Display device and electronic device including the same

Abstract

A display device and an electronic device including the display device are provided. The electronic device includes: a first display module that displays an image based on a first input image data in response to a display enable signal; a second display module that displays an image based on second input image data; and a controller that outputs the display enable signal. The first display module includes: a display panel that displays an image based on a data signal; a touch panel that performs touch sensing operations; a drive controller that outputs a data signal based on the first input image data in response to the display enable signal; and a touch driver configured to drive the touch panel in response to the touch enable signal. The controller outputs the display enable signal based on a connection signal between the controller and the second display module. The drive controller outputs a touch enable signal in response to the display enable signal.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0038472, filed on March 26, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device and an electronic device including the display device. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device in which display quality and touch quality are improved, and an electronic device including the display device. Background Technology

[0003] Typically, a display device includes a display panel and a display panel driver. The display panel includes multiple gate lines, multiple data lines, multiple emitter lines, and multiple pixels. The display panel driver includes a gate driver that provides gate signals to the gate lines, a data driver that provides data voltages to the data lines, an emitter driver that provides emitter signals to the emitter lines, and a drive controller that controls the gate driver, data driver, and emitter driver.

[0004] Typically, noise is generated when the display panel starts driving, and this noise adversely affects the reliability of touch sensing operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device in which display quality and touch quality are improved.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device in which display quality and touch quality are improved.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include: a first display module configured to display an image based on a first input image data in response to a display enable signal; a second display module configured to display an image based on second input image data; and a controller configured to output the display enable signal, the first input image data, and the second input image data. The first display module may include: a display panel having pixels for displaying an image based on data signals; a touch panel having a touch sensor for performing touch sensing operations; a drive controller configured to output a data signal based on the first input image data in response to the display enable signal; and a touch driver configured to drive the touch panel in response to the touch enable signal. The controller may output the display enable signal based on a connection signal between the controller and the second display module. The drive controller may output a touch enable signal in response to the display enable signal.

[0008] In this embodiment, the connection signal can have a valid level in response to the connected second display module and controller. The drive controller can be turned off in response to the connection signal having a valid level. After the drive controller is turned off, the touch driver can be turned off.

[0009] In this embodiment, the connection signal can have an active level, and the controller can output a display enable signal with an inactive level in response to the connected second display module and the controller. The drive controller can output a touch enable signal with an inactive level in response to the display enable signal with an inactive level. The drive controller can be turned off in response to the display enable signal with an inactive level. The touch driver can be turned off in response to the touch enable signal with an inactive level.

[0010] In this embodiment, the connection signal may have an invalid level in response to the disconnection of the second display module and the controller. The drive controller may be turned on in response to the connection signal having an invalid level. After the drive controller is turned on, the touch driver can be turned on.

[0011] In this embodiment, the connection signal may have an invalid level, and the controller may output a display enable signal with an valid level in response to the disconnection of the second display module and the controller. The drive controller may output a touch enable signal with an valid level in response to the display enable signal with an valid level. The drive controller may be turned on in response to the display enable signal with an valid level. The touch driver may be turned on in response to the touch enable signal with an valid level.

[0012] In an embodiment, the period during which the first display module is driven may include a first period, a second period, and a third period. During the first period, the touch enable signal may have an invalid level, and the display enable signal may have an invalid level. During the second period, the touch enable signal may have an invalid level, and the display enable signal may have an active level. During the third period, both the touch enable signal and the display enable signal may have an active level.

[0013] In one embodiment, during the second time period, the drive controller can be turned on, while the touch driver can remain off.

[0014] In one embodiment, during the third time period, the drive controller may remain on, and the touch driver may be activated.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first display module may further include a connection block connecting the drive controller and the touch driver. The connection block may output a converted touch enable signal to the touch driver, wherein the converted touch enable signal is a delayed version of the touch enable signal.

[0016] In an embodiment, the effective voltage level of the switch touch enable signal may be different from the effective voltage level of the touch enable signal.

[0017] In an embodiment, the effective voltage level of the switch touch enable signal can be higher than the effective voltage level of the touch enable signal.

[0018] In an embodiment, the connection block may include: a first resistor, including a first terminal receiving a touch enable signal and a second terminal connected to a first node; a first switching element, including a control electrode connected to the first node, a first electrode connected to a second node, and a second electrode receiving a ground voltage; a second resistor, including a first terminal receiving a first voltage and a second terminal connected to the second node; a third resistor, including a first terminal connected to the second node and a second terminal connected to the third node; a second switching element, including a control electrode connected to the third node, a first electrode connected to a fourth node, and a second electrode receiving a ground voltage; and a fourth resistor, including a first terminal receiving a second voltage different from the first voltage and a second terminal connected to the fourth node. The fourth node may output a switching touch enable signal.

[0019] In an embodiment, the connection block may include: a first switching element, including a control electrode that receives a first voltage, a first electrode that receives a touch enable signal, and a second electrode that outputs a converted touch enable signal; a first resistor, including a first terminal that receives the first voltage and a second terminal connected to the first electrode of the first switching element; and a second resistor, including a first terminal that receives a second voltage different from the first voltage and a second terminal connected to the second electrode of the first switching element.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include: a first display module configured to display an image based on a first input image data in response to a display enable signal; and a controller configured to output the display enable signal and the first input image data. The controller may control the first display module in response to a connection signal. The first display module may cease operation in response to a connection signal having an active level. The first display module may begin touch sensing operation after the display panel driving has started, in response to the connection signal changing from an active level to an inactive level.

