Touch input device, image display device, and electronic device
By employing pen-type, coil-type, and loop-type signal transceivers in the display device, combined with touch sensing units and circuits, accurate touch position detection and improved signal efficiency are achieved, solving the problems of low detection accuracy and efficiency in existing technologies, and reducing the thickness and cost of the display device.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing display devices struggle to accurately detect touch positions when users use their body parts or touch input devices for touch input. Furthermore, traditional transceiver structures are inefficient, leading to increased device thickness and manufacturing costs.
It employs pen-type, coil-type, and loop-type signal transceivers, combined with touch sensing units and touch sensing circuits, to improve the efficiency of touch signal transmission and reception through uplink and downlink signal control, and to accurately detect touch position through mutual capacitance method.
It achieves precise touch position detection for touch input devices, simplifies the structure of display devices, reduces thickness and manufacturing costs, and improves the efficiency of touch signal transmission and reception.
Smart Images

Figure CN121635707A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to touch input devices, image display devices including touch input devices, and electronic devices. Background Technology
[0002] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices for displaying images is increasing in various forms. For example, display devices are used in various electronic devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, navigation devices, and smart TVs. Display devices can be flat panel displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), field emission displays (FETs), and organic light-emitting diode (OLEDs). Among these flat panel displays, OLEDs include light-emitting elements that enable the pixels of the display panel to emit their own light. Therefore, OLEDs can display images without a backlight unit that provides light to the display panel.
[0003] Recent display devices support touch input using user body parts (e.g., fingers) and touch coordinate sensing using touch input devices such as electronic pens. Specifically, the display device uses touch input devices such as electronic pens to provide touch position detection, thereby enabling more precise and accurate detection of touch position compared to detecting touch input using only body parts (e.g., fingers). Summary of the Invention
[0004] The features of this disclosure provide an image display device capable of accurately detecting the touch position of a touch input device, such as an electronic pen, through a touch sensing unit of the display panel that can sense touches of body parts such as fingers.
[0005] The features of this disclosure also provide a touch input device in which a pen-type first signal transceiver, a coil-type second signal transceiver, and a ring-type third signal transceiver improve the efficiency of touch signal transmission and reception, as well as an image display device including the touch input device.
[0006] However, the features of this disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein. The above and other features of this disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description of this disclosure given below.
[0007] In embodiments of this disclosure, a touch input device is provided, comprising: a first transceiver including an end forming a pen tip and being formed as a pen refill; an insulating member covering the outer surface of the body of the first transceiver in a cylindrical or polygonal shape; a second transceiver covering the insulating member in a coil shape; and a touch input controller that sets a touch drive signal receiving period of the first transceiver and a touch data signal transmitting period of the first transceiver and the second transceiver, and sequentially and repeatedly controls the touch drive signal receiving operation of the first transceiver and the touch data signal transmitting operation of the first transceiver and the second transceiver.
[0008] In another embodiment of this disclosure, an image display device is provided, comprising: a display module including a plurality of pixels arranged in a display area; a touch sensing unit disposed on the front surface of the display module to sense touch from a user's body part or a touch input device; a display driving circuit driving the plurality of pixels in the display area; and a touch sensing circuit generating touch coordinate data by detecting the touch position of the user's body part or the touch input device, wherein the touch sensing circuit detects the touch position of the touch input device by supplying a touch driving signal to the touch electrode of the touch sensing unit during an uplink period and receiving a touch sensing signal from the touch electrode during a downlink period, and the touch input device wirelessly receives the touch driving signal through the touch electrode during a preset touch driving signal receiving period and generates and transmits the touch data signal to the touch electrode during a preset touch data signal transmitting period.
[0009] In another embodiment of this disclosure, an electronic device including an image display apparatus is provided, wherein the image display apparatus includes: a display module including a plurality of pixels arranged in a display area; a touch sensing unit disposed on the front surface of the display module to sense touch from a user's body part or a touch input device; a display driving circuit driving the plurality of pixels in the display area; and a touch sensing circuit generating touch coordinate data by detecting the touch position of the user's body part or the touch input device, wherein the touch sensing circuit detects the touch position of the touch input device by supplying a touch driving signal to the touch electrode of the touch sensing unit during an uplink period and receiving a touch sensing signal from the touch electrode during a downlink period, and the touch input device wirelessly receives the touch driving signal through the touch electrode during a preset touch driving signal receiving period and generates and transmits the touch data signal to the touch electrode during a preset touch data signal transmitting period.
[0010] The touch input device and the image display device including the touch input device in the embodiments allow for the sensing of the electronic pen's touch using a touch sensing unit on the display panel that senses the touch of a user's body parts, without including a sensor layer or a digitizer layer. Therefore, according to the touch input device and the image display device including the touch input device in the embodiments, the structure of the image display device can be simplified and its thickness can be reduced, which in turn reduces manufacturing costs.
[0011] Furthermore, according to the touch input device and the image display device including the touch input device in the embodiments, the efficiency of touch signal transmission and reception can be improved and touch accuracy can be further improved by the first to third signal transceivers formed in the touch input device. Additionally, pressure data and tilt data can be generated and transmitted by accurately sensing the pressure applied to the touch input device and the tilt of the touch input device.
[0012] However, the effects of this disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein. The above and other effects of this disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the claims. Attached Figure Description
[0013] These and / or other features will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of a touch input device and an image display device including the touch input device according to the present disclosure;
[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the image display device shown;
[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A detailed side view of the image display device shown;
[0017] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 A schematic plan view of an embodiment of the display module of the display panel shown;
[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic plan view of an embodiment of the touch sensing unit shown;
[0019] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A schematic plan view of the electrical connection structure of the touch electrodes and touch sensing circuit shown;
[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Detailed configuration diagram of an embodiment of the touch input device shown;
[0021] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the first signal transceiver, insulating components, and the second signal transceiver shown in the figure;
[0022] Figure 9 It is shown in detail Figure 7 A detailed block diagram of the components of the touch input device shown;
[0023] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 The configuration block diagram of the embodiment sequentially illustrates the touch drive signal receiving operation in the uplink period and the touch data signal transmitting operation in the downlink period;
[0024] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 Detailed configuration diagram of an embodiment of the touch input device shown;
[0025] Figure 12 It is shown in detail Figure 11 A detailed block diagram of the component configuration of the touch input device shown; and
[0026] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 The configuration block diagram of the embodiment sequentially illustrates the touch drive signal receiving operation in the uplink period and the touch data signal transmitting operation in the downlink period. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.
[0028] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, the layer may be directly on that other layer or substrate, or an intervening layer may be present. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.
[0029] 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. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.
[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms, including “at least one”, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “Or” means “and / or”. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” or “containing” and / or “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, areas, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, areas, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.
[0031] Furthermore, relative terms such as “down” or “bottom” and “up” or “top” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device. For example, if the device in one of the drawings is flipped, then the element described as being “down” to another element will be oriented “up” to that other element. Thus, depending on the specific orientation of the drawing, the exemplary term “down” can encompass both “down” and “up” orientations. Similarly, if the device in one of the drawings is flipped, then the element described as being “below” or “under” another element will be oriented “above” that other element. Thus, the exemplary term “below” or “under” can encompass both “up” and “down” orientations.
[0032] As used herein, terms such as “cell” are intended to refer to hardware components such as circuits that perform a predetermined function. For example, hardware components may include field-programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”) or application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”).
