Display device

Abstract

Disclosed is a display device including: a first touch sensor including a first driving electrode and a first sensing electrode arranged in a first area; a second touch sensor including a second driving electrode and a second sensing electrode arranged in a second area; a first touch integrated circuit configured to generate a first sensing signal; a second touch integrated circuit configured to generate a second sensing signal; and a control unit configured to select a touch area including a touch position from among the first area and the second area based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, and control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to sense the touch area in the first sensing mode and sense the remaining area in the second sensing mode.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0114264 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 30, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments relate to a display device. Background Art

[0004] Display devices have been widely used. In addition, as the thickness and weight of display devices are reduced, the applications of display devices are increased.

[0005] The display devices may each include a touch sensing device as an input device. The touch sensing device may include a touch sensor for sensing a touch and a touch integrated circuit for driving the touch sensor.

[0006] Examples of well-known touch sensing technologies for touch sensing devices include electromagnetic induction technology, pressure sensing technology, and capacitive technology. In capacitive technology, a touch input such as a finger or stylus makes contact with a touch sensor. A touch sensing device can determine the location of the touch input by means of a touch integrated circuit that detects changes in capacitance in electrodes forming the touch sensor.

[0007] As display devices become larger, the size of touch sensors covering the front surface of the display devices increases. As the size of touch sensors increases and their thickness decreases, the RC load on the touch sensors increases. Summary of the invention

[0008] Embodiments may provide a display device with reduced sensing time and power consumption. However, this is an example, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0009] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0010] An embodiment of the display device includes: a first touch sensor including a plurality of first drive electrodes arranged in a first area and a plurality of first sensing electrodes crossing the plurality of first drive electrodes; a second touch sensor including a plurality of second drive electrodes arranged in a second area and a plurality of second sensing electrodes crossing the plurality of second drive electrodes; a first touch integrated circuit connected to the plurality of first drive electrodes and the plurality of first sensing electrodes and configured to generate a first sensing signal; a second touch integrated circuit connected to the plurality of second drive electrodes and the plurality of second sensing electrodes and configured to generate a second sensing signal; and a control unit configured to select a touch area including a touch position from the first area and the second area based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, and to control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to sense the touch area in a first sensing mode and sense the remaining area in a second sensing mode.

[0011] The first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit may be configured to: sense changes in mutual capacitance in the corresponding area and changes in self capacitance in the corresponding area in a first sensing mode; and sense changes in self capacitance in the corresponding area in a second sensing mode.

[0012] In an initial state in which there is no contact with the contact target, the control unit may be configured to control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to sense the first area and the second area in a first sensing mode.

[0013] When it is determined that there is no touch in the touch area, the control unit may be configured to control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to sense the first area and the second area in a first sensing mode.

[0014] When it is determined that there is a touch in the touch area, the control unit may be configured to control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to sense the touch area in a first sensing mode and sense the remaining area in a second sensing mode.

[0015] When the contact target maintains touch for a preset period of time or longer, the control unit may be configured to control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to sense the touch area in the third sensing mode and sense the remaining area in the second sensing mode.

[0016] The first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit may be configured to sense a change in mutual capacitance in a first sub-region and a change in self capacitance in a touch region in a third sensing mode, the first sub-region being determined to have a touch position at a center of the first sub-region.

[0017] The first sub-region may be defined as a region in which a preset number of driving electrodes are arranged with respect to the touch position.

[0018] When the touch position moves, the first sub-region may move so that the touch position is at the center.

[0019] The driving electrodes arranged in the first sub-region may be grouped into a plurality of groups, each of the plurality of groups includes at least two driving electrodes, and at least two driving electrodes in one group may be sensed simultaneously.

[0020] The control unit may be configured to control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to alternately sense the touch area in the third sensing mode and the fourth sensing mode and sense the remaining area in the second sensing mode.

[0021] The first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit can be configured to: in a third sensing mode, sense changes in mutual capacitance in the first sub-area and changes in self-capacitance in the touch area, and the first sub-area is determined to have a touch position at the center; and in a fourth sensing mode, sense changes in mutual capacitance in the second sub-area and changes in self-capacitance in the third sub-area, and each of the second sub-area and the third sub-area is determined to have a touch position at the center of each sub-area.

[0022] Each of the first and second sub-regions may be defined as a region in which a preset number of driving electrodes are arranged relative to the touch position, and the third sub-region may be defined as a region in which a preset number of driving electrodes and a preset number of sensing electrodes are arranged relative to the touch position.

[0023] The first sub-region may be defined as a region in which a preset number of drive electrodes are arranged relative to the touch position, the second sub-region may be defined as a region in which a preset number of drive electrodes and a preset number of sensing electrodes are arranged relative to the touch position, and the third sub-region may be defined as a region in which a preset number of drive electrodes and a preset number of sensing electrodes are arranged relative to the touch position.

[0024] When the touch position moves, the second sub-area may be moved so that the touch position is at the center.

[0025] The first touch integrated circuit may be arranged adjacent to the first area, and the second touch integrated circuit may be arranged adjacent to the second area.

[0026] The control unit may be mounted on the first touch integrated circuit, and the second touch integrated circuit may be electrically connected to the first touch integrated circuit.

[0027] The display device may further include a third touch integrated circuit electrically connected to the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit, wherein the control unit may be mounted on the third touch integrated circuit.

[0028] Each of the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit may include: a signal driver configured to apply a plurality of driving signals to a plurality of driving electrodes respectively connected to the corresponding integrated circuits; a signal sensor configured to receive a plurality of sensing signals from a plurality of sensing electrodes respectively connected to the corresponding integrated circuits; and a memory.

[0029] The signal driver may perform multi-channel driving during which a plurality of driving signals are simultaneously applied to two or more driving electrodes through a plurality of channels.

[0030] Other aspects, features, and advantages besides those described above will become apparent from the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings for implementing the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to one or more embodiments;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel included in a display device according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The line I-I' intercepts Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device;

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a touch sensing device included in a display apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0038] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C are plan views each showing a portion of a touch sensing area;

[0039] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining a sensing principle of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a touch determination method of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0041] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is a diagram for explaining a sensing process in each operation of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0042] Fig.11 is a flowchart for explaining a drawing determination method of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0043] Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C is a diagram for explaining a sensing process in each sensing of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0044] Fig.13A , Fig. 13B and Fig. 13C is a diagram for explaining a drawing mode according to an embodiment;

[0045] Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig. 14C is a diagram for explaining a drawing mode according to another embodiment;

[0046] Fig.15 is a flowchart for explaining a drawing determination method of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0047] Fig.16 is a diagram for explaining a sensing process in each operation of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0048] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram of a touch sensing device included in a display apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0049] Fig.18 It is used to explain Fig.17 A diagram showing a sensing operation of a display device; and

[0050] Fig.19 is a diagram showing an instrument panel and a center instrument panel including a display device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. In this regard, the embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Therefore, embodiments are described below only by reference to the accompanying drawings to explain aspects of the specification.

[0052] As used herein, the word "or" means a logical "OR" such that the expression "A, B, or C" means "A and B and C," "A and B but not C," "A and C but not B," "B and C but not A," "A but not B and not C," "B but not A and not C," and "C but not A and not B," unless the context indicates otherwise. Throughout this disclosure, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" means only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0053] Because the present disclosure allows for various changes and multiple embodiments, specific embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. Reference is made to the drawings used to illustrate the embodiments to obtain a full understanding of the present disclosure, its advantages, and the purposes achieved by implementing the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0054] Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same elements, and their repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0055] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms and these elements are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0056] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0057] It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and “includes” (and variations such as “comprising”) used herein specify the presence of stated features or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or elements.

[0058] It will be understood that when a layer, region or element is referred to as being “formed on” another layer, region or element, it can be directly or indirectly formed on the other layer, region or element. That is, for example, intervening layers, regions or elements may be present.

[0059] It will be understood that when a layer, region or component is referred to as being connected to another layer, region or component, it may be directly or indirectly connected to the other layer, region or component. For example, when a layer, region or component is referred to as being electrically connected to another layer, region or component, it may be directly or indirectly electrically connected to the other layer, region or component.

[0060] In the following examples, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes of the rectangular coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0061] When a specific embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two processes described in succession can be performed substantially simultaneously, or in the reverse order of the described order.

[0062] For the convenience of explanation, the size of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. In other words, since the size and thickness of the elements in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0063] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0064] refer to Figure 1 The display device 1 may include a display panel 10 and a plurality of integrated circuits 40 for driving the display panel 10 .

[0065] The display panel 10 may include a display area DA displaying an image and a non-display area NDA outside the display area DA. The display area DA may be completely surrounded by the non-display area NDA.

[0066] In the display area DA of the display panel 10, a plurality of pixels PX including various display elements such as organic light emitting diodes may be arranged. The pixels PX may be provided in plurality, and the pixels PX may be provided in various forms such as stripe forms, form and mosaic form) are arranged to produce an image.

[0067] When viewed in a plan view, the display area DA may have a Figure 1 Alternatively, the display area DA may have a polygonal shape such as a triangle, a pentagon, or a hexagon, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or an atypical shape.

[0068] In the non-display area NDA of the display panel 10, no image is displayed and no pixels PX are arranged. In the non-display area NDA, various lines configured to transmit electrical signals to be applied to elements in the display area DA, driving circuits, and first pads PAD1 connected to the lines may be arranged.

