

[0016] Technical Solution

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a smart watch includes: a display module, which includes a cover part, a display unit arranged below the cover part and having a touch sensor including multiple electrode patterns, and a substrate arranged below the display unit; a guide member, which is arranged to surround the cover part and the display unit and is made of an insulating material; a wheel touch sensor, which is arranged to surround the display unit and is arranged below the guide member; and an external shell, which is arranged to surround the guide member.

[0018] The guide member includes an inclined surface inclined toward the display portion, and the guide member is configured to cover the wheel touch sensor so that the wheel display portion, the touch sensor, and the external housing are insulated.

[0019] The invention may further include: a controller which controls the display unit and the wheel touch sensor, and senses a touch position of an object located on the touch sensor and the wheel touch sensor according to a reception signal outputted from the touch sensor and the wheel touch sensor.

[0020] Among them, the controller drives the touch sensor and the wheel touch sensor in the digital wheel mode after driving them in the general active mode. The general active mode is that the controller drives the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in any one of the common sensing mode and the self-sensing mode in the first time period, and drives the wheel touch sensor in the self-sensing mode in the second time period after the first time period. The digital wheel mode is that the controller can apply a wheel touch drive signal to the wheel touch sensor in the time period after the general active mode, and receive a wheel touch reception signal through the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

[0021] The general active mode is that the controller can drive the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the other one of the common sensing mode and the self-sensing mode during the second time period.

[0022] Wherein, the controller drives the touch sensor and the wheel touch sensor in the digital wheel mode after driving the touch sensor and the wheel touch sensor in the general active mode, the general active mode is that the controller drives multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the common sensing mode in the first time period, drives the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the self-sensing mode in the second time period after the first time period, and drives the wheel touch sensor in the self-sensing mode in the next time period after the second time period, and the digital wheel mode is that the controller can apply a wheel touch drive signal to the wheel touch sensor in the time period after the general active mode, and receive a wheel touch reception signal through the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

[0023] The controller may drive the digital wheel mode when the wheel touch of the object is sensed in the general active mode according to a self-reception signal received from the wheel touch sensor.

[0024] The time period after the general active mode includes a third time period and a fourth time period after the third time period. The controller can apply the wheel touch drive signal to the wheel touch sensor in the third time period and the fourth time period, sense the position of the wheel touch on the x-axis through the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in any time period of the third time period and the fourth time period, and sense the position of the wheel touch on the y-axis in the other time period.

[0025] The touch sensor has an orthogonal pattern structure, the time period after the general active mode includes a third time period, the controller can apply the wheel touch drive signal to the wheel touch sensor in the third time period, and in the third time period, any one of the position of the wheel touch on the x-axis and the position of the wheel touch on the y-axis is sensed through the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

[0026] Wherein, the touch sensor has a circular pattern structure, the time period after the general active mode includes a third time period, the controller can apply the wheel touch drive signal to the wheel touch sensor in the third time period, and sense the position of the wheel touch through multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the third time period.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a smart watch includes: a display module, which includes a cover part, a display unit arranged below the cover part and having a touch sensor including multiple electrode patterns, and a substrate arranged below the display unit; a guide member, which is arranged to surround the cover part and the display unit and is made of a conductive material; an external shell, which is arranged to surround the guide member; and an insulating member, which is arranged between the guide member and the external shell.

[0028] The guide member may include an inclined surface inclined toward a side of the touch sensor.

[0029] The invention may further include: a controller which controls the touch sensor of the display unit and the guide member, and senses a touch position of an object located on the touch sensor and the guide member according to reception signals output from the touch sensor and the guide member.

[0030] The controller drives the touch sensor and the guide in the digital wheel mode after driving them in a general active mode. The general active mode is that the controller drives multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in any one of a common sensing mode and a self-sensing mode in the first time period, and drives the guide in the self-sensing mode in a second time period after the first time period. The digital wheel mode is that the controller applies a wheel touch drive signal to the guide in a time period after the general active mode, and receives a wheel touch reception signal through the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

[0031] The general active mode is that the controller can drive the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the other one of the common sensing mode and the self-sensing mode during the second time period.

[0032] The controller drives the touch sensor and the guide in the digital wheel mode after driving them in the general active mode. The general active mode is that the controller drives multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in a common sensing mode in the first time period, drives multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in a self-sensing mode in a second time period after the first time period, and drives the guide in the self-sensing mode in a next time period after the second time period. The digital wheel mode is that the controller can apply a wheel touch drive signal to the guide in a time period after the general active mode, and receive a wheel touch reception signal through the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

[0033] The controller may drive the digital wheel mode when the general active mode senses a wheel touch of the object according to a self-reception signal received from the guide.

[0034] The time period after the general active mode includes a third time period and a fourth time period after the third time period, and the controller can apply the wheel touch drive signal to the guide member in the third time period and the fourth time period, sense the position of the wheel touch on the x-axis through the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in any time period of the third time period and the fourth time period, and sense the position of the wheel touch on the y-axis in the other time period.

