Touch input device

Abstract

To prevent a phenomenon in which touch driving and sensing time become long by additional firmware calculation of a processor, whenever a touch input device is driven.SOLUTION: A touch input device includes a touch sensor, and a control unit for controlling the touch sensor, wherein the touch sensor includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, the first electrodes are arranged in a first direction, the second electrodes are arranged in a second direction different from the first direction, and includes a second a electrode pattern arranged adjacent to the first electrode and a second b electrode pattern arranged separated from the first electrode by a predetermined distance, and the control unit matches a plurality of programmed codes with a plurality of addresses, respectively, stores the matched codes in a code block table, receives application of the plurality of stored codes according to a scan mode, generates a driving signal and outputs the generated driving signal to the plurality of second electrodes, receives a sense signal output from the plurality of first electrodes, and detects a touch position of the object positioned on the touch sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a touch input device, and more particularly, to a touch input device capable of performing various touch sensing operations using a touch controller alone by pre-storing various code values ​​in a codebook according to a touch scan mode in the touch input device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various types of input devices are used to operate a computing system, such as buttons, keys, joysticks, and touch screens. The use of touch screens in operating a computing system is increasing due to the ease and convenience of touch screens.

[0003] The touch sensor can be used as a kind of information input device by being provided on a display panel. For example, the touch sensor can be attached to one surface of the display panel or manufactured integrally with the display panel. A user can input information by touching the touch sensor while viewing an image displayed on the screen of the display panel.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a stacked structure of a conventional octa-type.

[0005] OCTA, a type of touch screen panel technology, is an abbreviation of On Cell Touch AMOLED, and is a type of touch screen panel (TSP) in which a touch sensor is directly deposited on the AMOLED display cell as shown in Figure 1.

[0006] In other words, it is a technology that incorporates the touch screen function of smartphones / tablets into OLED panels. As there is no reinforced glass between the cell and the touch sensor, it has the effect of providing higher clarity than conventional TSPs.

[0007] Y-OCTA is a touch screen panel with a touch sensor directly deposited on the cell. Y-OCTA is named by adding the Y from "YOUM", Samsung Display's flexible OLED brand name, to "OCTA".

[0008] Y-OCTA technology is applied to the thin film encapsulation (TFE) process of OLED manufacturing. It realizes the touch screen by patterning an aluminum metal mesh sensor used as a touch sensor between the organic material for thin film encapsulation and the polarizer.

[0009] Y-OCTA can solve the visibility problem that occurs at curved edges by attaching the polarizer close to the cover window, and can reduce the panel thickness by removing the support film, and can reduce costs by omitting the lamination process.

[0010] A touch input device with a conventional wide-octave touch screen panel has a problem in a low ground mass (LGM) situation. The problem is that when a touch sensor is implemented with a single layer or double layer of driving electrodes and receiving electrodes, and a certain touch occurs when the touch input device is not held by the user (floating state), a signal that should be normally detected from the perspective of the touch input device disappears or is split and detected as touched at two or more points.

[0011] On the other hand, a codebook is an indexed collection of predefined code vectors used to capture a sufficiently large number of diverse patterns for encoding and / or decoding data.

[0012] In the conventional touch input device, if a codebook is not used in the driving and sensing means, there is a limitation that a code type desired by a user cannot be created or only a fixed code type can be used.

[0013] If firmware were to intervene to solve this problem, additional firmware operations would be required every time the device is run or whenever a code change is required.

[0014] In this case, since an intermediate intervention by a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) becomes unavoidable, there is a problem in that the touch driving and sensing time of the touch input device becomes longer.

[0015] In addition, because the central processing unit must operate during code changes, other operations such as executing noise filter algorithms and coordinate calculations cannot be performed, resulting in reduced operating efficiency. This eventually leads to problems such as increased power consumption and a drop in reporting rates. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a touch input device that can prevent a phenomenon in which touch driving and sensing times are lengthened due to additional firmware calculations by a processor every time the touch input device is driven, and can prevent a decrease in operating efficiency and an increase in power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a touch input device comprising: a touch sensor; and a controller for controlling the touch sensor, the touch sensor comprising a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, the first electrodes being arranged along a first direction, the second electrodes being arranged along a second direction different from the first direction, and comprising a 2a electrode pattern arranged adjacent to the first electrodes and a 2b electrode pattern arranged at a predetermined distance from the first electrodes, the controller matching a plurality of codes programmed by a built-in firmware with a plurality of addresses, storing the codes in a codebook table, receiving the stored codes according to a scan mode, generating driving signals and outputting the driving signals to the plurality of second electrodes, and receiving sensing signals output from the plurality of first electrodes to detect a touch position of an object placed on the touch sensor.