[0069] Each integrated circuit 40 may be mounted on the circuit board 30. Each integrated circuit 40 may be mounted on the circuit board 30 in a chip on plastic (COP) manner or a chip on glass (COG) manner.

[0070] In the circuit board 30 , a line connecting the integrated circuit 40 to the second pad PAD2 may be arranged, and the integrated circuit 40 may be connected to the display panel 10 through the line and the second pad PAD2 .

[0071] Some of the integrated circuits 40 may be configured to generate electrical signals transmitted to the pixels PX or the driving circuits. Others of the integrated circuits 40 may be configured to generate electrical signals transmitted to a touch sensing portion including the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes.

[0072] The display device 1 may be an organic light-emitting display device including a display element (e.g., an organic light-emitting diode) having a brightness that varies according to current. Alternatively, the display device 1 may be an inorganic light-emitting display device (or an inorganic EL display device) or a quantum dot light-emitting display device. That is, the emission layer of the display element included in the display device 1 may include an organic material, an inorganic material, a quantum dot, both an organic material and a quantum dot, both an inorganic material and a quantum dot, or an organic material, an inorganic material, and a quantum dot. In the following, the case where the display device 1 is an organic light-emitting display device is mainly described.

[0073] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0074] refer to Figure 2 , the display device 1 may include a display panel 10 and a cover window CW covering the display panel 10 .

[0075] The display panel 10 may include a substrate 100 , a display element layer 200 , an encapsulation layer 300 , and a touch sensor layer 400 .

[0076] The substrate 100 may include an insulating material such as glass, quartz or a polymer resin. The substrate 100 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable or rollable. For example, the substrate 100 may include a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate or cellulose acetate propionate. The substrate 100 may have a multilayer structure including a layer containing the above polymer resin and an inorganic layer (not shown). For example, the substrate 100 may include two layers containing the above polymer resin and an inorganic barrier layer arranged between the two layers.

[0077] The display element layer 200 may be disposed above the substrate 100. The display element layer 200 may include a plurality of pixels and may be a layer that displays an image. The display element layer 200 may include a plurality of display elements and a plurality of pixel circuits electrically connected to the display elements. In addition, the display element layer 200 may include a scan line connected to the pixel circuit, a data line, a power line, a scan driver configured to apply a scan signal to the scan line, a fan-out line connecting the data line to the display driver, and the like.

[0078] An encapsulation layer 300 for sealing the display element may be disposed above the display element layer 200. The encapsulation layer 300 may include at least one organic encapsulation layer and provide a flat base surface. Therefore, even if the touch sensor layer 400 is formed by a continuous process, the failure rate may be reduced.

[0079] The touch sensor layer 400 may be disposed above the encapsulation layer 300. The touch sensor layer 400 may include a touch sensor and a signal line connected to the touch sensor, and is a layer for detecting a touch input and a touch position from a user. The touch sensor layer 400 may sense a touch input and a touch position from a user in a capacitive manner by measuring a capacitance change in a driving electrode and a sensing electrode constituting the touch sensor.

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown in , the touch sensor layer 400 can be formed through a continuous process together with the encapsulation layer 300. For example, the touch sensor layer 400 can be directly formed on the base surface of the encapsulation layer 300.

[0081] As another example, the touch sensor layer 400 may be used as a functional module separated from the display panel 10 and disposed between the display panel 10 and the cover window CW. In this case, the touch sensor layer 400 may be coupled to the display panel 10 by an optically transparent adhesive OCA or an optically transparent resin.

[0082] A cover window CW may be disposed above the display panel 10. The cover window CW may protect an upper surface of the display panel 10. The cover window CW may be coupled to the display panel 10 by an optically transparent adhesive OCA or an optically transparent resin.

[0083] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel included in a display device according to an embodiment.

[0084] refer to Figure 3 The display device 1 includes a display unit 11 , a gate driver 12 , a data driver 13 , a timing controller 14 and a voltage generator 15 .

[0085] The display unit 11 includes pixels PX, such as a pixel PXij located in the i-th row and the j-th column. For ease of understanding, Figure 3 One pixel PXij is shown, but m×n pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix form, for example. Here, i is a natural number in the range of 1 to m, and j is a natural number in the range of 1 to n.

[0086] refer to Figure 4 For the purpose of illustration, a pixel PX including two transistors and one capacitor is described. However, one or more embodiments are not only applicable to a pixel PX including a specific pixel circuit, but may also be equally applicable to a pixel PX including another pixel circuit, for example, a pixel PX including a pixel circuit including three transistors and one capacitor, a pixel PX including a pixel circuit including seven transistors and one capacitor, etc.

[0087] refer to Figure 3 , the pixels PX are connected to the scan lines SL_1 to SL_m, the data lines DL_1 to DL_n, and the power line PL. For example, the pixel PXij located in the i-th row and the j-th column may be connected to the scan line SL_i, the data line DL_j, and the power line PL.

[0088] The data lines DL_1 to DL_n may extend in a first direction DR1 (or column direction) and be connected to pixels PX located in the same column. The scan lines SL_1 to SL_m may extend in a second direction DR2 (or row direction) and be connected to pixels PX located in the same row.

[0089] The power lines PL may include a plurality of vertical power lines extending in a first direction DR1, and the vertical power lines may be connected to the pixels PX located in the same column. The power lines PL may include a plurality of horizontal power lines extending in a second direction DR2, and the horizontal power lines may be connected to the pixels PX located in the same row. The horizontal power lines may be connected to the vertical power lines, respectively.

[0090] The scan lines SL_1 to SL_m are configured to transmit the scan signals Sn_1 to Sn_m output from the gate driver 12 to the pixels PX arranged in the same row, respectively. The data lines DL_1 to DL_n are configured to transmit the data signals Dm_1 to Dm_n output from the data driver 13 to the pixels PX arranged in the same column, respectively. The pixel PXij located in the i-th row and the j-th column receives the scan signal Sn_i and the data signal Dm_j.

[0091] The power line PL is configured to transmit the first driving voltage ELVDD output from the voltage generator 15 to the pixel PX.

[0092] The pixel PXij includes a display element and a driving transistor, and the driving transistor is configured to control the intensity of the current flowing to the display element based on the data signal Dm_j. The data signal Dm_j is output from the data driver 13 and is received by the pixel PXij through the data line DL_j. The display element can be, for example, an organic light emitting diode. When the display element emits light with a brightness corresponding to the intensity of the current received from the driving transistor, the pixel PXij can exhibit a grayscale corresponding to the data signal Dm_j. The pixel PX may correspond to a portion of a unit pixel capable of displaying full color, for example, a sub-pixel. The pixel PXij may also include at least one switching transistor and at least one capacitor.

[0093] The voltage generator 15 may be configured to generate a voltage required to drive the pixel PXij. For example, the voltage generator 15 may generate a first driving voltage ELVDD and a second driving voltage ELVSS. The level of the first driving voltage ELVDD may be higher than that of the second driving voltage ELVSS.

[0094] The voltage generator 15 may generate an initialization voltage and provide it to the pixel PX. The initialization voltage may be applied to a gate of a driving transistor or an anode of a display element.

[0095] In addition, the voltage generator 15 may provide the gate driver 12 with an on voltage and an off voltage for controlling the switching transistor of the pixel PXij. When the on voltage is applied to the gate of the switching transistor, the switching transistor may be turned on, and when the off voltage is applied to the gate of the switching transistor, the switching transistor may be turned off. The voltage generator 15 may generate a gamma reference voltage and provide it to the data driver 13.

[0096] The timing controller 14 may control the operation timing of the gate driver 12 and the data driver 13, thereby controlling the display unit 11. The pixels PX of the display unit 11 may receive a new data signal Dm during each frame and emit light at a brightness corresponding to the data signal Dm, thereby displaying an image corresponding to the image source data RGB of one frame.

[0097] The timing controller 14 receives image source data RGB and a control signal CONT from the outside. The timing controller 14 may convert the image source data RGB into image data DATA based on characteristics of the display unit 11 and the pixel PX, etc. The timing controller 14 may provide the image data DATA to the data driver 13 .

[0098] The control signal CONT may include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a data enable signal, a clock signal, etc. The timing controller 14 may control the operation timing of the gate driver 12 and the data driver 13 by using the control signal CONT. The timing controller 14 may determine the frame duration by counting the data enable signal in the horizontal scanning period. In this case, the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal provided from the outside may be omitted. The image source data RGB includes brightness information of the pixel PX. The brightness may have a preset level, for example, 1024 (=2 10 )、256(=2 8 ) or 64(=2 6 ) gray levels.

[0099] The timing controller 14 may generate control signals including a gate timing control signal GDC for controlling the operation timing of the gate driver 12 and a data timing control signal DDC for controlling the operation timing of the data driver 13 .

[0100] The gate timing control signal GDC may include a gate start pulse, a gate shift clock, a gate output enable signal, etc. At the time point when the scanning period starts, the gate start pulse is provided to the gate driver 12 configured to generate the first scanning signal. The gate shift clock may be a clock signal commonly input to the gate driver 12 and configured to shift the gate start pulse. The gate output enable signal controls the output of the gate driver 12.