[0035] The touch sensor has an orthogonal pattern structure, the time period after the general active mode includes a third time period, the controller can apply the wheel touch drive signal to the guide in the third time period, and sense any one of the position of the wheel touch on the x-axis and the position of the wheel touch on the y-axis through the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the third time period.

[0036] Wherein, the touch sensor has a circular pattern structure, the time period after the general active mode includes a third time period, the controller can apply the wheel touch drive signal to the guide in the third time period, and sense the position of the wheel touch through multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the third time period.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a smart watch includes: a display module, which includes a cover part, a display unit arranged below the cover part and having a touch sensor including multiple electrode patterns, and a substrate arranged below the display unit; a guide member, which is arranged to surround the cover part and the display unit; and an external shell, which is arranged to surround the guide member and is made of a conductive material.

[0038] The guide member may include an inclined surface inclined toward a side direction of the display portion.

[0039] Among them, it may also include: a controller that controls the touch sensor of the display unit and the external shell, and senses the touch position of the object located on the touch sensor and the external shell according to the reception signal output from the touch sensor and the external shell.

[0040] The controller drives the touch sensor and the external shell in the digital wheel mode after driving them in a general active mode. The general active mode is that the controller drives the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in any one of a common sensing mode and a self-sensing mode in the first time period, and drives the external shell in the self-sensing mode in a second time period after the first time period. The digital wheel mode is that the controller can apply a wheel touch drive signal to the external shell in a time period after the general active mode, and receive a wheel touch reception signal through the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

[0041] The general active mode is that the controller can drive the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the other one of the common sensing mode and the self-sensing mode during the second time period.

[0042] The controller drives the touch sensor and the external housing in the digital wheel mode after driving the touch sensor and the external housing in the general active mode. The general active mode is that the controller drives the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the common sensing mode in the first time period, drives the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the self-sensing mode in the second time period after the first time period, and drives the external housing in the self-sensing mode in the next time period after the second time period. The digital wheel mode is that the controller can apply a wheel touch driving signal to the external housing in the time period after the general active mode, and receive a wheel touch reception signal through the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor. The controller can drive the digital wheel mode when the wheel touch of the object is sensed according to the self-reception signal received from the external housing in the general active mode.

[0043] The time period after the general active mode includes a third time period and a fourth time period after the third time period. The controller can apply the wheel touch drive signal to the external shell in the third time period and the fourth time period, sense the position of the wheel touch on the x-axis through the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in any time period of the third time period and the fourth time period, and sense the position of the wheel touch on the y-axis in the other time period.

[0044] The touch sensor has an orthogonal pattern structure, the time period after the general active mode includes a third time period, the controller can apply the wheel touch drive signal to the external shell in the third time period, and sense any one of the position of the wheel touch on the x-axis and the position of the wheel touch on the y-axis through the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the third time period.

[0045] Wherein, the touch sensor has a circular pattern structure, the time period after the general active mode includes a third time period, the controller can apply the wheel touch drive signal to the external shell in the third time period, and sense the position of the wheel touch through multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the third time period.

[0046] Effects of the Invention

[0047] When the smart watch according to the embodiment of the present invention is used, there is an advantage that a digital wheel touch operation can be stably and accurately implemented by clearly recognizing a wheel touch of a user without a physical wheel.

[0048] In addition, there is an advantage that the user's wheel touch sensitivity can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 is a front view of an existing smart watch having a circular touch screen and no physical wheel.

[0050] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 A-A' brief cross-sectional diagram.

[0051] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a smart watch according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 4 (a) to (b) are used to illustrate Figure 3 An example of a touch sensor 150 is shown in FIG.

[0053] Figure 5 It is used to illustrate Figure 3FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a wheel touch sensor 400 of a smart watch according to an embodiment of the present invention being driven in a digital wheel mode.

[0054] Figure 6 It is used to illustrate Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a touch sensing method for a smart watch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a smart watch according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a smart watch according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig. 9 It is shown Figures 3 to 8 The illustrated smart watch according to various embodiments of the present invention may also be applied to a diagram of a square smart watch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The following detailed description of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention can be implemented as examples. These embodiments are described in detail so that a person of ordinary skill in the art can implement the present invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, the specific shapes, structures and characteristics described herein can be implemented in other embodiments on the basis of one embodiment without exceeding the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the position or configuration of individual constituent elements in each disclosed embodiment can be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to be limiting, and for the scope of the present invention, if properly described, it is limited to all scopes and claims that are equivalent to the limitations of its claims. Similar figure numbers in the figures refer to the same or similar functions in many aspects.

[0059] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a smart watch according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 , a smart watch according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display module 100 , a guide 300 , and an external case 500 .

