Touch Input Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multifunctional touch input device that can detect a touch position and drive a stylus pen to detect the position of the stylus pen. The touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a control unit electrically connected to the sensor unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a multifunctional touch input device that can detect a touch position, drive a stylus pen, and detect the position of the stylus pen. [Background technology]

[0002] Various types of input devices are used to operate computing systems, such as buttons, keys, joysticks, and touch screens. Touch screens are increasingly being used to operate computing systems due to their easy and convenient operation. Recently, stylus pens have also become available as an additional input device for touch input devices.

[0003] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating that an output voltage Vout of a CVA (Capacitance to Voltage Amplifier) ​​changes depending on the position of a stylus pen 10 on a flexible display panel in a conventional touch input device.

[0004] Referring to FIG. 1, the reason why the CVA output varies depending on the position of the pen 10 on the flexible display panel is that the impedance ratio on both sides of the sensing line centered on the pen 10 changes.

[0005] In the long axis of a conventional flexible display panel, the resistance R of a metal mesh touch sensor is about 1.2 kΩ (ohm), and the capacitance C is about 250 pF.

[0006] Based on 10 distributed models, at a drive frequency of 300kHz, the impedance of the capacitor is approximately 200 times greater than the resistance (120 ohms vs. 1 / (2π*300k*25pF)=21k ohms). Therefore, the capacitor is the main cause.

[0007] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining, through current sensing, that the output voltages Vout1 and Vout2 of the CVA differ depending on the position of the pen 10 in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining, through voltage sensing, that the output voltages Vout1 and Vout2 of the CVA differ depending on the position of the pen 10 in Figure 1.

[0008] 2 and 3, the output voltage of the CVA varies depending on the position of the pen 10 on the sensing line. That is, the closer the pen 10 is to the sensing circuit unit 50, the larger the output voltage of the CVA becomes, and the farther the pen 10 is from the sensing circuit unit 50, the smaller the output voltage of the CVA becomes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a multi-function touch input device that can detect a touch position, drive a stylus pen, and detect the position of the stylus pen.

[0010] Also, the present invention provides a touch input device capable of improving the sensitivity of touch position sensing by removing noise when detecting a touch position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a controller electrically connected to the sensor unit, the sensor unit including first to fourth patterns arranged together on the same layer, a plurality of the first patterns arranged along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and having an opening in which the second pattern is arranged, and at least one of the third patterns arranged on each side of the first pattern, and having an opening in which the fourth pattern is arranged, the plurality of first patterns including first odd patterns and first even patterns arranged alternately along the first direction, and the first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other and arranged along the first direction. The first even patterns are electrically connected to each other, the second patterns arranged along the first direction among the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, the second patterns arranged along the first direction and disposed at the other end thereof are electrically connected to the second patterns arranged along the second direction, the third patterns arranged along the second direction among the plurality of third patterns are electrically connected to each other, the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction among the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction and disposed at the other end thereof are electrically connected to the fourth patterns arranged along the first direction.

[0012] A touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a controller electrically connected to the sensor unit, the sensor unit including first to fourth patterns arranged together on the same layer, the first patterns being arranged in a plurality of patterns along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other and having an opening in which the second pattern is arranged, the second patterns having an opening in which the third pattern is arranged, and the third patterns having an opening in which the fourth pattern is arranged, the plurality of first patterns including first odd patterns and first even patterns arranged alternately along the first direction, the first odd patterns arranged along the first direction being electrically connected to each other, and the first even patterns arranged along the first direction being electrically connected to each other. Even-numbered patterns are electrically connected to each other, second patterns arranged along the first direction among the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, second patterns arranged along the first direction and disposed at the other end thereof are electrically connected to second patterns arranged along the second direction, third patterns arranged along the second direction among the plurality of third patterns are electrically connected to each other, fourth patterns arranged along the second direction among the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and fourth patterns arranged along the second direction and disposed at the other end thereof are electrically connected to fourth patterns arranged along the first direction.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller electrically connected to the sensor unit, the sensor unit including first to fourth patterns arranged together on the same layer, the first patterns being arranged in a plurality of rows along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other and having an opening in which the second pattern is arranged, the third pattern being shaped to extend along the second direction and being arranged to surround the first patterns arranged along the second direction and having an opening in which the fourth pattern is arranged, and the plurality of first patterns being arranged along the first direction. The first odd patterns and first even patterns are alternately arranged in a first direction, the first odd patterns arranged in the first direction are electrically connected to each other, the first even patterns arranged in the first direction are electrically connected to each other, the second patterns arranged in the first direction among the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, the second pattern arranged at the other end of the second patterns arranged in the first direction is electrically connected to the second pattern arranged in the second direction, and the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller electrically connected to the sensor unit, the sensor unit including first and second patterns arranged together on a first layer, and third and fourth patterns arranged together on a second layer spaced apart from the first layer, the first patterns being arranged in a plurality of patterns along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other and having openings in which the second patterns are arranged, the third pattern having a shape extending along the second direction and having an opening in which the fourth pattern is arranged, and the plurality of first patterns being arranged in the first direction. The fourth pattern includes first odd patterns and first even patterns alternately arranged along the first direction, the first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, the first even patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, the second patterns arranged along the first direction among the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, the second pattern arranged at the other end of the second patterns arranged along the first direction is electrically connected to the second pattern arranged along the second direction, and the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that it is possible to detect the touch position, drive the stylus pen, and detect the position of the stylus pen.

[0016] Also, there is an advantage that noise can be removed when detecting a touch position, thereby improving the sensitivity of touch position sensing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating that an output voltage Vout of a CVA (Capacitance to Voltage Amplifier) ​​changes depending on the position of a stylus pen 10 on a flexible display panel in a conventional touch input device.

[0018] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining, through current sensing, that the output voltages Vout1 and Vout2 of the CVA vary depending on the position of the pen 10 in FIG.

[0019] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining, through voltage sensing, that the output voltages Vout1 and Vout2 of the CVA vary depending on the position of the pen 10 in FIG.

[0020] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a sensor unit 100' according to a modification of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0022] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a sensor unit 100″ according to a modified example of the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, which is No. 13 in Table 1.

[0023] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a sensor unit 100''' according to a modification of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0024] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining that the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8 was used as No. 1 in Table 1 above. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining that the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8 was used as No. 1 in Table 1 above. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining that the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8 was used as No. 1 in Table 1 above.

[0026] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a sensor unit 100b included in a touch input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the sensor unit 100b shown in FIG.

[0028] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a sensor unit 100c included in a touch input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a sensor unit 100d included in a touch input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the sensor unit 100d shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The following detailed description of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of example, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that various embodiments of the present invention, although different from one another, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, specific shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein in connection with one embodiment may be embodied in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims, when properly interpreted, are entitled. Like reference symbols in the drawings indicate the same or similar functionality throughout the various aspects.

[0032] The touch input device according to various embodiments of the present document may be a touch input device such as a typical smartphone, or may be a touch input device having a rectangular screen that is relatively larger than the screen of a typical smartphone, with a diagonal length of approximately 10 inches to 13 inches. For example, the touch input device may include at least one of a folder-type smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a vehicle display device, an e-book reader, a laptop personal computer, and a netbook computer.

[0033] In addition, the touch input device according to various embodiments of the present invention can not only detect the position of an object such as a finger placed on the screen, but also output a drive signal for driving a stylus pen and detect the position of the stylus pen placed on the screen by sensing the signal emitted from the stylus pen.