[0018] In the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first electrodes are arranged in a vertical direction to the second electrodes.

[0019] The touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a touch controller that pre-stores a plurality of codes and outputs a predetermined code from the plurality of codes to the plurality of second electrodes through touch scanning.

[0020] The touch controller of the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a control unit that performs the touch scan so that a driving signal is applied to at least two or more second electrodes among the plurality of second electrodes; and a driving and sensing unit that matches and outputs the predetermined code to the at least two or more second electrodes in response to control of the control unit through the touch scan.

[0021] The driving and sensing unit of the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a codebook table that matches and stores the plurality of codes programmed by firmware built into the control unit with each of a plurality of addresses, a driving signal generating unit that receives the stored plurality of codes according to a scan mode, generates driving signals, and outputs the driving signals to the plurality of second electrodes, and a plurality of sensing sensors that receive sensing signals output from the plurality of first electrodes.

[0022] A touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel including a plurality of scan lines, a touch sensor including a plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of receiving electrodes arranged in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of driving electrodes, and a touch controller that stores a plurality of codes and outputs a predetermined code among the plurality of codes to the plurality of driving electrodes through a touch scan.

[0023] The touch controller of the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit that performs the touch scan so that a drive signal is applied to at least two of the plurality of drive electrodes, and a driving and sensing unit that matches and outputs the predetermined code to the at least two drive electrodes in response to control of the control unit through the touch scan.

[0024] The driving and sensing unit of the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a codebook table that matches and stores the plurality of codes programmed by firmware built into the control unit with each of a plurality of addresses, a driving signal generating unit that receives the stored plurality of codes according to a scan mode, generates driving signals, and outputs the driving signals to the plurality of driving electrodes, and a plurality of sensing sensors that receive sensing signals output from the plurality of receiving electrodes.

[0025] The driving and sensing unit of the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a first register for temporarily storing the addresses and data matched to each address in the codebook table.

[0026] The control unit of the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a processor that sets a starting codebook address when scanning according to a scan mode via the firmware and programs the plurality of codes, an external serial interface that transmits data calculated by the processor to a host, and a second register that temporarily stores data input or output via a general-purpose input / output unit.

[0027] In the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller sequentially performs the touch scan multiple times on all of the driving electrodes.

[0028] Each of the driving signals of the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that vector values ​​expressed as one or more of -1, 0, and 1 are consecutive for each of the plurality of driving electrodes for each predetermined time period.

[0029] The processor of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that every time the driving and sensing unit is touch-driven, the processor reads a corresponding code from the codebook table and increments a codebook address for each time slot.

[0030] The touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a gate driving circuit that sequentially outputs display scan signals on the plurality of scan lines to control driving timing of the plurality of sub-pixels, a data driving circuit that receives image data and converts the image data into an analog data voltage, and a display control unit that transmits the image data and controls the gate driving circuit and the data driving circuit.

[0031] The display panel of the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a plurality of data lines arranged perpendicular to the plurality of scan lines, and the plurality of sub-pixels are located in areas where the plurality of scan lines and the plurality of data lines intersect.

[0032] The data driving circuit of the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it outputs a data voltage to each of the plurality of data lines in accordance with a timing at which a scan signal is applied through the plurality of scan lines, and drives each of the plurality of sub-pixels to display brightness according to image data.

[0033] The codebook table of the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it is a table that collects code vectors for encoding and decoding data stored in the internal and external memories or registers of the touch controller. Effect of the Invention

[0034] In accordance with the present invention, various code values ​​are pre-stored in a codebook according to touch scan modes in a touch input device, thereby enabling various touch sensing operations to be performed by a touch controller alone.

[0035] This reduces the touch actuation and sensing time of the touch input device without the need for additional firmware calculations each time the touch input device is touch actuated or whenever a code change is required.