[0061] The smartwatch according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a controller (not shown). The controller (not shown) controls the touch sensor 150 and the wheel touch sensor 400, and can sense the touch position of an object located on the touch sensor 150 and the wheel touch sensor 400, such as a user's finger or a conductive object, based on the received signal output from the touch sensor 150 and the wheel touch sensor 400. In addition, the controller (not shown) can perform display driving of an image output from the display screen of the display unit 150. Such a controller (not shown) as an IC can perform touch and wheel sensing control while display driving, and can also include an IC for display driving and an IC for touch and wheel sensing control.

[0062] The display module 100 may include a substrate 170 , a display portion 150 disposed on the substrate 170 , and a cover member 110 disposed on the display portion 150 .

[0063] The cover member 110 may be configured to cover the display portion 150 to protect the display portion 150. The cover member 110 may also be named as a cover glass.

[0064] The display unit 150 has a circular shape and includes a touch sensor (not shown). The touch sensor (not shown) may be disposed at any of the inside, top, and bottom of the display unit 150. The touch sensor (not shown) may include a plurality of electrode patterns. The plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor (not shown) may be driven in a self-sensing mode or a mutual sensing mode by a controller (not shown) installed in the smart watch.

[0065] When driven in a self-sensing mode, each of the multiple electrode patterns can simultaneously send out a self-sensing drive signal and output a self-sensing receive signal within a predetermined time period. Alternatively, when driven in a self-sensing mode, each of the multiple electrode patterns can send out a self-sensing drive signal within a first time period, and output a self-sensing receive signal within a second time period after the first time period. The output self-sensing receive signal can be used to determine whether it is touched or not by the controller (not shown). Here, the self-sensing receive signal can be an electrical signal of a voltage or current corresponding to the capacitance value at each electrode, and the controller (not shown) can sense the change of the capacitance value by the electrical signal to determine whether it is touched or not.

[0066] On the other hand, when driven in a common sensing mode, the plurality of electrode patterns may include a plurality of drive electrode patterns and a plurality of receiving electrode patterns. When a touch drive signal is generated by at least one drive electrode pattern, a touch receiving signal is output by at least one receiving electrode pattern adjacent thereto. The output touch receiving signal can be used to determine whether a touch is applied by a controller (not shown) installed in a smart watch. Here, the touch receiving signal may be an electrical signal of a voltage or current corresponding to a capacitance value between a drive electrode pattern and a receiving electrode pattern, and the controller (not shown) may sense a change in the capacitance value by the electrical signal to determine whether a touch is applied.

[0067] Figure 4 (a) and (b) illustrate several examples of the touch sensor (not shown).

[0068] Reference Figure 4 (a), according to an example of a touch sensor, a plurality of first electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, TX4, TX5, TX6, and TX7 are arranged along the column direction on a single layer, and second electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, RX5, RX6, and RX7 are arranged along the row direction. This is called an "orthogonal pattern structure".

[0069] Reference Figure 4 (b), in a single layer, a plurality of first electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, TX4, TX5, TX6, TX7 and a plurality of second receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, RX5 are arranged on a plurality of concentric virtual circles spaced apart from each other. This is referred to as a "circular pattern structure".

[0070] Refer again Figure 3 The substrate 170 is disposed below the display unit 150. The display unit 150 may be disposed at the center of the upper surface of the substrate 170. The wheel touch sensor 400 and the guide 300 may be disposed at the edge of the upper surface of the substrate 170.

[0071] Predetermined signals may be provided from a controller (not shown) to the display portion 150 and the wheel touch sensor 400 through the substrate 170 , and signals output from the touch sensor of the display portion 150 and the wheel touch sensor 400 may be provided to the controller (not shown).

[0072] The substrate 170 may be a flexible PCB.

[0073] The guide 300 is made of an insulating material.

[0074] The guide 300 is disposed to surround the periphery of the cover member 110 and the display portion 150 of the display module 100 .

[0075] The guide member 300 is disposed on an upper surface of an edge portion of the substrate 170 of the display module 100 .

[0076] The guide member 300 has a wheel or ring shape and may have an inclined surface inclined toward the side direction of the display module 100. The inclined surface may be a curved surface convex downward.

[0077] The external case 500 is configured to surround the periphery of the guide member 300. The external case 500 may form an outer appearance of a smart watch.

[0078] The outer housing 500 may be electrically grounded.

[0079] The wheel touch sensor 400 is disposed on the substrate 170 of the display module 100. The wheel touch sensor 400 may be disposed on an edge portion of an upper surface of the substrate 170. The substrate 170 may receive a predetermined driving signal provided by a controller (not shown).

[0080] The wheel touch sensor 400 is disposed below the guide 300. In other words, the wheel touch sensor 400 may be disposed between the guide 300 and the base 700.

[0081] The wheel touch sensor 400 may be covered by the guide member 300 . The guide member 300 made of insulating material may electrically insulate the wheel touch sensor 400 from the external housing 500 and the display module 100 .

[0082] The wheel touch sensor 400 may be disposed at a predetermined interval from the display portion 150 of the display module 100 , and include a wheel or ring-shaped electrode pattern surrounding the circular display portion 150 .