[0101] The data timing control signal DDC may include a source start pulse, a source sampling clock, a source output enable signal, etc. At a time point when a scanning period starts, the source start pulse controls a time point when data sampling of the data driver 13 starts and is provided to the data driver 13. The source sampling clock may be a clock signal that controls a sampling operation of data in the data driver 13 based on a rising edge or a falling edge. The source output enable signal controls the output from the data driver 13. According to the data transmission method, the source start pulse provided to the data driver 13 may be omitted.

[0102] The gate driver 12 may use the on-voltage or off-voltage provided from the voltage generator 15 to sequentially generate the scan signals Sn_1 to Sn_m in response to the gate timing control signal GDC provided from the timing controller 14. The gate driver 12 may include a plurality of transistors and may be formed together with the pixel PX through a thin film process. For example, the gate driver 12 may be installed in the non-display area NDA in the form of an amorphous silicon TFT gate driver circuit (ASG) or an oxide semiconductor TFT gate driver circuit (OSG).

[0103] In response to the data timing control signal DDC provided from the timing controller 14, the data driver 13 may sample and latch the image data DATA provided from the timing controller 14, and convert it into data in a parallel data system. When converting the image data DATA into data in the parallel data system, the data driver 13 may convert the image data DATA into a gamma reference voltage and convert the gamma reference voltage into an analog data signal. The data driver 13 provides data signals Dm_1 to Dm_n to the pixels PX through the data lines DL_1 to DL_n. The pixels PX receive the data signals Dm_1 to Dm_n in response to the scan signals Sn_1 to Sn_m.

[0104] refer to Figure 4 , the pixel PX may include a pixel circuit PC connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL and a display element connected to the pixel circuit PC. The display element may be an organic light emitting diode OLED including a pixel electrode (anode) and an opposite electrode (cathode). The opposite electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED may be a common electrode to which the second driving voltage ELVSS is applied.

[0105] The pixel circuit PC may include a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0106] The first transistor T1 may be a driving transistor in which the intensity of the drain current is determined according to the gate-source voltage, and the second transistor T2 may be a switching transistor turned on / off according to the gate-source voltage (substantially the gate voltage). The first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 may each be a thin film transistor.

[0107] The first transistor T1 may be referred to as a driving transistor, and the second transistor T2 may be referred to as a scanning transistor.

[0108] The storage capacitor Cst is connected between the power line PL and the gate of the first transistor T1. The storage capacitor Cst may include a second electrode connected to the power line PL and a first electrode connected to the gate of the first transistor T1. The storage capacitor Cst may store a voltage corresponding to a difference between a voltage from the second transistor T2 and a first driving voltage ELVDD supplied to the power line PL.

[0109] The first transistor T1 may control the intensity of the driving current Id flowing from the power line PL to the organic light emitting diode OLED according to the gate-source voltage. The organic light emitting diode OLED may emit light having a specific brightness according to the driving current Id. The first transistor T1 may include a gate connected to the first electrode of the storage capacitor Cst, a first terminal connected to the power line PL, and a second terminal connected to the organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0110] The second transistor T2 may be configured to transmit the data signal Dm to the gate of the first transistor T1 in response to the scan signal Sn. The second transistor T2 may include a gate connected to the scan line SL, a drain connected to the data line DL, and a source connected to the gate of the first transistor T1.

[0111] Figure 4 It is shown that the pixel circuit PC includes two transistors and one storage capacitor, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the pixel circuit PC may include at least three transistors and at least two storage capacitors. In an embodiment, the pixel circuit PC may include three transistors and one storage capacitor. In another embodiment, the pixel circuit PC may include seven transistors and one storage capacitor.

[0112] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The line I-I' intercepts Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display device.

[0113] refer to Figure 5 In the display area DA of the substrate 100, the display element layer 200, the encapsulation layer 300 and the touch sensor layer 400 may be sequentially stacked. In the display element layer 200, an organic light emitting diode OLED and a pixel circuit PC electrically connected to the organic light emitting diode OLED may be arranged.

[0114] As mentioned above Figure 2 As described, the substrate 100 may include an insulating material such as glass, quartz, or a polymer resin. The substrate 100 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, or rollable.

[0115] The buffer layer 201 may be disposed over the substrate 100, reduce or prevent penetration of foreign materials, moisture, or external air from the bottom of the substrate 100, and provide a flat surface to the semiconductor layer Act. The buffer layer 201 may include an inorganic material such as an oxide or a nitride, an organic material, or a compound of an organic material and an inorganic material, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including an organic material and an inorganic material.

[0116] The barrier layer 101 may be further included between the substrate 100 and the buffer layer 201, and prevents penetration of external air. The barrier layer 101 and the buffer layer 201 may each include silicon oxide (SiO 2 ) or silicon nitride (SiN X ).

[0117] A pixel circuit PC including a thin film transistor TFT and a storage capacitor Cst is disposed above the buffer layer 201. The thin film transistor TFT may correspond to the reference Figure 4 A first transistor T1 is described.

[0118] The thin film transistor TFT may include a semiconductor layer Act, a gate electrode GE, a drain electrode DE, and a source electrode SE.

[0119] The semiconductor layer Act may be disposed above the buffer layer 201 and include polycrystalline silicon. In another embodiment, the semiconductor layer Act may include amorphous silicon. In another embodiment, the semiconductor layer Act may include an oxide of at least one material selected from the group consisting of indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). The semiconductor layer Act may include a channel region and a source region and a drain region doped with impurities. The source region and the drain region may be arranged on both sides of the channel region.

[0120] The first gate insulating layer 203 may cover the semiconductor layer Act. The first gate insulating layer 203 may include an inorganic insulating material such as SiO x 、SiN x 、Silicon Oxynitride (SiON), Aluminum Oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), Tantalum Oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ), hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ) or zinc oxide (ZnO x ). ZnO x It can be ZnO and / or ZnO 2 The first gate insulating layer 203 may be one or more layers including the above inorganic insulating materials.

[0121] The gate electrode GE is disposed over the first gate insulating layer 203 to overlap the semiconductor layer Act. The gate electrode GE may include Mo, Al, Cu, Ti, etc., and may be one layer or multiple layers. For example, the gate electrode GE may be a single Mo layer.

[0122] The second gate insulating layer 204 may cover the gate electrode GE. The second gate insulating layer 204 may include an inorganic insulating material such as SiO x 、SiN x 、SiON、Al 2 O 3 、TiO 2 、 2 O 5 , HfO 2 or ZnO x .ZnO x It can be ZnO and / or ZnO2 The second gate insulating layer 204 may be one or more layers including the above inorganic insulating materials.

[0123] The second electrode CE2 of the storage capacitor Cst may be disposed above the second gate insulating layer 204. The second electrode CE2 may overlap the gate electrode GE. The gate electrode GE and the second electrode CE2 may overlap with the second gate insulating layer 204 between the gate electrode GE and the second electrode CE2 and form the storage capacitor Cst. That is, the gate electrode GE may serve as the first electrode CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst.

[0124] The second electrode CE2 may include Al, platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W) or copper (Cu), and may be a layer or a plurality of layers including the above materials.

[0125] The interlayer insulating layer 205 may cover the second electrode CE2. The interlayer insulating layer 205 may include SiO 2 、SiN x 、SiON、Al 2 O 3 、TiO 2 、 2 O 5 , HfO 2 、ZnO x etc. ZnO x It can be ZnO and / or ZnO 2 The interlayer insulating layer 205 may be one or more layers including the above inorganic insulating materials.

[0126] The buffer layer 201 , the first gate insulating layer 203 , the second gate insulating layer 204 , and the interlayer insulating layer 205 may be referred to as an inorganic insulating layer.

[0127] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be disposed above the interlayer insulating layer 205. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may each include a conductive material including Mo, Al, Cu, or Ti, and may be one or more layers including the above materials. For example, the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may have a multilayer structure of Ti / Al / Ti. In some embodiments, the source electrode SE or the drain electrode DE may be omitted. For example, adjacent thin film transistors TFT may share a source region or a drain region of the semiconductor layer Act, and the source region or the drain region may be used as the source electrode SE or the drain electrode DE.

[0128] The planarization insulating layer 207 may be disposed to cover the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The planarization insulating layer 207 may provide a flat base surface for the pixel electrode 210 disposed thereover.

[0129] The planarization insulating layer 207 may include an organic material or an inorganic material and have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The planarization insulating layer 207 may include a general polymer (such as benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), or polystyrene (PS)), a polymer derivative having a phenol group, an acrylic polymer, an imide polymer, an aryl ether polymer, an amide polymer, a fluorine polymer, a p-xylene polymer, or a vinyl alcohol polymer. The planarization insulating layer 207 may include an inorganic insulating material such as SiO x 、SiN x 、SiON、Al 2 O 3 、TiO 2 、 2 O 5 , HfO 2 or ZnO x .ZnO x It can be ZnO and / or ZnO 2 When the planarization insulating layer 207 is formed, chemical mechanical polishing may be performed on the upper surface of the planarization insulating layer 207 to provide a flat upper surface.

[0130] The pixel electrode 210 may be disposed over the planarization insulating layer 207. The planarization insulating layer 207 may include a through hole exposing any one of the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the thin film transistor TFT, and the pixel electrode 210 may contact the source electrode SE or the drain electrode DE through the through hole and be electrically connected to the thin film transistor TFT.

[0131] The pixel electrode 210 may include a conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ), indium gallium oxide (IGO) or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). The pixel electrode 210 may include a reflective layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), Al, platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr) or a compound thereof. For example, the pixel electrode 210 may include ITO, IZO, ZnO or In 2 O 3 In this case, the pixel electrode 210 may have a stack structure of ITO / Ag / ITO.