[0036] In particular, when the code is changed, the central processing unit is freed to perform other important operations, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the central processing unit, reducing power consumption, and preventing a drop in the reporting rate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a stacked structure of a conventional octa-type. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a touch input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of one embodiment of touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 3 separated into layers. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating electrical connections between a plurality of receiving electrodes shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of another embodiment of touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 6 separated into layers. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating electrical connections between a plurality of receiving electrodes shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a portion of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 9 separated into layers. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a portion of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 11 separated into layers. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a portion of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a partial plan view of one embodiment of touch sensor 150' shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a partial plan view of an alternative embodiment of touch sensor 150' shown in FIG. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a partial plan view of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 150' shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a partial plan view of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 150' shown in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a partial plan view of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 150' shown in FIG. [Figure 20] 20A and 20B are diagrams for explaining multi-driving of the touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a touch controller within the touch input device shown in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows an output waveform of the driving signal generating unit in the driving and sensing unit shown in FIG. 21 and a codebook matrix corresponding thereto. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 shows an output waveform of the driving signal generating unit in the driving and sensing unit shown in FIG. 21 and a codebook table corresponding thereto. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows an output waveform of the driving signal generating unit operated according to exemplary values ​​of the codebook table in the driving and sensing unit shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] The following detailed description of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of example specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different from one another, but are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a specific shape, structure, and characteristic described herein 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 changed 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, together with the full scope of equivalents that such claims, if properly interpreted, are to be given. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar features throughout the various aspects.

[0039] The touch input device according to various embodiments of the present document may include at least one of the following electronic devices: a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a vehicle display device, a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a laptop personal computer, a netbook computer, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a touch input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which includes a display panel 100, a touch controller 200, and a display controller 300. As shown in FIG.

[0041] The display panel 100 includes a touch sensor 150 , the touch controller 200 includes a driving and sensing unit 210 and a control unit 220 , and the display controller 300 includes a gate driving circuit 310 , a display control unit 320 , and a data driving circuit 330 .

[0042] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the multi-driving of the touch sensor 150 shown in FIG.

[0043] The operation of the touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0044] The touch controller 200 controls the touch sensor 150 .

[0045] The touch controller 200 can sequentially supply drive signals to the multiple drive electrodes of the touch sensor 150, or can simultaneously supply a predetermined drive signal to at least two or more of the multiple drive electrodes. The former is called a sequential drive method, and the latter is called a multi-drive method.

[0046] The touch controller 200 receives sensing signals output from a plurality of receiving electrodes of the touch sensor 150. Here, the sensing signals may include information on the amount of capacitance change between each receiving electrode and its adjacent driving electrode, an LGM noise signal, a display noise signal, and the like.

[0047] The touch controller 200 may perform analog-to-digital conversion on the sensing signals output from the plurality of receiving electrodes and output digital sensing signals.

[0048] The touch controller 200 may output a differential signal between two of the sensing signals output from the plurality of receiving electrodes, and may output the output signal after analog-to-digital conversion. To this end, the touch controller 200 may include a comparator and an ADC. The touch controller 200 may detect the presence or absence of a touch and / or a touch position based on the output digital signal.

[0049] 2, the touch controller 200 may be implemented as one module, unit, or chip. However, without being limited thereto, the touch controller 200 may be divided into a driving and sensing unit 210 that applies driving signals to driving electrodes of the touch sensor 150 and receives sensing signals from receiving electrodes of the touch sensor 150, and a control unit 220 that controls the driving and sensing unit 210. Alternatively, the driving and sensing unit 210 and the control unit 220 may be implemented as one module, unit, or chip.

[0050] The touch input device shown in FIG.

[0051] A number of scan lines (or gate lines) and a number of data lines may be arranged on the display panel 100. Sub-pixels may be located at areas where the scan lines and the data lines intersect.

[0052] The display panel 100 may include an active area in which a number of sub-pixels are arranged, and a non-active area located outside the active area. The active area may constitute a display screen of a touch input device. The display screen may have a rectangular shape with a horizontal length longer than a vertical length.

[0053] The touch input device shown in FIG. 2 may include a display controller 300 including a gate driving circuit 310 for driving various signal lines arranged on the display panel 100, a data driving circuit 330, and a display control unit 320 for driving the display panel 100.

[0054] The gate driving circuit 310 is controlled by the display controller 320 and can sequentially output display scan signals to a number of scan lines arranged on the display panel 100 to control driving timings of a number of sub-pixels.

[0055] The data driving circuit 330 may receive image data from the display controller 320 and convert the image data into an analog data voltage. The data driving circuit 330 may output a data voltage (Vdata) to each data line in accordance with a timing when a scan signal is applied through a scan line, and control each sub-pixel to display brightness according to the image data.

[0056] The display controller 320 may supply various control signals to the gate driver 310 and the data driver 330 to control the operations of the gate driver 310 and the data driver 330. The display controller 320 may be configured separately from or integrally with the controller 220 shown in FIG.