[0083] Alternatively, the wheel touch sensor 400 may be formed of a conductive trace. One or more conductive traces used as the wheel touch sensor 400 may be arranged on the edge of the upper surface of the substrate 170 of the display module 100. In this case, the wheel touch sensor 400 implemented by the conductive trace may also be included in the display module 100.

[0084] The wheel touch sensor 400 may be disposed on the same layer as the display unit 150 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the wheel touch sensor 400 may be disposed on a layer different from the layer on which the display unit 150 is disposed.

[0085] The wheel touch sensor 400 is controlled by a controller (not shown) in the smart watch and can be driven in a self-sensing mode or a digital wheel mode.

[0086] When driven in the self-sensing mode, the wheel touch sensor 400 can simultaneously perform the issuance of the self-sensing drive signal and the output of the self-sensing receiving signal within a predetermined time period. Alternatively, when driven in the self-sensing mode, the wheel touch sensor 400 can issue a self-sensing drive signal within a first time period, and output a self-sensing receiving signal within a second time period after the first time period. The output self-sensing receiving signal can be used to determine whether it is touched or not by the controller (not shown). Here, the self-sensing receiving signal can be an electrical signal of a voltage or current corresponding to the capacitance value at each electrode, and the controller (not shown) can sense the change of the capacitance value by the electrical signal to determine whether it is touched or not. Since the wheel touch sensor 400 is configured to be separated from the display unit 150 by a predetermined interval, it is hardly affected by the parasitic capacitance (Parasitic Capacitance) of the display unit 150. Therefore, a high self-sensing sensitivity can be obtained.

[0087] On the other hand, refer to Figure 5 The case of driving in digital wheel mode is described.

[0088] Figure 5 It is used to illustrate Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a wheel touch sensor 400 of a smart watch according to an embodiment of the present invention being driven in a digital wheel mode.

[0089] exist Figure 5 For the sake of convenience, only the Figure 3 The display module 100 and the wheel touch sensor 400 are shown.

[0090] Reference Figure 5 In the digital wheel mode of a smart watch according to an embodiment of the present invention, RF (or AC) capacitance sensing can be used. The RF capacitance sensing method is a method of sensing the change of the electric field flowing in the human body such as fingers.

[0091] Specifically, when the wheel touch sensor 400 issues a wheel touch drive signal (RF or AC signal), the issued wheel touch drive signal is transmitted to the touch sensor of the display unit 150 through the user's finger. At this time, the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor of the display unit 150 are used as receiving electrode patterns, and the wheel touch reception signal output from each receiving electrode pattern is input to the controller (not shown). The controller (not shown) can sense the user's wheel touch based on the strength of the wheel touch reception signal that changes according to the distance between the finger and each receiving electrode pattern.

[0092] like Figure 5The digital wheel mode of the wheel touch sensor 400 shown in the figure is as described above, and the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor of the display unit 150 are used as a plurality of receiving electrode patterns. However, since the display unit 150 also operates in the self-sensing mode or the common sensing mode, a sensing method for appropriately driving the wheel touch sensor 400 and the touch sensor is required. Figure 6 A touch sensing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.

[0093] Figure 6 It is used to illustrate Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a touch sensing method for a smart watch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Figure 6 The touch sensing method of the smart watch according to one embodiment of the present invention can be controlled by a controller (not shown) installed in the smart watch. Figure 3 The touch sensor of the display portion 150 and the wheel touch sensor 400 are implemented as shown.

[0095] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a touch sensing method of a smart watch includes: a first mode driving step in which the controller (not shown) drives the touch sensor of the display unit 150 and the wheel touch sensor 400 in a first mode; and a second mode driving step in which the controller (not shown) drives the touch sensor of the display unit 150 and the wheel touch sensor 400 in a second mode.

[0096] In the first mode driving step, the first mode may be named as a normal active mode (NormalActive Mode), and in the second mode driving step, the second mode may be named as a digital wheel mode (Digital Wheel Mode).

[0097] Specifically, in the first mode driving step, the controller (not shown) drives the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in the common sensing mode in the first time period t1, and drives it in the self-sensing mode in the second time period t2 after the first time period t1. In addition, the controller (not shown) drives the wheel touch sensor 400 in the self-sensing mode in the second time period t2. Here, the controller (not shown) may not drive the wheel touch sensor 400 in the first time period t1.

[0098] Although not shown in other figures, in the first mode driving step, the controller (not shown) may drive the wheel touch sensor 400 in the self-sensing mode instead of driving the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in the self-sensing mode in the second time period t2.

[0099] Alternatively, in the first mode driving step, the controller (not shown) may drive the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in either the common sensing mode or the self-sensing mode in the first time period t1, and drive the wheel touch sensor 400 in the self-sensing mode in the second time period t2.

[0100] Alternatively, in the first mode driving step, the controller (not shown) may drive the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in either the common sensing mode or the self-sensing mode in the first time period t1, drive it in the other mode in the second time period t2, and drive the wheel touch sensor 400 in the self-sensing mode in the next time period after the second time period t2.