[0033] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant field and in the context of this disclosure, and unless expressly defined herein, these terms shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.
[0034] Each of the features in the various embodiments of this disclosure can be combined or integrated with each other, either partially or entirely, and various linkages and drives are technically possible. The various embodiments can be implemented independently of each other or can be implemented together in combination.
[0035] In the following description, illustrative embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0036] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a touch input device 500 and an image display device 10 including the touch input device 500 according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image display device 10 shown is a plan view. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A detailed side view of the image display device 10 shown.
[0037] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The image display device 10 in the embodiments can be applied to mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs (“PCs”), mobile communication terminals, e-notebooks, e-books, portable multimedia players (“PMPs”), navigation devices, and ultra-mobile PCs (“UMPCs”). In alternative embodiments, the image display device 10 can be applied as a display unit of a television, laptop computer, monitor, billboard, or Internet of Things (“IoT”) device. In alternative embodiments, the image display device 10 can be applied to wearable devices such as smartwatches, watch phones, glasses displays, and head-mounted displays (“HMDs”). In alternative embodiments, the image display device 10 can be applied to a vehicle's dashboard, vehicle center console, central information display (“CID”) mounted on the vehicle's dashboard, a rearview mirror display replacing the vehicle's side mirrors, or a display mounted on the back of the front seats as an entertainment facility for rear-seat passengers.
[0038] The image display device 10 in the embodiments may be an organic light-emitting display device using organic light-emitting diodes, a quantum dot light-emitting display device including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, an inorganic light-emitting display device including inorganic semiconductors, or a light-emitting display device including ultra-small light-emitting diodes (micron-sized light-emitting diodes or nano-sized light-emitting diodes). The following mainly describes the case where the image display device 10 in the embodiments is an organic light-emitting display device, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0039] The image display device 10 in this embodiment includes a display panel 100, a display driving circuit 200, a display circuit board 300, and a touch sensing circuit 400. In addition to using body parts such as fingers, the image display device 10 also uses a touch input device 500 as a touch input mechanism. The display panel 100 of the image display device 10 includes a display unit DU for displaying images and a touch sensing unit TSU for sensing body parts such as fingers and the touch input device 500.
[0040] The touch input device 500 can be configured as an electronic pen, such as a stylus. The touch input device 500 can receive touch drive signals from the touch sensing unit TSU located on the front of the display panel 100, and can also send touch data signals to the touch sensing unit TSU.
[0041] The display panel 100 of the image display device 10 can be shaped like a quadrilateral planar shape (e.g., a rectangular planar shape including a short side in a first direction (X-axis direction) and a long side in a second direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (X-axis direction)). Each corner where the short side extending in the first direction (X-axis direction) intersects the long side extending in the second direction (Y-axis direction) can be rounded to have a predetermined curvature, or it can be a right angle. The planar shape of the display panel 100 is not limited to a quadrilateral shape, but can also be other polygonal shapes, circular shapes, or elliptical shapes. The display panel 100 can be formed as flat, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In embodiments, for example, the display panel 100 may include curved portions formed at the left and right ends and having constant or varying curvatures. In addition, the display panel 100 can be flexible, such that it can be bent, folded, rolled up.
[0042] The display panel 100 may include a main area MA and a sub-area SBA.
[0043] The main region MA includes a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA disposed around the display area DA. The display area DA includes pixels for displaying the image. The display area DA can emit light from the emission area or multiple opening areas of each pixel. In embodiments, for example, the display panel 100 may include pixel circuitry including switching elements, a pixel defining layer defining the emission area or opening area, and self-emissive elements. In embodiments, for example, each of the self-emissive elements may include, but is not limited to, at least one of an organic light-emitting diode including an organic light-emitting layer, a quantum dot light-emitting diode including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, and an inorganic light-emitting diode including an inorganic semiconductor.
[0044] The non-display area NDA can be an area outside the display area DA. The non-display area NDA can be defined as the edge area of the main area MA of the display panel 100. The non-display area NDA may include a gate driver that supplies gate signals to the gate lines and a fan-out line that connects the display driving circuit 200 and the display area DA.
[0045] The subregion SBA can protrude from one side of the main region MA in the second direction (Y-axis direction).
[0046] Despite the sub-region SBA in Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is unfolded within, but it can also be like... Figure 3 The sub-region SBA is bent as shown. In this case, the sub-region SBA can be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 100. When the sub-region SBA is bent, it can overlap with the main region MA in a third direction (Z-axis direction) that is the thickness direction of the substrate SUB. The display driving circuit 200 can be disposed in the sub-region SBA.
[0047] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the display panel 100 may include a display unit (also referred to as a display module) DU comprising a substrate SUB, a thin film transistor layer TFTL, a light-emitting element layer EML, and a packaging layer TFEL, as well as a touch sensing unit TSU formed on the front surface of the display module DU.
[0048] The thin-film transistor layer (TFTL) can be disposed on the substrate SUB. The TFTL can be disposed in the main region MA and the sub-region SBA. The TFTL includes thin-film transistors.
[0049] The light-emitting element layer (EML) can be disposed on the thin-film transistor layer (TFTL). The light-emitting element layer (EML) can be disposed in the display area (DA) of the main area (MA). The light-emitting element layer (EML) includes light-emitting elements disposed in the light-emitting unit.
[0050] The encapsulation layer TFEL can be disposed on the light-emitting element layer EML. The encapsulation layer TFEL can be disposed in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the main area MA. The encapsulation layer TFEL includes at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer for encapsulating the light-emitting element layer EML.
[0051] The touch sensing unit TSU can be integrally formed with the display module DU, or it can be formed separately and then disposed (e.g., mounted) or assembled on the front surface of the display module DU. The touch sensing unit TSU can be integrally formed with the encapsulation layer TFEL or disposed (e.g., mounted) on the encapsulation layer TFEL to detect the touch position of a user's body part such as a finger or the touch input device 500.
[0052] A cover window can be disposed on the touch sensing unit (TSU) to protect the upper part of the display panel 100. The cover window can be attached to the touch sensing unit (TSU) using a transparent adhesive component such as an optically clear adhesive (“OCA”) film or an optically clear resin (“OCR”) film. The cover window can be an inorganic material such as glass, or an organic material such as a polymer material (e.g., plastic). To prevent degradation of image visibility due to reflection of external light, a polarizing film can be additionally disposed between the touch sensing unit (TSU) and the cover window.
[0053] The display driving circuit 200 can generate control signals and data voltages for driving the display module DU. The display driving circuit 200 can be formed as an integrated circuit and can be attached to the display panel 100 using a chip-on-glass (“COG”) method, a chip-on-plastic (“COP”) method, or an ultrasonic bonding method. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In embodiments, for example, the display driving circuit 200 can also be attached to the display circuit board 300 using a chip-on-film (“COF”) method.
[0054] The display circuit board 300 can be attached to one end of the sub-region SBA of the display panel 100. Accordingly, the display circuit board 300 can be electrically connected to the display panel 100 and the display driving circuit 200. The display panel 100 and the display driving circuit 200 can receive digital video data, timing control signals, and driving voltages through the display circuit board 300. The display circuit board 300 can be a flexible printed circuit board, a rigid printed circuit board, or a flexible film such as a chip-on-film.
[0055] The touch sensing circuit 400 can be disposed on the display circuit board 300. The touch sensing circuit 400 can be formed as an integrated circuit and can be attached to the display circuit board 300. In an alternative embodiment, the touch sensing circuit 400 can be attached to the display circuit board 300 by a COF method.