[0132] The pixel defining layer 209 may cover the edge of the pixel electrode 210 over the planarization insulating layer 207 and include a pixel opening OP1 exposing a central portion of the pixel electrode 210. The emission area EA of the organic light emitting diode OLED, that is, the size and shape of the pixel PX is defined by the pixel opening OP1.

[0133] The pixel defining layer 209 may increase the distance between the edge of the pixel electrode 210 and the opposing electrode 230 disposed on the pixel electrode 210, and thus may prevent arcing, etc., from being generated on the edge of the pixel electrode 210. The pixel defining layer 209 may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide, polyamide, acrylic resin, BCB, HMDSO, or phenol resin, and may be formed by spin coating, etc.

[0134] The pixel defining layer 209 may be black. The pixel defining layer 209 may include a light shielding material and may be black. The light shielding material may include carbon black, carbon nanotubes, a resin or paste including a black dye, metal particles such as Ni, Al, Mo and alloys thereof, metal oxide particles (e.g., chromium oxide) or metal nitride particles (e.g., chromium nitride), etc. When the pixel defining layer 209 includes a light shielding material, external light reflection from a metal structure disposed under the pixel defining layer 209 may be reduced.

[0135] The intermediate layer 220 may be disposed between the pixel electrode 210 and the opposite electrode 230. The intermediate layer 220 may include a first functional layer 221, an emission layer 222, and a second functional layer 223.

[0136] In the pixel opening OP1 of the pixel defining layer 209, the emission layer 222 is arranged to correspond to the pixel electrode 210. The emission layer 222 may include a high molecular weight material or a low molecular weight material and emit red light, green light, blue light, or white light.

[0137] The first and second functional layers 221 and 223 may be disposed under or over the emission layer 222. In an embodiment, unlike the emission layer 222 patterned for each pixel PX, the first and second functional layers 221 and 223 may be integrally formed as a single body throughout the entire display area DA.

[0138] The first functional layer 221 may be one or more layers. For example, when the first functional layer 221 includes a high molecular weight material, the first functional layer 221 may be a hole transport layer including poly-(3,4)-ethylene-dihydroxythiophene (PEDOT) or polyaniline (PANI). When the first functional layer 221 includes a low molecular weight material, the first functional layer 221 may include a hole injection layer or a hole transport layer.

[0139] The second functional layer 223 may be selectively arranged. For example, when the first functional layer 221 and the emission layer 222 each include a high molecular weight material, the second functional layer 223 may be preferably formed. The second functional layer 223 may be one or more layers. The second functional layer 223 may include an electron transport layer or an electron injection layer. In some embodiments, at least one of the hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, the electron transport layer, and the electron injection layer may be omitted.

[0140] The opposing electrode 230 may include a conductive material having a relatively low work function. For example, the opposing electrode 230 may include a transparent (or semi-transparent) layer including Ag, Mg, Al, Ni, Cr, Li, Ca or an alloy thereof. Alternatively, the opposing electrode 230 may also include a conductive material including ITO, IZO, ZnO or In on the transparent (or semi-transparent) layer including the above materials. 2 O 3 In an implementation, the opposite electrode 230 may include Ag and Mg.

[0141] The pixel electrode 210 , the intermediate layer 220 , and the opposite electrode 230 , which are sequentially stacked, may form an organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0142] In an embodiment, a capping layer (not shown) may be disposed above the organic light emitting diode OLED. According to the principle of destructive interference, the capping layer may be configured to improve the emission efficiency of the organic light emitting diode OLED. The capping layer may include an organic capping layer containing an organic material, an inorganic capping layer containing an inorganic material, and a composite capping layer containing an organic material and an inorganic material.

[0143] The encapsulation layer 300 may be disposed above the organic light emitting diode OLED. In an embodiment, the encapsulation layer 300 may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. For example, the encapsulation layer 300 may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, a second inorganic encapsulation layer 330, and an organic encapsulation layer 320 disposed therebetween.

[0144] The first inorganic encapsulating layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulating layer 330 may each include at least one inorganic insulating material. The inorganic insulating material may include Al 2 O 3 、TiO 2 、 2 O 5 , HfO 2 、ZnO x 、SiO x 、SiN x or SiON. ZnO x It can be ZnO and / or ZnO 2The first inorganic encapsulating layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulating layer 330 may be formed by CVD.

[0145] The organic encapsulation layer 320 may include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyvinyl sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, HMDSO, an acrylic-based resin, or a combination thereof.

[0146] The encapsulation layer 300 may completely cover the display area DA and extend to the non-display area NDA, thereby covering at least a portion of the non-display area NDA.

[0147] As described above, the encapsulation layer 300 may include the organic encapsulation layer 320 and provide a planarized base surface. Therefore, even if the components of the touch sensor layer 400 are formed through a continuous process, a failure rate may be reduced.

[0148] The touch sensor layer 400 may have a multi-layer structure. The touch sensor layer 400 includes sensing electrodes, sensing signal lines connected to the sensing electrodes, driving electrodes, driving signal lines connected to the driving electrodes, and at least one insulating layer. The touch sensor included in the touch sensor layer 400 may sense external inputs in, for example, a capacitive manner.

[0149] The touch sensor layer 400 may include a first touch insulating layer 410 , a first touch conductive layer MTL1 , a second touch insulating layer 420 , a second touch conductive layer MTL2 , and a third touch insulating layer 430 .

[0150] The first touch insulating layer 410 may be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer 300. The first touch insulating layer 410 may include an inorganic material or an organic material, and be one layer or more layers.

[0151] The first touch insulation layer 410 may prevent damage to the encapsulation layer 300 and block interference signals that may be generated when the touch sensor layer 400 is driven.

[0152] For example, the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2 may each have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer stacked structure. The conductive layer of the single-layer structure may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include Mo, Ag, Ti, Cu, Al and alloys thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO, IZO, ZnO or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). Alternatively, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, a metal nanowire, graphene, etc.

[0153] The conductive layer of the multilayer structure may include multiple metal layers. The metal layer may have a three-layer structure of, for example, Ti / Al / Ti. The conductive layer of the multilayer structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0154] The first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2 may each include a plurality of patterns. The first touch conductive layer MTL1 may include a first conductive pattern, and the second touch conductive layer MTL2 may include a second conductive pattern. The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may form a touch sensor.

[0155] The first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2 may be electrically connected to each other through a contact hole. In an embodiment, the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2 may each have a mesh structure that allows light emitted from the organic light emitting diode OLED to pass therethrough. In this case, the first touch conductive layer MTL1 and the second touch conductive layer MTL2 may not overlap with the emission area EA.

[0156] The second touch insulating layer 420 may include an organic material. The organic material may include at least one selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, cellulose resin, and perylene resin. The second touch insulating layer 420 may also include an inorganic material. The inorganic material may include at least one selected from the group consisting of SiN X 、Aluminum nitride (AlN), zirconium nitride (ZrN), titanium nitride (TiN), hafnium nitride (HfN), tantalum nitride (TaN), SiO X 、Al 2 O 3 、TiO 2 SnO 2 , cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) and at least one of the group consisting of SiON.

[0157] The third touch insulating layer 430 may be disposed above the second touch conductive layer MTL2. The third touch insulating layer 430 may be one layer or more layers. The third touch insulating layer 430 may include an organic material, an inorganic material, or a composite material.

[0158] Figure 5 The touch sensor layer 400 is shown to be formed directly on the encapsulation layer 300, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the touch sensor layer 400 may be used as a functional module separated from the display panel 10, and may be coupled to the display panel 10 by an optically clear adhesive OCA.

[0159] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a touch sensing device included in a display apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0160] refer to Figure 6, the touch sensing area TSA may include a plurality of regions, and the touch sensing device TSD may include a plurality of touch sensors corresponding to the plurality of regions, respectively, and a plurality of touch integrated circuits respectively controlling the touch sensors.

[0161] For example, the touch sensing area TSA may include a first area A1 and a second area A2. The first touch sensor TSa may be aligned with the display area (DA, see Figure 1 ) overlap. In an embodiment, Figure 6 As shown in , the first area A1 and the second area A2 may be adjacent to each other in the first direction (x direction). In another embodiment, the first area A1 and the second area A2 may be adjacent to each other in the second direction (y direction). Alternatively, the first area A1 and the second area A2 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0162] The touch sensing device TSD may include first touch sensors TSa arranged in a first area A1, second touch sensors TSb arranged in a second area A2, first touch integrated circuits TIC1 connected to the first touch sensors TSa, and second touch integrated circuits TIC2 connected to the second touch sensors TSb.

[0163] The first touch sensor TSa may include a plurality of first drive electrodes TEa and a plurality of first sensing electrodes REa arranged in the first area A1. The first drive electrodes TEa may extend in the first direction (x direction) and be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (y direction), respectively. The first sensing electrodes REa may extend in the second direction (y direction) and be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (x direction), respectively. For example, the first sensing electrodes REa may be arranged to intersect the first drive electrodes TEa in a plan view.