[0101] like Figure 5 According to the description, the second mode driving step is a step in which the controller (not shown) drives the wheel touch sensor 400 and the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in a digital wheel mode. Specifically, the controller (not shown) may control so that a wheel touch driving signal is applied to the wheel touch sensor 400 in a third time period t3 and a fourth time period t4 after the first mode driving step, and a wheel touch receiving signal is received through the touch sensor of the display unit 150. Here, the controller (not shown) may perform x-axis sensing through the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in the third time period t3, and perform y-axis sensing through the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in the fourth time period t4. For the x-axis sensing and y-axis sensing, the touch sensor of the display unit 150 may have Figure 4 Alternatively, although not shown in another figure, the controller (not shown) may control the wheel touch sensor 400 to be applied with a wheel touch drive signal in a third time period t3 after the first mode driving step, and any one of the x-axis sensing and y-axis sensing of the wheel touch is performed by the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in the third time period t3.

[0102] On the other hand, when the touch sensor of the display unit 150 is Figure 4In the case of the circular pattern structure shown in (b), the controller (not shown) can control the wheel touch sensor 400 to be applied with a wheel touch drive signal in a third time period t3 after the first mode driving step, and the touch position of the wheel touch is sensed through the electrode patterns (TX0~TX7 and RX0~RX5) of the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in the third time period t3.

[0103] The controller (not shown) may cause the control of the first time period to the fourth time period (t1, t2, t3, t4) to be repeated in sequence. Here, the third time period t3 and the fourth time period t4 may be the same as the first time period t1 and the second time period t2, or may be different. For example, the third time period t3 and the fourth time period t4 may be shorter than the first time period t1 and the second time period t2. Accordingly, there is an advantage of being able to reduce the power consumption of the second mode.

[0104] On the other hand, the controller (not shown) may control the second mode driving step to be performed only when the first mode driving step satisfies a specific condition. Specifically, when the wheel touch of the user is sensed by the self-sensing mode of the wheel touch sensor 400 of the first mode driving step, the controller (not shown) may control the second mode driving step to be performed. Accordingly, the second mode is driven only when the wheel touch of the user is sensed, so there is an advantage of being able to reduce the power consumption of the smart watch.

[0105] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a smart watch according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] and Figure 3 Compared with the smart watch according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 The illustrated smart watch according to another embodiment of the present invention does not include the wheel touch sensor 400, and differs in the guide 300' and the insulating member 600. Since the remaining display module 100 and the outer case 500 are the same, the description thereof is replaced with the above description.

[0107] Figure 7 The smart watch according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a guide 300', and the guide 300' is made of conductive metal material. Figure 3 The guide member 300 is different.

[0108] The guide member 300' is disposed to surround the cover member 110 and the periphery of the display unit 150 of the display module 100. Here, the guide member 300' and the display unit 150 may be disposed with a predetermined interval therebetween, or another insulating member (e.g., insulating tape) may be disposed therebetween.

[0109] The guide member 300' has a wheel or ring shape, and may have an inclined surface inclined toward the side direction of the display module 100. The inclined surface may be a curved surface convex downward.

[0110] The guide member 300 ′ serves to Figure 3 The function of the wheel touch sensor is described in.

[0111] The guide member 300 ′ may be driven in a self-sensing mode or / and a digital wheel mode under the control of a controller (not shown) in the smart watch.

[0112] When driven in the self-sensing mode, the guide 300' can simultaneously perform the sending of the self-sensing drive signal and the output of the self-sensing receiving signal within a predetermined time period. When driven in the self-sensing mode, the guide 300' can send a self-sensing drive signal within a first time period, and output a self-sensing receiving signal within a second time period after the first time period. The output self-sensing receiving signal can be used to determine whether it is touched or not through the controller (not shown). Here, the self-sensing receiving signal can be an electrical signal of a voltage or current corresponding to the capacitance value at each electrode, and the controller (not shown) can sense the change of the capacitance value through the electrical signal to determine whether it is touched or not. Since the guide 300' is separated from the touch sensor of the display unit 150, it is hardly affected by the parasitic capacitance (Parasitic Capacitance) of the display panel. Therefore, high self-sensing sensitivity can be obtained.

[0113] On the other hand, in the case of driving in the digital wheel mode, as described above by Figure 5 As described above, when the guide 300' emits a wheel touch driving signal (RF or AC signal), the emitted wheel touch driving signal is transmitted to the touch sensor of the display unit 150 through the user's finger. At this time, the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor of the display unit 150 are used as receiving electrode patterns, and the wheel touch receiving signal output from each receiving electrode pattern is input to the controller (not shown). The controller (not shown) can sense the user's wheel touch based on the strength of the wheel touch receiving signal that changes according to the distance between the finger and each receiving electrode pattern.