[0034] Various embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a sensor unit 100' according to a modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0036] The touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be a portrait-type touch input device. In such a portrait-type touch input device, the width is smaller than the height, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the sensor unit 100 is disposed below the sensor unit 100. For example, this corresponds to the shape of a smartphone.

[0037] The sensor unit 100 can not only detect the position of an object such as a finger placed on the screen, but also drive a stylus pen placed on the screen and detect the position of the stylus pen placed on the screen by sensing a signal emitted from the stylus pen.

[0038] The sensor unit 100 includes a large number of patterns (or a large number of electrodes).

[0039] The sensor unit 100 may include a number of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104.

[0040] The first pattern 101 has a shape extending along an arbitrary first direction y. The first direction may be the long axis direction of the screen of the touch input device. The first pattern 101 may also be named ATX (Active TX).

[0041] Two conductive patterns may be connected to the first pattern 101. One conductive pattern may be an electrical path of the first touch sensing receiving channel FRX_E, and the other conductive pattern may be an electrical path of the second touch sensing receiving channel FRX_O. One conductive pattern may be electrically connected to a first odd pattern included in the first pattern 101, and the other conductive pattern may be electrically connected to a first even pattern included in the first pattern 101. The first odd pattern and the first even pattern are as described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 16. Meanwhile, the two conductive patterns may be an electrical path of the stylus sensing channel SRX.

[0042] The second pattern 102 has a shape extending along the first direction y, is disposed adjacent to the first pattern 101, and is disposed at a predetermined distance from the first pattern 101. The second pattern 102 may also be named DTX (Dummy TX).

[0043] The third pattern 103 has a shape extending along a second direction x different from the first direction. The second direction x may be perpendicular to the first direction y and may be the minor axis direction of the screen of the touch input device. The third pattern 103 may also be named ARX (Active RX).

[0044] The fourth pattern 104 has a shape extending along the second direction x, and is disposed adjacent to the third pattern 103 and spaced a predetermined distance apart from the third pattern 103. The fourth pattern 104 may also be named DRX (dummy RX).

[0045] The third and fourth patterns 103 and 104 are disposed on the first and second patterns 101 and 102, and are spaced a predetermined distance apart from the first and second patterns 101 and 102. Meanwhile, although not shown in a separate drawing, the first to fourth patterns may be disposed on the same layer.

[0046] The multiple first patterns 101 are arranged along the second direction x, and the multiple second patterns 102 are also arranged along the second direction x. The multiple third patterns 103 are arranged along the first direction y, and the multiple fourth patterns 104 are also arranged along the first direction y.

[0047] Since the first patterns 101 extend along a first direction y and the third patterns 103 extend along a second direction x, and the first direction y is longer than the second direction x, the number of the multiple first patterns 101 is less than the number of the multiple third patterns 103. Therefore, the number of channels of the multiple first patterns 101 is less than the number of channels of the multiple third patterns 103.

[0048] Here, the number of the first patterns 101 and the number of the third patterns 103 may be increased or decreased depending on the size of the screen of the touch input device.

[0049] The number of second patterns 102 may be the same as the number of first patterns 101. The other ends of the second patterns 102 are electrically connected to each other via a conductive pattern 102m. Here, the conductive pattern 102m may be a metal mesh or a silver trace.

[0050] One end of each of the plurality of second patterns 102 may be individually connected to one conductive pattern. Here, the conductive pattern to which one end of each of the plurality of second patterns 102 is individually connected may become an electrical path of one stylus driving channel STX.

[0051] 5, one end of two or more adjacent second patterns 102 among the plurality of second patterns 102 may be electrically connected to each other through a conductive pattern. With this configuration, the number of channels of the plurality of second patterns 102 may be reduced to half the number of channels of the plurality of first patterns 101.

[0052] 4 again, since the multiple third patterns 103 are arranged along the first direction y, the number of the multiple third patterns 103 is greater than the number of the multiple first patterns 101. Therefore, the number of channels of the multiple third patterns 103 is greater than the number of channels of the multiple first patterns 101.

[0053] One conductive pattern may be connected to one end of each of the plurality of third patterns 103. The conductive pattern connected to one end of each of the plurality of third patterns 103 may serve as an electrical path for the touch sensing drive channel FTX and / or an electrical path for the stylus sensing channel SRX. Here, considering the width of the left and right bezels of the touch input device, half of the plurality of third patterns 103 may have a conductive pattern connected to their right end, and the remaining half may have a conductive pattern connected to their left end.

[0054] The number of fourth patterns 104 may be the same as the number of third patterns 103. The other ends of the fourth patterns 104 are electrically connected to each other via conductive patterns 104m1 and 104mr. Here, the conductive patterns 104m1 and 104mr may include a left conductive pattern 104m1 connecting left ends of half of the fourth patterns 104 of the plurality of fourth patterns 104 and a right conductive pattern 104mr connecting right ends of the remaining half of the fourth patterns 104. The left conductive pattern 104m1 and the right conductive pattern 104mr may be arranged so as not to overlap or intersect with the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of third patterns 103.

[0055] 4, the plurality of first patterns 101 and the plurality of third patterns 103 basically sense touches by an object such as a finger. To this end, the plurality of first patterns 101 may operate as touch driving electrodes to which a touch driving signal is applied, and the plurality of third patterns 103 may operate as touch sensing electrodes (or touch receiving electrodes) to which a touch sensing signal is received. Of course, the opposite may also be true.

[0056] 4 may use various combinations of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 to drive and sense a stylus pen. Various combinations are shown in Table 1 below. In Table 1 below, "1" indicates multiple first patterns 101, "2" indicates multiple second patterns 102, "3" indicates multiple third patterns 103, and "4" indicates multiple fourth patterns 104.

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] Referring to Table 1 above, in various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32), the multiple first patterns 101 and the multiple third patterns 103 sense a touch by an object such as a finger. Specifically, the multiple third patterns 103 operate as touch driving electrodes, and the multiple first patterns 101 operate as touch receiving electrodes.

[0059] One or two of the first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 may operate as a stylus driving electrode for driving a stylus pen. One or two of the first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 may be used to form a current loop for driving a stylus pen. X-axis driving may be any one of the first patterns 101 and the second patterns 102, and Y-axis driving may be any one of the third patterns 103 and the fourth patterns 104. The stylus pen may be driven by either X-axis driving or Y-axis driving, or both.

[0060] Two of the first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 may operate as sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal emitted from a stylus pen. Since both X-axis sensing and Y-axis sensing are required to sense the stylus pen signal, two of the first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 are used. X-axis sensing may be any one of the first patterns 101 and the second patterns 102, and Y-axis sensing may be any one of the third patterns 103 and the fourth patterns 104.

[0061] In Table 1 above, "uplink signal magnitude" refers to the magnitude of the driving signal for driving the stylus pen. When the same stylus pen driving signal is applied to a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality of second patterns 102, and the magnitude of the signal received by the stylus pen is compared, the uplink signal is relatively larger when the stylus pen driving signal is applied to a plurality of second patterns 102 than when the stylus pen driving signal is applied to a plurality of first patterns 101.