[0164] The second touch sensor TSb may include a plurality of second drive electrodes TEb and a plurality of second sensing electrodes REb arranged in the second area A2. The second drive electrodes TEb may extend in the first direction (x direction) and be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (y direction), respectively. The second sensing electrodes REb may extend in the second direction (y direction) and be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (x direction), respectively. The second sensing electrodes REb may be arranged to intersect the second drive electrodes TEb in a plan view.

[0165] The first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may correspond to Figure 1 In an embodiment, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may be mounted on a circuit board (30, see Figure 1 )superior.

[0166] The first touch integrated circuit TIC1 may include a first signal driver 51a, a first signal sensor 53a, and a first memory 55a. The first signal driver 51a may be electrically connected to the first driving electrode TEa through a first driving signal line TLa, and is configured to apply a driving signal Tx to the first driving electrode TEa. The first signal sensor 53a may be electrically connected to the first sensing electrode REa through a first sensing signal line RLa, and receive a sensing signal Rx from the first sensing electrode REa to convert it into a digital signal.

[0167] The second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may include a second signal driver 51b, a second signal sensor 53b, and a second memory 55b. The second signal driver 51b may be electrically connected to the second drive electrode TEb through a second drive signal line TLb, and is configured to apply a drive signal Tx to the second drive electrode TEb. The second signal sensor 53b may be electrically connected to the second sensing electrode REb through a second sensing signal line RLb, and receive a sensing signal Rx from the second sensing electrode REb to convert it into a digital signal.

[0168] The first signal sensor 53a and the second signal sensor 53b may each include an analog front end (AFE) configured to receive an analog signal and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert the received analog signal into a digital signal. The first memory 55a may store software, algorithms, etc. for driving the first touch integrated circuit TIC1, and the second memory 55b may store software, algorithms, etc. for driving the second touch integrated circuit TIC2. The first memory 55a and the second memory 55b may each include a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory.

[0169] The control unit 60 may control the operation of the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2, and determine the occurrence of touch input and the touch position based on the sensing signal transmitted from the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2. The control unit 60 may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) or a central processing unit (CPU).

[0170] In an embodiment, the control unit 60 may be included in any one of the touch integrated circuits and configured as a single chip. Figure 6 As shown in , for example, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 can be provided as a single chip including the control unit 60. In this case, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 can be used as a master circuit, and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 can be used as a slave circuit. In another embodiment, the control unit 60 can be a single chip separated from the touch integrated circuit.

[0171] The first touch integrated circuit TIC1 can sense the change of the mutual capacitance between the first drive electrode TEa and the first sensing electrode REa, the change of the self-capacitance in the first drive electrode TEa, or the change of the self-capacitance in the first sensing electrode REa. Because the first drive electrode TEa and the first sensing electrode REa are arranged in the entire first area A1, it can be described that the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 senses the change of the mutual capacitance or self-capacitance in the first area A1. The first touch integrated circuit TIC1 can generate a first sensing signal based on the change of the mutual capacitance or self-capacitance in the first area A1, and transmit the generated first sensing signal to the control unit 60.

[0172] The second touch integrated circuit TIC2 can sense the change of the mutual capacitance between the second drive electrode TEb and the second sensing electrode REb, the change of the self-capacitance in the second drive electrode TEb, or the change of the self-capacitance in the second sensing electrode REb. Because the second drive electrode TEb and the second sensing electrode REb are arranged in the entire second area A2, it can be described that the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 senses the change of the mutual capacitance or self-capacitance in the second area A2. When the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 is used as a slave circuit, the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 can generate a second sensing signal based on the change of the mutual capacitance or self-capacitance in the second area A2, and transmit the generated second sensing signal to the control unit 60 of the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 through the connection line CNL.

[0173] The control unit 60 may determine the occurrence of a touch input and a touch position based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal and control an operation mode of the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 .

[0174] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C are plan views each showing a portion of a touch sensing area. Fig. 7A The first touch conductive layer MTL1 (see FIG. Figure 5 ),and Figure 7B The second touch conductive layer MTL2 (see FIG. Figure 5 ). Figure 7C yes Fig. 7A A plan view of the enlarged area III.

[0175] refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE forming the touch sensor may be arranged in the touch sensing area TSA. The driving electrodes TE may correspond to Figure 6 The first driving electrode TEa or the second driving electrode TEb, and the sensing electrode RE may correspond to Figure 6The first sensing electrode REa or the second sensing electrode REb.

[0176] The driving electrodes TE may extend in the first direction (x direction), respectively, and be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (y direction). The driving electrode TE may include an electrode portion arranged on the first conductive layer and a first connection electrode CTE1 connecting the electrode portions adjacent to each other in the first direction (x direction). The first connection electrode CTE1 may be formed integrally with the electrode portion of the driving electrode TE.

[0177] The sensing electrode RE may include an electrode portion disposed on the first conductive layer and a second connection electrode CTE2 disposed on the second conductive layer and connecting electrode portions adjacent to each other in the second direction (y direction). The second connection electrode CTE2 may contact the electrode portion of the sensing electrode RE through a contact hole CNT.

[0178] The first and second connection electrodes CTE1 and CTE2 may cross each other in a plan view. Since an insulating layer (eg, a second touch insulating layer) is disposed between the first and second connection electrodes CTE1 and CTE2, the first and second connection electrodes CTE1 and CTE2 overlapping each other may form a capacitor.

[0179] The driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE may each have a mesh pattern (or a grid or a lattice). The mesh pattern may be formed as a metal pattern extending in a third direction DR3 intersecting the first direction (x direction) and the second direction (y direction) and a cross metal pattern extending in a fourth direction DR4 intersecting the third direction DR3. Therefore, the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE may include a plurality of electrode openings EOP.

[0180] refer to Figure 7C , the driving electrode TE may have a mesh pattern. The driving electrode TE may define a plurality of electrode openings EOP located in a lattice of the mesh pattern. Each electrode opening EOP may overlap with a pixel PX. In other words, the emission area (EA, see Figure 5 ) may be arranged on the inner side of each electrode opening EOP.

[0181] The sensing electrode RE may have Figure 7C The mesh pattern of the driving electrode TE is the same as or similar to the mesh pattern of the sensing electrode TE. When the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE include a metal layer, light emitted from the pixel PX can pass through the touch sensor layer (400, see Figure 5 ).

[0182] In an embodiment, Fig. 7AThe electrode portions of the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE may be arranged on the second touch conductive layer (MTL2, see Figure 5 ) and Figure 7B The second connection electrode CTE2 of the sensing electrode RE may be arranged on the first touch conductive layer (MTL1, see Figure 5 )superior.

[0183] In an implementation, the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE may have a surface pattern including a transparent conductive material.

[0184] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining a sensing principle of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0185] refer to Figure 8 , the touch sensor may include a touch capacitor Ct. The touch capacitor Ct may include a first electrode ELt and a second electrode ELr overlapping the first electrode ELt. For example, the first electrode ELt may correspond to Fig. 7A The first connection electrode CTE1 and the second electrode ELr may correspond to Figure 7B The second connection electrode CTE2.

[0186] A mutual capacitance Cap_m may be generated between the first electrode ELt and the second electrode ELr which overlap each other in a plan view (and between the first electrode ELt and the second electrode ELr).

[0187] When a contact target F (such as a finger or a stylus) contacts the upper surface of the touch capacitor Ct, the mutual capacitance Cap_m between the first electrode ELt and the second electrode ELr may change. Figure 6 ) is applied to the touch capacitor Ct and applies a sensing signal (Rx, see Figure 6 ) is used to sense the change of the mutual capacitance Cap_m. Since the position of the touch capacitor Ct can be specified, the occurrence of a touch input and the touch position (touch coordinates) can be determined based on the change of the mutual capacitance Cap_m.

[0188] When the touch target F contacts or approaches the upper surface of the touch capacitor Ct, a first self capacitance Cap_s1 may be generated between the first electrode ELt and the touch target F. Similarly, a second self capacitance Cap_s2 may be generated between the second electrode ELr and the touch target F. Based on a change in the first self capacitance Cap_s1 or the second self capacitance Cap_s2, the approach of the touch target F and the occurrence of a touch input may be determined.

[0189] According to the sensing mode, the touch integrated circuit may sense some or all of the mutual capacitance Cap_m, the first self capacitance Cap_s1 , and the second self capacitance Cap_s2 .

[0190] Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a touch determination method of a display device according to an embodiment, and Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is a diagram for explaining a sensing process in each operation of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0191] The display device according to the embodiment may include the above reference Figure 6 The touch sensing device TSD described herein can sense the touch sensing area TSA to determine the touch input of the contact target and the touch position (touch coordinates) of the contact target. According to the contact time and the movement of the contact target, a touch action and a drawing action can be distinguished. For example, a touch action can indicate that the contact target is in contact with a point in the touch sensing area TSA. A drawing action can refer to an action in which the contact target moves from one point to another while maintaining its contact with the touch sensing area TSA.

[0192] The touch sensing device TSD may include a first touch sensor TSa arranged in a first area A1, a first touch integrated circuit TIC1 connected to the first touch sensor TSa, a second touch sensor TSb arranged in a second area A2, and a second touch integrated circuit TIC2 connected to the second touch sensor TSb. Hereinafter, the case where the control unit 60 is mounted on the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 is mainly described.

[0193] refer to Figure 6 , Fig. 9 , Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The touch determination method of the touch sensing device TSD may include an operation S11 of sensing the first area and the second area in a first sensing mode, an operation S12 of determining the touch area, an operation S13 of sensing the touch area in the first sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode, and an operation S14 of determining a touch in the touch area.