[0021] In this embodiment, the period during which the first display module is driven may include a first period, a second period, and a third period. During the first period, operation of the first display module may be stopped. During the second period, display panel driving may be performed, and touch sensing operations may remain stopped. During the third period, display panel driving may be performed, and touch sensing operations may be performed.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first display module may include: a drive controller configured to control the display panel drive in response to a display enable signal; and a touch driver configured to perform a touch sensing operation in response to a touch enable signal. The drive controller may output a touch enable signal in response to the display enable signal.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first display module may further include a connection block connecting the drive controller and the touch driver. The connection block may output a converted touch enable signal that delays the touch enable signal arriving at the touch driver.

[0024] In an embodiment, the effective voltage level of the switch touch enable signal may be different from the effective voltage level of the touch enable signal.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the display device may include: a display panel configured to display an image based on a data signal; a touch panel configured to perform a touch sensing operation; a drive controller configured to output a data signal based on first input image data in response to a display enable signal; and a touch driver configured to drive the touch panel in response to a touch enable signal. The drive controller may receive the display enable signal based on a connection signal indicating a connection to the display module. The drive controller may output a touch enable signal in response to the display enable signal.

[0026] In one embodiment, the display device may include a connection block connecting the drive controller and the touch driver. The connection block may output a converted touch enable signal that delays the touch enable signal arriving at the touch driver.

[0027] As described above, based on the connection state between the external display module and the controller, the drive controller included in the electronic device can output a touch enable signal to the touch driver. Since the drive controller can output a touch enable signal to the touch driver, the reliability of touch sensing operation and display panel driving can be improved compared to the case where the controller outputs a touch enable signal. For example, when the external display module is disconnected from the controller, the touch sensing operation can be performed after the display panel driving has started. When the display panel driving starts after the touch sensing operation has started, the reliability of the touch sensing operation may degrade based on the start of the display panel driving. Since the touch sensing operation can be performed after the display panel driving has started, the reliability of the touch sensing operation can be improved. Therefore, the display quality and touch quality of the electronic device can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The illustrative, non-limiting embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a first display module in an electronic device.

[0031] Figure 3 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a first display module in an electronic device.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the display panel according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the display panel according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a second display module, controller, drive controller, and touch driver in an electronic device.

[0035] Figure 7 It is shown that Figure 2 A timing diagram of an example of the period during which the first display module is driven.

[0036] Figure 8 It shows the electronic device in Figure 7 A flowchart of the operations in the first time period.

[0037] Figure 9 It shows the electronic device in Figure 7 A flowchart of the operations in the second time period.

[0038] Figure 10 It shows the electronic device in Figure 7 A flowchart of the operations in the third time period.

[0039] Figure 11 It shows the electronic device in Figure 7 A flowchart of the operations in the fourth time period.

[0040] Figure 12 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an example of a drive controller, connection block, and touch driver in an electronic device.

[0041] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 The circuit diagram shows an example of a connection block.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a circuit diagram showing an example of a connection block.

[0043] Figure 15 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a second display module, drive controller, and touch driver in an electronic device.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0045] Figures 17 to 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The concept of the invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 1 according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 The electronic device 1 may include a controller 10, a first display module 20, and a second display module 30.

[0049] The controller 10 can output the first input image data IMG1, the first input control signal ICONT1, and the display enable signal DEN to the first display module 20. The controller 10 can also output the second input image data IMG2 and the second input control signal ICONT2 to the second display module 30. The controller 10 can receive a connection signal CS from the second display module 30. The connection signal CS indicates the connection between the second display module 30 and the controller 10.

[0050] When the controller 10 and the second display module 30 are connected, the connection signal CS can have a valid level. When the connection signal CS has a valid level, the controller 10 can output a display enable signal DEN with an invalid level to the first display module 20. When the display enable signal DEN has an invalid level, the first display module 20 can be turned off.

[0051] When the connection between the controller 10 and the second display module 30 is interrupted, the connection signal CS may have an invalid level. For example, when the controller 10 and the second display module 30 are not connected, the connection signal CS may have an invalid level. When the connection signal CS has an invalid level, the controller 10 can output a display enable signal DEN with an active level to the first display module 20. When the display enable signal DEN has an active level, the first display module 20 can be turned on.

[0052] The first display module 20 can receive a first input control signal ICONT1, first input image data IMG1, and a display enable signal DEN. The first display module 20 can display an image corresponding to the first input image data IMG1 based on the first input control signal ICONT1, the first input image data IMG1, and the display enable signal DEN. The first display module 20 can be referred to as a display device.

[0053] The second display module 30 can receive the second input control signal ICONT2 and the second input image data IMG2. The second display module 30 can display an image corresponding to the second input image data IMG2 based on the second input control signal ICONT2 and the second input image data IMG2. For example, the second display module 30 can be an external display module. For example, the second display module 30 can be a display module additionally connected to the electronic device 1.