[0062] This is because the other ends of the multiple second patterns 102 are electrically connected, and at least one current loop is formed by appropriately selecting two or more second patterns to which a stylus pen driving signal is applied, but the other ends of the multiple first patterns 101 are not electrically connected to each other, and no current loop is formed. When a current flows through each first pattern 101, the RC of each first pattern 101 is charged, so the current does not flow smoothly from one end of each first pattern 101 to the other end. In addition, the stylus pen driving signal applied through the multiple first patterns 101 is transmitted to the multiple second patterns 101 with which a current loop is formed via capacitive coupling, and at this time, signal attenuation occurs due to the capacitive coupling.

[0063] Similarly, when the stylus pen driving signal is applied to a large number of the fourth patterns 104, the uplink signal is relatively larger than when the stylus pen driving signal is applied to a large number of the third patterns 103.

[0064] In Table 1 above, "downlink signal magnitude" refers to the magnitude of a stylus pen signal received from a stylus pen. When the same stylus pen signal is received through the multiple first patterns 101 and the multiple second patterns 102 and the signal magnitudes are compared, the downlink signal is relatively larger when the stylus pen signal is received through the multiple second patterns 102 than when the stylus pen signal is received through the multiple first patterns 101. This is because the multiple second patterns 102 are electrically connected at their other ends to form a current loop, but the multiple first patterns 101 are not electrically connected at their other ends. In particular, the stylus pen signal is transmitted to the multiple first patterns 101 from the multiple second patterns 101, which form a current loop through capacitive coupling, resulting in attenuation of the downlink signal.

[0065] Similarly, when the stylus pen signals are received via a number of fourth patterns 104, the downlink signal is relatively larger than when the stylus pen signals are received via a number of third patterns 103.

[0066] In Table 1 above, "additional stylus channel" refers to whether an additional channel must be configured for a stylus pen other than touch sensing. If multiple second patterns 102 and / or multiple fourth patterns 104 are used for driving and sensing the stylus pen, an additional channel is required (shown as "yes" in Table 1). On the other hand, if multiple first patterns 101 and / or multiple third patterns 103 for touch sensing are used for driving and sensing the stylus pen, an additional channel is not required (shown as "no" in Table 1).

[0067] Some examples of the various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32) in Table 1 above will be described in detail below. Combinations not described here will be fully understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

[0068] In No. 1, the multiple first patterns 101 are used as touch receiving electrodes for touch sensing of an object and also as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The multiple second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen. The multiple third patterns 103 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object and also as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. And the multiple fourth patterns 104 are electrically floating.

[0069] In the case of No. 1, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large because a large number of second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small because a large number of first patterns 101 and a large number of third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. Furthermore, because a large number of second patterns 102 are separately used as stylus driving electrodes, an additional channel is required for driving the stylus pen, but an additional channel is not required for sensing the stylus pen.

[0070] In No. 4, the multiple first patterns 101 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object. The multiple second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen and also as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals. The multiple third patterns 103 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object. And the multiple fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals.

[0071] In the case of No. 4, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large because the multiple second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large because the multiple second patterns 102 and the multiple fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. Furthermore, because the multiple second patterns 102 are separately used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and the multiple fourth patterns 104 are separately used as stylus sensing electrodes, additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0072] In No. 8, a plurality of first patterns 101 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object. A plurality of second patterns 102 are used as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. A plurality of third patterns 103 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object. And a plurality of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen and also as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal.

[0073] In the case of No. 8, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large because the multiple fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large because the multiple second patterns 102 and the multiple fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. In addition, because the multiple second patterns 102 are separately used as stylus sensing electrodes and the multiple fourth patterns 104 are separately used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0074] In No. 12, a plurality of first patterns 101 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object. A plurality of second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. A plurality of third patterns 103 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object. And a plurality of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal.

[0075] In the case of No. 12, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large because the multiple second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large because the multiple second patterns 102 and the multiple fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. Furthermore, because the multiple second patterns 102 are separately used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and the multiple fourth patterns 104 are separately used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0076] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining No. 13 in Table 1 as a sensor unit 100'' according to a modification of the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

[0077] 6, in No. 13, the plurality of first patterns 101 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object, as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The plurality of third patterns 103 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The plurality of second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are electrically floating.

[0078] In the case of No. 13, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small because the multiple first patterns 101 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small because the multiple first patterns 101 and the multiple third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. In addition, because the multiple first patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes and the multiple third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, no additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0079] In No. 17, the multiple first patterns 101 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The multiple third patterns 103 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object, as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The multiple second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are electrically floating.

[0080] In the case of No. 17, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small because a plurality of third patterns 103 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small because a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality of third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. Furthermore, because a plurality of first patterns 102 are used as stylus sensing electrodes and a plurality of third patterns 103 are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, no additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0081] In No. 21, the plurality of first patterns 101 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object, as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The plurality of third patterns 103 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object, as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The plurality of second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are electrically floating.

[0082] In the case of No. 21, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small because the multiple first and third patterns 101 and 103 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small because the multiple first patterns 101 and the multiple third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. In addition, because the multiple first patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes and the multiple third patterns 103 are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, no additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0083] Among the various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32) in Table 1 above, Nos. 1, 5, 9, 25, and 29 have "Yes" for driving and "No" for sensing in the "Additional Stylus Channel" column. Nos. 1, 5, 9, 25, and 29 use multiple first and third patterns 101 and 103 for sensing the stylus pen and multiple second and / or fourth patterns 102 and 104 for driving the stylus pen. Even if multiple second and / or fourth patterns 102 and 104 are used when driving the stylus pen, it may be somewhat difficult to form a magnetic field for resonating the stylus pen. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, one end of two or more adjacent second patterns may be electrically connected. Similarly, one end of two or more adjacent fourth patterns may be electrically connected. This configuration has the advantage of reducing the number of additional channels for driving the stylus pen.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a sensor unit 100''' according to a modification of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0085] The sensor unit 100'' shown in Figure 7 differs from the sensor unit 100'' shown in Figure 6 in the conductive patterns 102mu and 102mb that electrically connect multiple second patterns 102 and the conductive patterns 104ml and 104mr that electrically connect multiple fourth patterns 104.

[0086] One end of the second patterns 102 is electrically connected by the conductive pattern 102mb, and the other end of the second patterns 102 is electrically connected by the conductive pattern 102mu, so that the second patterns 102 form a complete electrical loop.

[0087] Similarly, one end of the multiple fourth patterns 104 is electrically connected by the conductive pattern 104mr, and the other end of the multiple fourth patterns 104 is electrically connected by the conductive pattern 104m1, so that the multiple fourth patterns 104 can form a complete electrical loop.

[0088] Since the multiple second patterns 102 and the multiple fourth patterns 104 form a complete electrical loop, there is an advantage that the sensitivity of the uplink and downlink signals can be further improved compared to FIG.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] The touch input device shown in FIG. 8 may be an example of a specific implementation of the touch input device shown in FIG.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 8, the touch input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit 100 a and a control unit 500 .

[0092] The sensor unit 100a includes a number of first to fourth patterns 101a, 102a, 103a, and 104a.

[0093] A large number of the first patterns 101a are arranged along a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other, where the first direction may be a long axis direction of the screen of the touch input device, and the second direction may be a short axis direction of the screen of the touch input device.

[0094] The first pattern 101a includes a first odd pattern 101o and a first even pattern 101e. The multiple first patterns 101a include a multiple first odd pattern 101o and a multiple first even pattern 101e, and one first odd pattern 101o and one first even pattern 101e alternate and are arranged along a first direction.

