Display device and driving method thereof

Abstract

A display device and a method of driving the same are provided. The display device includes: a touch array including driving electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction and sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction; and a touch driver configured to transmit an uplink signal to an external device adjacent to the touch array through the driving electrode and the sensing electrode in a third sensing mode, and sense a touch by applying a mutual driving signal to the touch array in a first sensing mode, the external device is configured to calculate location information using the uplink signal.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0003541, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 9, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a display device and a driving method thereof. Background Art

[0003] Touch devices capable of indicating a touch position are widely used. For example, touch devices are widely used with the use of mobile electronic devices such as smart phones and tablet computers. Recently, there has been an increasing demand for a technology that can identify touches on a touch panel not only using a finger but also using another tool such as an active pen.

[0004] However, in the case of an electronic device that basically provides a display function, it may be difficult to effectively provide a function of sensing touches of a finger or the like and an active pen at the same time. For example, as the size of the display of an electronic device increases and the response speed of the electronic device becomes higher, the sensing performance of identifying a touch on a touch panel may deteriorate, which may lead to a deterioration in the reliability of the operation of the touch device, the display device, and the electronic device.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this related art section is only for enhancing the understanding of the disclosed background art, and thus it may include information that does not form the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art in the country. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments provide a display device capable of sensing touches of a finger and an active pen or the like simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with improved reliability, and a driving method of the display device.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device including: a touch array including driving electrodes and sensing electrodes, the driving electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction; and a touch driver configured to transmit an uplink signal to an external device adjacent to the touch array through the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes in a third sensing mode, and sense a touch by applying an inter-driving signal to the touch array in a first sensing mode, the external device being configured to calculate position information using the uplink signal.

[0008] A mutual capacitance can be formed between one of a pair of adjacent driving electrodes and one of the sensing electrodes. The touch driver is configured to apply a mutual driving signal to the driving electrodes in a first sensing mode and is configured to sense a change in the mutual capacitance through the mutual sensing signal received from the sensing electrodes.

[0009] Self-capacitances can be formed in the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes respectively. The touch driver is configured to supply charge to the self-capacitances by applying a self-driving signal to the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes in a second sensing mode and is configured to sense a change in the self-capacitances.

[0010] The period during which the touch driver is configured to transmit an uplink signal in a third sensing mode, the period during which the touch driver is configured to sense a touch adjacent to the touch array in the first sensing mode, and the period during which the touch driver is configured to sense a touch adjacent to the touch array in the second sensing mode can be different from each other.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of driving a display device is provided. The display device includes a touch array including driving electrodes and sensing electrodes. The driving electrodes extend in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The sensing electrodes extend in the second direction and are arranged in the first direction. The method includes: transmitting an uplink signal to an external device adjacent to the touch array in a third sensing mode, so that the external device uses the uplink signal to calculate position information; and sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array by applying a mutual driving signal to the touch array in the first sensing mode.

[0012] The method may further include: forming a mutual capacitance between one of a pair of adjacent driving electrodes and one of the sensing electrodes. The step of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in the first sensing mode includes: applying a mutual driving signal to the driving electrodes; receiving a mutual sensing signal from the sensing electrodes; and sensing a change in the mutual capacitance through the mutual sensing signal.

[0013] The method may further include: sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array by applying a self-driving signal to the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes in the second sensing mode.

[0014] The steps of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in the second sensing mode, sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in the first sensing mode, and transmitting an uplink signal through the touch array in the third sensing mode may be sequentially performed.

[0015] The steps of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in a second sensing mode, transmitting an uplink signal through the touch array in a third sensing mode, and sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in a first sensing mode can be performed sequentially.

[0016] The method may further include: sensing a touch adjacent to some regions of the touch array in the first sensing mode; and sensing a touch adjacent to other regions of the touch array in the first sensing mode, wherein the steps of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in the second sensing mode, sensing a touch adjacent to the some regions of the touch array in the first sensing mode, transmitting an uplink signal through the touch array in the third sensing mode, and sensing a touch adjacent to the other regions of the touch array in the first sensing mode are performed sequentially.

[0017] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of driving a display device is provided. The display device includes a touch array, and the touch array includes dot electrodes arranged in a first direction and in a second direction intersecting the first direction and not overlapping each other. The method includes: transmitting an uplink signal through the touch array in a third sensing mode such that an external device adjacent to the touch array is configured to use the uplink signal to calculate position information; and sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array by applying a self-driving signal to the dot electrodes in a second sensing mode.

[0018] The method may further include: forming a self-capacitance in the dot electrodes, wherein the step of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in the second sensing mode includes: supplying charge to the self-capacitance of the dot electrodes by applying a self-driving signal to the dot electrodes; and sensing a change in the self-capacitance of the dot electrodes.

[0019] The dot electrodes may include a first group to a z-th group, where z is a positive integer. The method further includes: transmitting an uplink signal through the dot electrodes of the first group simultaneously or substantially simultaneously in the third sensing mode; and sensing a touch adjacent to the dot electrodes of the second group to the z-th group in the second sensing mode.

[0020] The step of transmitting an uplink signal through the dot electrodes of the first group in the third sensing mode may include: dividing the dot electrodes of the first group into row groups; sequentially transmitting uplink signals for the row groups; dividing the dot electrodes of the first group into column groups; and sequentially transmitting uplink signals for the column groups.

[0021] The dot electrodes may include a first group to a z-th group, where z is a positive integer. The method further includes: sequentially transmitting an uplink signal through the dot electrodes of the first group in the third sensing mode; and sensing a touch adjacent to the dot electrodes of the second group to the z-th group in the second sensing mode.

[0022] The step of transmitting an uplink signal through the first set of dot electrodes in the third sensing mode may include: dividing the first set of dot electrodes into row groups; sequentially transmitting the uplink signal for the row groups; dividing the first set of dot electrodes into column groups; and sequentially transmitting the uplink signal for the column groups.

[0023] The dot electrodes may include a first set to a z-th set, where z is a positive integer, and the method further includes: sequentially sensing touches adjacent to the dot electrodes of the second set to the z-th set in a second sensing mode; and transmitting an uplink signal through the first set of dot electrodes in a third sensing mode.

[0024] The step of transmitting an uplink signal through the first set of dot electrodes in the third sensing mode may include: dividing the first set of dot electrodes into row groups; sequentially transmitting the uplink signal for the row groups; dividing the first set of dot electrodes into column groups; and sequentially transmitting the uplink signal for the column groups.

[0025] The dot electrodes may include a first set to a z-th set, where z is a positive integer, and the method further includes: sequentially sensing touches adjacent to some of the dot electrodes of the second set to the z-th set in a second sensing mode; transmitting an uplink signal through the first set of dot electrodes in a third sensing mode; and sensing touches adjacent to the other dot electrodes of the second set to the z-th set in a second sensing mode.

