Touch panel and electronic device including the same

Abstract

The utility model relates to a touch panel and an electronic device including the same. The touch panel includes: a substrate; a first touch electrode portion including a first-1 electrode and a first-2 electrode; a second touch electrode portion including a second-1 electrode and a second-2 electrode; first DEMUX modules each sharing a first-1 electrode and a first-2 electrode adjacent to the first touch electrode portion with one output; second DEMUX modules each sharing a second-1 electrode and a second-2 electrode adjacent to the second touch electrode portion with one output; and a touch sensor including first touch channels each connected with the first DEMUX module and second touch channels each connected with the second DEMUX module, and configured to provide a first channel signal to the first DEMUX module to control operation of the first DEMUX module, and to provide a second channel signal to the second DEMUX module to control operation of the second DEMUX module.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0117049, filed on August 29, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to touch panels, electronic devices including touch panels, and methods for operating electronic devices. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, electronic devices supporting touch input are increasing, in addition to or as a replacement for input devices such as keyboards and mice. For example, electronic devices incorporating touch panels have been on the rise in recent years. A touch panel has multiple touch electrodes, which can be arranged in a matrix on a substrate. These multiple touch electrodes can be connected to a touch sensor. The touch sensor can identify (or detect) touch input based on changes occurring in the multiple touch electrodes (e.g., changes in resistance, changes in pressure, changes in capacitance, etc.).

[0005] Touch panels typically support finger input using the user's fingers. High-end touch panels can support both finger input and pen input using a stylus (e.g., an electronic pen). Pen input allows users to input more precise information than finger input.

[0006] To support precise touch input, touch panels supporting pen input require small spacing between touch electrodes. In other words, touch panels supporting pen input require a relatively large number of touch electrodes, as well as touch sensors with numerous touch channels. This can lead to increased manufacturing costs for touch panels and / or electronic devices that include touch panels. Utility Model Content

[0007] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a touch panel that enables a user to accurately touch input, an electronic device including the touch panel, and a method for operating the electronic device are provided.

[0008] The problems addressed in this disclosure are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0009] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a touch panel may include: a substrate; a first touch electrode portion including a plurality of first-1 electrodes and a plurality of first-2 electrodes alternately arranged on the substrate in a first direction at specified intervals; a second touch electrode portion including a plurality of second-1 electrodes and a plurality of second-2 electrodes alternately arranged on the substrate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction at specified intervals; a plurality of first DEMUX modules, each sharing adjacent first-1 electrodes and first-2 electrodes of the first touch electrode portion with an output; a plurality of second DEMUX modules, each sharing adjacent second-1 electrodes and second-2 electrodes of the second touch electrode portion with an output; and a touch sensor including a plurality of first touch channels and a plurality of second touch channels, each of the plurality of first touch channels being connected to a plurality of first DEMUX modules, and each of the plurality of second touch channels being connected to a plurality of second DEMUX modules. The touch sensor is configured to provide a first channel signal to the plurality of first DEMUX modules to control the operation of the plurality of first DEMUX modules, and to provide a second channel signal to the plurality of second DEMUX modules to control the operation of the plurality of second DEMUX modules.

[0010] According to the implementation, the interval between adjacent first-1 electrodes and first-2 electrodes, and the interval between adjacent second-1 electrodes and second-2 electrodes, can be 1 / 2 of a specified interval.

[0011] According to the implementation method, the specified interval can be the distance required to recognize a finger touch.

[0012] According to the implementation, the touch sensor can identify a touch with a first precision in a first touch mode through a plurality of first-1 electrodes and a plurality of second-1 electrodes, and in a second touch mode, identify a touch with a second precision less than the first precision through a plurality of first-1 electrodes, a plurality of first-2 electrodes, a plurality of second-1 electrodes and a plurality of second-2 electrodes.

[0013] According to the implementation, in the second touch mode, the touch sensor can distinguish the inputs of adjacent first-1 electrodes and first-2 electrodes in a time-division manner, and also distinguish the inputs of adjacent second-1 electrodes and second-2 electrodes in a time-division manner.

[0014] According to the implementation method, the first touch mode can be a mode that recognizes finger touch, and the second touch mode is a mode that recognizes pen touch.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the first channel signal may include a first-1 channel signal for activating a plurality of first-1 electrodes and a first-2 channel signal for activating a plurality of first-2 electrodes. The plurality of first DEMUX modules may include a first switching element operated according to the first-1 channel signal and a second switching element operated according to the first-2 channel signal.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the second channel signal may include a second-1 channel signal for activating a plurality of second-1 electrodes and a second-2 channel signal for activating a plurality of second-2 electrodes, and the plurality of second DEMUX modules may include a first switching element operated according to the second-1 channel signal and a second switching element operated according to the second-2 channel signal.