[0095] The first odd patterns 101o arranged in the first direction are electrically connected by a plurality of conductive patterns, and the first even patterns 101e arranged in the first direction are also electrically connected by a plurality of conductive patterns. Here, the first odd patterns 101o arranged in the second direction are not electrically connected to each other. Also, the first even patterns 101e arranged in the second direction are not electrically connected to each other.

[0096] Each of the first odd pattern 101o and the first even pattern 101e may include an inverted triangular pattern portion, a triangular pattern portion, and a connecting pattern portion connecting the inverted triangular pattern portion and the triangular pattern portion.

[0097] Each of the first odd pattern 101o and the first even pattern 101e may have an opening in which at least one second pattern 102a is disposed, and the shape of the opening may correspond to the shape of each of the first odd pattern 101o and the first even pattern 101e.

[0098] Each first odd pattern 101o has a structure surrounding one second pattern 102a and is electrically insulated from the others, and each first even pattern 101e also has a structure surrounding one second pattern 102a and is electrically insulated from the others.

[0099] The plurality of first patterns 101a arranged in the first direction form the same electrical paths as the first pattern 101 shown in FIG. The plurality of first patterns 101a arranged in the first direction have two input / output channels (or terminals). One channel is a channel electrically connected to the plurality of first odd patterns 101o arranged in the first direction by a conductive pattern, and the other channel is a channel electrically connected to the plurality of second even patterns 101e arranged in the first direction by a conductive pattern. The two channels may each be electrically connected to the controller 500.

[0100] At least one second pattern 102a is disposed inside each of the plurality of first odd patterns 101o and the plurality of first even patterns 101e.

[0101] The plurality of second patterns 102a arranged in the first direction are electrically connected by a plurality of conductive patterns. Two second patterns adjacent to each other in the first direction may be electrically connected by one conductive pattern. The second pattern 102a arranged at one end of the plurality of second patterns 102a arranged in the first direction may be electrically connected to the controller 500, and the second pattern 102a arranged at the other end may be electrically connected to the plurality of second patterns arranged in the second direction via the conductive pattern 102m. This may be configured in the same way as the electrical connection paths of the second patterns 102 shown in FIG. 4.

[0102] The first pattern 101a and the second pattern 102a may be disposed on the same layer, and the first pattern 101a and the second pattern 102a can be formed on the same layer using a metal mesh.

[0103] The third pattern 103a has a shape extending along the second direction (or the minor axis).

[0104] The third pattern 103a may include a plurality of diamond pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion connecting two adjacent diamond pattern portions among the plurality of diamond pattern portions.

[0105] The third pattern 103a may have an opening in which the fourth pattern 104a is disposed.

[0106] The third pattern 103a may have a structure surrounding the fourth pattern 104a. The third pattern 103a is disposed at a predetermined distance from the fourth pattern 104a, and is electrically insulated from the fourth pattern 104a via this.

[0107] The fourth pattern 104a is disposed adjacent to the third pattern 103a, has a shape extending along the second direction, and is disposed inside the third pattern 103a.

[0108] The fourth pattern 104a may include a plurality of diamond pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion that connects two adjacent diamond pattern portions among the plurality of diamond pattern portions.

[0109] A large number of such third patterns 103a and fourth patterns 104a are arranged along the first direction.

[0110] One end of each of the third patterns 103a may be electrically connected to the control unit 500, and the other end may be electrically open.

[0111] One end of the plurality of fourth patterns 104a may be electrically open as shown in FIG. 8, or may be connected to the control unit 500 in a manner different from that shown in FIG. 8. The other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns 104a are electrically connected to each other via a conductive pattern 104m. Here, the other ends electrically connected to each other may be grounded. If the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns 104a are electrically connected to each other, the capacitance of each fourth pattern 104a is added, thereby reducing the overall impedance, which may have a similar effect to when the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns 104a are grounded.

[0112] The third pattern 103a and the fourth pattern 104a may be arranged on the same layer. The third pattern 103a and the fourth pattern 104a may be formed on the same layer using a metal mesh. Here, the first pattern 101a and the second pattern 102a may be arranged on a first layer, and the third pattern 103a and the fourth pattern 104a may be arranged on a second layer different from the first layer.

[0113] The control unit 500 is electrically connected to the sensor unit 100a and controls the sensor unit 100a. The control unit 500 and the sensor unit 100a may be electrically connected to each other via a conductive pattern.

[0114] The control unit 500 may include multiple driving circuit units and sensing circuit units.

[0115] The multiple drive circuits may include a drive circuit for touch drive and a drive circuit for stylus drive.

[0116] The plurality of sensing circuits may include a sensing circuit for touch sensing and a sensing circuit for stylus sensing, where some of the plurality of sensing circuits may perform both touch sensing and stylus sensing.

[0117] The control unit 500 can control the sensor unit 100a to operate in one of a touch driving / sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus sensing mode.

[0118] The control unit 500 can electrically connect a plurality of driving / sensing circuits to the sensor unit 100a according to each mode, and for this purpose, the control unit 500 may include a plurality of switches for electrically connecting a plurality of driving / sensing circuits to the sensor unit 100a.

[0119] 9 to 11 are diagrams for explaining that the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8 is used as No. 1 in Table 1 above.

[0120] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the touch input device shown in FIG. 8 operating in a touch driving / sensing mode (or 2D sensing mode), FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the touch input device shown in FIG. 8 operating in an antenna driving mode (or stylus driving mode or stylus uplink mode), and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the touch input device shown in FIG. 8 operating in a stylus sensing mode (or stylus downlink mode).

[0121] 9, in the touch driving / sensing mode, the controller 500 may electrically connect the driving circuit for touch driving to the third patterns 103a of the sensor unit 100a. One driving circuit may be electrically connected to each of the plurality of third patterns 103a.

[0122] The controller 500 may electrically connect a sensing circuit unit for touch sensing to the plurality of first patterns 101a of the sensor unit 100a. Here, the plurality of first patterns 101a arranged in the first direction include first odd patterns 101o and second even patterns 101e, and the controller 500 is electrically connected to each of the first odd patterns 101o arranged in the first direction and the second even patterns 101e arranged in the first direction.

[0123] The controller 500 applies a driving signal for touch driving to a predetermined third pattern 103a and receives two sensing signals from the first odd pattern 101o and the second even pattern 101e arranged along a first direction. The sensing circuit unit of the controller 500 outputs capacitance change information included in the two input sensing signals as a predetermined voltage value. The controller 500 processes the output voltage value to detect a touch position.

[0124] The controller 500 can cancel out display noise and LGM noise by subtracting the first sensing signals received from the plurality of first odd patterns 101o arranged along the first direction from the second sensing signals received from the plurality of first even patterns 101e arranged along the first direction. Here, when a driving signal is sequentially applied to the plurality of third patterns 103a, if the third pattern 103a to which the driving signal is applied is immediately adjacent to the first odd pattern 101o, the controller 500 can subtract the second sensing signals from the first sensing signals. If the third pattern 103a to which the driving signal is applied is immediately adjacent to the second even pattern 101e, the controller 500 can subtract the first sensing signals from the second sensing signals.

[0125] To prevent capacitive coupling between the third pattern 103 a and the fourth pattern 104 a, the control unit 500 may control the fourth pattern 104 a so that the same driving signal as that of the third pattern 103 a is applied to the fourth pattern 104 a. Alternatively, the control unit 500 may control the fourth pattern 104 a so that a reference potential is applied to the fourth pattern 104 a.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 10, in the antenna driving mode, the control unit 500 can electrically connect a driving circuit unit for driving the antenna to a plurality of second patterns 102a of the sensor unit 100a.