[0056] Touch sensing circuit 400 can be electrically connected to the touch electrodes of touch sensing unit TSU to detect touch and touch location of user body parts such as fingers or touch input device 500. Specifically, during the touch electrode driving period (i.e., the uplink period), touch sensing circuit 400 sends touch drive signals for sensing body parts or touch input device 500 to the touch electrodes of touch sensing unit TSU. Then, touch sensing circuit 400 measures the change in mutual capacitance of each of the plurality of touch nodes formed by touch electrodes during the uplink period. When placed near or in contact with touch sensing unit TSU, touch input device 500 wirelessly receives touch drive signals of a predetermined frequency band sent to touch electrodes of touch sensing unit TSU. Therefore, the mutual capacitance of each touch node changes with touch operation of body parts or touch input device 500. Accordingly, touch sensing circuit 400 can measure the change in mutual capacitance of each touch node based on the change in voltage amplitude or current of touch sensing signals received from each of the touch electrodes. In this way, the touch sensing circuit 400 can determine whether a touch or proximity of a body part or touch input device 500 has occurred based on the change in mutual capacitance of each touch node in the touch sensing unit TSU during the uplink period. Here, a touch of the body part or touch input device 500 indicates that the body part or touch input device 500 is in direct contact with the surface of the cover window disposed on the touch sensing unit TSU. A proximity of the body part or touch input device 500 indicates that the user's body part or touch input device 500 is hovering above the surface of the cover window.
[0057] When placed near or in contact with the touch sensing unit (TSU), the touch input device 500 wirelessly receives touch drive signals of a predetermined frequency band sent to the touch electrodes of the touch sensing unit (TSU) during each signal reception period, according to a signal reception mode. The touch input device 500 can charge the touch drive signals of the predetermined frequency band in a capacitor-like state. For this purpose, the touch input device 500 may include a first transceiver formed as a pen refill, such as a stylus, a second transceiver formed as a coil, a third transceiver formed as a loop, and a battery.
[0058] The touch sensing circuit 400 detects a touch sensing signal of a predetermined frequency band output from the touch electrode during a sensing signal detection period (i.e., a downlink period) following an uplink period in which the touch electrode is driven.
[0059] When positioned near or in contact with the touch sensing unit (TSU), the touch input device 500 generates touch data signals based on pressure and tilt data, and wirelessly transmits the touch data signals to the touch sensing unit (TSU) during each signal transmission period according to the signal transmission pattern. Correspondingly, the touch sensing circuit 400 determines whether the touch input device 500 is nearby and the touch position of the touch input device 500 based on the change in amplitude of each touch sensing signal in a predetermined frequency band detected via at least one touch electrode during each downlink period. Then, the touch sensing circuit 400 extracts pressure and tilt data by sampling, digitally modulating, and analyzing the changes in amplitude and pulse width of each touch sensing signal detected via at least one touch electrode.
[0060] The touch input device 500 can be a stylus that supports electromagnetic resonance via a first signal transceiver configured as a pen tip, a second signal transceiver configured as a coil, and a third signal transceiver configured as a loop. During the signal reception period, the touch input device 500 is charged in response to the magnetic field or electromagnetic signal of the touch sensing unit TSU, and during the signal transmission period, it outputs a radio frequency signal corresponding to the touch data signal.
[0061] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 A schematic plan view of an embodiment of the display module DU of the display panel 100 shown. Specifically, Figure 4 This is a schematic plan view showing the display area DA and non-display area NDA of the display module DU before the formation of the touch sensing unit TSU.
[0062] The display area DA is the area used to display images and can be defined as the central area of the display panel 100. The display area DA may include multiple pixels SP, multiple grid lines GL, multiple data lines DL, and multiple power lines VL. Each of the pixels SP can be defined as the smallest unit for outputting light.
[0063] The gate lines GL can supply the gate signals received from the gate driver 210 to the pixel SP. The gate lines GL can extend in the X-axis direction and can be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, which intersects the X-axis direction.
[0064] The data lines DL can supply the data voltage received from the display driver circuit 200 to the pixels SP. The data lines DL can extend in the Y-axis direction and can be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.
[0065] The power supply line VL can supply the power supply voltage received from the display driving circuit 200 to the pixel SP. Here, the power supply voltage can be at least one of the driving voltage, initialization voltage, and reference voltage. The power supply lines VL can extend in the Y-axis direction and can be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.
[0066] The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may include a gate driver 210, a fan-out line FOL, and a gate control line GCL. The gate driver 210 may generate multiple gate signals based on the gate control signal, and may sequentially supply the gate signals to the gate line GL according to a set order.
[0067] The fan-out line FOL can extend from the display driver circuit 200 to the display area DA. The fan-out line FOL can supply the data voltage received from the display driver circuit 200 to the data line DL.
[0068] The gate control line GCL can extend from the display driver circuit 200 to the gate driver 210. The gate control line GCL can supply the gate control signal received from the display driver circuit 200 to the gate driver 210.
[0069] The sub-region SBA may include a display driver circuit 200, a display pad area DPA, a first touch pad area TPA1, and a second touch pad area TPA2.
[0070] The display driver circuit 200 can output control signals and data voltages for driving the display module DU to the fan-out line FOL. The display driver circuit 200 generates control signals based on a display drive frequency preset in the display control firmware and generates data voltages corresponding to the image data. Then, the display driver circuit 200 supplies the data voltages to the data line DL via the fan-out line FOL according to the display drive frequency set in the display control firmware. Here, the data voltages can be supplied to the pixel SP, and the brightness of the pixel SP can be determined. Additionally, the display driver circuit 200 can supply the gate voltage and the control signals generated according to the display drive frequency in the display control firmware to the gate driver 210 via the gate control line GCL.
[0071] The display pad area DPA, the first touch pad area TPA1, and the second touch pad area TPA2 can be located at the edge of the sub-area SBA. The display pad area DPA, the first touch pad area TPA1, and the second touch pad area TPA2 can be electrically connected to the display circuit board 300 using low-resistance, high-reliability materials such as anisotropic conductive film or self-assembling anisotropic conductive adhesive (“SAP”).
[0072] The display pad area (DPA) can include multiple display pads (DP). The display pads (DP) can be connected to a main processor, such as a graphics card, via the display board 300. The display pads (DP) can be connected to the display board 300 to receive digital video data and can supply digital video data to the display driver circuit 200.
[0073] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic plan view of an embodiment of the touch sensing unit (TSU) shown.
[0074] exist Figure 5 In this document, a structure comprising two types of electrodes (e.g., a driving electrode TE and a sensing electrode RE) will be described as an example of the touch electrode SE in the main region MA. Furthermore, the following will primarily describe the case where the touch sensing unit TSU is driven using a mutual capacitance method (in which the change in mutual capacitance of each of a plurality of touch nodes TN is measured by the sensing electrode RE when a touch driving signal is sent to the driving electrode TE during a touch electrode driving period (i.e., an uplink period), but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Additionally, a discharge quantity detection method for the touch input device 500 will be described in the embodiments (in which touch input of the touch input device 500 is detected based on the change in amplitude of each touch sensing signal received by the sensing electrode RE during a sensing signal detection period (i.e., a downlink period), but this disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0075] exist Figure 5 For ease of description, only the driving electrode TE, sensing electrode RE, dummy pattern DE, touch line SL, first touch pad TP1, and second touch pad TP2 are shown.