[0026] The step of transmitting an uplink signal through the first set of dot electrodes in the third sensing mode may include: dividing the first set of dot electrodes into row groups; sequentially transmitting the uplink signal for the row groups; dividing the first set of dot electrodes into column groups; and sequentially transmitting the uplink signal for the column groups. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0028] In the drawings, sizes may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "between" two elements, the element may be the only element between the two elements, or there may also be one or more intervening elements. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a display device including a touch module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2is a block diagram showing a display device including a touch module according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 is showing Figure 1 or Figure 2 a block diagram showing one or more embodiments of the display module shown in

[0032] Figure 4 schematically shows Figure 1 or Figure 2 a block diagram showing a third sensing mode of the display device shown in

[0033] Figure 5 is showing Figure 4 a block diagram showing one or more embodiments of the external device shown in

[0034] Figure 6 is showing Figure 4 a diagram of an uplink signal of the external device shown in

[0035] Figure 7 is showing Figure 1 a diagram showing one or more embodiments of the touch module shown in

[0036] Figure 8 is showing Figure 7 a diagram showing a first sensing mode of the touch module shown in

[0037] Figure 9 is showing Figure 7 a diagram showing a second sensing mode of the touch module shown in

[0038] Figure 10 is showing Figure 2 a block diagram showing one or more embodiments of the touch module shown in

[0039] Figure 11 is showing Figure 2 a block diagram showing one or more embodiments of a third sensing mode of the touch module shown in

[0040] Figure 12 and Figure 13 is showing Figure 2 a block diagram showing one or more other embodiments of a third sensing mode of the touch module shown in

[0041] Figure 14 is showing Figure 1 a flowchart showing one or more embodiments of a first category of the display device shown in

[0042] Figure 15 is showing Figure 1Flowcharts of one or more embodiments of a second category of the display device shown in

[0043] Figure 16 is a diagram showing Figure 1 Flowcharts of one or more embodiments of a third category of the display device shown in

[0044] Figure 17 is a diagram showing Figure 1 Flowcharts of one or more embodiments of a fourth category of the display device shown in

[0045] Figure 18 is a diagram showing Figure 2 Flowcharts of one or more embodiments of a first category of the display device shown in

[0046] Figure 19 is a diagram showing Figure 2 Flowcharts of one or more embodiments of a second category of the display device shown in

[0047] Figure 20 is a diagram showing Figure 2 Flowcharts of one or more embodiments of a third category of the display device shown in

[0048] Figure 21 is a diagram showing Figure 2 Flowcharts of one or more embodiments of a fourth category of the display device shown in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and methods for implementing them can be more easily understood through a detailed description with reference to the embodiments and the drawings. The described embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are redundant, not relevant or unrelated to the description of the embodiments, or not necessary for those of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects of the present disclosure can be omitted. Unless otherwise noted, throughout the drawings and the written description, the same reference numerals, characters, or combinations thereof indicate the same elements, and thus, their repeated description can be omitted.

[0050] The described embodiments can have various modifications and can be implemented in different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. The use of "can", "may", or "may not" in the description of one or more embodiments corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, given the entirety of this disclosure, that this disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Each of the features of the embodiments of this disclosure can be combined partially or wholly with one another, and various interlocks and operations are technically feasible. And unless otherwise stated or implied, each embodiment can be implemented independently of one another or can be implemented in association with one another.

[0052] In the drawings, for clarity and / or descriptive purposes, the relative dimensions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated. Thus, the use of cross-hatching and / or shading is generally provided in the drawings to make the boundaries between adjacent elements clear. Thus, unless stated, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material properties, dimensions, ratios, commonality between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements.

[0053] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. In addition, for the purposes of describing embodiments in accordance with the concepts of this disclosure, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the elements, layers, or regions shown, but will include deviations in shape caused, for example, by manufacturing.

[0054] For example, an implantation region shown as rectangular will typically have rounded (beveled) or curved features and / or a gradient of implantation concentration at its edges, rather than a binary change from the implantation region to the non-implantation region. Similarly, a buried region formed by implantation can cause some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation occurs.

[0055] For purposes of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "underside", "beneath", "above", "upper", and "upside" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (or elements or features) as shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "under", "below", or "beneath" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms "under" and "beneath" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when a first part is described as being disposed "on" a second part, this indicates that the first part is disposed on the upper or lower side of the second part, and is not limited to the upper side based on the direction of gravity.

[0056] In addition, the phrase "in a plan view" means when viewing a portion of an object from above, and the phrase "in a schematic cross-sectional view" means when viewing a schematic cross-section taken by vertically cutting the portion of the object from the side. The terms "superposed" or "overlapped" mean that a first object may be above or below or to one side of a second object, and vice versa. In addition, as will be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the term "superposed" may include stacked, facing or oriented, extending above, covering or partially covering, or any other suitable term. As will be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the expression "not superposed" may include meanings such as "separate from", "offset from", or "displaced from", and any other suitable equivalents. The terms "facing" and "oriented" may mean that a first object may be directly or indirectly opposite a second object. In cases where a third object is disposed between a first object and a second object, the first object and the second object may be understood to be indirectly opposite each other, although still facing each other.

[0057] It will be understood that when an element, layer, region or component is referred to as being "formed on", "on", "connected to" or "(operatively or communicatively) coupled to" another element, layer, region or component, the element, layer, region or component can be directly formed on, directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to the other element, layer, region or component, or can be indirectly formed on, indirectly on, indirectly connected to or indirectly coupled to the other element, layer, region or component, such that there can be one or more intervening elements, intervening layers, intervening regions or intervening components. Further, this can be collectively represented as direct coupling or indirect coupling or direct connection or indirect connection and integral coupling or non-integral coupling or integral connection or non-integral connection. For example, when a layer, region or component is referred to as being "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to another layer, region or component, the layer, region or component can be directly electrically connected or directly electrically coupled to the other layer, region and / or component, or there can be one or more intervening layers, intervening regions or intervening components. One or more intervening components can include switches, resistors and / or capacitors, etc. When describing embodiments, unless explicitly described as a direct connection, the expression of connection indicates an electrical connection, and "direct connection / direct coupling" or "directly on" means that one component is directly connected or directly coupled to another component or directly on another component without an intermediate component.

[0058] In addition, in the present specification, when a part of a layer, film, region or plate, etc. is formed on another part, the forming direction is not limited to the upward direction, but includes forming the part on a side surface or in a downward direction. Conversely, when a part of a layer, film, region or plate, etc. is formed "under" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly under" the other part, but also the case where there is another part between the part and the other part. Meanwhile, other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between", "immediately between" or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", can be similarly interpreted. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, the element or layer can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there can also be one or more intervening elements or intervening layers.

[0059] For the purposes of this disclosure, recitations such as “at least one of...,” “any one of...,” or “one or more of...” following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and not the individual elements listed. For example, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” can be interpreted to mean only X, only Y, only Z, any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z (such as, by way of example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ), or any variation thereof. Similarly, the recitation “at least one of A and B” can include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, “or” generally means “and / or,” and the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the recitation “A and / or B” can include A, B, or A and B. Similarly, recitations such as “at least one of...,” “a plurality of...,” “one of...,” and other prepositional phrases following a series of elements modify the entire series of elements and not individual elements within the series.

[0060] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions are not to be limited by these terms. These terms do not denote a particular order, position, or superiority and are only used to distinguish one element, member, component, section, region, layer, segment, or portion from another element, member, component, section, region, layer, segment, or portion. Thus, a first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion described below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Designating an element as a “first” element does not require or imply the existence of a second element or other elements. The terms “first,” “second,” etc. may also be used herein to distinguish different categories or sets of elements. For the sake of brevity, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may represent “first category (or first set),” “second category (or second set),” etc., respectively.

[0061] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms, and the plural forms are also intended to include the singular form. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", and variations thereof are used in this specification, it specifies the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0062] When one or more embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific process order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes can be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described order.

[0063] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", "approximately", and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations of measured or calculated values recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "substantially" can include a range of + / - 5% of the corresponding value. As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and represents an acceptable deviation range of the specific value determined by those of ordinary skill in the art considering the measurement in question and the error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can represent within one or more standard deviations, or within + / - 30%, + / - 20%, + / - 10%, + / - 5% of the stated value. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure".