[0114] The insulating component 600 is disposed between the guide member 300 ′ and the outer housing 500 to electrically insulate the guide member 300 ′ made of metal from the outer housing 600 .

[0115] The insulating member 600 may be, for example, an insulating tape.

[0116] Figure 7 The touch sensing method of the smart watch according to another embodiment of the present invention can be directly applied to the reference Figure 6 However, when the above method is applied, Figure 6 The touch wheel sensor 400 is shown replaced with a guide 300'.

[0117] Specifically, a touch sensing method of a smart watch according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first mode driving step in which the controller (not shown) drives the touch sensor of the display unit 150 and the guide 300' in a first mode, and a second mode driving step in which the controller (not shown) drives the touch sensor of the display unit 150 and the guide 300' in a second mode.

[0118] In the first mode driving step, the first mode may be named as a normal active mode (NormalActive Mode), and in the second mode driving step, the second mode may be named as a digital wheel mode (Digital Wheel Mode).

[0119] Specifically, in the first mode driving step, the controller (not shown) drives the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in the common sensing mode in the first time period t1, and drives it in the self-sensing mode in the second time period t2 after the first time period t1. In addition, the controller (not shown) drives the guide 300' in the self-sensing mode in the second time period t2. Here, the controller (not shown) may not drive the guide 300' in the first time period t1.

[0120] Although not shown in another figure, in the first mode driving step, the controller (not shown) may not drive the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in the self-sensing mode in the second time period t2, and drive the guide 300' in the self-sensing mode.

[0121] Alternatively, in the first mode driving step, the controller (not shown) may drive the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in either the common sensing mode or the self-sensing mode in the first time period t1, and drive the guide 300' in the self-sensing mode in the second time period t2.

[0122] Alternatively, in the first mode driving step, the controller (not shown) may drive the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in either the common sensing mode or the self-sensing mode in the first time period t1, in the other mode in the second time period t2, and in the guide member 300' in the self-sensing mode in the next time period after the second time period t2.

[0123] like Figure 5The second mode driving step is a step in which the controller (not shown) drives the guide member 300' and the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in a digital wheel mode. Specifically, the controller (not shown) may control the guide member 300' to be applied with a wheel touch driving signal in a third time period t3 and a fourth time period t4 after the first mode driving step, and receive a wheel touch receiving signal through the touch sensor of the display unit 150. Here, the controller (not shown) may perform x-axis sensing through the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in the third time period t3, and perform y-axis sensing through the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in the fourth time period t4. For the x-axis sensing and y-axis sensing, the touch sensor of the display unit 150 may have Figure 4 Alternatively, although not shown in another figure, the controller (not shown) may control the guide member 300' to be applied with a wheel touch driving signal in a third time period t3 after the first mode driving step, and any one of the x-axis sensing and y-axis sensing of the wheel touch is performed by the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in the third time period t3.

[0124] On the other hand, when the touch sensor of the display unit 150 is Figure 4 In the case of the circular pattern structure shown in (b), the controller (not shown) can control the guide member 300' to be applied with a wheel touch drive signal in a third time period t3 after the first mode driving step, and the touch position of the wheel touch is sensed by the electrode patterns TX0~TX7 and RX0~RX5 of the touch sensor of the display unit 150 in the third time period t3.

[0125] The controller (not shown) may repeat the control of the first time period to the fourth time period (t1, t2, t3, t4) in sequence. Here, the third time period t3 and the fourth time period t4 may be the same as the first time period t1 and the second time period t2, or may be different. As an example, the third time period t3 and the fourth time period t4 may be shorter than the first time period t1 and the second time period t2. Accordingly, there is an advantage of being able to reduce the power consumption of the second mode.

[0126] On the other hand, the controller (not shown) may control the second mode driving step to be executed only when the first mode driving step satisfies a specific condition. Specifically, when the self-sensing mode of the guide 300' of the first mode driving step senses the wheel touch of the user, the controller (not shown) may control the second mode driving step to be executed. Accordingly, the second mode is driven only when the wheel touch of the user is sensed, thus having the advantage of being able to reduce the power consumption of the smart watch.

[0127] Figure 8is a partial cross-sectional view of a smart watch according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] and Figure 3 Compared with the smart watch according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 The smart watch according to another embodiment of the present invention shown does not include the wheel touch sensor 400 and the insulating member 600, and is different in the guide 300" and the outer case 500'. The remaining display modules 100 are the same, so the description thereof is replaced by the above description.

[0129] Figure 8 The smart watch according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a guide member 300'', wherein the guide member 300'' is made of an insulating material, different from Figure 7 The guide member 300'.

[0130] The outer shell 500' is made of conductive metal. Figure 3 The wheel touch sensor function.

[0131] The external housing 500' can be driven in a self-sensing mode or / and a digital wheel mode under the control of a controller (not shown) in the smart watch. The specific description of the self-sensing mode or the digital wheel mode is equivalent to the specific description of the Figure 7 In the description of the self-sensing mode or the digital wheel mode of the smart watch, the guide member 300' is replaced by the external housing 500'. Therefore, a detailed description of this is omitted.