[0017] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an electronic device may include: a display device including a touch panel; a pen detachably coupled to a housing of the electronic device; a sensor module configured to detect whether the pen is detached or attached; and a control module configured to control operation of the touch panel based on whether the pen is detached or attached. The touch panel includes: a substrate; a first touch electrode portion including a plurality of first-1 electrodes and a plurality of first-2 electrodes alternately arranged on the substrate at specified intervals in a first direction; a second touch electrode portion including a plurality of second-1 electrodes and a plurality of second-2 electrodes alternately arranged on the substrate at specified intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a plurality of first DEMUX modules, each sharing adjacent first-1 electrodes and first-2 electrodes of the first touch electrode portion with an output; a plurality of second DEMUX modules, each sharing adjacent second-1 electrodes and second-2 electrodes of the second touch electrode portion with an output; and a touch sensor including a plurality of first touch channels and a plurality of second touch channels, each of the plurality of first touch channels being connected to a plurality of first DEMUX modules, and each of the plurality of second touch channels being connected to a plurality of second DEMUX modules. The touch sensor is configured to provide a first channel signal to a plurality of first DEMUX modules to control the operation of the plurality of first DEMUX modules, and to provide a second channel signal to a plurality of second DEMUX modules to control the operation of the plurality of second DEMUX modules.

[0018] According to the implementation, the control module can be configured to: when the separation of the pen is not detected by the sensor module, control the touch sensor to use only a plurality of first-1 electrodes and a plurality of second-1 electrodes to identify a touch with a first precision; and when the separation of the pen is detected by the sensor module, control the touch sensor to use a plurality of first-1 electrodes, a plurality of first-2 electrodes, a plurality of second-1 electrodes and a plurality of second-2 electrodes to identify a touch with a second precision lower than the first precision.

[0019] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for operating an electronic device including a touch panel may include: detecting activation of the touch panel; determining, in response to detecting activation of the touch panel, whether a pen mode is activated; as a result of the determination, when the pen mode is activated, detecting pen touch input using all of the plurality of touch electrodes connected to each touch channel; and as a result of the determination, when the pen mode is not activated, detecting finger touch input using some of the plurality of touch electrodes connected to each touch channel. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and other features and advantages of this disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a view showing in detail a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3A This is a view showing the configuration of a DEMUX module according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3B This is a view showing the configuration of a DEMUX module according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart describing a method for operating an electronic device including a touch panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the following description, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be shown in the drawings and described in the following detailed description in connection with them, but are not intended to limit the various embodiments of the present disclosure to a particular form. For example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a touch panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a view showing in detail a touch panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3AThis is a view showing the configuration of a DEMUX module according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3B This is a view showing the configuration of a DEMUX module according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0031] refer to Figures 1 to 3B The touch panel (or touch screen panel (TSP)) 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a substrate 110, a touch electrode portion 120, a touch sensor 130, and a demultiplexer (DEMUX) module 140.

[0032] The substrate 110 may have touch electrode portions 120 disposed (or formed) thereon. The substrate 110 may be formed of various materials (e.g., plastic, glass, etc.). The substrate 110 may be transparent or opaque. The substrate 110 may be formed of a rigid or flexible material.

[0033] The substrate 110 can be formed separately from the display panel (not shown) on which the touch panel 100 is mounted (e.g., an add-on touch panel). For example, a film-type (e.g., PET film) or glass-type substrate 110 on which touch electrodes are formed can be attached to the top of the display panel using a transparent adhesive (e.g., optically clear adhesive (OCA)). As another example, the substrate 110 can be integrated with a cover window. In other words, the touch electrode portion 120 can be formed at the bottom of the cover window used to protect the display panel. As another example, the substrate 110 can be integrated with the display panel. In other words, the touch electrode portion 120 can be formed on top of the display panel (e.g., an on-cell touch panel) or within the display panel (e.g., an in-cell touch panel).

[0034] The touch electrode portion 120 may include a plurality of transparent electrodes arranged in a matrix on the substrate 110. The touch electrode portion 120 may be formed of a transparent conductive film (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO)) or a metal mesh. The touch electrode portion 120 may include a first touch electrode portion 121 and a second touch electrode portion 122.