[0064] In some embodiments, well-known structures and devices may be described in the drawings in combination with one or more functional blocks (e.g., block diagrams), units, and / or modules to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that such blocks, units, and / or modules are physically implemented by logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hardwired circuits, memory elements, wire connections, and other electronic circuits. This may be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. Blocks, units, and / or modules implemented by a microprocessor or other similar hardware may be programmed and controlled using software to perform the various functions discussed herein and may optionally be driven by firmware and / or software. Additionally, each block, unit, and / or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware that performs some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits) that performs functions different from those of the dedicated hardware. Further, in some embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the blocks, units, and / or modules may be physically separated into two or more interacting discrete blocks, units, and / or modules. Additionally, in some embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the blocks, units, and / or modules may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and / or modules.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the relevant art and / or the context (background) of this specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0066] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a display device including a touch module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] Referring to Figure 1 , the display device DD may include a touch module 100 and a display module 200.

[0068] The touch module 100 may include a touch array 110 and a touch driver 120 for driving the touch array 110, and the display module 200 may include a display panel 210 and a display driver 220 for driving the display panel 210.

[0069] In an embodiment, the touch array 110 and the display panel 210 may be manufactured separately from each other and then combined with each other to be at least partially stacked on each other. In other embodiments, the touch array 110 and the display panel 210 may be integrally manufactured. The touch array 110 may be directly formed on at least one layer (e.g., the upper substrate, the thin film encapsulation layer, or the insulating layer of the display panel 210) constituting the display panel 210.

[0070] In Figure 1 , a touch array 110 positioned on the display panel 210 is shown (as used herein, "positioned on" or "formed on" may mean "above"). However, the touch array 110 is not limited thereto. For example, the touch array 110 may be positioned below the display panel 210.

[0071] The touch array 110 may include a sensing area SA capable of sensing a touch and a non-sensing area NSA at the periphery of the sensing area SA. The sensing area SA may at least partially overlap with the display area DA. The display device DD may not only display an image through the display area DA, but may also sense a touch input made on the display surface through the sensing area SA, or may sense light incident from the front. The non-sensing area NSA may (e.g., in a plan view) surround the sensing area SA. However, this is merely illustrative, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0072] The touch array 110 may include a substrate and driving electrodes TX and sensing electrodes RX (or line electrodes LE) formed on the substrate. The driving electrodes TX and the sensing electrodes RX (or line electrodes LE) may be positioned on the substrate in the sensing area SA. In an embodiment, the substrate may be a rigid substrate including a material such as glass or tempered glass. In other embodiments, the substrate may be a flexible substrate including a material such as plastic or metal. In an embodiment, at least one layer constituting the display panel 210 may be used as the substrate of the touch array 110.

[0073] The display panel 210 may include a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA at the periphery of the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may at least partially surround (e.g., surround in a plan view) the display area DA. The display panel 210 may include pixels PX formed on a substrate. The pixels PX may be positioned in the display area DA. In an embodiment, the substrate may be a rigid substrate including a material such as glass or tempered glass. In other embodiments, the substrate may be a flexible substrate including a material such as plastic or metal.

[0074] Pixels PX are connected to scan lines SL and data lines DL. The pixels PX are selected by a driving signal having an on-level supplied through the scan lines SL, and can receive data signals through the data lines DL. Accordingly, the pixels PX can emit light having a luminance corresponding to the data signals, and can display an image in the display area DA.

[0075] The lines and / or built-in circuits connected to the pixels PX may be positioned in the non-display area NDA. For example, the scan driver may be further positioned in the non-display area NDA.

[0076] In an embodiment, the display panel 210 may include organic light-emitting diodes, inorganic light-emitting diodes, and quantum dot / well light-emitting diodes, etc. as the pixels PX. In other embodiments, the display panel 210 may be implemented as a liquid crystal display panel. A light source such as a backlight unit may be additionally included.

[0077] In an embodiment, the touch driver 120 and the display driver 220 may be configured as separate integrated chips (ICs). In other embodiments, the touch driver 120 and the display driver 220 may be mounted in one IC.

[0078] The display driver 220 may be electrically connected to the display panel 210 to drive the pixels PX. The display driver 220 and the display panel 210 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3 to be described in detail.

[0079] The touch driver 120 may be connected to the touch array 110 to drive the touch array 110. The touch driver 120 may sense the touch of the finger 10 in a first sensing mode. The touch driver 120 may sense the touch of the finger 10 in a second sensing mode. The first sensing mode and the second sensing mode of the touch driver 120 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 to 9 to be described in detail.

[0080] The touch driver 120 may transmit an uplink signal to the external device 400 in a third sensing mode. In addition, the external device 400 may receive the uplink signal and sense the touch of the user by calculating the position information on the touch array 110 based on the uplink signal.

[0081] In an example, the display device DD can be used in electronic devices such as computers, laptop computers, cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), digital TVs, digital cameras, portable game consoles, navigation devices, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, e-books, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, vehicle navigation systems, surveillance systems, autofocus systems, tracking systems, and motion detection systems.

[0082] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a display device including a touch module according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring to Figure 2 the display device DD may include a display module 200 and a touch module 300. Regarding the display module 200, a description of parts that are repetitive with those described with reference to Figure 1 will be omitted.

[0084] The touch module 300 may include a touch array 310 and a touch driver 320 for driving the touch array 310.

[0085] The touch array 310 may include a sensing area SA capable of sensing a touch and a non-sensing area NSA at the periphery of the sensing area SA. The sensing area SA may at least partially overlap with the display area DA. The display device DD can not only display an image through the display area DA, but also sense a touch input performed on the display surface through the sensing area SA, or can sense light incident from the front. The non-sensing area NSA may surround the sensing area SA. However, this is merely illustrative, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0086] The touch array 310 may include a substrate and dot electrodes Dot formed on the substrate. The dot electrodes Dot may be positioned on the substrate in the sensing area SA.

[0087] The touch driver 320 may be connected to the touch array 310 to drive the touch array 310. The touch driver 320 may sense the touch of the finger 10 in a second sensing mode. The second sensing mode of the touch driver 320 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 10 will be described in detail.

[0088] The touch driver 320 may transmit an uplink signal to the external device 400 in a third sensing mode. In addition, the external device 400 may receive the uplink signal and may sense the user's touch by calculating the position information on the touch array 310 based on the uplink signal.

[0089] Figure 3Is a block diagram showing Figure 1 or Figure 2 One or more embodiments of the display module shown in

[0090] Referring to Figure 3 , the display module 200 may include a display panel 210 and a display driver 220. In addition, the display driver 220 may include a timing controller 221, a data driver 222, and a scan driver 223.

[0091] The display module 200 may receive an external input signal provided from a host. The display module 200 may receive first image data DATA1 as an external input signal. In an embodiment, the host may include an application processor or a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the display module 200, etc. In an embodiment, the host may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) that controls the display module 200. In addition, the host may include at least one of various devices that provide the first image data DATA1 to the display module 200.

[0092] The timing controller 221 may use the external input signal to generate control signals for controlling the data driver 222 and the scan driver 223. For example, the control signals may include a scan driver control signal SCS for controlling the scan driver 223 and a data driver control signal DCS for controlling the data driver 222. In addition to including a signal corresponding to the position information of the external device 400 on the touch array 110 shown in Figure 1 , the external input signal may include a data enable signal DE and a vertical synchronization signal Vsync. For example, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is a signal for synchronizing image data and may be a signal input with one frame as a period, as a signal for distinguishing between frames. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync may be internally generated in the timing controller 221. For example, the timing controller 221 may include a logic circuit that generates the vertical synchronization signal Vsync based on a signal such as the data enable signal DE received from the host.