[0194] In operation S11 of sensing the first area and the second area in the first sensing mode, the control unit 60 may control the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 to sense the first area A1 and the second area A2 in the first sensing mode. In an initial state where there is no contact with the contact target, the control unit 60 may control the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 to sense the first area A1 and the second area A2 in the first sensing mode.

[0195] like Fig. 10A As shown in, during operation S11 of sensing the first area and the second area in the first sensing mode, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 can each perform mutual capacitance change sensing MS in the corresponding area and self capacitance change sensing SS in the corresponding area in each frame 1F, and can generate a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal, and transmit the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal to the control unit 60, and the control unit 60 can determine the occurrence of touch input and the touch position based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal.

[0196] Here, sensing of the areas corresponding to the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2, respectively, may indicate

[0197] The first touch integrated circuit TIC1 generates a first sensing signal based on changes in mutual capacitance or self capacitance in the first touch sensors TSa arranged in the first area A1, and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 generates a second sensing signal based on changes in mutual capacitance or self capacitance in the second touch sensors TSb arranged in the second area A2.

[0198] In the first sensing mode, one frame 1F may include a first time period t1 in which mutual capacitance change sensing MS is performed, a second time period t2 in which self capacitance change sensing SS is performed, and a third time period t3 in which the control unit 60 processes the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal. In the third time period t3, the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal are processed only in the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 including the control unit 60, and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may be in an idle state in the third time period t3.

[0199] In operation S12 of determining the touch area, the control unit 60 may select a touch area including a touch position of the contact target based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal transmitted from the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2. An area of ​​the first area A1 and the second area A2 that contacts the contact target may be selected as the touch area. Hereinafter, an example is described in which the first area A1 is selected as the touch area and the second area A2 is the remaining area (or non-touch area).

[0200] like Fig. 10B As shown in FIG. 1 , in operation S13 of sensing a touch area in a first sensing mode and sensing a remaining area in a second sensing mode, the control unit 60 may control the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 to sense the touch area in the first sensing mode and sense the remaining area in the second sensing mode. In an embodiment, the touch sensing device TSD may mainly sense the touch area.

[0201] In the second sensing mode, one frame 1F may include a first time period t1 in which sensing is not performed, a second time period t2 in which self-capacitance change sensing SS is performed, and a third time period t3 in which the control unit 60 processes the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal. In the first time period t1 in which the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 performs mutual capacitance change sensing MS, the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may be in an idle state.

[0202] For example, when the first area A1 is a touch area including a touch position and the second area A2 is a remaining area, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 may sense the first area A1 in a first sensing mode, and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may sense the second area A2 in a second sensing mode. Therefore, in each frame 1F, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 may transmit a first sensing signal generated by performing mutual capacitance change sensing MS and self capacitance change sensing SS on the first area A1 to the control unit 60, the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may transmit a second sensing signal generated by performing self capacitance change sensing SS on the second area A2 to the control unit 60, and the control unit 60 may determine the occurrence of a touch input and a touch position based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal.

[0203] That is, the touch sensing device TSD may anticipate that the next touch of the contact target will be in the touch area, and perform mutual capacitance change sensing MS and self capacitance change sensing SS only for the touch area. The touch sensing device TSD may not perform mutual capacitance change sensing MS on the remaining area to reduce the power consumption of the touch sensing device TSD, but may continue to perform self capacitance change sensing SS.

[0204] In operation S14 of determining a touch in the touch area, the control unit 60 may determine whether the contact target touches the touch area. When it is determined that there is a touch in the touch area, that is, when the contact target touches the touch area, the operation may be repeated by returning to operation S13 of sensing the touch area in the first sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode.

[0205] When it is determined that there is no touch, that is, when the contact target does not touch the touch area, the corresponding operation may be repeated by returning to operation S11 of sensing the first area and the second area in the first sensing mode.

[0206] Fig.11 is a flowchart for explaining a drawing determination method of a display device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C is a diagram for explaining a sensing process in each operation of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0207] refer to Figure 6 , Fig.11 , Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C , the display device may include a touch sensing device TSD, and the drawing determination method of the touch sensing device TSD may include an operation S21 of sensing a first area and a second area in a first sensing mode, an operation S22 of determining a touch area, an operation S23 of sensing the touch area in the first sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode, an operation S24 of activating a drawing mode, an operation S25 of sensing the touch area in a third sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode, and an operation S26 of determining a drawing action in the touch area.

[0208] In operation S21 of sensing the first and second areas in the first sensing mode, the control unit 60 may control the first and second touch integrated circuits TIC1 and TIC2 to sense the first and second areas A1 and A2 in the first sensing mode.

[0209] like Fig. 12A As shown in, in operation S21 of sensing the first area A1 and the second area A2 in the first sensing mode, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 can each perform mutual capacitance change sensing MS in the corresponding area and self capacitance change sensing SS in the corresponding area in each frame 1F, and can generate a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal and transmit the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal to the control unit 60, and the control unit 60 can determine the occurrence of touch input and the touch position based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal.

[0210] In operation S22 of determining the touch area, the control unit 60 may select a touch area including a touch position of the contact target based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal transmitted from the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2. An area of ​​the first area A1 and the second area A2 that contacts the contact target may be selected as the touch area. Hereinafter, an example is described in which the first area A1 is selected as the touch area and the second area A2 is the remaining area (or non-touch area).

[0211] like Fig. 12B As shown in FIG. 1 , in operation S23 of sensing a touch area in a first sensing mode and sensing a remaining area in a second sensing mode, the control unit 60 may control the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 to sense the touch area in the first sensing mode and sense the remaining area in the second sensing mode. In an embodiment, the touch sensing device TSD may mainly sense the touch area.

[0212] For example, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 can generate a first sensing signal by performing mutual capacitance change sensing MS and self capacitance change sensing SS on the first area A1, the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 can generate a second sensing signal by performing self capacitance change sensing SS on the second area A2, and the control unit 60 can determine the occurrence of touch input and the touch position based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal.

[0213] In operation S24 of activating the drawing mode, the control unit 60 may activate the drawing mode when the contact target maintains touch for a predetermined period of time based on the first and second sensing signals transmitted from the first and second touch integrated circuits TIC1 and TIC2.

[0214] like Fig. 12C As shown in , in operation S25 of sensing the touch area in the third sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode, the control unit 60 may control the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 to sense the touch area in the third sensing mode and sense the remaining area in the second sensing mode.

[0215] In the third sensing mode, one frame 1F may include a 1' time period t1' in which mutual capacitance change sensing MS is performed for a first sub-area determined relative to the touch position, a second time period t2 in which self capacitance change sensing SS is performed for the touch area, and a third time period t3 in which the control unit 60 processes the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal.

[0216] In this case, the touch position that becomes the reference may be determined in the previous frame. The first sub-region may be determined to have the touch position at the center of the first sub-region. That is, since the mutual capacitance change sensing MS is performed only on the first sub-region as a part of the touch region, the 1' time period t1' of the third sensing mode may be smaller than the first time period t1 in which the mutual capacitance change sensing MS is performed for the entire touch region.

[0217] For example, in each frame 1F, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 may transmit a first sensing signal generated by performing mutual capacitance change sensing MS on a portion of the first area A1 and performing self capacitance change sensing SS on the entire first area A1 to the control unit 60. The second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may transmit a second sensing signal generated by performing self capacitance change sensing SS on the second area A2 to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 may determine the occurrence of a touch input and a touch position based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal. The second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may be in an idle state within a 1' time period t1' in which the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 performs mutual capacitance change sensing MS.

[0218] The touch sensing device TSD can anticipate that the touch position of the contact target will move within the first sub-region adjacent to the touch position in the previous frame, and perform mutual capacitance change sensing MS only for the first sub-region, thereby reducing power consumption. In addition, since the 1' time period t1' becomes shorter than the first time period t1, the touch reporting rate (TRR) of the touch sensing device TSD can be increased.

[0219] In operation S26 of determining the drawing action in the touch area, the control unit 60 may determine whether the contact target continues the drawing action. When the contact target continues to contact the touch area, the operation may be repeated by returning to operation S25 in which the touch area is sensed in the third sensing mode and the remaining area is sensed in the second sensing mode.

[0220] When it is determined that the drawing action is terminated, the corresponding operation may be repeated by returning to operation S21 of sensing the first area and the second area in the first sensing mode.

[0221] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C is a diagram for explaining a drawing mode according to an embodiment. FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C Only the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE used for mutual capacitance change sensing in each operation are shown.

[0222] refer to FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C , the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE may be arranged in the touch area TA. The touch area TA may be Figure 6 The area including the touch position CP of the contact target in the first area A1 and the second area A2. When the touch area TA corresponds to the first area A1, the driving electrode TE may correspond to the first driving electrode TEa, and the sensing electrode RE may correspond to the first sensing electrode REa. When the touch area TA corresponds to the second area A2, the driving electrode TE may correspond to the second driving electrode TEb, and the sensing electrode RE may correspond to the second sensing electrode REb.

[0223] The driving electrodes TE may extend in the first direction (x direction) and be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (y direction), respectively. The sensing electrodes RE may extend in the second direction (y direction) and be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (x direction). In the touch area TA, the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE may cross each other.