[0132] On the other hand, although not shown in additional drawings, an insulating member may be further disposed between the external case 500 ′ serving as the wheel touch sensor and the guide 300 ′.

[0133] Figures 3 to 8 The smart watch according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in the figure can be applied not only to round smart watches, but also to smart watches such as Fig. 9 In addition, although not shown in other figures, Figures 3 to 8 The smart watch according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in the figure can also be directly applicable to polygons, ellipses, trapezoids, rhombuses, etc. in addition to squares.

[0134] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above embodiments are included in one embodiment of the present invention and are limited to only one embodiment. In addition, regarding the features, structures, effects, etc. illustrated in each embodiment, a person skilled in the art in the field to which the embodiment belongs may also combine or deform other embodiments to implement. Therefore, it should be interpreted that the contents related to such combination and deformation are included in the scope of the present invention.

[0135] In addition, the above description is centered on the implementation mode, but this is only an example and does not limit the present invention. A person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs can know that various modifications and applications not illustrated above can be made within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present implementation mode. For example, each component specifically appearing in the implementation mode can be implemented in a modified manner. Moreover, the differences related to these modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention specified in the attached claims.

Claims

1. A smart watch, comprising: A display module including a cover member, a display portion disposed below the cover member and having a touch sensor including a plurality of electrode patterns, and a substrate disposed below the display portion; a guide member, which is arranged to surround the cover member and the display portion and is made of an insulating material; a wheel touch sensor arranged to surround the display portion and arranged below the guide member; as well as An outer housing is configured to surround the guide.

2. The smart watch according to claim 1, wherein: The guide member includes an inclined surface inclined toward the display unit side. The guide member is configured to cover the wheel touch sensor so that the wheel touch sensor is insulated from the display unit and the external case.

3. The smart watch according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: A controller controls the touch sensor of the display part and the wheel touch sensor to sense a touch position of an object located on the touch sensor and the wheel touch sensor according to reception signals output from the touch sensor and the wheel touch sensor.

4. The smart watch according to claim 3, wherein: The controller drives the touch sensor and the wheel touch sensor in a digital wheel mode after driving the touch sensor and the wheel touch sensor in a general active mode. The general active mode is that the controller drives the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in any one of a common sensing mode and a self-sensing mode in a first time period, and drives the wheel touch sensor in a self-sensing mode in a second time period after the first time period. The digital wheel mode is that the controller applies a wheel touch driving signal to the wheel touch sensor in a period of time after the general active mode, and a wheel touch receiving signal is received through a plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

5. The smart watch according to claim 4, wherein: The general active mode is that the controller drives the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the other one of the common sensing mode and the self-sensing mode during the second time period.

6. The smart watch according to claim 3, wherein: the controller drives the touch sensor and the wheel touch sensor in a digital wheel mode after driving the touch sensor and the wheel touch sensor in a general active mode, The general active mode is that the controller drives the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in a common sensing mode in a first time period, drives the multiple electrode patterns of the touch sensor in a self-sensing mode in a second time period after the first time period, and drives the wheel touch sensor in a self-sensing mode in a next time period after the second time period. The digital wheel mode is that the controller applies a wheel touch driving signal to the wheel touch sensor in a period of time after the general active mode, and a wheel touch receiving signal is received through a plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

7. The smart watch according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The controller drives the digital wheel mode when the general active mode senses the wheel touch of the object according to the self-reception signal received from the wheel touch sensor.

8. The smart watch according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The time period after the general active mode includes a third time period and a fourth time period after the third time period, The controller applies the wheel touch drive signal to the wheel touch sensor in the third time period and the fourth time period, senses the position of the wheel touch on the x-axis through the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in any one of the third time period and the fourth time period, and senses the position of the wheel touch on the y-axis in the other other time period.

9. The smart watch according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The touch sensor has an orthogonal pattern structure, The time period after the general active mode includes a third time period, The controller applies the wheel touch driving signal to the wheel touch sensor in the third time period, and senses any one of a position on the x-axis of the wheel touch and a position on the y-axis of the wheel touch through a plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the third time period.

10. The smart watch according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The touch sensor has a circular pattern structure, The time period after the general active mode includes a third time period, The controller applies the wheel touch driving signal to the wheel touch sensor in the third time period, and senses a position of the wheel touch through a plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the third time period.

11. A smart watch, comprising: A display module including a cover member, a display portion disposed below the cover member and having a touch sensor including a plurality of electrode patterns, and a substrate disposed below the display portion; a guide member, which is arranged to surround the cover member and the display portion and is made of a conductive material; an outer housing configured to surround the guide; as well as An insulating member is disposed between the guide and the outer shell.

12. The smart watch according to claim 11, wherein: Also includes: A controller controls the touch sensor of the display unit and the guide member, and senses a touch position of an object located on the touch sensor and the guide member according to reception signals output from the touch sensor and the guide member.