[0035] The first touch electrode portion 121 may include a plurality of first electrodes TX arranged in a first direction (X-axis direction). The second touch electrode portion 122 may include a plurality of second electrodes RX arranged in a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction. The first touch electrode portion 121 can be used to identify the X-axis coordinate of a touch input, and the second touch electrode portion 122 can be used to identify the Y-axis coordinate of a touch input. Here, the first direction may be referred to as a horizontal direction or a row direction. The second direction may be referred to as a vertical direction or a column direction. The third direction (Z-axis direction) intersecting the first and second directions may be referred to as a thickness direction.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes TX included in the first touch electrode portion 121 may include a plurality of first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A and a plurality of first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B, which are alternately arranged on the substrate 110 in a first direction at a specified interval 21 (e.g., "4.0 mm"). Similarly, the plurality of second electrodes RX included in the second touch electrode portion 122 may include a plurality of second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A and a plurality of second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B, which are alternately arranged on the substrate 110 in a second direction at a specified interval 21 (e.g., "4.0 mm"). The specified interval 21 may typically be the distance required for correct recognition of finger touch. At this time, the interval between adjacent first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A and first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B can be half of the specified interval 21 (e.g., "2mm"). Similarly, the interval between adjacent second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A and second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B can be half of the specified interval 21 (e.g., "2mm").

[0037] Multiple first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A can be operated based on a first-1 channel signal Tx_A received from the touch sensor 130, and multiple first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B can be operated based on a first-2 channel signal Tx_B received from the touch sensor 130. Similarly, multiple second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A can be operated based on a second-1 channel signal Rx_A received from the touch sensor 130, and multiple second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B can be operated based on a second-2 channel signal Rx_B received from the touch sensor 130.

[0038] Touch sensor 130 can be electrically connected to touch electrode portion 120. According to an embodiment, touch sensor 130 can be electrically connected to touch electrode portion 120 via DEMUX module 140. Touch sensor 130 can identify touch input (e.g., finger touch input and pen touch input) and touch position (e.g., coordinates) based on changes occurring in the first touch electrode portion 121 and the second touch electrode portion 122 (e.g., changes in electrostatic capacitance). For this purpose, touch sensor 130 can include a plurality of first touch channels Tx_01, Tx_02 to Tx_n for detecting touch input in the first touch electrode portion 121 and a plurality of second touch channels Rx_01, Rx_02 to Rx_m for detecting touch input in the second touch electrode portion 122. Here, "n" and "m" can be natural numbers greater than 2. For example, when touch panel 100 has a size of 10.86 inches, "n" and "m" can be "37" and "59", respectively. In other words, the touch sensor 130 may include “37” first touch channels and “59” second touch channels.

[0039] According to the implementation, multiple touch channels can be connected to a pair of adjacent touch electrodes via DEMUX module 140. For example, the first-1 touch channel Tx_01 in the touch channels can be connected to the first-1 electrode Tx_01_A and the first-2 electrode Tx_01_B via one of the multiple first DEMUX modules 141. Furthermore, the second-1 touch channel Rx_01 in the touch channels can be connected to the second-1 electrode Rx_01_A and the second-2 electrode Rx_01_B via one of the multiple second DEMUX modules 142.

[0040] The touch sensor 130 can identify the X-axis coordinate of the touch input based on the changes (e.g., changes in electrostatic capacitance) of the first touch electrode portion 121 received through the first touch channels Tx_01, Tx_02 to Tx_n, and can identify the Y-axis coordinate of the touch input based on the changes (e.g., changes in electrostatic capacitance) of the second touch electrode portion 122 received through the second touch channels Rx_01, Rx_02 to Rx_m.

[0041] Touch sensor 130 can provide a first channel signal to a plurality of first DEMUX modules 141 to control the operation of the plurality of first DEMUX modules 141. The first channel signal may include a first-1 channel signal Tx_A and a first-2 channel signal Tx_B. The first-1 channel signal Tx_A is used to activate a plurality of first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A (for example, the plurality of first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A are respectively connected to a plurality of first touch channels Tx_01, Tx_02 to Tx_n). The first-2 channel signal Tx_B is used to activate a plurality of first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B (for example, the plurality of first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B are respectively connected to a plurality of first touch channels Tx_01, Tx_02 to Tx_n). In addition, the touch sensor 130 can provide a second channel signal to a plurality of second DEMUX modules 142 to control the operation of the plurality of second DEMUX modules 142. The second channel signal may include a second-1 channel signal Rx_A and a second-2 channel signal Rx_B. The second-1 channel signal Rx_A is used to activate multiple second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A (for example, the multiple second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A are respectively connected to multiple second touch channels Rx_01, Rx_02 to Rx_m). The second-2 channel signal Rx_B is used to activate multiple second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B (for example, the multiple second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B are respectively connected to multiple second touch channels Rx_01, Rx_02 to Rx_m).