[0093] In an embodiment, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync may be provided to Figure 1 the touch driver 120 shown in Figure 2 . The vertical synchronization signal Vsync may be provided to Figure 4 the touch driver 320 shown in

[0094] The timing controller 221 may supply a scan driver control signal SCS to the scan driver 223 and may supply a data driver control signal DCS to the data driver 222. In addition, the timing controller 221 may convert first image data DATA1 input from the outside into second image data DATA2 having a specification suitable for the data driver 222 and may supply the second image data DATA2 to the data driver 222.

[0095] According to one or more embodiments, the display panel 210 may include pixels PX and data lines DL1 to DLq and scan lines SL1 to SLp connected to the pixels PX.

[0096] The data driver 222 may receive the data driver control signal DCS and the second image data DATA2 input from the timing controller 221 to generate data signals. In addition, the data driver 222 may supply the generated data signals to the data lines DL1 to DLq. To be connected to the data lines DL1 to DLq, the data driver 222 may be directly mounted on the substrate on which the pixels PX are formed, or may be connected to the substrate through a separate component such as a flexible circuit board.

[0097] The scan driver 223 may supply scan signals to the scan lines SL1 to SLp in response to the scan driver control signal SCS. For example, the scan driver 223 may sequentially supply scan signals to the scan lines SL1 to SLp. To be connected to the scan lines SL1 to SLp, the scan driver 223 may be directly mounted on the substrate on which the pixels PX are formed, or may be connected to the substrate through a separate component such as a flexible circuit board.

[0098] For example, when a scan signal is supplied to a corresponding scan line, some of the pixels PX connected to the corresponding scan line may be supplied with data signals transmitted from the data lines DL1 to DLq. Such pixels PX may emit light having a luminance corresponding to the supplied data signals.

[0099] In Figure 3 it is shown that the timing controller 221, the data driver 222, and the scan driver 223 are separated from each other. However, if necessary, at least some of the components may be integrated.

[0100] An electrode supplied with a voltage and / or a signal that can be used to drive the display panel 210 may be referred to as a panel electrode. The panel electrodes may correspond to data lines DL1 to DLq, scan lines SL1 to SLp, a first power supply ELVDD, or a second power supply ELVSS, etc. A driving voltage may be supplied to the panel electrodes. For example, each of the pixels PX may generate light having a luminance corresponding to a data signal according to a current flowing from the first power supply ELVDD through a light-emitting element to the second power supply ELVSS. The first power supply ELVDD may be a high-potential voltage, and the second power supply ELVSS may be a low-potential voltage.

[0101] Figure 4 schematically shows Figure 1 or Figure 2 a block diagram of a third sensing mode of the display device shown in

[0102] Referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the touch module 100 may include a touch array 110 and a touch driver 120. The touch module 300 may include a touch array 310 and a touch driver 320.

[0103] The touch driver 120 may generate an uplink signal ULS by applying a touch driving signal to the touch array 110. The touch driver 120 may transmit the generated uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through driving electrodes TX and sensing electrodes RX (or line electrodes LE) positioned in the touch array 110 (e.g., by using capacitive coupling). Thus, the uplink signal ULS may be transmitted to the external device 400 through a capacitor formed between the line electrodes LE of the touch array 110 and the external device 400. For example, the uplink signal ULS may include position information corresponding to the touch driving signal, information on the touch array 110, protocol information, etc.

[0104] Similarly, the touch driver 320 may generate an uplink signal ULS by applying a touch driving signal to the touch array 310. The touch driver 320 may transmit the generated uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through a plurality of dot electrodes Dot positioned in the touch array 310 (e.g., by using capacitive coupling). Thus, the uplink signal ULS may be transmitted to the external device 400 through a capacitor formed between the dot electrodes Dot of the touch array 310 and the external device 400. The uplink signal ULS may include position information corresponding to the touch driving signal, information on the touch array 310, protocol information, etc.

[0105] The host 500 may include an internal memory, at least one processor, and an interface. The host 500 may execute multiple software programs through the processor to perform multiple functions for the touch module 100 or 300, and may perform processing and control for data communication. In addition, the host 500 may perform communication with any external device and / or any system through various types of interfaces. For example, the host 500 may be a separate computing device communicatively connected to the touch module 100 or 300.

[0106] The host 500 may perform communication with the external device 400. For example, the host 500 may include a transmission device that performs serial communication for direct connection (such as Serial Bus (I2C), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), or RS-232) and / or a transmission device that performs wireless communication for indirect connection (such as Bluetooth (Low Energy Bluetooth), Wi-Fi Direct, IrDA, LAN, or WAN (Bluetooth ® is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth Technology Alliance (Bluetooth Sig) in Kirkland, Washington, and Wi-Fi Direct ® is a registered trademark of the non-profit Wi-Fi Alliance)).

[0107] In addition, the host 500 may perform communication with the external device 400 or the touch module (100 or 300) through the transmission device. For example, the host 500 may transmit the position information corresponding to the external device 400 received from the external device 400 through serial communication via Bluetooth (Bluetooth ® is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth Technology Alliance (Bluetooth Sig) in Kirkland, Washington) communication to the touch module 100 or 300.

[0108] As Figure 4 shown, the touch module 100 or 300 may transmit an uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 in the third sensing mode, and the external device 400 may receive the uplink signal ULS. In addition, the external device 400 may calculate the position information corresponding to the external device 400 by using the uplink signal ULS. The external device 400 may transmit the calculated position information corresponding to the external device 400 to the host 500 through Bluetooth (Bluetooth ® is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth Technology Alliance (Bluetooth Sig) in Kirkland, Washington) communication.

[0109] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing Figure 4 one or more embodiments of the external device shown in

[0110] Reference Figure 5 As shown in Figure 5 , the external device 400 may include a processor 401, a position sensor 402, a function block 403, a communication interface 404, and a receiving electrode 405.

[0111] In an embodiment, the external device 400 may be an external device such as an active pen, a robot, various types of accessories, and a game card.

[0112] The processor 401 may be configured to control the overall operation of the external device 400. For example, the processor 401 may control the position sensor 402. The processor 401 may control the operation of the position sensor 402 by transmitting a position sensor control signal to the position sensor 402. In addition, the position sensor 402 may calculate position information corresponding to the external device 400 by decoding the uplink signal ULS received from the communication interface 404.

[0113] The processor 401 may receive the position information from the position sensor 402, and may transmit the received position information to the function block 403. The function block 403 may use the received position information to perform multiple functions. For example, the function block 403 may include a motor for moving the external device 400 in a corresponding direction. The function block 403 may move the external device 400 by driving the motor according to the received position information.

[0114] In an embodiment, the processor 401 may control the position sensor 402 and the communication interface 404 to transmit the position information to the touch module 100 or 300 (see Figure 4 ). The position sensor 402 may encode the position information corresponding to the external device 400, and may provide the encoded position information to the communication interface 404. The communication interface 404 may perform wireless communication for indirect connection, such as Bluetooth (Bluetooth Low Energy), Wi-Fi Direct, IrDA LAN or WAN (Bluetooth ® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Technology Alliance (Bluetooth Sig) in Kirkland, Washington, and Wi-Fi Direct ® is a registered trademark of the non-profit Wi-Fi Alliance). The communication interface 404 may transmit the data signal obtained by encoding the position information to the host 500 (see Figure 4 ).