[0054] Figure 2 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of the first display module 20 in the electronic device 1. Figure 3 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of the first display module 20 in the electronic device 1. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the display panel 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the display panel 100 according to an embodiment.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The first display module 20 may include a display panel 100 and a display panel driver. In this embodiment, the first display module 20 may further include a touch panel 800 disposed on the display panel 100 and a touch driver 700 driving the touch panel 800.

[0056] The display panel driver may include a drive controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, and a transmit driver 600. The operation of the display panel 100 driven by the display panel driver can be referred to as display panel driving. In this embodiment, the display panel driver may further include a touch driver 700.

[0057] The display panel 100 may include a display area on which an image is displayed and a peripheral area adjacent to the display area.

[0058] The display panel 100 may include multiple gate lines GL, multiple emitter lines EL, multiple data lines DL, and multiple pixels PX electrically connected to the gate lines GL, emitter lines EL, and data lines DL. The gate lines GL may extend in a first direction D1, the emitter lines EL may extend in the first direction D1, and the data lines DL may extend in a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1.

[0059] The drive controller 200 can receive input image data IMG and input control signal CONT from an external device. In an embodiment, for example, the input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. The input image data IMG may also include white image data. The input image data IMG may also include magenta image data, cyan image data, and yellow image data. The input control signal CONT may include a master clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT may also include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0060] The drive controller 200 can control the display panel drive in response to the display enable signal DEN.

[0061] The drive controller 200 can generate a first control signal CONT1, a second control signal CONT2, a third control signal CONT3, a fourth control signal CONT4, and a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and the input control signal CONT.

[0062] The drive controller 200 can generate a first control signal CONT1 for controlling the operation of the gate driver 300 based on the input control signal CONT, and output the first control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 300. The first control signal CONT1 may include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

[0063] The drive controller 200 can generate a second control signal CONT2 for controlling the operation of the data driver 500 based on the input control signal CONT, and output the second control signal CONT2 to the data driver 500. The second control signal CONT2 may include a horizontal start signal and a load signal.

[0064] The drive controller 200 can generate a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG. The drive controller 200 can output the data signal DATA to the data driver 500.

[0065] The drive controller 200 can generate a third control signal CONT3 based on the input control signal CONT for controlling the operation of the gamma reference voltage generator 400, and output the third control signal CONT3 to the gamma reference voltage generator 400.

[0066] The drive controller 200 can generate a fourth control signal CONT4 for controlling the operation of the transmitter driver 600 based on the input control signal CONT, and output the fourth control signal CONT4 to the transmitter driver 600.

[0067] The gate driver 300 can generate a gate signal for driving pixel PX in response to a first control signal CONT1 received from the drive controller 200. The gate driver 300 can output the gate signal to the gate line GL.

[0068] In one embodiment, the gate driver 300 may be disposed in the peripheral region. Alternatively, the gate driver 300 may be integrated into the peripheral region.

[0069] The gamma reference voltage generator 400 can generate a gamma reference voltage VGREF in response to a third control signal CONT3 received from the drive controller 200. The gamma reference voltage generator 400 can provide the gamma reference voltage VGREF to the data driver 500. The gamma reference voltage VGREF can have a value corresponding to the level of the data signal DATA.

[0070] In an embodiment, the gamma reference voltage generator 400 may be located in the drive controller 200 or in the data driver 500.

[0071] The data driver 500 can receive a second control signal CONT2 and a data signal DATA from the drive controller 200, and a gamma reference voltage VGREF from the gamma reference voltage generator 400. The data driver 500 can use the gamma reference voltage VGREF to convert the data signal DATA into a data voltage VDATA of analog type. The data driver 500 can output the data voltage VDATA to the data line DL.

[0072] In one embodiment, the data drive 500 may be located in the peripheral area.

[0073] The transmitter driver 600 can generate a transmit signal in response to a fourth control signal CONT4 received from the drive controller 200. The transmitter driver 600 can output the transmit signal to the transmit line EL.

[0074] In one embodiment, the transmit driver 600 may be disposed in the peripheral region. Alternatively, the transmit driver 600 may be integrated into the peripheral region.

[0075] Although for the sake of explanation and description, Figure 2An embodiment is depicted in which a gate driver 300 is disposed on a first side of a display panel 100 and an emitter driver 600 is disposed on a second side of the display panel 100, but the invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the gate driver 300 and the emitter driver 600 may be disposed on the first side of the display panel 100. In an embodiment, for example, the gate driver 300 and the emitter driver 600 may be disposed on the same side of the display area of ​​the display panel 100 in the peripheral region of the display panel 100. In an embodiment, for example, the gate driver 300 and the emitter driver 600 may be integrally formed into a single chip.

[0076] The touch panel 800 may include a touch sensor TS.

[0077] exist Figure 3 In this configuration, the touch panel 800 can be disposed outside the display panel 100. Alternatively, the touch panel 800 and the display panel 100 can be integrally formed.