[0076] refer to Figure 5 The main area MA of the touch sensing unit (TSU) includes a touch sensing area TSA for sensing user touches and a touch peripheral area TPA surrounding the touch sensing area TSA. The touch sensing area TSA can be connected to... Figures 1 to 3 The display area DA overlaps, and the touch peripheral area TPA can be touched. Figures 1 to 3 Non-display area NDA overlap.
[0077] The driving electrode TE, the sensing electrode RE, and the dummy pattern DE are disposed in the touch sensing area TSA. The driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE can be electrodes used to form mutual capacitance to sense touches from an electronic pen or a user's body part.
[0078] Sensing electrodes RE can be arranged side-by-side in a first direction (X-axis direction) and a second direction (Y-axis direction). Sensing electrodes RE can be electrically connected to each other in the first direction (X-axis direction). Sensing electrodes RE adjacent to each other in the first direction (X-axis direction) can be connected to each other. Sensing electrodes RE adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) can be electrically isolated from each other. Accordingly, touch nodes TN with mutual capacitance can be provided at each of the intersections of the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE. Touch nodes TN can correspond to the intersections of the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE.
[0079] The driving electrodes TE can be arranged side-by-side in a first direction (X-axis direction) and a second direction (Y-axis direction). Driving electrodes TE that are adjacent to each other in the first direction (X-axis direction) can be electrically isolated from each other. The driving electrodes TE can be electrically connected to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Driving electrodes TE that are adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) can be connected to each other via connecting electrodes.
[0080] Each of the dummy patterns DE can be surrounded by a driving electrode TE or a sensing electrode RE. Each of the dummy patterns DE can be electrically isolated from the driving electrode TE or the sensing electrode RE. Each of the dummy patterns DE can be spaced apart from the driving electrode TE or the sensing electrode RE. Each of the dummy patterns DE can be electrically floated.
[0081] Although each of the driving electrode TE, sensing electrode RE, and dummy pattern DE is in Figure 5 The diagram has a rhomboid planar shape, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In embodiments, for example, in a planar view, each of the driving electrode TE, the sensing electrode RE, and the dummy pattern DE can also be shaped like a quadrilateral shape other than a rhomboid shape, a polygonal shape other than a quadrilateral shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape.
[0082] The touch line SL can be located in the touch periphery area (also known as the sensor periphery area) TPA. The touch line SL includes a first touch driving line TL1 and a second touch driving line TL2 connected to the driving electrode TE, and a touch sensing line RL connected to the sensing electrode RE.
[0083] The sensing electrode RE, located at one end of the touch sensing area TSA, can be connected one-to-one to the touch sensing line RL. In an embodiment, for example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the rightmost sensing electrode RE among the sensing electrodes RE electrically connected to each other in the first direction (X-axis direction) can be connected to the touch sensing line RL. In addition, the touch sensing line RL can be connected one-to-one to the second touch pad TP2 provided in the pad unit PD.
[0084] A driving electrode TE located at one end of the touch sensing area TSA can be connected one-to-one to the first touch driving line TL1, and a driving electrode TE located at the opposite end of the touch sensing area TSA can be connected one-to-one to the second touch driving line TL2. In an embodiment, for example, the lowermost driving electrode TE among the driving electrodes TE electrically connected to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) can be connected to the first touch driving line TL1, and the uppermost driving electrode TE among the driving electrodes TE electrically connected to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) can be connected to the second touch driving line TL2. The second touch driving line TL2 can pass outside the left side of the touch sensing area TSA and can then be connected to the driving electrode TE on the upper side of the touch sensing area TSA.
[0085] The first touch drive line TL1 and the second touch drive line TL2 can be connected one-to-one to the first touch pad TP1 disposed in the pad unit PD. The drive electrodes TE are connected to the first touch drive line TL1 and the second touch drive line TL2 on opposite sides of the touch sensing area TSA to receive touch drive signals. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a difference between the touch drive signal sent to the drive electrode TE disposed on the lower side of the touch sensing area TSA and the touch drive signal sent to the drive electrode TE disposed on the upper side of the touch sensing area TSA due to the resistance-capacitance (“RC”) delay of the touch drive signal.
[0086] When Figures 1 to 3 When the display circuit board 300 is connected to one side of the flexible film (or display panel 100), the display pad area DPA of the pad unit PD, and the first touch pad area TPA1 and the second touch pad area TPA2 can correspond to the pads of the display panel 100 connected to the display circuit board 300 (or the pads of the display circuit board 300 connected to the display panel 100). Therefore, the pads of the display circuit board 300 can be placed on the display pad DP, the first touch pad TP1, and the second touch pad TP2 to contact them. The display pad DP, the first touch pad TP1, and the second touch pad TP2 can be electrically connected to the pads of the display circuit board 300 using low-resistance, high-reliability materials such as anisotropic conductive film or SAP. Therefore, the display pad DP, the first touch pad TP1, and the second touch pad TP2 can be electrically connected to the touch sensing circuit 400 disposed on the display circuit board 300.
[0087] The touch sensing circuit 400 generates a touch driving signal of a predetermined frequency band and supplies the touch driving signal to the driving electrodes TE from the leftmost driving electrode TE to the rightmost driving electrode TE in the touch sensing area TSA. Here, the touch sensing circuit 400 can simultaneously supply the touch driving signal to the driving electrodes TE arranged in the first direction (X-axis direction). In an alternative embodiment, the touch sensing circuit 400 can sequentially supply the touch driving signal to the driving electrodes TE from the leftmost driving electrode TE to the rightmost driving electrode TE in the first direction (X-axis direction).
[0088] The touch sensing circuit 400 can divide the drive electrodes TE into a preset number of groups according to the programming of the touch driver firmware, and can sequentially output touch drive signals to multiple groups of drive electrodes TE. Here, the touch drive signals can be supplied as multiple pulse signals generated with an amplitude of approximately -12 volts (V) to approximately 12V based on the drive voltage value of the touch driver firmware.
[0089] The touch sensing circuit 400 receives a touch sensing signal of a predetermined frequency band output from the sensing electrode RE via a touch sensing line RL connected to the sensing electrode RE. The touch sensing circuit 400 can measure the change in mutual capacitance of each touch node TN in the touch node TN by using the touch sensing signal of the predetermined frequency band output from at least one sensing electrode RE during a downlink period, and can detect the touch and touch position of the touch input device 500, etc. At this time, the touch sensing circuit 400 extracts pressure data and tilt data generated from the touch input device 500 by sampling, digitally modulating, and analyzing the changes in amplitude and pulse width of each touch sensing signal detected via at least one sensing electrode RE.
[0090] The touch sensing circuit 400 sends the touch position coordinate data, pressure data, and tilt data of the touch input device 500 to the display driving circuit 200 or the graphics system in real time, thereby supporting the generation of touch image data by the display driving circuit 200 and the like based on the touch position coordinate data, tilt data, and pressure data.
[0091] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A schematic plan view of the electrical connection structure of the touch electrode SE and the touch sensing circuit 400 shown.
[0092] refer to Figure 6 The touch sensing circuit 400 includes multiple drive signal supply units TDR1 to TDRn, multiple signal analysis circuit units TLD1 to TLDn, and multiple sensing signal analysis units RLD1 to RLDn. Here, n is a positive integer.