[0224] The touch integrated circuit may perform mutual capacitance change sensing of the touch area TA by respectively applying driving signals Tx to driving electrodes TE arranged in the touch area TA and receiving sensing signals Rx through sensing electrodes RE.

[0225] like Fig.13A As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation of sensing the touch area in the first sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode (S23, see Fig.11 ), mutual capacitance change sensing of the touch area TA may be performed by using all of the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE arranged in the touch area TA. That is, in the first sensing mode, mutual capacitance change sensing may be performed on the entire touch area TA.

[0226] like Fig. 13B As shown in FIG. 1 , after activating the drawing mode, the operation of sensing the touch area in the third sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode (S25, see Fig.11 ), mutual capacitance change sensing of the touch area TA may be performed by using all the driving electrodes TE' and all the sensing electrodes RE arranged in the first sub-area SA1. That is, in the third sensing mode, mutual capacitance change sensing may be performed on the first sub-area SA1. In this case, the first sub-area SA1 may be defined as an area in which a preset number of driving electrodes are arranged relative to the touch position CP.

[0227] The driving electrodes TE' arranged in the first sub-area SA1 may be grouped into a plurality of groups including two or more driving electrodes, and the driving electrodes in one group may be sensed simultaneously. That is, the signal driver included in the touch integrated circuit may perform multi-channel driving, during which different driving signals are simultaneously applied to corresponding driving electrodes included in one group, wherein such signal application may be enabled through a plurality of channels.

[0228] For example, the driving electrodes TE' arranged in the first sub-area SA1 can be grouped into a first group G1 and a second group G2, each of the first group G1 and the second group G2 includes four driving electrodes TE', the four driving electrodes TE' in the first group G1 can simultaneously receive the driving signal Tx, and then, the four driving electrodes TE' in the second group G2 can simultaneously receive the driving signal Tx.

[0229] The touch sensing device can anticipate that the moved touch position CP' of the contact target will move within the first sub-area SA1 adjacent to the touch position CP in the previous frame and perform mutual capacitance change sensing only on the first sub-area SA1, thereby reducing power consumption and increasing the TRR of the touch sensing device.

[0230] like Fig. 13CAs shown in , when the contact target continues to contact the touch area TA, the operation S25 of sensing the touch area in the third sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode can be repeated again. In this case, when the touch position of the contact target moves, the first sub-area SA1 can move so that the moved touch position CP' is at the center. The first sub-area SA1 may include an area where a preset number of driving electrodes are arranged relative to the moved touch position CP'.

[0231] The driving electrodes TE" arranged in the first sub-area SA1 of the movement may be grouped into a plurality of groups including two or more driving electrodes, and the driving electrodes in one group may be sensed simultaneously. For example, the driving electrodes TE" arranged in the first sub-area SA1 may be grouped into a 1' group G1' and a 2' group G2', each of the 1' group G1' and the 2' group G2' including four driving electrodes TE", the four driving electrodes TE" in the 1' group G1' may receive the driving signal Tx simultaneously, and then, the four driving electrodes TE" in the 2' group G2' may receive the driving signal Tx simultaneously.

[0232] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C is a diagram for explaining a drawing mode according to another embodiment. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C Only the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE used for mutual capacitance change sensing in each operation are shown.

[0233] refer to FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C , the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE may be arranged in the touch area TA. The touch area TA may be Figure 6 An area including the contact target touch position CP in the first area A1 and the second area A2.

[0234] like Fig.14A As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation of sensing the touch area in the first sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode (S23, see Fig.11 ), mutual capacitance change sensing for the touch area TA may be performed by using all of the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE arranged in the touch area TA. That is, in the first sensing mode, mutual capacitance change sensing may be performed for the entire touch area TA.

[0235] like Fig. 14B As shown in FIG. 1 , after activating the drawing mode, the operation of sensing the touch area in the third sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode (S25, see Fig.11), mutual capacitance change sensing for the touch area TA can be performed by using the driving electrodes TE' crossing the first sub-area SA1 and the sensing electrodes RE' crossing the first sub-area SA1. That is, the first sub-area SA1 can be defined as an area where a preset number of driving electrodes TE' and a preset number of sensing electrodes RE' cross so that the touch position CP is at the center.

[0236] The driving electrodes TE′ crossing the first sub-area SA1 may be grouped into a plurality of groups G1 and G2 including two or more driving electrodes TE′, and the driving electrodes TE′ in one group may be sensed at the same time.

[0237] The touch sensing device may anticipate that the moved touch position CP' of the contact target will move within the first sub-area SA1 adjacent to the touch position CP in the previous frame and perform mutual capacitance change sensing by using only the driving electrodes TE' and the sensing electrodes RE' adjacent to the touch position CP.

[0238] like Fig. 14C As shown in , when the contact target continues to contact the touch area TA, operation S25 of sensing the touch area in the third sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode can be repeated again. In this case, when the touch position CP of the contact target moves, the first sub-area SA1 can move so that the moved touch position CP' is at the center. The first sub-area SA1 can be defined as an area where the drive electrodes TE" (the number of drive electrodes TE" is preset relative to the moved touch position CP') and the sensing electrodes RE" (the number of sensing electrodes RE" is preset relative to the moved touch position CP') intersect.

[0239] Fig.15 is a flowchart for explaining a drawing determination method of a display device according to an embodiment, and Fig.16 is a diagram for explaining a sensing process in each operation of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0240] refer to Figure 6 , Fig.15 and Fig.16 , the display device may include a touch sensing device TSD, and the drawing determination method of the touch sensing device TSD may include an operation S31 of sensing a first area and a second area in a first sensing mode, an operation S32 of determining a touch area, an operation S33 of sensing the touch area in the first sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode, an operation S34 of activating a drawing mode, an operation S35 of sensing the touch area in a third sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode, an operation S36 of sensing the touch area in a fourth sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode, and an operation S37 of determining a drawing action in the touch area.

[0241] Operation S31 of sensing the first area and the second area in the first sensing mode to operation S35 of sensing the touch area in the third sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode are similar to or substantially the same as operation S21 of sensing the first area and the second area in the first sensing mode to operation S25 of sensing the touch area in the third sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode, and therefore, repeated descriptions are omitted below.

[0242] like Fig.16 As shown in , in operation S36 of sensing the touch area in the fourth sensing mode and sensing the remaining area in the second sensing mode, the control unit 60 may control the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 to sense the touch area in the fourth sensing mode and sense the remaining area in the second sensing mode.

[0243] In the fourth sensing mode, one frame 1F may include a 1' time period t1' in which mutual capacitance change sensing MS is performed for a second sub-area determined relative to the touch position, a 2' time period t2' in which self capacitance change sensing SS is performed for a third sub-area, and a third time period t3 in which the control unit 60 processes the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal. The 2' time period t2' may be smaller than the second time period t2 in which self capacitance change sensing SS is performed for the touch area.

[0244] In this case, the touch position that becomes the reference may be determined in the previous frame. The second sub-region may include a region in which a preset number of drive electrodes are arranged relative to the touch position. Alternatively, the second sub-region may include a region in which drive electrodes (the number of drive electrodes is preset relative to the touch position) intersect with sensing electrodes (the number of sensing electrodes is preset relative to the touch position).

[0245] The third sub-region may include a region in which driving electrodes (the number of driving electrodes is preset with respect to the touch position) and sensing electrodes (the number of sensing electrodes is preset with respect to the touch position) are arranged.

[0246] For example, in each frame 1F, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 may transmit a first sensing signal generated by performing mutual capacitance change sensing MS on a portion of the first area A1 and performing self capacitance change sensing SS on a portion of the first area A1 to the control unit 60. The second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may transmit a second sensing signal generated by performing self capacitance change sensing SS on the second area A2 to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 may determine the occurrence of a touch input and a touch position based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal. The second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may be in an idle state during a 1' time period t1' in which the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 performs mutual capacitance change sensing MS.

[0247] The touch sensing device TSD can anticipate that the touch position of the contact target will move within the second sub-region and the third sub-region adjacent to the touch position in the previous frame, and perform mutual capacitance change sensing MS only for the second sub-region and self capacitance change sensing SS only for the third sub-region, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0248] In operation S37 of determining the drawing action in the touch area, the control unit 60 may determine whether the contact target continues the drawing action. When the contact target continues to contact the touch area, the operation may be repeated by returning to operation S35 in which the touch area is sensed in the third sensing mode and the remaining area is sensed in the second sensing mode.

[0249] When it is determined that the drawing action is terminated, the corresponding operation may be repeated by returning to operation S31 of sensing the first area and the second area in the first sensing mode.

[0250] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram of a touch sensing device included in a display apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0251] refer to Fig.17 , the touch sensing area TSA may include a plurality of regions, and the touch sensing device TSD may include a plurality of touch sensors corresponding to the plurality of regions, respectively, and a plurality of touch integrated circuits respectively controlling the plurality of touch sensors.

[0252] For example, the touch sensing area TSA may include a first area A1 and a second area A2. The first touch sensor TSa may be aligned with the display area (DA, see Figure 1 ) overlap. In an embodiment, Fig.17 As shown in , the first area A1 and the second area A2 may be adjacent to each other in the first direction (x direction). In another embodiment, the first area A1 and the second area A2 may be adjacent to each other in the second direction (y direction). Alternatively, the first area A1 and the second area A2 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0253] The touch sensing device TSD may include first touch sensors TSa arranged in a first area A1, second touch sensors TSb arranged in a second area A2, first touch integrated circuits TIC1 connected to the first touch sensors TSa, and second touch integrated circuits TIC2 connected to the second touch sensors TSb.