[0078] Reference Figure 4 The display panel 100 may include a substrate 110, a display layer 120 disposed on the substrate 110, an encapsulation layer 130 disposed on the display layer 120, and a touch layer 140 disposed on the encapsulation layer 130. The display layer 120 may include light-emitting elements. The touch layer 140 may include a touch sensor TS.

[0079] Reference Figure 5 The display panel 100 may include a substrate 110, a display layer 120 disposed on the substrate 110, a touch layer 140 disposed on the display layer 120, and an encapsulation layer 130 disposed on the touch layer 140. The display layer 120 may include light-emitting elements. The touch layer 140 may include a touch sensor TS.

[0080] Touch driver 700 can apply a touch signal to touch sensor TS. Touch driver 700 can sense the touch sensing voltage of touch sensor TS. For example, touch sensing voltage can be referred to as touch sensing signal. In this embodiment, touch driver 700 can receive touch sensing signal from touch sensor TS. Touch driver 700 can drive touch sensor TS. For example, touch driver 700 can perform touch sensing operation on touch sensor TS. For example, touch driver 700 can perform touch driving operation on touch sensor TS. In this embodiment, drive controller 200 can output touch enable signal TEN to touch driver 700. Touch driver 700 can perform touch sensing operation in response to touch enable signal TEN. Touch driver 700 can be turned on in response to touch enable signal TEN. Touch driver 700 can output signal to drive controller 200. In this embodiment, drive controller 200 can control the driving of display panel 100 and the operation of touch driver 700.

[0081] In this embodiment, the touch sensing operation may include a touch signal application operation and a touch sensing signal reception operation. In this embodiment, the touch sensing operation may further include a touch sensing signal calculation operation. The touch signal application operation may refer to the operation of applying a touch signal to the touch sensor TS. The touch sensing signal reception operation may refer to the operation of receiving a touch sensing signal from the touch sensor TS. In this embodiment, the touch sensing signal calculation operation may refer to the operation of calculating the touch sensing signal.

[0082] Figure 6 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a second display module 30, a controller 10, a drive controller 200, and a touch driver 700 in an electronic device 1.

[0083] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The second display module 30 can output a connection signal CS based on its connection with the controller 10.

[0084] For example, when the second display module 30 is connected to the controller 10, the second display module 30 can output a connection signal CS with an active level. The controller 10 can output a display enable signal DEN with an inactive level to the drive controller 200 in response to the connection signal CS with an active level. The drive controller 200 can output a touch enable signal TEN with an inactive level in response to the display enable signal DEN with an inactive level. The drive controller 200 can stop display panel driving in response to the display enable signal DEN with an inactive level. For example, after the drive controller 200 outputs the touch enable signal TEN with an inactive level, the drive controller 200 can stop display panel driving. For example, after the drive controller 200 outputs the touch enable signal TEN with an inactive level, the drive controller 200 can be turned off. The touch driver 700 can stop touch sensing operation in response to the touch enable signal TEN with an inactive level. For example, the touch driver 700 can be turned off in response to the touch enable signal TEN with an inactive level. In other words, the touch driver 700 can be turned off after the drive controller 200 is turned off.

[0085] For example, when the connection between the second display module 30 and the controller 10 is interrupted, the second display module 30 may output a connection signal CS with an invalid level. The controller 10 may output a display enable signal DEN with an valid level to the drive controller 200 in response to the connection signal CS with an invalid level. The drive controller 200 may output a touch enable signal TEN with a valid level in response to the display enable signal DEN with a valid level. The drive controller 200 may execute display panel driving in response to the display enable signal DEN with a valid level. For example, the drive controller 200 may start display panel driving in response to the display enable signal DEN with a valid level. For example, after the drive controller 200 starts display panel driving, the drive controller 200 may output a touch enable signal TEN with a valid level. The touch driver 700 may perform touch sensing operation in response to the touch enable signal TEN with a valid level. For example, the touch driver 700 may start touch sensing operation in response to the touch enable signal TEN with a valid level.

[0086] In this embodiment, based on the connection between the second display module 30 and the controller 10, the drive controller 200 can output a touch enable signal TEN to the touch driver 700. Since the drive controller 200 can output the touch enable signal TEN to the touch driver 700, the reliability of touch sensing operation and display panel driving can be improved compared to the case where the controller 10 outputs the touch enable signal TEN. For example, when the connection between the second display module 30 and the controller 10 is interrupted, the touch sensing operation can be performed after the display panel driving starts. When the display panel driving starts after the touch sensing operation starts, the reliability of the touch sensing operation may decrease based on the start of the display panel driving. In this embodiment, since the touch sensing operation can be performed after the display panel driving starts, any decrease in the reliability of the touch sensing operation can be avoided. Therefore, the display quality and touch quality of the electronic device 1 can be improved.

[0087] Figure 7 It is shown that Figure 2 A timing diagram of an example of the period during which the first display module 20 is driven. Figure 8 This shows electronic device 1 in Figure 7 A flowchart of the operations in the first time period TP1. Figure 9 This shows electronic device 1 in Figure 7 A flowchart of the operations in the second time period TP2. Figure 10 This shows electronic device 1 in Figure 7 A flowchart of the operations in the third time period TP3. Figure 11 This shows electronic device 1 in Figure 7 A flowchart of the operations in the fourth time period TP4.