[0057] Various embodiments of the touch sensor 150 according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of one embodiment of touch sensor 150 shown in FIG.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 3 separated into layers.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating electrical connections between a plurality of receiving electrodes shown in FIG.

[0061] 3 to 5, a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention may be disposed on or within a display panel.

[0062] The touch sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes. Among the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, electrodes to which a driving signal is applied may be driving electrodes, and the remaining electrodes may be receiving electrodes.

[0063] In the following description, the plurality of first electrodes are the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, . . . , and the plurality of second electrodes are the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, .

[0064] The plurality of drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... may include a 0th drive electrode TX0, a first drive electrode TX1, a second drive electrode TX2, and a third drive electrode TX3, where the plurality of drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... correspond to the plurality of drive electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, ... shown in FIG.

[0065] The multiple receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, ... may include a 0th receiving electrode RX0, a first receiving electrode RX1, a second receiving electrode RX2, a third receiving electrode RX3, and a fourth receiving electrode RX4, where the multiple receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, ... correspond to the multiple receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, Rx4, ... shown in FIG.

[0066] The plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... may be arranged along a second direction (or vertical direction) and each extend along a first direction (or horizontal direction) perpendicular to the second direction. The plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, ... may be arranged along the second direction. Here, conversely, the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... may be arranged along the first direction (or horizontal direction), and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, ... may be arranged along the second direction (or vertical direction).

[0067] A predetermined capacitance may be formed between the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, .... This capacitance changes when a touch input occurs at or around a corresponding point. Therefore, the presence or absence of a touch and the touch input can be detected by detecting the amount of change in capacitance from signals output from the plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, ....

[0068] Each of the multiple drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, . . . may have a rectangular pattern or a bar pattern extending in the first direction, and may have multiple openings O arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction.

[0069] One receiving electrode may be disposed in each opening O. The shape of each opening O corresponds to the shape of one receiving electrode disposed adjacent to it.

[0070] For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the remaining openings O except for the openings arranged at the left and right ends may have a diamond shape, and the openings arranged at the left and right ends may have a triangular shape. Although not shown in the drawings, all the openings O may have a diamond shape. Alternatively, the openings O may have various shapes such as a polygon, a rectangle, a circle, or an ellipse.

[0071] Each of the receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, ... includes a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b, RX1a, RX1b, RX2a, RX2b, RX3a, RX3b, RX4a, RX4b and connection patterns P0, P1, P2, P3, P4. Here, some of the receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b, RX1a, RX1b, RX2a, RX2b, RX3a, RX3b, RX4a, RX4b may correspond to some of the receiving electrodes Rx0a, Rx1a, Rx2a, Rx3a, ... shown in FIG. 2, and the remaining receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, RX4b may correspond to the remaining receiving electrodes Rx0b, Rx1b, Rx2b, Rx3b, ... shown in FIG. 2.

[0072] As shown in (a) of Figure 4, a plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... and a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b, RX1a, RX1b, RX2a, RX2b, RX3a, RX3b, RX4a, RX4b may be arranged together on a first layer.

[0073] Here, the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... and the plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b, RX1a, RX1b, RX2a, RX2b, RX3a, RX3b, RX4a, RX4b arranged in the first layer may be embodied as a metal mesh.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the plurality of connection patterns P0a, P0b, P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, P3a, P3b, P4a, and P4b may be disposed on a second layer. The second layer is a layer different from the first layer of FIG. 4(a) and is electrically insulated from the first layer. Here, the plurality of connection patterns P0a, P0b, P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, P3a, P3b, P4a, and P4b may be embodied as a metal mesh. The first layer of FIG. 4(a) may be disposed on the second layer of FIG. 4(b), and vice versa.

[0075] A plurality of receiving electrode patterns included in each receiving electrode may be divided into at least two or more groups. The receiving electrode patterns in one group are alternately arranged between the receiving electrode patterns in another group. The receiving electrode patterns in one group are electrically isolated from the receiving electrode patterns in the other group.

[0076] Here, the receiving electrode pattern in one group may be named a first receiving electrode pattern, and the receiving electrode pattern in the other group may be named a second receiving electrode pattern.

[0077] The plurality of connection patterns included in each receiving electrode include a first connection pattern that electrically connects first receiving electrode patterns in one group and a second connection pattern that electrically connects second receiving electrodes in another group.