[0127] The control unit 500 may control the antenna driving signals output from each driving circuit connected to the multiple second patterns 102a. For example, the control unit 500 may control the first driving circuit to output a pulse signal of a predetermined frequency, the second driving circuit not to output any pulse signal, and the third driving circuit to output a pulse signal opposite to the pulse signal output from the first driving circuit. In this case, a current loop is formed between at least one second pattern 102a electrically connected to the first driving circuit and at least one second pattern 102a electrically connected to the third driving circuit. A magnetic field may be generated by the formed current loop, and a nearby stylus pen may be resonated and driven by the magnetic field.

[0128] The controller 500 may control two or more of the drive circuits electrically connected to the second patterns 102a to output opposite pulse signals. Therefore, the controller 500 may vary the size and position of the current loop. For example, when the controller 500 detects the position of a nearby stylus pen, the controller 500 may control the drive circuits electrically connected to at least two second patterns around the position of the stylus pen to output opposite pulse signals. When the controller 500 cannot detect the position of the stylus pen, the controller 500 may control the drive circuits electrically connected to the two second patterns 102a located on the outermost sides of the second patterns 102a to output opposite pulse signals.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 11, in the stylus sensing mode, the control unit 500 can electrically connect the sensing circuit unit for stylus sensing to the plurality of first patterns 101a and the plurality of third patterns 103a of the sensor unit 100a, respectively.

[0130] In the stylus sensing mode, when a stylus pen approaches any position on the sensor unit 100a, an induced current is generated in some of the first patterns 101a and some of the third patterns 103a located around the stylus pen among the multiple first patterns 101a and multiple third patterns 103a due to the pen signal output from the stylus pen.

[0131] The reason why a certain induced voltage occurs in some of the first patterns 101a located around the stylus pen is that when the stylus pen approaches, an induced current flows in some of the second patterns 102a located around the stylus pen due to electromagnetic induction caused by a pen signal emitted from the stylus pen, which is caused by a current loop formed by a number of the second patterns 102a. Then, due to capacitive coupling between the first patterns 101a and the second patterns 102a, the induced current flowing in some of the second patterns 102a is transferred to some of the first patterns 101a immediately adjacent to some of the second patterns 102a, generating the induced voltage.

[0132] Similarly, the reason why a certain induced voltage occurs in some of the third patterns 103a located around the stylus pen is that when the stylus pen approaches, an induced current flows in some of the fourth patterns 104a located around the stylus pen due to electromagnetic induction caused by a pen signal emitted from the stylus pen, which is caused by a current loop formed by a number of the fourth patterns 104a. Then, due to capacitive coupling between the third patterns 103a and the fourth patterns 104a, the induced current flowing in some of the fourth patterns 104a is transferred to some of the third patterns 103a immediately adjacent to some of the fourth patterns 104a, generating the induced voltage.

[0133] The controller 500 can detect the position of the stylus pen by sensing the induced voltage through some of the first patterns 101a and some of the third patterns 103a. Here, each first pattern 101a includes a first odd pattern 101o and a first even pattern 101e, and the controller 500 can detect the position of the stylus pen by adding up first sensing signals received from a plurality of the first odd patterns 101o and second sensing signals received from a plurality of the first even patterns 101e.

[0134] 9 to 11 show that the touch position of an object is sensed using the sensor unit 100a of FIG. 8 in accordance with method No. 1 in Table 1 above, and that the stylus pen is driven and sensed; however, the sensor unit 100a of FIG. 8 may also be used in accordance with any one of methods No. 2 to No. 32 in Table 1 above.

[0135] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a sensor unit 100b included in a touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] 12, the sensor unit 100b includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns 101b, 102b, 103b, and 104b. The plurality of first to fourth patterns 101b, 102b, 103b, and 104b are arranged together on the same layer, unlike the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8. In the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8, the first and second patterns 101a and 102a are arranged together on a first layer, and the third and fourth patterns 103a and 104a are arranged together on a second layer different from the first layer.

[0137] Since the structure and arrangement of the first and second patterns 101b, 102b are the same as those of the first and second patterns 101a, 102a of the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8, the detailed description will be omitted and the third and fourth patterns 103b, 104b will be described in detail below.

[0138] A plurality of third patterns 103b are arranged in the first and second directions. The third patterns 103b are arranged on both sides of one first pattern 101b. The third patterns 103b may be arranged on both sides of the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern 101b.

[0139] The third pattern 103b has a rectangular, polygonal, circular, or elliptical shape. The third pattern 103b has an opening in which one fourth pattern 104b is disposed. The third pattern 103b may have a closed curve shape with the opening formed therein.

[0140] The plurality of third patterns 103b arranged in the second direction are electrically connected via conductive patterns. Two third patterns adjacent to each other in the second direction may be electrically connected by one conductive pattern. Meanwhile, the plurality of third patterns 103b arranged in the first direction are not electrically connected to each other. Another plurality of third patterns arranged in the second direction adjacent to the first direction are also electrically connected via conductive patterns.

[0141] Each of the multiple fourth patterns 104b is disposed within one third pattern 103b. One fourth pattern 104b is surrounded by one third pattern 103b. The shape of the fourth pattern 104b may correspond to the shape of the opening of the third pattern portion 103b. The fourth pattern 104b may have a rectangular, polygonal, circular, or elliptical shape. The fourth pattern 104b may have a plate shape without an opening therein.

[0142] The multiple fourth patterns 104b arranged in the second direction are electrically connected via conductive patterns. Two adjacent fourth patterns in the second direction may be electrically connected by one conductive pattern. The fourth pattern arranged at one end of the multiple fourth patterns 104b arranged in the second direction may be electrically connected to the control unit shown in FIG. 8, and the fourth pattern 104b arranged at the other end is electrically connected to the multiple fourth patterns arranged in the first direction via conductive patterns 104m. This may be configured in the same way as the electrical connection path of the fourth patterns 104 shown in FIG. 4.

[0143] The sensor unit 100b shown in FIG. 12 can be substituted for the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, the sensor unit 100b shown in FIG. 12 can also sense the touch position of an object and drive and sense a stylus pen in various ways as described in Table 1 above. Specifically, if the sensor unit 100a shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 is replaced with the sensor unit 100b shown in FIG. 12, a touch input device having the sensor unit 100b shown in FIG. 12 and the control unit 500 can perform the touch driving / sensing mode of FIG. 9, the antenna driving mode of FIG. 10, and the stylus sensing mode of FIG. 11. Furthermore, the sensor unit 100b shown in FIG. 12 can be used in any one of the ways described in No. 2 to No. 32 in Table 1 above.

[0144] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the sensor unit 100b shown in FIG.

[0145] The structures and shapes of the first to fourth patterns 101b, 102b, 103b, and 104b of the sensor unit 100b' shown in Fig. 13 are the same as the first to fourth patterns 101b, 102b, 103b, and 104b of the sensor unit 100b shown in Fig. 12. Therefore, the description of the structures and shapes of the first to fourth patterns 101b, 102b, 103b, and 104b will be replaced with the above description.

[0146] The sensor unit 100b' shown in Figure 13 differs from the sensor unit 100b shown in Figure 12 in that the conductive pattern 101om electrically connects two adjacent first odd patterns 101o and two adjacent first even patterns 101e in the first direction of the first pattern 101b.