[0093] The drive signal supply units TDR1 to TDRn can be selectively connected to the odd-numbered or odd-numbered group of drive electrodes TE of the touch sensing area TSA via the odd-numbered first touch drive line TL1 and a switch. Alternatively, the drive signal supply units TDR1 to TDRn can be selectively connected to the odd-numbered or odd-numbered group of drive electrodes TE of the touch sensing area TSA via the odd-numbered first touch drive line TL1 or the second touch drive line TL2 and a switch.
[0094] In an alternative embodiment, the drive signal supply units TDR1 to TDRn can be selectively connected to the even-numbered or even-numbered group of drive electrodes TE of the touch sensing area TSA via an even-numbered first touch drive line TL1 and a switch. Alternatively, the drive signal supply units TDR1 to TDRn can be selectively connected to the even-numbered or even-numbered group of drive electrodes TE of the touch sensing area TSA via an even-numbered group of first touch drive lines TL1 or second touch drive lines TL2 and a switch.
[0095] In an embodiment, for example, the following will describe the case where, during the touch electrode driving period, drive signal supply units TDR1 to TDRn are selectively connected to the odd-numbered or odd-numbered group of drive electrodes TE of the touch sensing area TSA via the odd-numbered first touch drive line TL1 and a switch.
[0096] The drive signal supply units TDR1 to TDRn can supply touch drive signals of a predetermined frequency band to the odd-numbered or odd-numbered drive electrodes TE of the touch sensing area TSA during the uplink period.
[0097] The drive signal supply units TDR1 to TDRn can operate sequentially from the first drive signal supply unit TDR1 to the nth drive signal supply unit TDRn to sequentially supply touch drive signals from odd-numbered drive electrodes TE arranged on one side of the touch sensing area TSA to odd-numbered drive electrodes TE arranged on the opposite side to odd-numbered drive electrodes TE. In an alternative embodiment, the odd-numbered drive signal supply units TDR1, ... can simultaneously supply touch drive signals to odd-numbered drive electrodes TE.
[0098] In addition, the drive signal supply units TDR1 to TDRn can divide the drive electrodes TE into a preset number of groups, and can sequentially supply touch drive signals to the drive electrodes TE of the odd-numbered groups or the even-numbered groups.
[0099] The sensing signal analysis units RLD1 to RLDn are connected one-to-one to the sensing electrodes RE of the touch sensing area TSA via touch sensing lines RL.
[0100] During the downlink period following the uplink period, the sensing signal analysis units RLD1 to RLDn detect touch sensing signals of a predetermined frequency band output from the sensing electrode RE, and detect changes in the current or voltage amplitude of the touch sensing signals. In other words, the sensing signal analysis units RLD1 to RLDn can measure changes in the mutual capacitance of the touch node TN based on changes in the current or voltage amplitude of the touch sensing signals output sequentially or simultaneously from the sensing electrode RE during the downlink period. The sensing signal analysis units RLD1 to RLDn can detect the touch of the touch input device 500 and the touch position of the touch input device 500 in one direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) based on changes in the amplitude of the touch sensing signals output sequentially or simultaneously from the sensing electrode RE.
[0101] Signal analysis circuit units TLD1 to TLDn can be selectively connected to even-numbered drive electrodes TE of the touch sensing area TSA via even-numbered first touch drive lines TL1 and switches. Alternatively, signal analysis circuit units TLD1 to TLDn can be selectively connected to even-numbered or even-numbered drive electrodes TE of the touch sensing area TSA via even-numbered first touch drive lines TL1 or second touch drive lines TL2 and switches.
[0102] In an alternative embodiment, signal analysis circuit units TLD1 to TLDn can be selectively connected to odd-numbered drive electrodes TE of the touch sensing area TSA via odd-numbered first touch drive lines TL1 and switches. Alternatively, signal analysis circuit units TLD1 to TLDn can be selectively connected to odd-numbered or odd-numbered drive electrodes TE of the touch sensing area TSA via odd-numbered first touch drive lines TL1 or second touch drive lines TL2 and switches.
[0103] In an embodiment, for example, the following will describe the case where signal analysis circuit units TLD1 to TLDn are selectively connected to the even-numbered or even-numbered group of drive electrodes TE during the downlink period following the uplink period.
[0104] Signal analysis circuit units TLD1 to TLDn detect touch sensing signals of a predetermined frequency band output from even-numbered or even-numbered grouped drive electrodes TE during the downlink period, and detect the amount of change in the amplitude of the touch sensing signals. In other words, signal analysis circuit units TLD1 to TLDn can detect the touch of the touch input device 500 and the touch position of the touch input device 500 in one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) based on the amount of change in the amplitude of the touch sensing signals sequentially or simultaneously output from even-numbered or even-numbered grouped drive electrodes TE during the downlink period.
[0105] Signal analysis circuit units TLD1 to TLDn can detect the magnitude change of the amplitude of touch sensing signals sequentially input from the first signal analysis circuit unit TLD1 to the nth signal analysis circuit unit TLDn. In an alternative embodiment, signal analysis circuit units TLD1 to TLDn can detect the magnitude change of the amplitude of touch sensing signals simultaneously received by even-numbered or even-numbered group drive electrodes TE. Signal analysis circuit units TLD1 to TLDn can also detect the magnitude change of the amplitude of touch sensing signals sequentially received by odd-numbered or even-numbered group drive electrodes TE.
[0106] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A detailed configuration diagram of an embodiment of the touch input device 500 shown is provided. Additionally, Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the first transceiver 510, the insulating member 520, and the second transceiver 530.
[0107] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The touch input device 500 includes a first signal transceiver 510, an insulating member 520, a second signal transceiver 530, a pressure sensor 540, a touch input controller 550, a battery 570, and a housing 560.
[0108] The first transceiver 510 may include one end forming a pen tip and may be shaped like a pen refill. During the touch drive signal receiving period, under the control of the touch input controller 550, the first transceiver 510 receives touch drive signals transmitted to at least one drive electrode (e.g., the nth drive electrode TEn and the (n-1)th drive electrode TEn-1) in a predetermined frequency band. The received touch drive signals may be transmitted in real time to the touch input controller 550 and the battery 570.
[0109] Additionally, during the touch data signal transmission period, the first transceiver 510 wirelessly transmits touch data signals in a preset frequency band received from the touch input controller 550 via an electromagnetic link with the second transceiver 530.
[0110] refer to Figure 8 The first signal transceiver 510 includes a rod-shaped center electrode 501 and a cylindrical metal electrode 502 covering the rod-shaped center electrode 501.
[0111] Specifically, the rod-shaped center electrode 501 of the first signal transceiver 510 is formed such that one end forms a pen tip and the other end is electrically connected to the touch data signal output channel unit 552 of the touch input controller 550 (see [link]). Figure 9 (The pen refill type)
[0112] The rod-shaped center electrode 501 comprises or is composed of a magnetic material such as ferrite, and wirelessly transmits touch data signals in a preset frequency band received from the touch input controller 550 via an electromagnetic link with the second transceiver 530 during the touch data signal transmission period.
[0113] The cylindrical metal electrode 502 is formed in a cylindrical shape to cover the opposite end and outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped central electrode 501, excluding the tip. The cylindrical metal electrode 502 comprises at least one metallic material or alloy material such as copper, silver, aluminum or iron, or is composed of at least one metallic material or alloy material such as copper, silver, aluminum or iron.
[0114] One end or the other end of the cylindrical metal electrode 502 is electrically connected to the touch drive signal input channel unit 551 of the touch input controller 550 (see...). Figure 9 During the touch drive signal receiving period, under the control of the touch input controller 550, the cylindrical metal electrode 502 receives touch drive signals sent to at least one drive electrode (e.g., the nth drive electrode TEn and the (n-1)th drive electrode TEn-1) in a predetermined frequency band. At this time, the received touch drive signals are sent to the touch input controller 550 and the battery 570 in real time.