[0254] The first touch sensor TSa may include a plurality of first driving electrodes TEa and a plurality of first sensing electrodes REa arranged in the first area A1. The second touch sensor TSb may include a plurality of second driving electrodes TEb and a plurality of second sensing electrodes REb arranged in the second area A2.

[0255] The first touch integrated circuit TIC1, the second touch integrated circuit TIC2, and the third touch integrated circuit TIC3 may correspond to Figure 1 In an embodiment, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1, the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 and the third touch integrated circuit TIC3 may be mounted on a circuit board (30, see Figure 1 )superior.

[0256] The first touch integrated circuit TIC1 may include a first signal driver 51a, a first signal sensor 53a, and a first memory 55a. The first signal driver 51a may be electrically connected to the first driving electrode TEa through a first driving signal line TLa, and is configured to apply a driving signal Tx to the first driving electrode TEa. The first signal sensor 53a may be electrically connected to the first sensing electrode REa through a first sensing signal line RLa, and receive a sensing signal Rx from the first sensing electrode REa to convert it into a digital signal.

[0257] The second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may include a second signal driver 51b, a second signal sensor 53b, and a second memory 55b. The second signal driver 51b may be electrically connected to the second drive electrode TEb through a second drive signal line TLb, and is configured to apply a drive signal Tx to the second drive electrode TEb. The second signal sensor 53b may be electrically connected to the second sensing electrode REb through a second sensing signal line RLb, and receive a sensing signal Rx from the second sensing electrode REb to convert it into a digital signal.

[0258] The third touch integrated circuit TIC3 may include a control unit 60. The third touch integrated circuit TIC3 may be an MCU or a CPU including a single chip. In this case, the third touch integrated circuit TIC3 may be used as a master device, and the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may be used as slave devices. That is, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 may transmit a first sensing signal to the control unit 60 of the third touch integrated circuit TIC3 through the first connection line CNL1, and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may transmit a second sensing signal to the control unit 60 of the third touch integrated circuit TIC3 through the second connection line CNL2.

[0259] The third touch integrated circuit TIC3 may determine the occurrence of a touch input and a touch position based on the first and second sensing signals, and may control operation modes of the first and second touch integrated circuits TIC1 and TIC2.

[0260] Fig.18 It is used to explain Fig.17 A diagram of the operation of the display device in each frame. Fig.18 It shows that when the first area (A1, see Fig.17 ) is selected as the touch area.

[0261] refer to Fig.17 and Fig.18 , when the first area (A1, see Fig.17 ) is selected as the touch area, the third touch integrated circuit TIC3 may control the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 to sense the touch area in the first sensing mode and sense the remaining area in the second sensing mode.

[0262] In the first sensing mode, one frame 1F may include a first time period t1 in which mutual capacitance change sensing MS is performed, a second time period t2 in which self capacitance change sensing SS is performed, and a third time period t3 in which the control unit 60 processes the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal. In the third time period t3, the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal may be processed only by the third touch integrated circuit TIC3 including the control unit 60.

[0263] In the second sensing mode, one frame 1F may include a first time period t1 in which sensing is not performed, a second time period t2 in which self-capacitance change sensing SS is performed, and a third time period t3 in which the control unit 60 processes the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal. In the first time period t1 in which the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 performs mutual capacitance change sensing MS, the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may be in an idle state. In the third time period t3 in which the third touch integrated circuit TIC3 processes the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may each be in an idle state.

[0264] like Fig.18 As shown in the reference Fig. 12C The third sensing mode described or reference Fig.16 When sensing the touch area in the described fourth sensing mode, in the third time period t3, the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal may be processed only by the third touch integrated circuit TIC3 including the control unit 60. In the third time period t3 in which the third touch integrated circuit TIC3 processes the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, the first touch integrated circuit TIC1 and the second touch integrated circuit TIC2 may each be in an idle state.

[0265] As shown in the figure, by using a touch integrated circuit to separately drive the touch sensing device (TSD, see Fig.17 ), the RC load on each touch integrated circuit can be reduced.

[0266] Fig.19 is a diagram showing an instrument panel and a center instrument panel including a display device according to an embodiment.

[0267] refer to Fig.19 , display device (1, see Figure 1 ) may be a display device 1511 applied to a dashboard of the vehicle 1500, a display device 1512 applied to a central instrument panel, or a display device 1513 located on the instrument panel.

[0268] In an embodiment, a display device 1511 applied to a dashboard of a vehicle 1500, a display device 1512 applied to a central instrument panel, or a display device 1513 positioned on the instrument panel may have a different aspect ratio or a larger area compared to a display device such as a monitor or a smart phone.

[0269] The touch sensing devices included in the display devices 1511, 1512, and 1513 may each have a touch sensing area divided into a plurality of areas. The touch sensing device may include touch sensors corresponding to the plurality of areas, respectively, a touch integrated circuit that controls the touch sensors, and a control unit. The control unit may control the touch integrated circuit to select a touch area including a touch position of a contact target, and sense the touch area and the remaining area in different sensing modes.

[0270] According to one or more embodiments, a display device having a large touch sensing area and consuming a small amount of power may be realized. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the effects.

[0271] The embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative, not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although the embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A first touch sensor including a plurality of first driving electrodes arranged in a first area and a plurality of first sensing electrodes crossing the plurality of first driving electrodes; a second touch sensor including a plurality of second driving electrodes arranged in a second area and a plurality of second sensing electrodes crossing the plurality of second driving electrodes; a first touch integrated circuit connected to the plurality of first driving electrodes and the plurality of first sensing electrodes and configured to generate a first sensing signal; a second touch integrated circuit connected to the plurality of second driving electrodes and the plurality of second sensing electrodes and configured to generate a second sensing signal; as well as A control unit configured to select a touch area including a touch position from the first area and the second area based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, and control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to sense the touch area in a first sensing mode and sense the remaining area in a second sensing mode.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit are configured as follows: In the first sensing mode, sensing a change in mutual capacitance in a corresponding area and a change in self capacitance in the corresponding area; and In the second sensing mode, the change in the self-capacitance in the corresponding area is sensed.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In an initial state where there is no contact with a contact target, the control unit is configured to control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to sense the first area and the second area in the first sensing mode.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: When it is determined that there is no touch in the touch area, the control unit is configured to control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to sense the first area and the second area in the first sensing mode.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: When it is determined that there is a touch in the touch area, the control unit is configured to control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to sense the touch area in the first sensing mode and to sense the remaining area in the second sensing mode.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: When the contact target maintains touch for a preset period of time or longer, the control unit is configured to control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to sense the touch area in a third sensing mode and sense the remaining area in the second sensing mode.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit are configured to sense changes in mutual capacitance in a first sub-region and changes in self capacitance in the touch region in the third sensing mode, the first sub-region being determined to have the touch position at a center of the first sub-region.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The first sub-region is defined as a region in which a preset number of driving electrodes are arranged with respect to the touch position.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: When the touch position moves, the first sub-area moves so that the touch position is at the center.

10. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The driving electrodes arranged in the first sub-region are grouped into a plurality of groups, each of the plurality of groups includes at least two driving electrodes, and the at least two driving electrodes in one group are sensed simultaneously.

11. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The control unit is configured to control the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit to alternately sense the touch area in the third sensing mode and the fourth sensing mode and sense the remaining area in the second sensing mode.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit are configured as follows: In the third sensing mode, sensing a change in mutual capacitance in the first sub-area and a change in self capacitance in the touch area; as well as In the fourth sensing mode, a change in mutual capacitance in a second sub-region and a change in self capacitance in a third sub-region are sensed, each of the second sub-region and the third sub-region being determined such that the touch position is at a center of each sub-region.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: Each of the first sub-area and the second sub-area is defined as an area in which a preset number of driving electrodes are arranged with respect to the touch position, and The third sub-region is defined as a region in which a preset number of driving electrodes and a preset number of sensing electrodes are arranged with respect to the touch position.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first sub-area is defined as an area in which a preset number of driving electrodes are arranged relative to the touch position, The second sub-area is defined as an area in which a preset number of driving electrodes and a preset number of sensing electrodes are arranged relative to the touch position, and The third sub-region is defined as a region in which a preset number of driving electrodes and a preset number of sensing electrodes are arranged with respect to the touch position.

15. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: When the touch position moves, the second sub-area is moved so that the touch position is at the center.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first touch integrated circuit is arranged adjacent to the first area, and The second touch integrated circuit is arranged adjacent to the second area.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The control unit is mounted on the first touch integrated circuit, and the second touch integrated circuit is electrically connected to the first touch integrated circuit.

18. The display device according to claim 16, further comprising a third touch integrated circuit electrically connected to the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit, in, The control unit is mounted on the third touch integrated circuit.

19. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first touch integrated circuit and the second touch integrated circuit includes: a signal driver configured to apply a plurality of driving signals to a plurality of driving electrodes connected to the corresponding integrated circuit; a signal sensor configured to receive a plurality of sensing signals from a plurality of sensing electrodes connected to the corresponding integrated circuit; and Memory.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The signal driver performs multi-channel driving during which the plurality of driving signals are simultaneously applied to two or more driving electrodes through a plurality of channels.

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