[0115] The receiving electrode 405 of the external device 400 can be connected to the communication interface 404. When the receiving electrode 405 is adjacent to the touch array 110, a relatively low capacitor can be formed between the receiving electrode 405 and at least some of the driving electrodes TX and sensing electrodes RX (or line electrodes LE). The external device 400 can transmit the uplink signal ULS to the corresponding driving electrode TX and / or the corresponding sensing electrode RX through the relatively low capacitor.

[0116] Similarly, when the receiving electrode 405 is adjacent to the touch array 310, a relatively low capacitor can be formed between the receiving electrode 405 and at least some of the dot electrodes Dot. The external device 400 can transmit the uplink signal ULS to the corresponding dot electrode Dot through the relatively low capacitor.

[0117] The communication interface 404 can amplify the received signal. For example, during the process of receiving the uplink signal ULS, the communication interface 404 can amplify the received signal through the receiving electrode 405.

[0118] The communication interface 404 can be configured to convert an analog signal into a digital signal and convert a digital signal into an analog signal. For example, the communication interface 404 can convert the uplink signal ULS received through the receiving electrode 405 into a digital signal and can provide the converted digital signal to the position sensor 402.

[0119] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the uplink signal of the external device received Figure 4 as shown in.

[0120] Referring to Figure 6 , the operation in which the external device 400 receives the uplink signal ULS through the capacitor generated between the external device 400 and the adjacent line electrode LE (see Figure 1 ) can be described. In addition, the operation in which the external device 400 receives the uplink signal ULS through the capacitor generated between the external device 400 and the adjacent dot electrode Dot (see Figure 2 ) can be described. In Figure 6 , the external device 400 is shown as an active pen. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0121] As Figure 6As shown, the touch driver 120 can apply touch driving signals TDS1, TDS2, TDS3, TDS4, TDS5, TDS6, TDS7, TDS8, and TDS9 including different codes to the first to ninth driving electrodes TX1, TX2, TX3, TX4, TX5, TX6, TX7, TX8, and TX9 of the touch array 110, respectively. In addition, when the external device 400 is adjacent to the touch array 110, the external device 400 can receive the uplink signal ULS through capacitors 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 generated between the external device 400 and the third to seventh driving electrodes TX3, TX4, TX5, TX6, and TX7 adjacent thereto.

[0122] Similarly, as Figure 6 shown, the touch driver 320 can apply touch driving signals TDS1, TDS2, TDS3, TDS4, TDS5, TDS6, TDS7, TDS8, and TDS9 including different codes to the first to ninth dot electrodes Dot1, Dot2, Dot3, Dot4, Dot5, Dot6, Dot7, Dot8, and Dot9 of the touch array 310, respectively. In addition, when the external device 400 is adjacent to the touch array 310, the external device 400 can receive the uplink signal ULS through capacitors 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 generated between the external device 400 and the third to seventh dot electrodes Dot3, Dot4, Dot5, Dot6, and Dot7 adjacent thereto.

[0123] The uplink signal ULS can include a digital component representing different codes and an analog component (the analog component corresponding to the capacitance of the capacitor) of the capacitor generated between the touch electrode and an object (e.g., a pen electrode). For example, the digital component according to the corresponding touch driving signal and the analog component according to the corresponding capacitor can be included in each of the uplink signals ULS transmitted from the third to seventh driving electrodes TX3, TX4, TX5, TX6, and TX7. For example, the digital component according to the corresponding touch driving signal and the analog component according to the corresponding capacitor can be included in each of the uplink signals ULS transmitted from the third to seventh dot electrodes Dot3, Dot4, Dot5, Dot6, and Dot7.

[0124] The external device 400 may calculate position information corresponding to the external device 400 based on an uplink signal ULS received from touch electrodes (e.g., the third to seventh drive electrodes TX3, TX4, TX5, TX6, and TX7 and / or the third to seventh dot electrodes Dot3, Dot4, Dot5, Dot6, and Dot7). For example, the external device 400 may determine a weighting value for each of the uplink signals ULS based on the analog components of the capacitors 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115, and may apply the determined weighting values to each of the uplink signals ULS. In addition, the external device 400 may decode the uplink signal ULS to which the weighting value has been applied and / or its digital component, thereby calculating position information corresponding to the external device 400. An algorithm (e.g., a predetermined algorithm) may be applied such that the uplink signal ULS and / or its digital component is decoded. Thus, the external device 400 may determine the position information of the external device 400 based on the uplink signal ULS received from at least one touch electrode adjacent to the external device 400.

[0125] In Figure 6 for ease of description, the first to ninth drive electrodes TX1, TX2, TX3, TX4, TX5, TX6, TX7, TX8, and TX9, which are a part of the touch array 110 shown in Figure 1 are shown, and other drive electrodes are omitted. However, this is only for ease of description, and the case where the uplink signal ULS is transmitted through other drive electrodes may be described in the same manner.

[0126] In Figure 6 for ease of description, the first to ninth dot electrodes Dot1, Dot2, Dot3, Dot4, Dot5, Dot6, Dot7, Dot8, and Dot9, which are a part of the touch array 310 shown in Figure 2 are shown, and other dot electrodes are omitted. However, this is only for ease of description, and the case where the uplink signal ULS is transmitted through other dot electrodes may be described in the same manner.

[0127] Figure 7 is a diagram showing one or more embodiments of the touch module shown in Figure 1

[0128] Referring to Figure 7 , the touch module 100 may include a touch array 110, a touch driver 120, and a connection line 130.

[0129] The touch array 110 may include line electrodes LE. The line electrodes LE of the touch array 110 may be configured with first drive electrodes TX1 to m-th drive electrodes TXm and first sensing electrodes RX1 to n-th sensing electrodes RXn.

[0130] The first drive electrodes TX1 to m-th drive electrodes TXm may extend in a first direction DR1 and may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2. The first sensing electrodes RX1 to n-th sensing electrodes RXn may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. As Figure 7 shown, the first drive electrodes TX1 to m-th drive electrodes TXm and the first sensing electrodes RX1 to n-th sensing electrodes RXn may be stacked while crossing each other.

[0131] The first sensing electrodes RX1 to n-th sensing electrodes RXn may be electrically separated from each other while crossing the first drive electrodes TX1 to m-th drive electrodes TXm to form mutual capacitances MC with the first drive electrodes TX1 to m-th drive electrodes TXm.

[0132] Self-capacitances SC may be formed in each of the first drive electrodes TX1 to m-th drive electrodes TXm. Self-capacitances SC may be formed in each of the first sensing electrodes RX1 to n-th sensing electrodes RXn.

[0133] When a touch of a user is provided to the touch array 110, the mutual capacitances MC and the self-capacitances SC may change. For example, when a touch of the finger 10 is provided to the touch array 110, the mutual capacitances MC and the self-capacitances SC may change.

[0134] The first drive electrodes TX1 to m-th drive electrodes TXm may be respectively connected to first drive lines TXL1 to m-th drive lines TXLm. The first sensing electrodes RX1 to n-th sensing electrodes RXn may be connected to first sensing lines RXL1 to n-th sensing lines RXLn. The first drive electrodes TX1 to m-th drive electrodes TXm may be arranged as Figure 1 the drive electrode TX shown, and the first sensing electrodes RX1 to n-th sensing electrodes RXn may be arranged as Figure 1 the sensing electrode RX shown.