13. The smart watch according to claim 12, wherein: The controller drives the touch sensor and the guide member in a general active mode and then drives the touch sensor and the guide member in a digital wheel mode. The general active mode is that the controller drives the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in any one of a common sensing mode and a self-sensing mode in a first time period, and drives the guide in the self-sensing mode in a second time period after the first time period. The digital wheel mode is that the controller applies a wheel touch driving signal to the guide member in a period of time after the general active mode, and a wheel touch receiving signal is received through a plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

14. The smart watch according to claim 13, wherein: The general active mode is that the controller drives the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the other one of the common sensing mode and the self-sensing mode during the second time period.

15. The smart watch according to claim 12, wherein: The controller drives the touch sensor and the guide member in a general active mode and then drives the touch sensor and the guide member in a digital wheel mode. The general active mode is that the controller drives the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in a common sensing mode in a first time period, drives the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in a self-sensing mode in a second time period after the first time period, and drives the guide in the self-sensing mode in a next time period after the second time period. The digital wheel mode is that the controller applies a wheel touch driving signal to the guide member in a period of time after the general active mode, and a wheel touch receiving signal is received through a plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

16. The smart watch according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The controller drives the digital wheel mode when the general active mode senses the wheel touch of the object according to the self-reception signal received from the guide.

17. The smart watch according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The time period after the general active mode includes a third time period and a fourth time period after the third time period, The controller applies the wheel touch driving signal to the guide in the third time period and the fourth time period, senses the position of the wheel touch on the x-axis through the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in any one of the third time period and the fourth time period, and senses the position of the wheel touch on the y-axis in the other time period.

18. The smart watch according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The touch sensor has an orthogonal pattern structure, The time period after the general active mode includes a third time period, The controller applies the wheel touch driving signal to the guide in the third time period during which any one of the position on the x-axis of the wheel touch and the position on the y-axis of the wheel touch is sensed through the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

19. The smart watch according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The touch sensor has a circular pattern structure, The time period after the general active mode includes a third time period, The controller applies the wheel touch driving signal to the guide member in the third period in which a position of the wheel touch is sensed through a plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

20. A smart watch, comprising: A display module including a cover member, a display portion disposed below the cover member and having a touch sensor including a plurality of electrode patterns, and a substrate disposed below the display portion; a guide member configured to surround the cover member and the display portion; as well as The outer shell is configured to surround the guide and is made of a conductive material.

21. The smart watch according to claim 11 or 20, wherein: The guide member includes an inclined surface inclined toward the display unit side.

22. The smart watch according to claim 20, wherein: Also includes: A controller controls the touch sensor of the display portion and the external housing, and senses a touch position of an object located on the touch sensor and the external housing according to reception signals output from the touch sensor and the external housing.

23. The smart watch according to claim 22, wherein: The controller drives the touch sensor and the external housing in a digital wheel mode after driving the touch sensor and the external housing in a general active mode. The general active mode is that the controller drives the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in any one of a common sensing mode and a self-sensing mode in a first time period, and drives the external housing in a self-sensing mode in a second time period after the first time period. The digital wheel mode is that the controller applies a wheel touch driving signal to the external housing in a period of time after the general active mode, and a wheel touch receiving signal is received through a plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

24. The smart watch according to claim 23, wherein: The general active mode is that the controller drives the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the other one of the common sensing mode and the self-sensing mode during the second time period.

25. The smart watch according to claim 22, wherein: The controller drives the touch sensor and the external housing in a digital wheel mode after driving the touch sensor and the external housing in a general active mode. The general active mode is that the controller drives the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in a common sensing mode in a first time period, drives the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in a self-sensing mode in a second time period after the first time period, and drives the external housing in a self-sensing mode in a next time period after the second time period. The digital wheel mode is that the controller applies a wheel touch driving signal to the external housing in a period of time after the general active mode, and a wheel touch receiving signal is received through a plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor.

26. The smart watch according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: The controller drives the digital wheel mode when the general active mode senses the wheel touch of the object according to the self-reception signal received from the external housing.

27. The smart watch according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: The time period after the general active mode includes a third time period and a fourth time period after the third time period, The controller applies the wheel touch drive signal to the external housing in the third time period and the fourth time period, senses the position of the wheel touch on the x-axis through the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in any one of the third time period and the fourth time period, and senses the position of the wheel touch on the y-axis in the other other time period.

28. The smart watch according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: The touch sensor has an orthogonal pattern structure, The time period after the general active mode includes a third time period, The controller applies the wheel touch driving signal to the external housing in the third time period, and any one of the position on the x-axis of the wheel touch and the position on the y-axis of the wheel touch is sensed through the plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the third time period.

29. The smart watch according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: The touch sensor has a circular pattern structure, The time period after the general active mode includes a third time period, The controller applies the wheel touch driving signal to the external housing in the third period, and a position of the wheel touch is sensed through a plurality of electrode patterns of the touch sensor in the third period.

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