[0042] According to the implementation, when the touch sensor 130 detects a touch input with a first precision (e.g., finger touch input), a plurality of first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A and a plurality of second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A can be activated by the first-1 channel signal Tx_A and the second-1 channel signal Rx_A, and a plurality of first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B and a plurality of second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B can be deactivated by the first-2 channel signal Tx_B and the second-2 channel signal Rx_B. When the touch sensor 130 detects a touch input (e.g., pen touch input) with a second precision less than the first precision, it can activate multiple first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A, multiple first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B, multiple second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A, and multiple second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B. At this time, the touch sensor 130 can control the first DEMUX module 141 in a time-division manner, thereby sequentially connecting the multiple first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A or the multiple first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B to the multiple first touch channels Tx_01, Tx_02 to Tx_n. Furthermore, the touch sensor 130 can control the second DEMUX module 142 in a time-division manner, thereby sequentially connecting a plurality of second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A or a plurality of second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B to a plurality of second touch channels Rx_01, Rx_02 to Rx_m.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the touch sensor 130 can identify touches with a first precision in a first touch mode via a plurality of first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A and a plurality of second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A, and in a second touch mode via a plurality of first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A, a plurality of first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B, a plurality of second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A and a plurality of second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B. As used herein, precision refers to the size of the touch input. For example, the size of the contact of a pen touch input is smaller than the size of the contact of a finger touch input. Therefore, the accuracy of pen touch input (e.g., second accuracy) is less than the accuracy of finger touch input (e.g., first accuracy).

[0044] Here, the first touch mode can be a mode that recognizes finger touches, and the second touch mode can be a mode that recognizes pen touches.

[0045] Furthermore, in the second touch mode, the touch sensor 130 can distinguish the inputs of adjacent first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A and first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B in a time-division manner, and also distinguish the inputs of adjacent second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A and second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B in a time-division manner.

[0046] DEMUX module 140 can share multiple inputs with one output. DEMUX module 140 may include multiple first DEMUX modules 141 (e.g., 141-1 to 141-n) and multiple second DEMUX modules 142 (e.g., 142-1 to 142-m).

[0047] Multiple first DEMUX modules 141 can share multiple first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A and multiple first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B with multiple first touch channels Tx_01, Tx_02 to Tx_n. For example, first-1 DEMUX module 141-1 can share first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A and first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B with first-1 touch channel Tx_01, and first-2 DEMUX module 141-2 can share first-1 electrodes Tx_02_A and first-2 electrodes Tx_02_B with first-2 touch channel Tx_02.

[0048] According to an implementation, each of the plurality of first DEMUX modules 141 may include a first switching element (e.g., a transistor) 141a switched by a first-1 channel signal Tx_A provided from the touch sensor 130 and a second switching element (e.g., a transistor) 141b switched by a first-2 channel signal Tx_B provided from the touch sensor 130, such as... Figure 3A As shown in the figure. As another example, multiple first DEMUX modules 141 may each include a first switch 141c controlled by a first-1 channel signal Tx_A provided from the touch sensor 130 and a second switch 141d controlled by a first-2 channel signal Tx_B provided from the touch sensor 130, as shown in the figure. Figure 3B As shown in the image.

[0049] Multiple second DEMUX modules 142 can share multiple second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A and multiple second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B with multiple second touch channels Rx_01, Rx_02 to Rx_m. For example, second-1 DEMUX module 142-1 can share second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A and second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B with second-1 touch channel Rx_01, and second-2 DEMUX module 142-2 can share second-1 electrodes Rx_02_A and second-2 electrodes Rx_02_B with second-2 touch channel Rx_02.

[0050] According to the implementation, similar to the first DEMUX module 141, a plurality of second DEMUX modules 142 may each include a first switching element and a second switching element (or a first switch and a second switch).