[0135] Each of the first drive electrodes TX1 to m-th drive electrodes TXm may include first units CL1 arranged in the first direction DR1 and electrically connected to each other. Each of the first sensing electrodes RX1 to n-th sensing electrodes RXn may include second units CL2 arranged in the second direction DR2 and electrically connected to each other. In Figure 7In [the figure], it can be shown that each of the first unit CL1 and the second unit CL2 has a diamond shape. However, the diamond shape is described only as an example, and it may be at least one of various shapes such as a circular shape, a quadrilateral shape other than the diamond shape, or a grid shape. In addition, each of the first unit CL1 and the second unit CL2 may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers. Thus, the shapes and arrangements of the first driving electrodes TX1 to the m-th driving electrode TXm and the first sensing electrodes RX1 to the n-th sensing electrodes RXn can be variously modified.

[0136] In an embodiment, the first unit CL1 and the second unit CL2 may include at least one of various conductive materials such as a metal material or a transparent conductive material, thereby having conductivity. For example, each of the first unit CL1 and the second unit CL2 may include at least one of various metal materials such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), or platinum (Pt) or an alloy thereof.

[0137] The touch array 110 may be set as Figure 1 the touch array 110 shown in [the figure]. The touch array 110 may further include input pads (also referred to as "pads") IPD connected to the first driving lines TXL1 to the m-th driving line TXLm. In addition, the touch array 110 may further include output pads OPD connected to the first sensing lines RXL1 to the n-th sensing line RXLn.

[0138] The connection lines 130 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be spaced apart from each other. The touch driver 120 may be connected to the input pads IPD and the output pads OPD through the connection lines 130.

[0139] The touch module 100 may transmit an uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the first driving electrodes TX1 to the m-th driving electrode TXm and the first sensing electrodes RX1 to the n-th sensing electrodes RXn in the third sensing mode. For example, the touch driver 120 may transmit the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 by applying a touch driving signal to the first driving electrodes TX1 to the m-th driving electrode TXm via the first driving lines TXL1 to the m-th driving line TXLm. In addition, the touch driver 120 may transmit the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 by applying a touch driving signal to the first sensing electrodes RX1 to the n-th sensing electrodes RXn via the first sensing lines RXL1 to the n-th sensing line RXLn.

[0140] When the external device 400 is in contact with or in proximity to the touch array 110, the external device 400 can receive an uplink signal ULS through at least some of the first driving electrodes TX1 to the m-th driving electrode TXm and the first sensing electrodes RX1 to the n-th sensing electrode RXn. In addition, the external device 400 can calculate the position information corresponding to the external device 400 on the touch array 110 by decoding the received uplink signal ULS.

[0141] Figure 8 is a diagram showing Figure 7 the first sensing mode of the touch module shown in

[0142] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the touch driver 120 can supply a mutual driving signal MTS to the input pads IPD through some of the connection lines 130 in the first sensing mode. The mutual driving signal MTS can be supplied to the driving electrodes TX1 to TXm via the input pads IPD.

[0143] When the touch of the finger 10 is provided to the touch array 110, one or more of the mutual capacitances MC can change.

[0144] The touch driver 120 can sense a mutual sensing signal MSS from the first sensing electrodes RX1 to the n-th sensing electrode RXn through the first sensing lines RXL1 to the n-th sensing line RXLn. The touch driver 120 can sense the change in the mutual capacitance MC based on the mutual sensing signal MSS. The touch driver 120 can identify the touch by sensing the change in the mutual capacitance MC.

[0145] In some embodiments, the touch driver 120 can supply the mutual driving signal MTS to only some of the driving electrodes among the driving electrodes TX1 to TXm in the first sensing mode. The touch driver 120 can sense only the change in the mutual capacitance MC around the some driving electrodes supplied with the mutual driving signal MTS. Therefore, the touch driver 120 can sense only the touches adjacent to some of the line electrodes among the line electrodes LE.

[0146] Figure 9 is a diagram showing Figure 7 the second sensing mode of the touch module shown in

[0147] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 9 , the touch driver 120 can supply a self-driving signal STS to all of the driving electrodes TX1 to TXm and the sensing electrodes RX1 to RXn through the connection lines 130 in the second sensing mode. The supplied self-driving signal STS can supply charge to the self-capacitances SC formed in each of the driving electrodes TX1 to TXm and the sensing electrodes RX1 to RXn.

[0148] When a touch of the finger 10 is provided to the touch array 110, one or more of the self - capacitances SC may change.

[0149] The touch driver 120 may sense a touch by sensing a change in the self - capacitance SC formed in each of the drive electrodes TX1 to TXm and the sense electrodes RX1 to RXn.

[0150] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing Figure 2 one or more embodiments of the touch module shown in

[0151] Referring to Figure 10 , the touch module 300 may include a touch array 310, a touch driver 320, and a connection line 330.

[0152] The touch array 310 may include a plurality of dot electrodes Dot arranged in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. As Figure 10 shown in , the plurality of dot electrodes Dot may be arranged in n rows in the first direction DR1 and in m columns in the second direction DR2. The touch array 310 may include a dot electrode Dotnm located at the nth row and the mth column.

[0153] Unlike Figure 7 the line electrodes LE shown in , the plurality of dot electrodes Dot may not overlap each other.

[0154] A self - capacitance SC may be formed in each of the plurality of dot electrodes Dot. When a touch of the finger 10 is provided to the touch array 310, the self - capacitance SC may change.

[0155] Each of the plurality of dot electrodes Dot may be connected to the touch driver 320 through any one of the connection lines 330.

[0156] In one or more embodiments, each of the dot electrodes Dot has a diamond shape. However, the diamond shape is described only as an example, and may be at least one of various shapes such as a circular shape, a quadrilateral shape other than the diamond shape, or a grid shape. In addition, each of the dot electrodes Dot may be formed as a single layer or a multi - layer. Thus, the shape and arrangement of the dot electrodes Dot may be variously modified.

[0157] In an embodiment, the dot electrode Dot may include at least one of various conductive materials such as a metal material and a transparent conductive material, and thus has conductivity. For example, the dot electrode Dot may include at least one of various metal materials such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), or platinum (Pt) or an alloy thereof.

[0158] The touch array 310 may be arranged as Figure 2 the touch array 310 shown in. In one or more embodiments, the touch array 310 may further include pads. In one or more embodiments, the touch driver 320 may be connected to the pads through the connection lines 330.

[0159] The touch module 300 may transmit an uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the dot electrode Dot in the third sensing mode. For example, the touch driver 320 may transmit the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 by applying a touch driving signal to the dot electrode Dot via the connection lines 330.

[0160] When the external device 400 contacts or is adjacent to the touch array 310, the external device 400 may receive the uplink signal ULS through at least some of the dot electrodes Dot. In addition, the external device 400 may calculate the position information corresponding to the external device 400 on the touch array 310 by decoding the received uplink signal ULS.

[0161] The touch driver 320 may supply a self-driving signal STS to the dot electrode Dot through the connection lines 330 in the second sensing mode. The supplied self-driving signal STS may supply charge to the self-capacitance SC formed in each of the dot electrodes Dot.

[0162] When the touch of the finger 10 is provided to the touch array 310, one or more of the self-capacitances SC may change.

[0163] The touch driver 320 may sense the touch by sensing the change in the self-capacitance SC formed in each dot electrode Dot.

[0164] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing Figure 2 one or more embodiments of the third sensing mode of the touch module shown in.

[0165] Referring to Figure 11 , the touch array 310 may include a first group GP1 to a z-th (z is a positive integer) group GPz.

[0166] Each of the first group GP1 to the z-th group GPz may include a plurality of dot electrodes Dot. For example, the first group GP1 may include the 1-1st dot electrode Dot11 to the n-2nd dot electrode Dotn2. However, the present disclosure is not limited to as Figure 11 shown. For example, each of the first group GP1 to the z-th group GPz may include six adjacent dot electrodes Dot.