[0147] The conductive pattern 101om is arranged to bypass the third and fourth patterns 103b and 104b without intersecting them, and may be arranged to intersect with a conductive pattern electrically connecting two adjacent third and fourth patterns 103b and 104b in the second direction.

[0148] 12, the conductive pattern electrically connecting two adjacent first odd patterns 101o and two adjacent first even patterns 101e in the first direction has a shape that extends linearly in the first direction except for both ends, and therefore has an overlapping portion with the third and fourth patterns 103b and 104b. A predetermined capacitance may be formed between the conductive pattern and the third and fourth patterns 103b and 104b in the overlapping portion. The predetermined capacitance may affect touch sensing or stylus sensing sensitivity and may also affect the operating frequency bandwidth.

[0149] On the other hand, the conductive pattern 101om in FIG. 13 does not overlap with the third and fourth patterns 103b and 104b, and is arranged around the third pattern 103b, so that the above-mentioned capacitance is not formed, which has the advantage of reducing the impact on touch sensing or stylus sensing sensitivity and also reducing the impact on the operating frequency bandwidth.

[0150] On the other hand, the conductive pattern of FIG. 12 is shorter in length than the conductive pattern 101om of FIG. 13, and therefore has the advantage that the resistance of the conductive pattern of FIG. 12 is even smaller than that of the conductive pattern 101om of FIG.

[0151] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a sensor unit 100c included in a touch input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] 14, the sensor unit 100c includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns 101c, 102c, 103c, and 104c, which are arranged in the same layer as the sensor units 100b and 100b' shown in FIGS.

[0153] Since the third and fourth patterns 103c, 104c have the same structure and arrangement as the third and fourth patterns 103b, 104b of the sensor unit 100b shown in Figure 12, the specific description will be replaced with the above content, and the following will describe the first and second patterns 101c, 102c in detail.

[0154] Each of the multiple second patterns 102c is arranged to surround one third pattern 103c. One second pattern 102b has an opening in which one third pattern 103c is arranged.

[0155] Each of the multiple first patterns 101c is arranged to surround one second pattern 102c. One first pattern 101c has an opening in which one second pattern 102c is arranged.

[0156] One second pattern 102c is arranged inside one first pattern 101c, one third pattern 103c is arranged inside one second pattern 102c, and one fourth pattern 104c is arranged inside one third pattern 103c.

[0157] The first pattern 101c may have a shape corresponding to the second pattern 102c, and the third pattern 103c may have a shape corresponding to the third pattern 104c. Alternatively, the first to fourth patterns 101c, 102c, 103c, and 104c may have shapes corresponding to each other.

[0158] The first and second patterns 101c, 102c may have a rectangular shape, but are not limited thereto, and may have a polygonal, circular or elliptical shape.

[0159] The first pattern 101c includes first odd patterns 101o arranged at odd-numbered positions along the first direction, and first even patterns 101e arranged at even-numbered positions along the first direction.

[0160] The first odd pattern 101o arranged along the first direction is electrically connected via the conductive pattern 101om, and the second even pattern 101e arranged along the first direction is electrically connected via the conductive pattern.

[0161] The conductive pattern 101om that electrically connects two first odd patterns 101o arranged along the first direction to each other is arranged adjacent to one side of the first even pattern 101e disposed between the two first odd patterns 101o.

[0162] Also, the conductive pattern that electrically connects two first even patterns 101e arranged along the first direction to each other is also arranged adjacent to the other side of the first odd pattern disposed between the two first even patterns 101e.

[0163] With such an arrangement of the conductive pattern 101om, the sensor unit 100c shown in FIG. 14 has the advantage that the length of the conductive pattern 101om can be minimized to minimize the resistance, and since the conductive pattern 101om does not overlap with other patterns, the capacitance can also be minimized. That is, the sensor unit 100c shown in FIG. 14 has both the advantage of minimizing the resistance of the sensor unit 100b shown in FIG. 12 and the advantage of minimizing the capacitance of the sensor unit 100b' shown in FIG. 13.

[0164] A number of second patterns 102c arranged along the first direction are electrically connected by a number of conductive patterns. Two second patterns adjacent to each other along the first direction may be electrically connected by one conductive pattern. The second pattern disposed at one end among the number of second patterns 102c arranged along the first direction may be electrically connected to the control unit shown in FIG. 8, and the second pattern 102c disposed at the other end is electrically connected to a number of second patterns arranged along the second direction via the conductive pattern 102m. It may be configured in the same manner as the electrical connection path of the second pattern 102 shown in FIG. 4 through this.

[0165] The sensor unit 100c shown in FIG. 14 can be substituted for the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, the sensor unit 100c shown in FIG. 14 can also sense the touch position of an object and drive and sense a stylus pen in the various ways described in Table 1 above. Specifically, if the sensor unit 100a shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 is substituted for the sensor unit 100c shown in FIG. 14, a touch input device including the sensor unit 100c shown in FIG. 14 and the control unit 500 can perform the touch driving / sensing mode of FIG. 9, the antenna driving mode of FIG. 10, and the stylus sensing mode of FIG. 11. Furthermore, the sensor unit 100c shown in FIG. 14 can be used in any one of the ways described in No. 2 to No. 32 in Table 1 above.

[0166] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a sensor unit 100d included in a touch input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] 15, the sensor unit 100d includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns 101d, 102d, 103d, and 104d, which are arranged together in the same layer.

[0168] A large number of the first patterns 101d are arranged along a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other, where the first direction may be a long axis direction of the screen of the touch input device, and the second direction may be a short axis direction of the screen of the touch input device.

[0169] The first pattern 101d includes a first odd pattern 101o and a first even pattern 101e. The multiple first patterns 101d include a multiple first odd pattern 101o and a multiple first even pattern 101e, and one first odd pattern 101o and one first even pattern 101e are alternately arranged along the first direction.

[0170] The first odd patterns 101o arranged in the first direction are electrically connected by conductive patterns, and the first even patterns 101e arranged in the first direction are also electrically connected by conductive patterns. Here, the first odd patterns 101o arranged in the second direction are not electrically connected to each other. Also, the first even patterns 101e arranged in the second direction are not electrically connected to each other.

[0171] Each of the first odd pattern 101o and the first even pattern 101e may have a rectangular shape. In the case of a rectangular shape, it may be a polygon having at least four sides. Although not shown in the drawings, each of the first odd pattern 101o and the first even pattern 101e may have an oval or circular shape.

[0172] Each of the first odd pattern 101o and the first even pattern 101e may have an opening in which at least one second pattern 102d is disposed, and the shape of the opening may correspond to the shape of each of the first odd pattern 101o and the first even pattern 101e.

[0173] One first odd pattern 101o has a structure surrounding one second pattern 102d and is electrically insulated from the other, and one first even pattern 101e also has a structure surrounding one second pattern 102b and is electrically insulated from the other.

[0174] The plurality of first patterns 101d arranged in the first direction form the same electrical paths as the first patterns 101 shown in FIG. 4. The plurality of first patterns 101d arranged in the first direction have two input / output channels (or terminals). One channel is a channel electrically connected to the plurality of first odd patterns 101o arranged in the first direction by a conductive pattern, and the other channel is a channel electrically connected to the plurality of second even patterns 101e arranged in the first direction by a conductive pattern. The two channels may be electrically connected to the control unit shown in FIG. 8.

[0175] At least one second pattern 102d is disposed inside each of the plurality of first odd patterns 101o and the plurality of first even patterns 101e.