[0051] although Figure 2 The illustration shows a scenario where the touch electrode portion 120, touch sensor 130, and DEMUX module 140 are arranged on the substrate 110, but this is merely an example and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. For example, only the touch electrode portion 120 may be arranged (positioned) on the substrate 110, and the touch sensor 130 and DEMUX module 140 may be arranged (positioned) on external devices connected to the touch panel 100 (e.g., Figure 4 On the main printed circuit board (not shown) of the electronic device 4000.

[0052] In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2For ease of description, multiple electrodes constituting the first touch electrode portion 121 (e.g., multiple first-1 electrodes and multiple first-2 electrodes) and multiple electrodes constituting the second touch electrode portion 122 (e.g., multiple second-1 electrodes and multiple second-2 electrodes) are shown in linear form. However, each electrode of the first touch electrode portion 121 may include multiple first sensor patterns having various shapes (e.g., squares, rhombuses, etc.) and a first connection pattern electrically connecting adjacent first sensor patterns. Similarly, each electrode of the second touch electrode portion 122 may include multiple second sensor patterns having various shapes and a second connection pattern electrically connecting adjacent second sensor patterns. The first connection pattern and the second connection pattern may be arranged in different layers so as not to be electrically connected.

[0053] The touch panel 100 described above can use a low-performance (and / or low-cost) touch sensor to support pen input, which has fewer touch channels than required to support pen input. For example, various embodiments of this disclosure can use a touch sensor that supports touch input with a first precision (e.g., finger touch input) to provide touch input with a second precision (e.g., pen touch input) that is less than the first precision. In other words, various embodiments of this disclosure can provide effects equivalent to increasing (or expanding) the number of touch channels supported by the touch sensor. In this way, this disclosure can reduce the manufacturing cost of touch panels supporting pen input, display devices including touch panels, and electronic devices including touch panels or display devices. Furthermore, the use of low-performance (and / or low-cost) touch sensors to support touch input (e.g., finger touch input and pen touch input) in the touch panel improves (e.g., reduces) power consumption.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a view showing an electronic device 4000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] refer to Figure 4 The electronic device 4000 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may support touch input (e.g., including a touch panel). For example, the electronic device 4000 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be of various forms. The electronic device 4000 may include, for example, rigid or flexible portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, multimedia devices installed in, embedded in, or integrated with a vehicle, or home appliance devices. The electronic device 4000 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 4000 may include a display device (e.g., a touch screen) 400, a control module 4100, a sensor module 4200, and a pen 4300.

[0057] The display device 400 can be installed inside the electronic device 4000. For example, the display device 400 can be exposed through the front surface of the electronic device 4000. The display device 400 can provide (e.g., display) various images (e.g., still images or moving images). Furthermore, the display device 400 can support touch input (e.g., finger touch and pen touch). For example, the display device 400 can include a touch panel (e.g., ...) either individually or integrally. Figures 1 to 3B Touch panel 100).

[0058] The pen 4300 may be detachably attached to the housing (e.g., casing) of the electronic device 4000. The pen 4300 may include a stylus and an electronic pen. The pen 4300 may require a higher touch precision than that of a finger (hereinafter referred to as second precision).

[0059] Sensor module 4200 can detect whether pen 4300 is detached or attached. Sensor module 4200 may include pressure sensors, Hall sensors, etc. The pressure sensor is installed at the position where pen 4300 presses when inserted, and the Hall sensor is used to detect magnets mounted on pen 4300. This is just an example, and sensor module 4200 may include various sensors.

[0060] The control module 4100 can control the touch input and image display of the display device 400. According to an embodiment, the control module 4100 can control the operation mode of the touch panel included in the display device 400 based on whether the pen is detached or attached. For example, when the sensor module 4200 detects (or identifies) the detachment (or removal) of the pen 4300, the control module 4100 can control the touch panel to operate in pen mode. Specifically, the control module 4100 can transmit a command to a touch sensor (not shown) requesting the activation of a plurality of first-1 electrodes, a plurality of first-2 electrodes, a plurality of second-1 electrodes, and a plurality of second-2 electrodes. In an embodiment, the control module 4100 can transmit a status message to the touch sensor notifying that the pen is detached, and the touch sensor that has received the status message can activate the plurality of first-1 electrodes, the plurality of first-2 electrodes, the plurality of second-1 electrodes, and the plurality of second-2 electrodes.