[0115] The insulating member 520 is formed to cover the outer surface of the cylindrical metal electrode 502 that forms the shape of the first signal transceiver 510 in a circular or polygonal cylindrical shape. The insulating member 520 includes, or is composed of, an insulating material such as rubber or an inorganic material.
[0116] The second transceiver 530 is a coil-type metal conductor and is formed to cover the outer surface of the insulating member 520 in a coil-like manner. The second transceiver 530 may include a touch data signal output channel unit 552 electrically connected to the touch input controller 550 (see [link to original text]). Figure 9 One end of the transceiver 530 can be connected in parallel to the rod-shaped center electrode 501. Accordingly, the coil-type second transceiver 530 transmits the touch data signal received from the touch input controller 550 as a wireless signal in a preset frequency band during the touch data signal transmission period.
[0117] Pressure sensor 540 senses the pressure applied to first transceiver 510, generates a pressure sensing signal corresponding to the magnitude of the pressure, and sends the pressure sensing signal to touch input controller 550. Pressure sensor 540 may be formed as an organic material layer 543 in which its resistance changes with volume (which changes according to the applied pressure) (see...). Figure 9 The first piezoelectric electrode 541 is arranged in parallel and facing each other (see...) Figure 9 ) and the second piezoelectric electrode 542 (see Figure 9 A piezoelectric element type is used between the first transceiver 510 and the touch input controller 550. A pressure sensor 540 is disposed in the region between the opposite end of the first transceiver 510 and the touch input controller 550, and generates an analog pressure sensing signal whose voltage amplitude changes according to the pressure applied to the first transceiver 510 by the pen tip. The analog pressure sensing signal is then supplied to the touch input controller 550.
[0118] The touch input controller 550 generates digital pressure data by sampling and digitally modulating the analog pressure sensing signal received from the pressure sensor 540.
[0119] Furthermore, the touch input controller 550 alternately and repeatedly sets the touch drive signal receiving period and the touch data signal transmitting period. Here, the touch drive signal receiving period is the period for receiving touch drive signals through the cylindrical metal electrode 502 of the first transceiver 510. The touch data signal transmitting period is the period for transmitting touch data signals through the rod-shaped center electrode 501 of the first transceiver 510 and the coil-type second transceiver 530.
[0120] The touch input controller 550 is electrically connected to the cylindrical metal electrode 502 and performs a switching operation during the touch drive signal receiving period to receive the touch drive signal through the cylindrical metal electrode 502. At this time, the touch input controller 550 can perform a switching operation to allow the touch drive signal received through the cylindrical metal electrode 502 to be supplied to the battery 570.
[0121] The battery 570 performs touch drive signal charging / discharging operations according to the switching control operation of the touch input controller 550.
[0122] During the touch data signal transmission period, the touch input controller 550 generates a touch data signal in a preset frequency band, including a digital pressure code and a pressure value. Then, the touch input controller 550 is electrically connected to the rod-shaped center electrode 501 and the coil-type second transceiver 530, and performs a switching operation to simultaneously supply the touch data signal to both the rod-shaped center electrode 501 and the coil-type second transceiver 530. Accordingly, the rod-shaped center electrode 501 and the coil-type second transceiver 530 can transmit the touch data signal as a wireless signal in the preset frequency band.
[0123] Figure 9 It is shown in detail Figure 7 A block diagram showing the detailed component configuration of the touch input device 500. Specifically, Figure 9 Shown in box form Figure 7Detailed components of the 550 touch input controller.
[0124] refer to Figure 9 The touch input controller 550 includes a touch drive signal input channel unit 551, a touch data signal output channel unit 552, a switching unit 553, a switching controller 554, and a microcontroller unit 555.
[0125] The touch drive signal input channel unit 551 is electrically connected to the cylindrical metal electrode 502 of the first signal transceiver 510, and is electrically connected to the microcontroller unit 555 via the switching unit 553 during the touch drive signal receiving period according to the switching control operation of the switching controller 554. When electrically connected to the microcontroller unit 555 via the switching unit 553, the touch drive signal input channel unit 551 receives the touch drive signal from the cylindrical metal electrode 502 and sends the touch drive signal to the battery 570 and the microcontroller unit 555.
[0126] Touch data signal output channel unit 552 is connected in parallel to the rod-shaped center electrode 501 of the first transceiver 510 and the second transceiver 530. During the touch data signal transmission period, touch data signal output channel unit 552 is electrically connected to the microcontroller unit 555 via switching unit 553 according to the switching control operation of switching controller 554. During the touch data signal transmission period, touch data signal output channel unit 552 transmits touch data signals supplied from microcontroller unit 555 to the rod-shaped center electrode 501 of the first transceiver 510 and the second transceiver 530.
[0127] In response to the switching control operation of the switching controller 554, the switching unit 553 selectively connects the microcontroller unit 555 to the touch drive signal input channel unit 551 or the touch data signal output channel unit 552.
[0128] In other words, during the touch drive signal receiving period, the switching unit 553 electrically connects the touch drive signal input channel unit 551 to the microcontroller 555 and the battery 570 according to the switching control operation of the switching controller 554.
[0129] During the touch data signal transmission period, the switching unit 553 electrically connects the microcontroller 555 to the touch data signal output channel unit 552 according to the switching control operation of the switching controller 554.
[0130] The switching controller 554 controls the switching operation of the switching unit 553 to electrically connect the touch drive signal input channel unit 551 or the touch data signal output channel unit 552 to the microcontroller 555 during each touch drive signal receiving period or each touch data signal sending period set by the microcontroller 555.
[0131] The microcontroller unit 555 alternately and sequentially sets the time period for receiving touch drive signals through the cylindrical metal electrode 502 of the first transceiver 510 and the time period for transmitting touch data signals through the rod-shaped center electrode 501 of the first transceiver 510 and the coil-type second transceiver 530. Then, the microcontroller unit 555 can control the switching operation of the switching unit 553 by supplying the touch drive signal reception time period setting information and the touch data signal transmission time period setting information to the switching controller 554.
[0132] Additionally, the microcontroller unit 555 receives an analog pressure sensing signal from the pressure sensor 540 and generates digital pressure data by sampling and digitally modulating the pressure sensing signal. Then, during the touch data signal transmission period, the microcontroller unit 555 generates a touch data signal that includes a digital pressure code and a pressure value, and sends the touch data signal to the touch data signal output channel unit 552 via the switching unit 553.
[0133] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 The configuration block diagram of the embodiment sequentially illustrates touch drive signal reception operations during the uplink period and touch data signal transmission operations during the downlink period. In the embodiment, for example, the touch input controller 550 can sequentially and repeatedly control the touch drive signal reception operations of the first transceiver 510 and the touch data signal transmission operations of the first transceiver 510 and the second transceiver 530.