[0176] The multiple second patterns 102d arranged in the first direction are electrically connected by multiple conductive patterns. Two second patterns adjacent to each other in the first direction may be electrically connected by one conductive pattern. The second pattern 102d arranged at one end of the multiple second patterns 102d arranged in the first direction may be electrically connected to the control unit shown in FIG. 8, and the second pattern 102d arranged at the other end is electrically connected to the multiple second patterns arranged in the second direction via the conductive pattern 102m. This may be configured in the same way as the electrical connection path of the second patterns 102 shown in FIG. 4.

[0177] Each of the multiple third patterns 103d has a shape extending along the second direction (or short axis). One third pattern 103d surrounds multiple first patterns arranged along the second direction.

[0178] Each of the third patterns 103d positioned odd-numbered in the first direction among the third patterns 103d has a number of openings in which the first odd patterns 101o arranged along the second direction are disposed, and one first odd pattern 101o is disposed in each opening.

[0179] Each of the third patterns 103d positioned at an even number in the first direction has a number of openings in which the first even patterns 101e arranged along the second direction are disposed, and one first even pattern 101e is disposed in each opening.

[0180] Each third pattern 103d may include a third outer pattern 103o, multiple third inner patterns 103i, and multiple third connecting patterns 103c.

[0181] The third external pattern 103o may have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the third pattern 103d and may be a closed curve extending in the second direction. A plurality of third internal patterns 103i and a plurality of third connecting patterns 103c are arranged inside one third external pattern 103o.

[0182] The plurality of third internal patterns 103i are arranged along the second direction within one third external pattern 103o. Each third internal pattern 103i has a rectangular or elliptical shape and has an opening in which one first odd pattern 101o (or one first even pattern 101e) is disposed. The shape of the opening may correspond to the external shape of the third internal pattern 103i.

[0183] The plurality of third connecting patterns 103c electrically connects the spaces between the plurality of third internal patterns 103i arranged along the second direction, and electrically connects the third internal patterns located at both ends of the plurality of third internal patterns 103i arranged along the second direction to the first external patterns 103o.

[0184] Each of the many fourth patterns 104d has a shape extending along the second direction, and is disposed adjacent to the third pattern 103d.

[0185] The other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns 104d are electrically connected to a conductive pattern 104m.

[0186] Each fourth pattern 104d is disposed within one third pattern 103d. More specifically, the fourth patterns 104d may be disposed in an opening (or an inner opening) defined by the third outer pattern 103o, the plurality of third inner patterns 103i, and the plurality of third connecting patterns 103c of the third pattern 103d.

[0187] The fourth pattern 104d may include a fourth upper pattern 104u and a fourth lower pattern 104l. A predetermined space is formed between the third outer pattern 103o and the plurality of third inner patterns 103i, and the predetermined space is divided into two openings by the plurality of third connecting patterns 103c. The fourth upper pattern 104u may be disposed in the upper opening of the two openings, and the fourth lower pattern 104l may be disposed in the lower opening of the two openings. The shapes of the fourth upper pattern 104u and the fourth lower pattern 104l may correspond to the shapes of the upper opening and the lower opening, respectively.

[0188] The fourth upper pattern 104u and the fourth lower pattern 104l may be electrically connected to each other by a conductive pattern extending in the first direction and crossing the third connecting pattern 103c.

[0189] The sensor unit 100d shown in Fig. 15 can be substituted for the sensor unit 100a shown in Fig. 8. Therefore, the sensor unit 100d shown in Fig. 15 can also sense the touch position of an object and drive and sense the stylus pen in various ways as described in Table 1 above.

[0190] Specifically, if the sensor unit 100a shown in Figures 9 to 11 is replaced with the sensor unit 100d shown in Figure 15, a touch input device having the sensor unit 100d shown in Figure 15 and the control unit 500 can perform the touch driving / sensing mode of Figure 9, the antenna driving mode of Figure 10, and the stylus sensing mode of Figure 11. Furthermore, the sensor unit 100d of Figure 15 may be used in any one of the methods of No. 2 to No. 32 in Table 1 above.

[0191] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the sensor unit 100d shown in FIG.

[0192] The structures and shapes of the first to fourth patterns 101d, 102d, 103d, and 104d of the sensor unit 100d' shown in Fig. 16 are the same as the first to fourth patterns 101d, 102d, 103d, and 104d of the sensor unit 100d shown in Fig. 15. Therefore, the description of the structures and shapes of the first to fourth patterns 101d, 102d, 103d, and 104d will be replaced with the content previously described.

[0193] The sensor unit 100d' shown in FIG. 16 differs from the sensor unit 100d shown in FIG. 15 in that the first pattern 101d has a conductive pattern 101om electrically connecting two adjacent first odd patterns 101o in the first direction, and a conductive pattern electrically connecting two adjacent first even patterns 101e.

[0194] The conductive pattern 101om is arranged to bypass the second pattern 102d without intersecting with it.

[0195] 15, the conductive pattern 101om electrically connecting two adjacent first odd patterns 101o in the first direction of the first pattern 101d and the conductive pattern electrically connecting two adjacent first even patterns 101e have a shape extending linearly in the first direction, and therefore have an overlapping portion with the second pattern 102d. A predetermined capacitance may be formed between the conductive pattern and the second pattern 102d in the overlapping portion. The predetermined capacitance may affect touch sensing or stylus sensing sensitivity and may also affect the operating frequency bandwidth.

[0196] On the other hand, the conductive pattern 101om in FIG. 15 does not overlap with the second pattern 102d and is arranged around the second pattern 102d, so the above-mentioned capacitance is not formed, which has the advantage of reducing the impact on touch sensing or stylus sensing sensitivity and also reducing the impact on the operating frequency bandwidth.

[0197] On the other hand, the conductive pattern of FIG. 15 is shorter in length than the conductive pattern 101om of FIG. 16, and therefore has the advantage that the resistance of the conductive pattern of FIG. 15 is smaller than that of the conductive pattern 101om of FIG.

[0198] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above embodiments are included in one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified in other embodiments by a person skilled in the art to which the embodiment belongs. Therefore, content related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0199] Furthermore, although the above description has focused on the embodiments, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and applications other than those illustrated above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically illustrated in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. Differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0200] 100, 100a, 100b, 100b', 100c, 100d, 100d': Sensor part 101, 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d: First pattern 102, 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d: Second pattern 103, 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d: Third pattern 104, 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d: Fourth pattern

Claims

1. a sensor unit and a controller electrically connected to the sensor unit, The sensor unit includes first to fourth patterns arranged together in the same layer, the first pattern has a plurality of openings arranged along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and the second pattern is disposed therein; the third pattern has at least one opening disposed on each side of the first pattern, and the fourth pattern is disposed therein; the first patterns include first odd patterns and first even patterns alternately arranged along the first direction, the first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and the first even patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other; Among the second patterns, the second patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and among the second patterns arranged along the first direction, a second pattern arranged at the other end is electrically connected to a second pattern arranged along the second direction, the third patterns arranged along the second direction among the plurality of third patterns are electrically connected to each other; Among the fourth patterns, the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction are electrically connected to each other, and among the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction, a fourth pattern arranged at the other end is electrically connected to a fourth pattern arranged along the first direction. Touch input device.

2. The sensor unit further includes a conductive pattern electrically connecting first odd patterns arranged along the first direction, The touch input device of claim 1 , wherein the conductive pattern extends along the first direction and is disposed such that at least a portion of the conductive pattern overlaps with the third and fourth patterns.