[0088] Reference Figures 1 to 11 The time periods during which the first display module 20 is driven may include the first time period TP1, the second time period TP2, the third time period TP3, and the fourth time period TP4.

[0089] During the first time period TP1, the touch enable signal TEN can have a valid level H, and the display enable signal DEN can have a valid level H. During the first time period TP1, the connection between the controller 10 and the second display module 30 can be interrupted. During the first time period TP1, the connection signal CS can have an invalid level.

[0090] During the first time period TP1, controller 10 can output a display enable signal DEN with a valid level H. During the first time period TP1, drive controller 200 can be turned on in response to the display enable signal DEN with a valid level H. During the first time period TP1, drive controller 200 can remain on in response to the display enable signal DEN with a valid level H. During the first time period TP1, drive controller 200 can output a touch enable signal TEN with a valid level H to touch driver 700. During the first time period TP1, touch driver 700 can be turned on in response to the touch enable signal TEN with a valid level H. During the first time period TP1, touch driver 700 can remain on in response to the touch enable signal TEN with a valid level H. In other words, after drive controller 200 is turned on, touch driver 700 can be turned on.

[0091] During the first time period TP1, the controller 10 can drive the first display module 20. During the first time period TP1, the first display module 20 can perform display panel driving and touch sensing operations.

[0092] During the second time period TP2, the touch enable signal TEN can have an invalid level L, and the display enable signal DEN can also have an invalid level L. During the second time period TP2, the controller 10 and the second display module 30 can be connected. During the second time period TP2, the second display module 30 can be turned on. During the second time period TP2, the connection signal CS can have an active level.

[0093] During the second time period TP2, controller 10 can output a display enable signal DEN with an invalid level L to the first display module 20. During the second time period TP2, drive controller 200 can be turned off in response to the display enable signal DEN with an invalid level L. During the second time period TP2, drive controller 200 can output a touch enable signal TEN with an invalid level L to touch driver 700. During the second time period TP2, touch driver 700 can be turned off in response to the touch enable signal TEN with an invalid level L.

[0094] During the second time period TP2, the controller 10 can drive the second display module 30. During the second time period TP2, the second display module 30 can display an image based on the second input image data IMG2. During the second time period TP2, the controller 10 can stop driving the first display module 20. During the second time period TP2, the first display module 20 can refrain from performing display panel driving and touch sensing operations.

[0095] During the third time period TP3, the touch enable signal TEN can have an invalid level L, and the display enable signal DEN can have an active level H. During the third time period TP3, the controller 10 and the second display module 30 can be disconnected, causing the connection signal CS to have an invalid level.

[0096] In the third time period TP3, controller 10 can output a display enable signal DEN with a valid level H. In the third time period TP3, drive controller 200 can be turned on in response to the display enable signal DEN with a valid level H. In the third time period TP3, drive controller 200 can output a touch enable signal TEN with an invalid level L to touch driver 700. In the third time period TP3, touch driver 700 can be turned off in response to the touch enable signal TEN with an invalid level L. In the third time period TP3, touch driver 700 can remain off in response to the touch enable signal TEN with an invalid level L.

[0097] During the third time period TP3, the controller 10 can drive the first display module 20. During the third time period TP3, the first display module 20 can perform display panel driving. During the third time period TP3, the touch enable signal TEN can have an invalid level L, so that the first display module 20 can not perform touch sensing operation.

[0098] During the fourth time period TP4, the touch enable signal TEN can have a valid level H, and the display enable signal DEN can also have a valid level H. During the fourth time period TP4, the controller 10 and the second display module 30 can be disconnected. During the fourth time period TP4, the connection signal CS can have an invalid level.

[0099] In the fourth time period TP4, controller 10 can output a display enable signal DEN with a valid level H. In the fourth time period TP4, drive controller 200 can remain on in response to the display enable signal DEN with a valid level H. In the fourth time period TP4, drive controller 200 can output a touch enable signal TEN with a valid level H to touch driver 700. In the fourth time period TP4, touch driver 700 can be turned on in response to the touch enable signal TEN with a valid level H.

[0100] In the fourth time period TP4, the controller 10 can drive the first display module 20. In the fourth time period TP4, the first display module 20 can perform display panel driving and touch sensing operations.

[0101] In this embodiment, based on the connection between the second display module 30 and the controller 10, the drive controller 200 can output a touch enable signal TEN to the touch driver 700. Since the drive controller 200 can output the touch enable signal TEN to the touch driver 700, the reliability of touch sensing operation and display panel driving can be improved compared to the case where the controller 10 outputs the touch enable signal TEN. For example, when the connection between the second display module 30 and the controller 10 is interrupted, the touch sensing operation can be performed after the display panel driving starts. When the display panel driving starts after the touch sensing operation starts, the reliability of the touch sensing operation may deteriorate based on the start of the display panel driving. In this embodiment, since the touch sensing operation can be performed after the display panel driving starts, the reliability of the touch sensing operation can be improved. Therefore, the display quality and touch quality of the electronic device 1 can be improved.

[0102] Figure 12 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a drive controller 200, a connection block 900, and a touch driver 700 in an electronic device 1.