[0134] refer to Figure 10 During the touch drive signal reception period, the switching unit 553 electrically connects the touch drive signal input channel unit 551 to the microcontroller 555 and the battery 570 according to the switching control operation of the switching controller 554. Accordingly, the touch drive signal input channel unit 551, electrically connected to the microcontroller 555 and the battery 570, is also electrically connected to the cylindrical metal electrode 502 of the first transceiver 510. Accordingly, during the touch drive signal reception period, the cylindrical metal electrode 502 receives touch drive signals (refer to the direction of arrow UP) of a predetermined frequency band sent to at least one nearest drive electrode (e.g., the nth drive electrode TEn and the (n-1)th drive electrode TEn-1). Then, the cylindrical metal electrode 502 sends the received touch drive signals of the predetermined frequency band to the touch drive signal input channel unit 551. Accordingly, the touch drive signals input from the cylindrical metal electrode 502 can be supplied to the microcontroller 555 and the battery 570 via the switching unit 553.
[0135] During the touch data signal transmission period, the switching unit 553 electrically connects the microcontroller 555 to the touch data signal output channel unit 552 according to the switching control operation of the switching controller 554. Accordingly, the microcontroller 555 generates a touch data signal and transmits the touch data signal to the touch data signal output channel unit 552 through the switching unit 553. The rod-shaped center electrode 501 and the coil-type second transceiver 530 transmit the touch data signal received through the touch data signal output channel unit 552 as a wireless signal in a preset frequency band.
[0136] At this time, an electromagnetic field can be formed between the rod-shaped central electrode 501, which is made of magnetic material, and the coil-type second signal transceiver 530. Wireless signals in a preset frequency band can be concentrated on the magnetically-driven rod-shaped central electrode 501 and transmitted to the maximum extent possible through the pen tip of the rod-shaped central electrode 501 (refer to the direction of arrow DW). Therefore, touch data signals can be transmitted through the pen tip of the rod-shaped central electrode 501 and output to the nearest sensing electrode (e.g., the nth sensing electrode REn and the (n-1)th sensing electrode REn-1). Accordingly, touch data signals can be concentrated on the rod-shaped central electrode 501 without being dispersed to surrounding structures or body parts, and can be effectively transmitted to the sensing electrodes through the pen tip of the rod-shaped central electrode 501.
[0137] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A detailed configuration diagram of an embodiment of the touch input device 500 shown.
[0138] refer to Figure 11 The touch input device 500 further includes a third transceiver 535, which is formed to cover a portion of the outermost circumferential surface of the second transceiver 530, which is formed and configured as a coil, in a cylindrical or annular shape. Here, the third transceiver 535 may be formed in a cylindrical or annular shape and may include at least one metallic or alloy material such as copper, silver, aluminum, or iron, or may be composed of at least one metallic or alloy material such as copper, silver, aluminum, or iron.
[0139] The third transceiver 535 can be electrically connected to a microcontroller 555, etc. The third transceiver 535 receives the touch drive signal of the predetermined frequency band when a touch drive signal of the predetermined frequency band is sent to at least one nearest drive electrode (e.g., the nth drive electrode TEn and the (n-1)th drive electrode TEn-1).
[0140] Figure 12 It is shown in detail Figure 11 A block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the components of the touch input device 500.
[0141] refer to Figure 12The touch input controller 550 may further include a signal modulator 536 that samples a touch drive signal of a predetermined frequency band received by the third transceiver 535, generates first touch drive signal data by digitally modulating the touch drive signal, and supplies the first touch drive signal data to the microcontroller 555. For this purpose, the signal modulator 536 may include an analog-to-digital converter circuit and at least one receiving channel, and may be electrically connected between the third transceiver 535 and the microcontroller 555.
[0142] During the touch drive signal reception period, the microcontroller 555 receives touch drive signals through the cylindrical metal electrode 502 of the first transceiver 510, the touch drive signal input channel unit 551, and the switching unit 553. Then, the microcontroller 555 generates second touch drive signal data by digitally modulating the touch drive signal received via the switching unit 553.
[0143] The microcontroller unit 555 compares the amplitude values of the drive signals of the first touch drive signal data and the amplitude values of the drive signals of the second touch drive signal data, and detects the difference between them. Then, the microcontroller unit 555 generates tilt data that is inversely proportional to the detected difference. At this time, the microcontroller unit 555 determines that when the detected difference is small, the touch input device 500 tilts more, and thus generates tilt data including a larger tilt value. The microcontroller unit 555 determines that when the detected difference is large, the touch input device 500 is closer to being perpendicular to the display panel 100, and thus generates tilt data including a smaller tilt value.
[0144] The microcontroller unit 555 receives an analog pressure sensing signal from the pressure sensor 540 and generates digital pressure data. Accordingly, during the touch data signal transmission period, the microcontroller unit 555 can generate a touch data signal that includes tilt data containing tilt difference and pressure data, as well as a digital pressure code and pressure value. Then, during the touch data signal transmission period, the generated touch data signal is sent to the touch data signal output channel unit 552 via the switching unit 553.
[0145] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 The configuration block diagram of the embodiment sequentially illustrates touch drive signal reception operations during the uplink period and touch data signal transmission operations during the downlink period. In the embodiment, for example, the touch input controller 500 can sequentially and repeatedly control the touch drive signal reception operations of the first transceiver 510 and the third transceiver 535, as well as the touch data signal transmission operations of the first transceiver 510 and the second transceiver 530.
[0146] refer to Figure 13During the touch drive signal receiving period, the switching unit 553 electrically connects the touch drive signal input channel unit 551 to the microcontroller unit 555 and the battery 570 according to the switching control operation of the switching controller 554.
[0147] Accordingly, the touch drive signal input channel unit 551 is electrically connected to the microcontroller unit 555 and the battery 570, and is also electrically connected to the cylindrical metal electrode 502 of the first signal transceiver 510.
[0148] During the touch drive signal reception period, the cylindrical metal electrode 502 receives touch drive signals (refer to the direction of arrow UP1) sent to at least one nearest drive electrode (e.g., the nth drive electrode TEn and the (n-1)th drive electrode TEn-1) within a predetermined frequency band. The cylindrical metal electrode 502 then sends the received touch drive signals within the predetermined frequency band to the touch drive signal input channel unit 551. Accordingly, the touch drive signals input from the cylindrical metal electrode 502 can be supplied to the microcontroller unit 555 and the battery 570 via the switching unit 553.
[0149] During the touch drive signal reception period, the third transceiver 535 receives touch drive signals (refer to the direction of arrow UP2) transmitted to a predetermined frequency band of at least one nearest drive electrode and transmits the touch drive signals to the signal modulator 536. Accordingly, the signal modulator 536 generates first touch drive signal data by digitally modulating the touch drive signals received via the third transceiver 535 in the predetermined frequency band and supplies the first touch drive signal data to the microcontroller unit 555.
[0150] The microcontroller unit 555 generates second touch drive signal data by digitally modulating the touch drive signal received via the switching unit 553 during the touch drive signal reception period. Then, the microcontroller unit 555 compares the drive signal amplitude values of the first touch drive signal data and the second touch drive signal data, and detects the difference between them. Then, the microcontroller unit 555 generates tilt data that is inversely proportional to the detected difference.
[0151] In addition, the microcontroller unit 555 receives analog pressure sensing signals from the pressure sensor 540 and generates digital pressure data.
[0152] During the touch data signal transmission period, the microcontroller unit 555 generates a touch data signal including tilt data containing tilt difference and pressure data, and a digital pressure code and pressure value. Then, during the touch data signal transmission period, the generated touch data signal is sent to the touch data signal output channel unit 552 via the switching unit 553.
[0153] Accordingly, the rod-shaped center electrode 501 and the coil-type second signal transceiver 530 transmit the touch data signal received through the touch data signal output channel unit 552 as a wireless signal in a preset frequency band.