[0061] On the other hand, when the sensor module 4200 detects (or identifies) that the pen 4300 is attached to (or inserted into) the housing of the electronic device 4000, the control module 4100 can control the touch panel to operate in finger mode. For example, the control module 4100 can transmit a command to the touch sensor (not shown) requesting that only a plurality of first-1 electrodes and a plurality of second-1 electrodes be activated. In an embodiment, the control module 4100 can transmit a status message notifying that the pen is being inserted into the touch sensor, and the touch sensor that has received the status message can activate only a plurality of first-1 electrodes and a plurality of second-1 electrodes. Reference will be made below. Figure 5 Detailed description of control module 4100.

[0062] exist Figure 4 The electronic device 4000 supporting pen touch input has already been described. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, even when pen input is not supported, various embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to situations that support touch input with a first precision and touch input with a second precision.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a flowchart describing a method for operating an electronic device including a touch panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] refer to Figure 5 A method for operating an electronic device including a touch panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an operation S510 of activating the touch panel. For example, when the display device 400 is activated, the electronic device (e.g., Figure 4 The control module 4100 of the electronic device 4000 can activate the touch panel. As another example, even when the display device 400 is in a deactivated state, the electronic device (e.g., Figure 4 The control module 4100 of the electronic device 4000 can also activate the touch panel as needed.

[0065] The method may include operation S520 of determining whether a pen mode is activated. For example, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 4 The control module 4100 of the electronic device 4000 can be controlled by a sensor module (e.g., Figure 4 The sensor module 4200 in the middle) determines the pen (e.g., Figure 4 Whether the pen (4300) is detached from the casing of the electronic device.

[0066] As a result determined in operation S520, when the pen mode is activated, the method can proceed to operation S530, which uses all touch electrodes connected to each touch channel to detect pen touch input. For example, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 4The control module 4100 of the electronic device 4000 can control the display device (e.g., Figure 4 The touch sensor in the display device 400 (e.g., Figure 2 The touch sensor 130 activates multiple first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A, multiple first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B, multiple second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A, and multiple second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B. At this time, the touch sensor 130 can control multiple first DEMUX modules 141 in a time-division manner to sequentially connect the multiple first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A or the multiple first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B to the multiple first touch channels Tx_01, Tx_02 to Tx_n. Furthermore, the touch sensor 130 can control multiple second DEMUX modules 142 in a time-division manner to sequentially connect multiple second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A or multiple second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B to multiple second touch channels Rx_01, Rx_02 to Rx_m. The touch sensor 130 can provide touch information detected by all the multiple touch electrodes (e.g., multiple first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A, multiple first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B, multiple second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A, and multiple second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B) to the control module 4100.

[0067] The method may include operation S540 of determining whether pen mode is disabled. For example, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 4 The control module 4100 of the electronic device 4000 can be controlled by a sensor module (e.g., Figure 4 The sensor module 4200 in the middle) determines the pen (e.g., Figure 4 Whether the pen (4300) is inserted into the housing of the electronic device.

[0068] As a result determined in operation S540, when the pen mode is disabled, the method may proceed to operation S560 described below. On the other hand, as a result determined in operation S540, when the pen mode is not disabled, the method may include operation S550 determining whether the touch panel is disabled. For example, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 4The control module 4100 of the electronic device 4000 can determine whether the display device 400 is disabled.

[0069] As determined in operation S550, if the touch panel is not disabled, the method can return to operation S530. On the other hand, as determined in operation S550, if the touch panel is disabled, the method can be terminated.

[0070] As a result of operation S520, when the pen mode is not activated, the method can proceed to operation S560, which involves detecting finger touch input using only some of the multiple touch electrodes connected to each touch channel. For example, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 4 The control module 4100 of the electronic device 4000 can control the display device (e.g., Figure 4 The touch sensor in the display device 400 (e.g., Figure 2 The touch sensor 130 in the middle is used to activate multiple first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A and multiple second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A, and deactivate multiple first-2 electrodes Tx_01_B, Tx_02_B to Tx_n_B and multiple second-2 electrodes Rx_01_B, Rx_02_B to Rx_m_B. At this time, the touch sensor 130 can control multiple first DEMUX modules 141 (for example, transmit a first-1 channel signal Tx_A to multiple first DEMUX modules 141 to turn on the first switching element 141a (or the first switch 141c) and a first-2 channel signal Tx_B to turn off the second switching element 141b (or the second switch 141d)), thereby connecting multiple first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A and multiple first touch channels Tx_01, Tx_02 to Tx_n respectively. Furthermore, the touch sensor 130 can control multiple second DEMUX modules 142 (e.g., transmitting a second-1 channel signal Rx_A to multiple second DEMUX modules 142 to turn on the first switching element (or first switch) of the second DEMUX module 142 and a second-2 channel signal Rx_B to turn off the second switching element (or second switch) of the second DEMUX module 142), thereby connecting multiple second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A and multiple second touch channels Rx_01, Rx_02 to Rx_m respectively. The touch sensor 130 can provide touch information detected by some of the multiple touch electrodes (e.g., multiple first-1 electrodes Tx_01_A, Tx_02_A to Tx_n_A and multiple second-1 electrodes Rx_01_A, Rx_02_A to Rx_m_A) to the control module 4100.