3. The sensor unit further includes a conductive pattern electrically connecting first odd patterns arranged along the first direction, The touch input device of claim 1 , wherein the conductive pattern is disposed around the third pattern so as not to overlap the third and fourth patterns.

4. the first pattern includes an inverted triangular pattern portion, a triangular pattern portion, and a connecting pattern portion connecting the inverted triangular pattern portion and the triangular pattern portion, the opening of the first pattern has a shape corresponding to an outer shape of the first pattern; the second pattern has a shape corresponding to an opening of the first pattern; The touch input device of claim 1 , wherein the third pattern has a rectangular, polygonal, circular or elliptical shape.

5. The control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in any one of a touch driving / sensing mode for sensing a touch position of an object, an antenna driving mode for driving a stylus pen, and a stylus sensing mode for sensing a touch position of the stylus pen; In the touch driving / sensing mode, the controller applies a touch driving signal to the third patterns, receives a first touch sensing signal through a first odd pattern arranged along the first direction, receives a second touch sensing signal through a first even pattern arranged along the first direction, and senses the touch position by subtracting the first touch sensing signal and the second touch sensing signal from each other. In the antenna driving mode, the control unit applies a pen driving signal to the second patterns or the fourth patterns to drive the stylus pen; In the stylus sensing mode, the control unit receives a pen sensing signal from the stylus pen via any one of the first patterns and the second patterns, and any one of the third patterns and the fourth patterns. The touch input device of claim 1 .

6. a sensor unit and a controller electrically connected to the sensor unit, The sensor unit includes first to fourth patterns arranged together in the same layer, the first pattern has a plurality of openings arranged along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and the second pattern is disposed therein; the second pattern has an opening in which the third pattern is disposed; the third pattern has an opening in which the fourth pattern is disposed; the first patterns include first odd patterns and first even patterns alternately arranged along the first direction, the first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and the first even patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other; Among the second patterns, the second patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and among the second patterns arranged along the first direction, a second pattern arranged at the other end is electrically connected to a second pattern arranged along the second direction, the third patterns arranged along the second direction among the plurality of third patterns are electrically connected to each other; Among the fourth patterns, the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction are electrically connected to each other, and among the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction, a fourth pattern arranged at the other end is electrically connected to a fourth pattern arranged along the first direction. Touch input device.

7. The first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other through a conductive pattern, 7. The touch input device of claim 6, wherein the conductive pattern extends linearly along the first direction and has a portion disposed adjacent to one side of a first even pattern disposed between two first odd patterns.

8. a sensor unit and a controller electrically connected to the sensor unit, The sensor unit includes first to fourth patterns arranged together in the same layer, the first pattern has a plurality of openings arranged along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and the second pattern is disposed therein; the third pattern has a shape extending along the second direction, is disposed so as to surround the first patterns arranged along the second direction, and has an opening in which the fourth pattern is disposed; the first patterns include first odd patterns and first even patterns alternately arranged along the first direction, the first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and the first even patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, Among the second patterns, the second patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and among the second patterns arranged along the first direction, a second pattern arranged at the other end is electrically connected to a second pattern arranged along the second direction, The other ends of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other. Touch input device.

9. the third pattern includes a third outer pattern, a number of third inner patterns, and a number of third connecting patterns; the third external pattern has a shape corresponding to an outer shape of the third pattern and is a shape of a closed curve extending along the second direction, The third internal patterns are arranged along the second direction within one of the third external patterns, 9. The touch input device of claim 8, wherein the third connecting patterns electrically connect spaces between the third internal patterns arranged along the second direction and electrically connect the third internal patterns located at both side ends of the third internal patterns arranged along the second direction to the third external pattern.

10. the fourth pattern includes a fourth upper pattern and a fourth lower pattern electrically connected to each other, the fourth upper pattern is disposed in an upper opening defined by an upper portion of the third outer pattern, the plurality of third inner patterns, and the plurality of third connecting patterns; The touch input device of claim 9 , wherein the fourth lower pattern is disposed in a lower opening defined by a lower portion of the third outer pattern, the plurality of third inner patterns, and the plurality of third connecting patterns.

11. The first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other by a conductive pattern, The touch input device of claim 8 , wherein the conductive pattern extends along the first direction and is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the second pattern.

12. The first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other by a conductive pattern, The touch input device of claim 8 , wherein the conductive pattern extends along the first direction and is arranged to bypass the second pattern such that at least a portion of the conductive pattern does not overlap the second pattern.

13. The control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in any one of a touch driving / sensing mode for sensing a touch position of an object, an antenna driving mode for driving a stylus pen, and a stylus sensing mode for sensing a touch position of the stylus pen; In the touch driving / sensing mode, the controller applies a touch driving signal to the third patterns, receives a first touch sensing signal through a first odd pattern arranged along the first direction, receives a second touch sensing signal through a first even pattern arranged along the first direction, and senses the touch position by subtracting the first touch sensing signal and the second touch sensing signal from each other. In the antenna driving mode, the control unit applies a pen driving signal to the second patterns or the fourth patterns to drive the stylus pen; In the stylus sensing mode, the control unit receives a pen sensing signal from the stylus pen via any one of the first patterns and the second patterns, and any one of the third patterns and the fourth patterns. The touch input device of claim 8.

14. a sensor unit and a controller electrically connected to the sensor unit, the sensor unit includes first and second patterns disposed together on a first layer, and third and fourth patterns disposed together on a second layer spaced apart from the first layer, the first pattern has a plurality of openings arranged along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and the second pattern is disposed therein; the third pattern has a shape extending along the second direction and has an opening in which the fourth pattern is disposed; the first patterns include first odd patterns and first even patterns alternately arranged along the first direction, the first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and the first even patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other; Among the second patterns, the second patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and among the second patterns arranged along the first direction, a second pattern arranged at the other end is electrically connected to a second pattern arranged along the second direction, The other ends of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other. Touch input device.

15. the first pattern includes an inverted triangular pattern portion, a triangular pattern portion, and a connecting pattern portion connecting the inverted triangular pattern portion and the triangular pattern portion, the opening of the first pattern has a shape corresponding to an outer shape of the first pattern; the second pattern has a shape corresponding to an opening of the first pattern; the third pattern includes a plurality of diamond pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion connecting two adjacent diamond pattern portions among the plurality of diamond pattern portions, the opening of the third pattern has a shape corresponding to an outer shape of the third pattern; The touch input device of claim 14 , wherein the fourth pattern has a shape that corresponds to an opening in the third pattern.

16. The control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in any one of a touch driving / sensing mode for sensing a touch position of an object, an antenna driving mode for driving a stylus pen, and a stylus sensing mode for sensing a touch position of the stylus pen; In the touch driving / sensing mode, the controller applies a touch driving signal to the third patterns, receives a first touch sensing signal through a first odd pattern arranged along the first direction, receives a second touch sensing signal through a first even pattern arranged along the first direction, and senses the touch position by subtracting the first touch sensing signal and the second touch sensing signal from each other. In the antenna driving mode, the control unit applies a pen driving signal to the second patterns or the fourth patterns to drive the stylus pen; In the stylus sensing mode, the control unit receives a pen sensing signal from the stylus pen via any one of the first patterns and the second patterns, and any one of the third patterns and the fourth patterns. The touch input device of claim 14.

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