[0154] At this time, an electromagnetic field can be formed between the rod-shaped central electrode 501, which is made of magnetic material, and the coil-type second signal transceiver 530. Wireless signals in a preset frequency band can be concentrated on the magnetically-driven rod-shaped central electrode 501 and transmitted to the maximum extent possible through the pen tip of the rod-shaped central electrode 501 (refer to the direction of arrow DW). Therefore, touch data signals can be transmitted through the pen tip of the rod-shaped central electrode 501 and output to the nearest sensing electrode (e.g., the nth sensing electrode REn and the (n-1)th sensing electrode REn-1). Accordingly, touch data signals can be concentrated on the rod-shaped central electrode 501 without being dispersed to surrounding structures or body parts, and can be effectively transmitted to the sensing electrodes through the pen tip of the rod-shaped central electrode 501.
[0155] In concluding this detailed description, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of this disclosure. Therefore, the preferred embodiments of this disclosure are used in a general and descriptive sense only and are not intended to be limiting.
Claims
1. A touch input device comprising: a first signal transceiver including an end forming a pen tip and formed in a pen core type; an insulating member covering an outer surface of a main body of the first signal transceiver in a circular cylindrical shape or a polygonal cylindrical shape; a second signal transceiver covering the insulating member in a coil type; and a touch input controller setting a touch driving signal reception period of the first signal transceiver and a touch data signal transmission period of the first signal transceiver and the second signal transceiver, and sequentially and repeatedly controlling a touch driving signal reception operation of the first signal transceiver and a touch data signal transmission operation of the first signal transceiver and the second signal transceiver. 2.The touch input device of claim 1, further comprising: a pressure sensor generating a pressure sensing signal by sensing a pressure applied to the first signal transceiver; and a battery charging or discharging a touch driving signal received through the first signal transceiver. The first signal transceiver includes: a rod-shaped center electrode including an end forming the pen tip and an opposite end electrically connected to a touch data signal output channel unit of the touch input controller; and 3. The touch input device of claim 2, wherein, a cylindrical metal electrode formed in a cylindrical shape to cover the opposite end and an outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped center electrode except for the pen tip of the rod-shaped center electrode, wherein any one end of the cylindrical metal electrode is electrically connected to a touch driving signal input channel unit of the touch input controller. The rod-shaped center electrode includes a magnetic material including ferrite, the cylindrical metal electrode includes a metal material or an alloy material including at least one of copper, silver, aluminum, and iron, and the rod-shaped center electrode and the second signal transceiver simultaneously and wirelessly transmit a touch data signal in a preset frequency band received from the touch input controller. The touch input controller includes:
4. The touch input device of claim 3, wherein, a switching controller controlling a switching operation of a switching unit to select and electrically connect the touch driving signal input channel unit or the touch data signal output channel unit; and 5. The touch input device of claim 3, wherein, a micro control unit sequentially setting a period of receiving the touch driving signal through the cylindrical metal electrode and a period of transmitting a touch data signal through the rod-shaped center electrode and the second signal transceiver, and controlling an operation of receiving the touch driving signal and an operation of transmitting the touch data signal through the switching controller. The switching unit selects and electrically connects the touch driving signal input channel unit or the touch data signal output channel unit in the touch driving signal reception period or the touch data signal transmission period, the touch driving signal input channel unit is electrically connected to the cylindrical metal electrode to wirelessly receive the touch driving signal through a touch sensing unit of a display panel, and the touch data signal output channel unit is connected to the rod-shaped center electrode and the second signal transceiver in a parallel structure to supply the touch data signal to the rod-shaped center electrode and the second signal transceiver. 6. The touch input device of claim 5, wherein, 7. The touch input device of claim 5, wherein, The micro control unit alternately and repeatedly sets the touch driving signal reception period for wirelessly receiving the touch driving signal from a touch sensing unit of a display panel through the cylindrical metal electrode and the touch data signal transmission period for transmitting the touch data signal in a predetermined frequency band through the rod-shaped central electrode and the second signal transceiver, and controls the switching controller and the switching unit in the touch driving signal reception period and the touch data signal transmission period.
8. The touch input device of claim 5, wherein, The micro control unit generates digital pressure data by receiving the pressure sensing signal from the pressure sensor, generates the touch data signal including the digital pressure code and pressure value in a predetermined frequency band, and is electrically connected to the rod-shaped central electrode and the second signal transceiver and controls the switching operation to simultaneously transmit the touch data signal to the rod-shaped central electrode and the second signal transceiver during the touch data signal transmission period. 9.The touch input device of claim 1, further comprising: a third signal transceiver formed in a cylindrical or ring type to cover a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the second signal transceiver formed in a coil type, wherein the third signal transceiver includes a metal material or an alloy material including at least one of copper, silver, aluminum, and iron.
10. The touch input device of claim 9, wherein, The first signal transceiver includes: a rod-shaped central electrode including one end formed as the pen tip and an opposite end electrically connected to a touch data signal output channel unit of the touch input controller; and a cylindrical metal electrode formed in a cylindrical shape to cover the opposite end and an outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped central electrode except for the pen tip of the rod-shaped central electrode, wherein any one end of the cylindrical metal electrode is electrically connected to a touch driving signal input channel unit of the touch input controller.
11. The touch input device of claim 10, wherein, The touch input controller includes: a switching controller controlling a switching operation of a switching unit to select and electrically connect the touch driving signal input channel unit or the touch data signal output channel unit; a micro control unit sequentially setting a period for receiving a touch driving signal through the cylindrical metal electrode and the third signal transceiver and a period for transmitting a touch data signal through the rod-shaped central electrode and the second signal transceiver, and controlling an operation of receiving the touch driving signal and an operation of transmitting the touch data signal through the switching controller; and a signal modulator sampling the touch driving signal of a predetermined frequency band received through the third signal transceiver, generating first touch driving signal data by digitally modulating the touch driving signal, and supplying the first touch driving signal data to the micro control unit.
12. The touch input device of claim 11, wherein, The micro control unit receives the touch driving signal through the cylindrical metal electrode and the touch driving signal input channel unit during the touch driving signal reception period, generates second touch driving signal data by digitally modulating the touch driving signal, compares a driving signal amplitude value of the first touch driving signal data and a driving signal amplitude value of the second touch driving signal data, and generates tilt data in inverse proportion to a difference between the driving signal amplitude value of the first touch driving signal data and the driving signal amplitude value of the second touch driving signal data compared to each other.
13. The touch input device of claim 12, wherein, The micro control unit generates digital pressure data by receiving a pressure sensing signal from a pressure sensor, generates the touch data signal including the tilt data and the pressure data during the touch data signal transmission period, and transmits the touch data signal to the touch data signal output channel unit through the switching unit. 14.An image display apparatus comprising: a display module including a plurality of pixels arranged in a display area; a touch sensing unit disposed on a front surface of the display module to sense a touch of a user body part or a touch input device; a display driving circuit to drive the plurality of pixels in the display area; and a touch sensing circuit to generate touch coordinate data by detecting a touch position of the user body part or the touch input device, wherein the touch sensing circuit detects the touch position of the touch input device by supplying a touch driving signal to a touch electrode of the touch sensing unit during an up period and receiving a touch sensing signal from the touch electrode during a down period, and the touch input device wirelessly receives the touch driving signal through the touch electrode during a preset touch driving signal reception period and generates and transmits a touch data signal to the touch electrode during a preset touch data signal transmission period. 15.An electronic apparatus comprising: the image display apparatus according to claim 14.