[0078] For example, the 0th receiving electrode RX0 may include a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b and a plurality of connecting patterns P0. The plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b may include a first group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a and a second group of receiving electrode patterns RX0b arranged alternately one by one along the second direction. The first group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a and the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX0b may be electrically separated from each other.

[0079] The 0th connecting pattern P0 may include a first connecting pattern P0a electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns RX0a of the first group and a second connecting pattern P0b electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns RX0b of the second group.

[0080] The first receiving electrode RX1 may include a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX1a, RX1b and a plurality of connecting patterns P1. The plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX1a, RX1b may include a first group of receiving electrode patterns RX1a and a second group of receiving electrode patterns RX1b arranged alternately one by one along a second direction. The first group of receiving electrode patterns RX1a and the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX1b may be electrically isolated from each other.

[0081] The first connecting pattern P1 may include a first connecting pattern P1a electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns RX1a of the first group and a second connecting pattern P1b electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns RX1b of the second group.

[0082] The second receiving electrode RX2 may include a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX2a, RX2b and a plurality of connecting patterns P2. The plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX2a, RX2b may include a first group of receiving electrode patterns RX2a and a second group of receiving electrode patterns RX2b arranged alternately one by one along the second direction. The first group of receiving electrode patterns RX2a and the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX2b may be electrically isolated from each other.

[0083] The second connecting pattern P2 may include a first connecting pattern P2a electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns RX2a of the first group and a second connecting pattern P2b electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns RX2b of the second group.

[0084] The third receiving electrode RX3 may include a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX3a, RX3b and a plurality of connecting patterns P3. The plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX3a, RX3b may include a first group of receiving electrode patterns RX3a and a second group of receiving electrode patterns RX3b arranged alternately one by one along the second direction. The first group of receiving electrode patterns RX3a and the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX3b may be electrically separated from each other.

[0085] The third connecting pattern P3 may include a first connecting pattern P3a electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns RX3a of the first group and a second connecting pattern P3b electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns RX3b of the second group.

[0086] The fourth receiving electrode RX4 may include a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX4a, RX4b and a plurality of connecting patterns P4. The plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX4a, RX4b may include a first group of receiving electrode patterns RX4a and a second group of receiving electrode patterns RX4b arranged alternately one by one along the second direction. The first group of receiving electrode patterns RX4a and the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX4b may be electrically isolated from each other.

[0087] The fourth connecting pattern P4 may include a first connecting pattern P4a electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns RX4a of the first group and a second connecting pattern P4b electrically connecting the receiving electrode patterns RX4b of the second group.

[0088] The multiple receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX0b, RX1a, RX1b, RX2a, RX2b, RX3a, RX3b, RX4a, RX4b are arranged adjacent to the multiple openings O of the multiple driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, .... One receiving electrode pattern is arranged adjacent to one opening O. The shape of each receiving electrode pattern corresponds to the shape of the opening corresponding to it.

[0089] In any receiving electrode RX1, between the receiving electrode pattern RX1a in the first group and the receiving electrode pattern RX1b in the second group that are arranged adjacent to each other, a portion of the driving electrode TX0 immediately adjacent to the periphery of the receiving electrode pattern RX1a in the first group and a portion of the driving electrode TX1 immediately adjacent to the periphery of the receiving electrode pattern RX1b in the second group are both arranged.

[0090] An arbitrary driving electrode TX0 is arranged immediately adjacent to the periphery of one group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, RX4a, and another driving electrode TX1 arranged immediately adjacent to the periphery of another group of receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, RX4b is arranged so as to be separated from the receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, RX4a of the one group by the arbitrary driving electrode TX0.

[0091] Each of the connection patterns P0a, P0b, P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, P3a, P3b, P4a, and P4b may have a bar pattern shape extending along the second direction and include at least one conductive via v. The conductive via v may be disposed at both ends of each of the connection patterns.

[0092] In the 0th receiving electrode RX0, each of the first connecting patterns P0a electrically connects two adjacent receiving electrode patterns RX0a of the first group through a conductive via v, and is arranged so as to overlap under a receiving electrode pattern RX0b of the second group arranged between the two adjacent receiving electrode patterns RX0a.

[0093] Each of the second connecting patterns P0b electrically connects two adjacent receiving electrode patterns RX0b of the second group through a conductive via v, and is arranged so as to overlap under the receiving electrode pattern RX0a of the first group arranged between the two adjacent receiving electrode patterns RX0b.