[0167] When the touch module 300 transmits an uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the dot electrodes Dot of the touch array 310, this may be performed for each group. For example, the touch module 300 may transmit the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the 1-1st dot electrode Dot11 to the n-2nd dot electrode Dotn2 included in the first group GP1. Next, the touch module 300 may transmit the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the dot electrodes Dot included in the second group GP2. In the same manner, the touch module 300 may perform the operation of transmitting the uplink signal ULS for each group with respect to other dot electrodes Dot.

[0168] In addition, when the touch module 300 transmits the uplink signal ULS through the dot electrodes Dot included in any one group, the touch module 300 may sequentially transmit the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 for each dot electrode Dot. For example, when the touch module 300 transmits the uplink signal ULS through the 1-1st dot electrode Dot11 to the n-2nd dot electrode Dotn2 included in the first group GP1, first, the touch module 300 may transmit the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the 1-1st dot electrode Dot11. After that, the touch module 300 may transmit the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the 1-2nd dot electrode Dot12. In the same manner, the touch module 300 may perform the operation of sequentially transmitting the uplink signal ULS for each dot electrode Dot with respect to other 2-1st dot electrode Dot21 to the n-2nd dot electrode Dotn2.

[0169] Figure 12 and Figure 13 are block diagrams showing one or more other embodiments of the third sensing mode of the touch module shown in Figure 2 .

[0170] Referring to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the touch array 310 may include the first group GP1 to the z-th (z is a positive integer) group GPz.

[0171] The dot electrodes Dot included in each of the first group GP1 to the z-th group GPz may be divided into a plurality of column groups. For example, referring to Figure 12, each of the dot electrodes Dot included in the first group GP1 can be included in any one of the first column group R1 and the second column group R2. Each of the dot electrodes Dot included in the second group GP2 can be included in any one of the third column group R3 and the fourth column group R4. Each of the dot electrodes Dot included in the z-th group GPz can be included in any one of the (m - 1)-th column group R(m - 1) and the m-th column group Rm.

[0172] Each of the dot electrodes Dot included in the first group GP1 to the z-th group GPz can be divided into a plurality of row groups. For example, referring to Figure 13 , each of the dot electrodes Dot included in the first group GP1 can be included in any one of the first - 1 row group C11 to the first - n row group C1n. Each of the dot electrodes Dot included in the second group GP2 can be included in any one of the second - 1 row group C21 to the second - n row group C2n. Each of the dot electrodes Dot included in the z-th group GPz can be included in any one of the z - 1 row group Cz1 to the z - n row group Czn.

[0173] When the touch module 300 transmits the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the dot electrodes Dot of the touch array 310, this can be performed for each group. For example, the touch module 300 can transmit the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the first - 1 dot electrode Dot11 to the n - 2 dot electrode Dotn2 included in the first group GP1. Next, the touch module 300 can transmit the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the dot electrodes Dot included in the second group GP2. In the same way, the touch module 300 can perform the operation of transmitting the uplink signal ULS for each group with respect to other dot electrodes Dot.

[0174] In addition, when the touch module 300 transmits the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the dot electrodes Dot included in any one group, first, the touch module 300 can sequentially transmit the uplink signal ULS for each row group. After that, the touch module 300 can sequentially transmit the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 for each column group.

[0175] The process by which the touch module 300 sequentially transmits the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 for each row group is as follows. For example, when the touch module 300 transmits the uplink signal ULS through the dot electrodes Dot included in the first group GP1, first, the touch module 300 may transmit the uplink signal ULS through the dot electrodes Dot included in the 1-1 row group C11. After that, the touch module 300 may transmit the uplink signal ULS through the dot electrodes Dot included in the 1-2 row group C12. Similarly, the touch module 300 may sequentially transmit the uplink signal ULS for each row group with respect to other dot electrodes Dot.

[0176] The process by which the touch module 300 sequentially transmits the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 for each column group is as follows. For example, when the touch module 300 transmits the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the dot electrodes Dot included in the first group GP1, the touch module 300 may transmit the uplink signal ULS through the dot electrodes Dot included in the first column group R1. After that, the touch module 300 may transmit the uplink signal ULS through the dot electrodes Dot included in the second column group R2.

[0177] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing Figure 1 one or more embodiments of the first category of the display device shown in

[0178] Referring to Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 14 , the touch module 100 may perform the operation S111 of transmitting the uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the line electrode LE in the third sensing mode. Next, the touch module 100 may perform the operation S112 of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array 110 in the first sensing mode. Next, the external device 400 may perform the operation S113 of calculating the position information based on the uplink signal ULS. Next, the external device 400 may perform the operation S114 of transmitting the position information to the host 500.

[0179] According to one or more embodiments described with reference to Figure 14 , the operation of the touch module 100 in the third sensing mode and the operation of the touch module 100 in the first sensing mode are separated from each other in time, so that the touch of the finger 10 (see Figure 1 ) and the touch of the external device 400 can be sensed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0180] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing Figure 1 one or more embodiments of the second category of the display device shown in

[0181] Reference Figures 7 to 9 and Figure 15 , the touch module 100 may perform an operation S121 of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array 110 in a second sensing mode. Next, the touch module 100 may perform an operation S122 of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array 110 in a first sensing mode. Next, the touch module 100 may perform an operation S123 of transmitting an uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the line electrode LE in a third sensing mode. Next, the external device 400 may perform an operation S124 of calculating position information based on the uplink signal ULS. Next, the external device 400 may perform an operation S125 of transmitting the position information to the host 500.

[0182] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing Figure 1 one or more embodiments of a third category of the display device shown in

[0183] Reference Figures 7 to 9 and Figure 16 , the touch module 100 may perform an operation S131 of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array 110 in a second sensing mode. Next, the touch module 100 may perform an operation S132 of transmitting an uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the line electrode LE in a third sensing mode. Next, the touch module 100 may perform an operation S133 of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array 110 in a first sensing mode. Next, the external device 400 may perform an operation S134 of calculating position information based on the uplink signal ULS. Next, the external device 400 may perform an operation S135 of transmitting the position information to the host 500.

[0184] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing Figure 1 one or more embodiments of a fourth category of the display device shown in

[0185] Reference Figures 7 to 9 and Figure 17, the touch module 100 may perform an operation S141 of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array 110 in a second sensing mode. Next, the touch module 100 may perform an operation S142 of sensing a touch adjacent to some of the line electrodes LE of the touch array 110 in a first sensing mode. Next, the touch module 100 may perform an operation S143 of transmitting an uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the line electrode LE in a third sensing mode. Next, the touch module 100 may perform an operation S144 of sensing a touch adjacent to other line electrodes among the line electrodes LE in a first sensing mode. Next, the external device 400 may perform an operation S145 of calculating position information based on the uplink signal ULS. Next, the external device 400 may perform an operation S146 of transmitting the position information to the host 500.

[0186] According to the embodiment described with reference to Figures 15 to 17 , the operation of the touch module 100 in the third sensing mode and the operations of the touch module 100 in the first and second sensing modes are separated from each other in time, so that the touches of the finger 10 (see Figure 1 ) and the external device 400 can be sensed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0187] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing one or more embodiments of the first category of the display device shown in Figure 2 .

[0188] Referring to Figures 10 to 13 and Figure 18 , the touch module 300 may perform an operation S211a of transmitting an uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the dot electrode Dot included in the yth (y is an integer greater than 1 and less than or equal to z) group GPy. At the same time, the touch module 300 may perform an operation S211b of sensing a touch adjacent to the dot electrodes Dot not included in the yth group GPy in a second sensing mode. The operation S211a may be performed according to any one of the methods described with reference to Figure 11 and the methods described with reference to Figure 12 and Figure 13 .