[0071] The method may include operation S570, which determines whether the touch panel is disabled. If, as determined in operation S570, the touch panel is not disabled, the method may return to operation S520. Conversely, if, as determined in operation S570, the touch panel is disabled, the method may terminate.

[0072] In the above description, various embodiments of this disclosure have been described as examples of using a DEMUX module to share two touch electrodes for each touch channel of the touch sensor. However, according to some embodiments, each touch channel may share three or more touch electrodes. The number of touch electrodes shared by each touch channel may vary depending on the embodiment. For example, some of the multiple touch channels may share two touch electrodes, while other touch channels may share three touch electrodes. Specifically, when biometric information (e.g., fingerprints) is identified through a portion of the display area, touch channels corresponding to that portion of the display area may each share three (or three or more) touch electrodes, and touch channels in the remaining areas may each share two touch electrodes.

[0073] Various embodiments of this disclosure can use low-performance (and / or low-cost) touch sensors with a relatively small number of touch channels to support pen input that requires a large number of touch channels. For example, various embodiments of this disclosure can use touch sensors that support touch input with a first precision (e.g., finger touch input) to provide touch input with a second precision (e.g., pen touch input) that is less than the first precision. In other words, various embodiments of this disclosure can provide effects equivalent to increasing (or expanding) the number of touch channels supported by the touch sensor. In this way, this disclosure can reduce the manufacturing costs of touch panels that support pen input, display devices including touch panels, and electronic devices including display devices (or touch panels).

[0074] Furthermore, various embodiments of this disclosure can reduce the power consumption of electronic devices including touch panels. For example, various embodiments of this disclosure can improve (e.g., reduce) power consumption by using a low-performance (and / or low-cost) touch sensor to process touch input (e.g., supporting finger touch input and pen touch input), rather than using a high-performance (and / or high-cost) touch sensor with a relatively large number of touch channels.

[0075] The various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used herein do not limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments and should be construed as including various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the embodiments. Regarding the description of the drawings, the same or related components may be indicated by the same reference numerals. It will be understood that the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “A, B, or C,” and “at least one of A, B, and C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding one of these phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second,” or “first” and “second” may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the corresponding component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that if a component (e.g., the first component) is referred to as "connected to" or "linked to" another component (e.g., the second component) with or without the terms "operably" or "communically," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., via wire), wirelessly, or via a third component.

[0076] The term "module" as used in the various embodiments of this disclosure can include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and can be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module can be a component integrally formed therewith, or the smallest unit of that component, or a portion thereof performing one or more functions. For example, according to embodiments, a module can be implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0077] Various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by software (e.g., a program) comprising one or more instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., internal or external memory). For example, a processor (e.g., control module 4100) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 4000) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium. This allows at least one function to be performed according to the invoked instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory storage medium" means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and with respect to this term, no distinction is made between cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0078] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a storage medium readable by a device (e.g., an optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed via an application store (e.g., downloaded or uploaded), or directly or online between two user devices. In said online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product can be stored at least temporarily in a storage medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server, which can be read by a device or temporarily generated.

[0079] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components or elements (e.g., modules or programs) may include one or more entities, and some of these entities may be assigned to other components separate from them. According to various embodiments, one or more components or their operations may be omitted from the above-described components, or one or more other components or their operations may be added to these components. In embodiments, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the functions performed by the corresponding components in the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by modules, programs, or other components may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically; one or more operations may be performed in another order or omitted; or one or more other operations may be added thereto.