[0094] The first connecting patterns P1a, P2a, P3a, and P4a and the second connecting patterns P1b, P2b, P3b, and P4b of the remaining receiving electrodes RX1, RX2, RX3, and RX4 are arranged in the same manner as described above.

[0095] In the following, a detailed description will be given of an operation in the case where a drive signal is applied to at least one of the plurality of drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3.

[0096] For ease of understanding, the operation of the first receiving electrode RX1 and the operation of the driving and sensing unit 210 of FIG. 2 will be described in detail.

[0097] When driving signals are applied to the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3 in sequence or simultaneously, two sensing signals are output through the first connecting pattern P1. The first signal is output through the first connecting pattern P1a, and the second signal is output through the second connecting pattern P1b.

[0098] Therefore, first and second signals of two channels are output for each of the receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, and RX4. The first and second signals may be output simultaneously, and the output first and second signals may be output to the driving and sensing unit 210 of FIG.

[0099] Depending on the drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, ... to which the drive signals are applied, either the first signal or the second signal may become an active channel signal (or an active reception signal ARX), and the remaining one may become a dummy channel signal (or a dummy reception signal DRX).

[0100] Specifically, when a driving signal is applied to the driving electrodes (TX0 and / or TX2) in which the first group of receiving electrode patterns RX1a are arranged, the first signal outputted through the first connecting pattern P1a becomes an active channel signal, and the second signal outputted through the second connecting pattern P1b becomes a dummy channel signal.

[0101] On the other hand, when a driving signal is applied to the driving electrodes (TX1 and / or TX3) in which the second group receiving electrode pattern RX1b is arranged, the second signal output via the second connecting pattern P1b becomes an active channel signal, and the first signal output via the first connecting pattern P1a becomes a dummy channel signal.

[0102] 3, assuming that an object (dotted line) is close to or in contact with the intersection of the first driving electrode TX1 and the first receiving electrode RX1, when a driving signal is applied to the first driving electrode TX1, the capacitance (or mutual active capacitance) formed between the first driving electrode TX1 and the receiving electrode pattern RX1b belonging to the second group of the first receiving electrode RX1 changes. A second signal including information on the amount of change in the changed capacitance is output as an active channel signal via the second connecting pattern P1b.

[0103] Meanwhile, the capacitance (or dummy capacitance) formed between the receiving electrode patterns RX1a belonging to the first group of the first receiving electrode RX1 also changes, and the first signal including the capacitance change amount information is outputted as a dummy channel signal via the first connecting pattern P1a.

[0104] The driving and sensing unit 210 shown in FIG. 2 can cancel all or most of the cathode retransmission noise signal, the LGM noise signal, and the display noise signal input to the receiving electrode pattern RX1b belonging to the second group and the receiving electrode pattern RX1a belonging to the first group by subtracting the first signal output through the first connecting pattern P1a from the second signal output through the second connecting pattern P1b.

[0105] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of another embodiment of touch sensor 150 shown in FIG.

[0106] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 6 separated into layers.

[0107] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating electrical connections between a plurality of receiving electrodes shown in FIG.

[0108] The touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 6 to 8 has a difference in the multiple receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', RX3', and RX4' compared to the touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0109] In particular, the structure of the plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX1a' included in each of the receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', RX3', and RX4' is different. Hereinafter, the structure of the plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX1a' will be described in detail, and the remaining configurations will be replaced with the contents described above.

[0110] Each of the receiving electrodes RX0', RX1', RX2', RX3', and RX4' includes a plurality of receiving electrode patterns RX1a' having an opening O' therein and including a dummy pattern DX1a disposed inside the opening O'. Here, the dummy pattern DX1a may have a shape corresponding to the opening O'.

[0111] The dummy pattern DX1a is not electrically connected to the connecting patterns P0a, P0b, P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, P3a, P3b, P4a, and P4b, and is maintained in an electrically floating state.

[0112] The operation of the touch sensor according to the other embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 is the same as the operation of the touch sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.

[0113] Therefore, a touch input device including a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 also has the advantage of being able to remove various noises that may occur during touch sensing, such as cathode retransmission noise signals, display noise, and LGM noise.

[0114] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a portion of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 150 shown in FIG.

[0115] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 9 separated into layers.

[0116] The touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 9 to 10 has differences in the multiple receiving electrodes RX0'', RX1'', RX2'', RX3'', RX4'' compared to the touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0117] In particular, the layout structure and shape of the multiple connection patterns P0', P1', P2', P3', and P4' included in each of the receiving electrodes RX0'', RX1'', RX2'', RX3'', and RX4'' are different. Hereinafter, the layout structure and shape of each connection pattern P0', P1', P2', P3', and P4' will be described in detail, and the remaining configuration will be replaced with the content previously described.