[0103] Reference Figures 1 to 12 The first display module 20 may also include a connection block 900. The connection block 900 may be connected between the drive controller 200 and the touch driver 700.

[0104] The connection block 900 can receive a touch enable signal TEN from the drive controller 200. The connection block 900 can output a converted touch enable signal CTEN to the touch driver 700. The converted touch enable signal CTEN can be a delayed signal of the touch enable signal TEN. In an embodiment, the voltage level corresponding to the effective level H of the converted touch enable signal CTEN can be different from the voltage level corresponding to the effective level H of the touch enable signal TEN. That is, the effective voltage level of the converted touch enable signal CTEN can be different from the effective voltage level of the touch enable signal TEN. In an embodiment, the voltage level corresponding to the effective level H of the converted touch enable signal CTEN can be higher than the voltage level corresponding to the effective level H of the touch enable signal TEN. That is, the effective voltage level of the converted touch enable signal CTEN can be higher than the effective voltage level of the touch enable signal TEN. In an embodiment, the connection block 900 can be a buffer block. In an embodiment, the connection block 900 can be a level shifter. Therefore, when the drive voltage of the drive controller 200 and the drive voltage of the touch driver 700 are different, the touch driver 700 can operate stably.

[0105] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 The circuit diagram of an example of connection block 900 in the diagram.

[0106] Reference Figures 1 to 13 The connecting block 900 may include a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, a first switching element T1, and a second switching element T2.

[0107] The first resistor R1 may include a first terminal receiving a touch enable signal TEN and a second terminal connected to a first node N1. The second resistor R2 may include a first terminal receiving a first voltage V1 and a second terminal connected to a second node N2. The third resistor R3 may include a first terminal connected to a second node N2 and a second terminal connected to a third node N3. The fourth resistor R4 may include a first terminal receiving a second voltage V2 and a second terminal connected to a fourth node N4. The first voltage V1 may be different from the second voltage V2. For example, the second voltage V2 may be higher than the first voltage V1.

[0108] The first switching element T1 may include a control electrode connected to a first node N1, a first electrode connected to a second node N2, and a second electrode receiving a ground voltage. The second switching element T2 may include a control electrode connected to a third node N3, a first electrode connected to a fourth node N4, and a second electrode receiving a ground voltage. Both the first switching element T1 and the second switching element T2 may be transistors. However, the inventive concept is not limited to any particular type of transistor.

[0109] The touch enable signal CTEN can be output from the fourth node N4. For example, the fourth node N4 can output the touch enable signal CTEN.

[0110] When the touch enable signal TEN has a valid level H, the first switching element T1 can be turned on. Because the first switching element T1 is turned on, a ground voltage can be applied to the second node N2. Because the ground voltage can be applied to the second node N2, the second switching element T2 can be turned off. Because the second switching element T2 is turned off, a second voltage V2 can be applied to the fourth node N4. Therefore, the valid level H of the touch enable signal CTEN can have the second voltage V2.

[0111] When the touch enable signal TEN has an invalid level L, the first switching element T1 can be turned off. Since the first switching element T1 can be turned off, the first voltage V1 can be applied to the second node N2. Since the first voltage V1 can be applied to the second node N2, the second switching element T2 can be turned on. Since the second switching element T2 can be turned on, the touch enable signal CTEN can then have an invalid level L.

[0112] Figure 14 This is a circuit diagram showing an example of a connection block 900A.

[0113] Reference Figures 1 to 12 and Figure 14 The connecting block 900A may include a first resistor R1A, a second resistor R2A, and a first switching element T1A.

[0114] The first resistor R1A may include a first terminal receiving a first voltage V1 and a second terminal receiving a touch enable signal TEN. The second resistor R2A may include a first terminal receiving a second voltage V2 and a second terminal for outputting a switching touch enable signal CTEN. The first switching element T1A may include a control electrode receiving the first voltage V1, a first electrode receiving the touch enable signal TEN, and a second electrode for outputting the switching touch enable signal CTEN. The first electrode of the first switching element T1A may be connected to the second terminal of the first resistor R1A. The second electrode of the first switching element T1A may be connected to the second terminal of the second resistor R2A. The first switching element T1A may be a transistor. However, the inventive concept is not limited to any particular type of transistor.

[0115] When the touch enable signal TEN has a valid level H, the first switching element T1A can be turned off. Since the first switching element T1A can be turned off, the valid level H of the touch enable signal CTEN can have a second voltage V2.

[0116] When the touch enable signal TEN has an invalid level L, the first switching element T1A can be turned on. Therefore, the touch enable signal CTEN can have an invalid level L.

[0117] Figure 15 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a second display module 30, a drive controller 200, and a touch driver 700 in an electronic device 1.

[0118] In addition to the drive controller 200 receiving the display enable signal DEN from the second display module 30, Figure 15 The drive controller 200 is substantially the same as the drive controller 200 of the electronic device 1 in the previous embodiment, so the same reference numerals will be used and any repeated explanations of the above elements will be omitted.