[0189] The touch module 300 may perform an operation S212 of determining whether the yth group GPy corresponds to the last group. When the yth group GPy corresponds to the last group, the sensing operation of the touch module 300 may end.

[0190] When the yth group GPy does not correspond to the last group, in operation S213, the (y + 1)th group GP(y + 1) may be selected as the next group and used as the yth group GPy. Subsequently, operations S211 and S212 may be re-executed.

[0191] According to one or more embodiments described with reference to Figure 18 , the operations of the touch module 300 in the third sensing mode and the operations of the touch module 300 in the second sensing mode can be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously by changing the area of the touch array 310. The touches of the finger 10 (see Figure 2 ) and the touch of the external device 400 can be sensed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0192] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing one or more embodiments of a second category of the display device shown in Figure 2 .

[0193] With reference to Figures 10 to 13 and Figure 19 , the touch module 300 may perform an operation S221 of transmitting an uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the dot electrodes Dot included in the y-th (y is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to z) group GPy. Next, the touch module 300 may perform an operation S222 of sensing a touch adjacent to the dot electrodes Dot not included in the y-th group GPy in the second sensing mode. When performing the operation S221, the operation S221 may be performed according to any one of the methods described with reference to Figure 11 and the methods described with reference to Figure 12 and Figure 13 .

[0194] The touch module 300 may perform an operation S223 of determining whether the y-th group GPy corresponds to the last group. When the y-th group GPy corresponds to the last group, the sensing operation of the touch module 300 may end.

[0195] When the y-th group GPy does not correspond to the last group, in the operation S224, the (y + 1)-th group GP(y + 1) can be selected as the next group and used as the y-th group GPy. Subsequently, the operations S221, S222, and S223 may be re-executed.

[0196] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing one or more embodiments of a third category of the display device shown in Figure 2 .

[0197] With reference to Figures 10 to 13 and Figure 20 , the touch module 300 may perform an operation S231 of sensing a touch adjacent to the dot electrodes Dot not included in the y-th (y is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to z) group GPy in the second sensing mode. The touch module 300 may perform an operation S232 of transmitting an uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the dot electrodes Dot included in the y-th group GPy. It can be according to the reference Figure 11The described method and reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 Perform operation S232 according to any one of the described methods.

[0198] The touch module 300 may perform operation S233 of determining whether the y-th group GPy corresponds to the last group. When the y-th group GPy corresponds to the last group, the sensing operation of the touch module 300 may end.

[0199] When the y-th group GPy does not correspond to the last group, in operation S234, the (y + 1)-th group GP(y + 1) can be selected as the next group and used as the y-th group GPy. Subsequently, operations S231, S232, and S233 can be re-executed.

[0200] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing one or more embodiments of the fourth category of the display device shown in Figure 2

[0201] Reference Figures 10 to 13 and Figure 21 , the touch module 300 may perform operation S241 of sensing touches adjacent to some of the dot electrodes Dot that are not included in the y-th (where y is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to z) group GPy in the second sensing mode. The touch module 300 may perform operation S242 of transmitting an uplink signal ULS to the external device 400 through the dot electrodes Dot included in the y-th group GPy. The touch module 300 may perform operation S243 of sensing touches adjacent to other dot electrodes Dot that are not included in the y-th group GPy. When performing operation S242, it may be performed according to any one of the method described in reference Figure 11 The described method and reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 described methods.

[0202] The touch module 300 may perform operation S245 of determining whether the y-th group GPy corresponds to the last group. When the y-th group GPy corresponds to the last group, the sensing operation of the touch module 300 may end.

[0203] When the y-th group GPy does not correspond to the last group, in operation S244, the (y + 1)-th group GP(y + 1) can be selected as the next group and used as the y-th group GPy. Subsequently, operations S241, S242, S243, and S245 can be re-executed.

[0204] According to the reference Figures 19 to 21In the described embodiments, the operations of the touch module 300 in the third sensing mode and the operations of the touch module 300 in the second sensing mode can be performed in different time periods by changing the area of the touch array 310. The touches of the finger 10 (see Figure 2 ) and the touch of the external device 400 can be sensed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0205] In the display device according to the present disclosure, a display device capable of sensing touches of a finger and an active pen, etc. simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with improved reliability, and a driving method of the display device can be provided.

[0206] In the display device according to the present disclosure, a touch driving signal is provided to a first touch electrode positioned in an area where a touch is detected in a second mode, so that the touch reporting rate can be increased and the response speed to a touch can be increased.

[0207] Embodiments have been disclosed herein. Although specific terms are employed, they are used and will be interpreted only in a general and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, since the filing of this application, unless otherwise expressly stated, aspects, features, and / or elements described in connection with specific embodiments may be used alone or in combination with aspects, features, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims and their functional equivalents included herein.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A touch array, comprising: driving electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction; and A touch driver configured to transmit an uplink signal to an external device adjacent to the touch array through the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes in a third sensing mode, and to sense a touch by applying an inter-driving signal to the touch array in a first sensing mode, the external device being configured to use the uplink signal to calculate position information.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Mutual capacitance is formed between one driving electrode of the paired adjacent driving electrodes and one sensing electrode of the sensing electrodes, and wherein, the touch driver is configured to apply the inter-driving signal to the driving electrodes in the first sensing mode, and is configured to sense a change in the mutual capacitance through an inter-sensing signal received from the sensing electrodes.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Self-capacitance is respectively formed in the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes, and wherein, the touch driver is configured to supply charge to the self-capacitance by applying a self-driving signal to the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes in a second sensing mode, and is configured to sense a change in the self-capacitance.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The period in which the touch driver is configured to transmit the uplink signal in the third sensing mode, the period in which the touch driver is configured to sense a touch adjacent to the touch array in the first sensing mode, and the period in which the touch driver is configured to sense a touch adjacent to the touch array in the second sensing mode are different from each other.

5. A method of driving a display device, the display device comprising a touch array, the touch array comprising driving electrodes and sensing electrodes, the driving electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, the method comprising: Transmitting an uplink signal to an external device adjacent to the touch array in a third sensing mode, such that the external device uses the uplink signal to calculate position information; And Sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array by applying an inter-driving signal to the touch array in a first sensing mode.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the method further comprises: Mutual capacitance is formed between one driving electrode of the paired adjacent driving electrodes and one sensing electrode of the sensing electrodes, and wherein, the step of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in the first sensing mode comprises: Applying the inter-driving signal to the driving electrodes; Receiving an inter-sensing signal from the sensing electrodes; and Sensing a change in the mutual capacitance through the inter-sensing signal.

7. The method according to claim 5, the method further comprising: Sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array by applying a self-driving signal to the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes in a second sensing mode.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein Sequentially perform the steps of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in the second sensing mode, sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in the first sensing mode, and transmitting the uplink signal through the touch array in the third sensing mode.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Sequentially perform the steps of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in the second sensing mode, transmitting the uplink signal through the touch array in the third sensing mode, and sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in the first sensing mode.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the method further comprises: Sensing a touch adjacent to some regions of the touch array in the first sensing mode; And Sensing a touch adjacent to other regions of the touch array in the first sensing mode, wherein the steps of sensing a touch adjacent to the touch array in the second sensing mode, sensing a touch adjacent to the some regions of the touch array in the first sensing mode, transmitting the uplink signal through the touch array in the third sensing mode, and sensing a touch adjacent to the other regions of the touch array in the first sensing mode are sequentially performed.

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