[0118] Each of the connection patterns P0', P1', P2', P3', and P4' includes a first connection pattern P0a', P1a', P2a', P3a', and P4a' and a second connection pattern P0b', P1b', P2b', P3b', and P4b'.

[0119] Each of the first connecting patterns P0a', P1a', P2a', P3a', P4a' electrically connects two receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, RX4a of the first group, but is arranged so as not to overlap with the receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, RX4b of the second group arranged between the two receiving electrode patterns.

[0120] For example, at least a portion of each first connecting pattern P0a', P1a', P2a', P3a', P4a' may be disposed between the receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, RX4b of the second group and the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3 disposed immediately adjacent to the receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, RX4b of the second group, so as not to overlap with the receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, RX4b of the second group.

[0121] On the other hand, the remaining portions may be disposed so as to overlap with the drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3.

[0122] Each of the second connecting patterns P0b', P1b', P2b', P3b', and P4b' electrically connects two receiving electrode patterns RX0b, RX1b, RX2b, RX3b, and RX4b of the second group, but is arranged so as not to overlap with the receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, and RX4a of the first group arranged between the two receiving electrode patterns.

[0123] For example, at least a portion of each second connecting pattern P0b', P1b', P2b', P3b', P4b' may be disposed between the receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, RX4a of the first group and the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3 disposed immediately adjacent to the receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, RX4a of the first group, so as not to overlap with the receiving electrode patterns RX0a, RX1a, RX2a, RX3a, RX4a of the first group.

[0124] On the other hand, the remaining portions may be disposed so as to overlap with the drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3.

[0125] The touch sensor according to this further embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that the capacitance value between the first connecting pattern and the second group of receiving electrode patterns, or between the second connecting pattern and the first group of receiving electrode patterns, can be reduced compared to the touch sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0126] Meanwhile, although not shown in a separate drawing, the dummy pattern DX1a shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may also be applied to a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a portion of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 150 shown in FIG.

[0128] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 11 separated into layers.

[0129] The touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 11 and 12 has differences in the multiple receiving electrodes RX0''',RX1''',RX2''', and RX3''' compared to the touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0130] In particular, the structures and arrangements of the multiple receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX0b-1, RX0b-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX1b-1, RX1b-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX2b-1, RX2b-2, RX3a-1, RX3a-2, RX3b-1, RX3b-2 and the multiple connecting patterns P0'', P1'', P2'', P3'' included in each receiving electrode RX0'',RX1'',RX2'''', RX3'''' are different.

[0131] Below, the structures and arrangements of the receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX0b-1, RX0b-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX1b-1, RX1b-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX2b-1, RX2b-2, RX3a-1, RX3a-2, RX3b-1, RX3b-2 and the connection patterns P0'', P1'', P2'', P3'' will be described in detail, and the remaining configurations will be replaced with the contents previously described above.

[0132] The multiple receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX0b-1, RX0b-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX1b-1, RX1b-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX2b-1, RX2b-2, RX3a-1, RX3a-2, RX3b-1, RX3b-2 of each receiving electrode RX0''',RX1''',RX2''',RX3''' include a first group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX3a-1, RX3a-2 and a second group of receiving electrode patterns RX0b-1, RX0b-2, RX1b-1, RX1b-2, RX2b-1, RX2b-2, RX3b-1, RX3b-2 arranged alternately one by one along the second direction.

[0133] The first group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX3a-1, RX3a-2 and the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX0b-1, RX0b-2, RX1b-1, RX1b-2, RX2b-1, RX2b-2, RX3b-1, RX3b-2 may be electrically isolated from each other.

[0134] Each of the first group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX3a-1, RX3a-2 includes a first receiving electrode pattern RX0a-1, RX1a-1, RX2a-1, RX3a-1 and a second receiving electrode pattern RX0a-2, RX1a-2, RX2a-2, RX3a-2. The first receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX1a-1, RX2a-1, RX3a-1 and the second receiving electrode patterns RX0a-2, RX1a-2, RX2a-2, RX3a-2 are respectively disposed in two openings O adjacent to each other in the first direction in the driving electrodes TX0, TX2.