[0119] In this embodiment, when the second display module 30 and the controller 10 are connected, the second display module 30 can output a display enable signal DEN with an invalid level to the drive controller 200. Conversely, when the connection between the second display module 30 and the controller 10 is interrupted, the second display module 30 can output a display enable signal DEN with an valid level to the drive controller 200.

[0120] In this embodiment, based on the connection between the second display module 30 and the controller 10, the drive controller 200 can output a touch enable signal TEN to the touch driver 700. Since the drive controller 200 can output the touch enable signal TEN to the touch driver 700, the reliability of touch sensing operation and display panel driving can be improved compared to the case where the controller 10 outputs the touch enable signal TEN. For example, when the connection between the second display module 30 and the controller 10 is interrupted, the touch sensing operation can be performed after the display panel driving has started. As mentioned above, if the display panel driving starts after the touch sensing operation has started, the reliability of the touch sensing operation may deteriorate based on the start of the display panel driving. In this embodiment, since the touch sensing operation can be performed after the display panel driving has started, any such impairment to the reliability of the touch sensing operation can be avoided. Therefore, the display quality and touch quality of the electronic device 1 can be improved.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive controller 200 can receive the display enable signal DEN from the second display module 30 instead of the controller 10. Therefore, the reliability of the display enable signal DEN can be improved.

[0122] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0123] Reference Figure 16 The electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment may include a display module 11, a processor 12, a memory 13, and a power module 14. The electronic device 1000 may correspond to... Figure 1 Electronic device 1.

[0124] Processor 12 may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a communication processor (CP), an image signal processor (ISP), and a controller. Processor 12 may output a first input control signal ICONT1 (see...). Figure 1 ) and the second input control signal ICONT2 (see Figure 1 Processor 12 can correspond to Figure 1 Controller 10.

[0125] The memory 13 can store the data information required for the operation of the processor 12 or the display module 11. When the processor 12 executes the application stored in the memory 13, image data signals and / or input control signals are sent to the display module 11, and the display module 11 can process the received signals and output image information through the display screen.

[0126] The power module 14 may include a power module (such as a power adapter or battery device) and a power conversion module, which converts the power supplied by the power module to generate the power required for the operation of the electronic device 1000.

[0127] The electronic device 1000 may also include an input module 15, a non-image output module 16, and a communication module 17.

[0128] Input module 15 can provide input information to processor 12 and / or display module 11. Input module 15 may include various sensor modules as well as physical buttons, keyboards, and microphones. Examples of sensor modules may include touch sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, position sensors, digitizers, motion recognition sensors, camera sensors, light receiving sensors, photoelectric conversion sensors, temperature sensors, and biosensors such as blood pressure sensors, blood glucose sensors, electrocardiogram sensors, and heart rate sensors.

[0129] The non-image output module 16 can receive information other than images from the processor 12 and provide that information to the user. Examples of the non-image output module 16 may include an audio module, a haptic module, a light-emitting module, etc., and may include other functional modules specific to the electronic device (e.g., a cooling module for a refrigerator, etc.).

[0130] The communication module 17 may be a module responsible for sending and receiving information between the electronic device 1000 and an external device, and may include a receiving unit and a sending unit. The communication module 17 may include various wireless communication modules (such as mobile communication modules, Wi-Fi modules, Bluetooth modules) or various wired communication modules.

[0131] At least one of the components of the electronic device 1000 described above may be included in the display device according to the above embodiment. Furthermore, some modules functionally included in the electronic device 1000 may be included in the display device, and other modules may be disposed separately from the display device. For example, the display device may include a display module 11, and the processor 12, memory 13, and power module 14 may be disposed within the electronic device 1000 as other devices besides the display device.

[0132] Figures 17 to 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0133] Reference Figure 17 Smartphone 10_1a, tablet PC 10_1b, laptop computer 10_1c, TV 10_1d, and desktop monitor 10_1e are examples of electronic devices.

[0134] In addition to display module 11 (see Figure 16In addition to the touch sensor, the smartphone 10_1a may also include an input module and a communication module. The smartphone 10_1a can process information received through the communication module or other input modules and display the information through the display module of the display device.

[0135] The tablet PC 10_1b, laptop computer 10_1c, TV 10_1d, and desktop monitor 10_1e may include a display module and input module similar to those of the smartphone 10_1a, and in some cases, may also include a communication module.

[0136] Reference Figure 18 Electronic devices, including display modules, can be applied to wearable electronic devices. Wearable electronic devices can include smart glasses 10_2a, head-mounted displays 10_2b, smartwatches 10_2c, etc.

[0137] The smart glasses 10_2a and the head-mounted display 10_2b may include a display module that emits a display image and a reflector that reflects the emitted display image and provides it to the user's eyes, thereby providing the user with virtual reality or augmented reality images.

[0138] The smartwatch 10_2c may include a biometric sensor as an input device, and the biometric information identified by the biometric sensor can be provided to the user through a display module.

[0139] Reference Figure 19 Electronic devices, including display modules, can be applied to vehicles. For example, electronic device 10_3 can be applied to a vehicle's dashboard, central instrument panel, etc., or it can be applied to a CID (Central Information Display) placed on the vehicle's dashboard or an interior mirror display that replaces the side mirrors.