Claims

1. A touch panel, characterized in that, include: Substrate; The first touch electrode portion includes a plurality of first-1 electrodes and a plurality of first-2 electrodes, the plurality of first-1 electrodes and the plurality of first-2 electrodes being alternately arranged on the substrate at a specified interval in a first direction; The second touch electrode portion includes a plurality of second-1 electrodes and a plurality of second-2 electrodes, wherein the plurality of second-1 electrodes and the plurality of second-2 electrodes are alternately arranged on the substrate at the specified interval in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; Multiple first DEMUX modules, each sharing an adjacent first-1 electrode and a first-2 electrode of the first touch electrode portion with an output; Multiple second DEMUX modules, each sharing an adjacent second-1 electrode and a second-2 electrode of the second touch electrode portion with an output; as well as A touch sensor includes multiple first touch channels and multiple second touch channels, each of the multiple first touch channels being connected to multiple first DEMUX modules, and each of the multiple second touch channels being connected to multiple second DEMUX modules. The touch sensor is configured to provide first channel signals to the multiple first DEMUX modules to control the operation of the multiple first DEMUX modules, and to provide second channel signals to the multiple second DEMUX modules to control the operation of the multiple second DEMUX modules.

2. The touch panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interval between adjacent first-1 electrodes and first-2 electrodes, and the interval between adjacent second-1 electrodes and second-2 electrodes, are 1 / 2 of the specified interval.

3. The touch panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specified interval is the distance required to recognize a finger touch.

4. The touch panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touch sensor, in a first touch mode, identifies touches with a first precision via the plurality of first-I electrodes and the plurality of second-I electrodes. The touch sensor, in the second touch mode, identifies touches with a second precision that is less than the first precision through the plurality of first-1 electrodes, the plurality of first-2 electrodes, the plurality of second-1 electrodes, and the plurality of second-2 electrodes.

5. The touch panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the second touch mode, the touch sensor distinguishes the inputs of the adjacent first-1 electrode and the first-2 electrode in a time-division manner, and also distinguishes the inputs of the adjacent second-1 electrode and the second-2 electrode in the same time-division manner.

6. The touch panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first touch mode is a mode that recognizes finger touch, and The second touch mode is the mode that recognizes pen touches.

7. The touch panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first channel signal includes a first-1 channel signal for activating the plurality of first-1 electrodes and a first-2 channel signal for activating the plurality of first-2 electrodes, and The plurality of first DEMUX modules include a first switching element that operates according to the first-1 channel signal and a second switching element that operates according to the first-2 channel signal.

8. The touch panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second channel signal includes a second-1 channel signal for activating the plurality of second-1 electrodes and a second-2 channel signal for activating the plurality of second-2 electrodes, and The plurality of second DEMUX modules include a first switching element that operates according to the second-1 channel signal and a second switching element that operates according to the second-2 channel signal.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Display devices, including touch panels; The pen is detachably attached to the housing of the electronic device; The sensor module is configured to detect whether the pen is detached or attached; as well as The control module is configured to control the operation of the touch panel based on whether the pen is detached or attached. The touch panel includes: Substrate; The first touch electrode portion includes a plurality of first-1 electrodes and a plurality of first-2 electrodes, the plurality of first-1 electrodes and the plurality of first-2 electrodes being alternately arranged on the substrate at a specified interval in a first direction; The second touch electrode portion includes a plurality of second-1 electrodes and a plurality of second-2 electrodes, wherein the plurality of second-1 electrodes and the plurality of second-2 electrodes are alternately arranged on the substrate at the specified interval in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; Multiple first DEMUX modules, each sharing an adjacent first-1 electrode and a first-2 electrode of the first touch electrode portion with an output; Multiple second DEMUX modules, each sharing adjacent second-1 and second-2 electrodes of the second touch electrode portion with an output; and A touch sensor includes multiple first touch channels and multiple second touch channels, each of the multiple first touch channels being connected to multiple first DEMUX modules, and each of the multiple second touch channels being connected to multiple second DEMUX modules. The touch sensor is configured to provide first channel signals to the multiple first DEMUX modules to control the operation of the multiple first DEMUX modules, and to provide second channel signals to the multiple second DEMUX modules to control the operation of the multiple second DEMUX modules.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control module is configured to: When the sensor module fails to detect the separation of the pen, the touch sensor is controlled to use only the plurality of first-1 electrodes and the plurality of second-1 electrodes to identify touches with a first precision. as well as When the separation of the pen is detected by the sensor module, the touch sensor is controlled to use the plurality of first-1 electrodes, the plurality of first-2 electrodes, the plurality of second-1 electrodes and the plurality of second-2 electrodes to identify a touch with a second precision that is lower than the first precision.

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