[0140] Although not shown, the electronic devices to which the display device according to the embodiments is applied can include not only devices that primarily display images (such as billboards, electronic boards, and game consoles), but also various household appliances (such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, and robotic vacuum cleaners) that display information via the display module. Additionally, when the display module has the function of transmitting light, the display module can be applied to electronic devices such as smart windows or transparent display devices that simultaneously display a background and an image. The type of electronic device according to the embodiments is not limited to the examples, and can also be applied to various other electronic devices not shown.

[0141] The display device according to the embodiments can be applied to display devices included in computers, laptops, mobile phones, smartphones, smart tablets, PMPs, PDAs, MP3 players, etc.

[0142] The foregoing is illustrative of the inventive concept and should not be construed as limiting it. Although some embodiments of the inventive concept have been described, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the inventive concept. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims. In the claims, the manner plus function clause is intended to cover structures described herein as performing the functions described herein, covering not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it will be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the inventive concept and is not to be construed as limiting to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The inventive concept is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of the claims are included in the inventive concept.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: The first display module is configured to display an image based on a first input image in response to a display enable signal; The second display module is configured to display an image based on the second input image data; as well as The controller is configured to output a display enable signal, the first input image data, and the second input image data. The first display module includes: a display panel having pixels for displaying images based on data signals; a touch panel having a touch sensor for performing touch sensing operations; a drive controller configured to output the data signal based on the first input image data in response to a display enable signal; and a touch driver configured to drive the touch panel in response to a touch enable signal. The controller outputs a display enable signal based on the connection between itself and the second display module. The drive controller outputs a touch enable signal in response to the display enable signal.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, In response to the connected second display module and the controller, the connection signal has an active level. The drive controller is shut down in response to a connection signal with a valid level, and Specifically, the touch driver is turned off after the drive controller is turned off.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The connection signal has a valid level, and the controller outputs a display enable signal with an invalid level in response to the connected second display module and the controller. Specifically, the drive controller outputs a touch enable signal with an invalid level in response to a display enable signal with an invalid level. The drive controller is turned off in response to a display enable signal with an invalid level, and The touch driver is turned off in response to a touch enable signal with an invalid level.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, In response to the disconnection of the second display module and the controller, the connection signal has an invalid level. The drive controller is turned on in response to a connection signal with an invalid level, and The touch driver is activated after the drive controller is activated.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The connection signal has an invalid level, and the controller outputs a display enable signal with an valid level in response to the disconnection of the second display module and the controller. The drive controller outputs a touch enable signal with a valid level in response to a display enable signal with a valid level. The drive controller is activated in response to a display enable signal with a valid voltage level, and The touch driver is activated in response to a touch enable signal with a valid level.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The time periods during which the first display module is driven include a first time period, a second time period, and a third time period. During the first time period, both the touch enable signal and the display enable signal are at an invalid level. During the second time period, the touch enable signal has an invalid level, while the display enable signal has an active level. During the third time period, the touch enable signal has a valid level, and the display enable signal has a valid level.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, During the second time period, the drive controller is turned on, and the touch driver remains off.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein, During the third time period, the drive controller remains on, and the touch driver is activated.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first display module further includes a connection block that connects the drive controller and the touch driver, and The connection block converts the touch enable signal and outputs it to the touch driver. The converted touch enable signal is a delayed version of the touch enable signal.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The effective voltage level of the switch touch enable signal is different from the effective voltage level of the touch enable signal.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein, The effective voltage level of the switch touch enable signal is higher than the effective voltage level of the touch enable signal.

12. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein, The connecting block includes: The first resistor includes a first terminal for receiving a touch enable signal and a second terminal connected to a first node; The first switching element includes a control electrode connected to the first node, a first electrode connected to the second node, and a second electrode that receives a ground voltage. The second resistor includes a first terminal that receives a first voltage and a second terminal that is connected to the second node; The third resistor includes a first terminal connected to the second node and a second terminal connected to the third node; The second switching element includes a control electrode connected to the third node, a first electrode connected to the fourth node, and a second electrode receiving a ground voltage; and The fourth resistor includes a first terminal that receives a second voltage different from the first voltage and a second terminal connected to the fourth node, and The fourth node outputs a switch touch enable signal.

13. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein, The connecting block includes: The first switching element includes a control electrode that receives a first voltage, a first electrode that receives a touch enable signal, and a second electrode that outputs a converted touch enable signal. A first resistor includes a first terminal receiving the first voltage and a second terminal connected to the first electrode of the first switching element; and The second resistor includes a first terminal that receives a second voltage different from the first voltage and a second terminal that is connected to the second electrode of the first switching element.

14. A display device, the display device comprising: The display panel is configured to display images based on data signals; The touch panel is configured to perform touch sensing operations; The drive controller is configured to output the data signal based on the first input image data in response to a display enable signal; as well as A touch driver is configured to drive the touch panel in response to a touch enable signal. The drive controller receives the display enable signal based on the connection signal indicating the connection with the display module, and The drive controller outputs a touch enable signal in response to the display enable signal.

15. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising a connecting block connecting the drive controller and the touch driver. in, The connection block outputs a converted touch enable signal, which delays the touch enable signal arriving at the touch driver.

Images