[0135] One first or second receiving electrode pattern is arranged in the openings located at both ends of the multiple openings O of each driving electrode TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, and in the remaining openings, a first receiving electrode pattern of a receiving electrode pattern of a first group of one receiving electrode which is different from a second receiving electrode pattern of a receiving electrode pattern of a first group of one of the multiple receiving electrodes RX0''',RX1''',RX2''',RX3'''' is arranged together but spaced apart from each other.

[0136] Each of the connecting patterns P0'',P1'',P2'',P3'' includes first connecting patterns P0a'',P1a'',P2a'',P3a'' that electrically connect the first group of receiving electrode patterns RX0a-1, RX0a-2, RX1a-1, RX1a-2, RX2a-1, RX2a-2, RX3a-1, RX3a-2 and second connecting patterns P0b'',P1b'',P2b'',P3b'' that electrically connect the second group of receiving electrode patterns RX0b-1, RX0b-2, RX1b-1, RX1b-2, RX2b-1, RX2b-2, RX3b-1, RX3b-2.

[0137] Each of the first connecting patterns P0a'', P1a'', P2a'', and P3a'' and the second connecting patterns P0b'', P1b'', P2b'', and P3b'' is constructed and arranged to connect two adjacent receiving electrode patterns in each group with the shortest distance.

[0138] For example, each of the first connecting patterns P0a'',P1a'',P2a'',P3a'' and the second connecting patterns P0b'',P1b'',P2b'',P3b'' may have one end connected to one side of a lower end of any one of two adjacent receiving electrode patterns in any one group, and the other end connected to one side of an upper end of the remaining receiving electrode pattern. The remaining portion excluding the one end and the other end has a shape extending along the second direction, does not overlap with a receiving electrode pattern of another group arranged between the one receiving electrode pattern and the remaining receiving electrode pattern, and is arranged such that the widest cross-sectional area overlaps with the opening O of the driving electrode.

[0139] In addition, each of the first connecting patterns P0a'', P1a'', P2a'', and P3a'' further includes a receiving connecting pattern electrically connecting the first and second receiving electrode patterns of the first group of receiving electrode patterns, and each of the second connecting patterns P0b'', P1b'', P2b'', and P3b'' further includes a receiving connecting pattern electrically connecting the first and second receiving electrode patterns of the second group of receiving electrode patterns.

[0140] The touch sensor according to this further embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that, compared to the touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 3 to 5, the capacitance value between the first connecting pattern and the second group of receiving electrode patterns, or between the second connecting pattern and the first group of receiving electrode patterns, can be reduced, and the resistance value of each connecting pattern can also be reduced.

[0141] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a portion of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 150 shown in FIG.

[0142] A touch sensor according to yet another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 13 includes a plurality of driving electrodes TX0 and a plurality of receiving electrodes RX0.

[0143] Each driving electrode TX0 includes diamond-shaped pattern portions arranged in one direction, and a connecting pattern portion connecting two adjacent pattern portions of the pattern portions to each other.

[0144] Each receiving electrode RX0 includes a first electrode portion RX0a and a second electrode portion RX0b arranged along a direction different from the one direction. The first electrode portion RX0a and the second electrode portion RX0b may have a triangular shape. One first electrode portion RX0a and one second electrode portion RX0b arranged adjacent to each other may have an overall diamond shape.

[0145] The first electrode portion RX0a is disposed so as to be relatively closer to the driving electrode TX0 than the second electrode portion RX0b is. The second electrode portion RX0b is disposed so as to be relatively closer to the other driving electrodes than the first electrode portion RX0a is.

[0146] The first electrode portion RX0a may be electrically connected via a plurality of conductive traces, and the second electrode portion RX0b may also be electrically connected via a plurality of conductive traces.

[0147] Meanwhile, FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] The touch input device shown in FIG. 14 has the following differences compared to the touch input device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0149] Specifically, the touch sensor 150' of the touch input device shown in FIG. 14 includes electrodes of a predetermined shape, and the predetermined electrodes include a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes.

[0150] In the touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. 2, the multiple first electrodes become multiple driving electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, ... and the multiple second electrodes become multiple receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, ..., but in the touch sensor 150' shown in FIG. 14, conversely, the multiple first electrodes become multiple receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, ... and the multiple second electrodes become multiple driving electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, ....

[0151] In other words, compared to the touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. 2, the touch sensor 150' shown in FIG. 14 has the multiple drive electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, ... changed to multiple receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, ... and the multiple receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, ... changed to multiple drive electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, ...

[0152] The control unit 220 may control whether the first electrodes are a plurality of driving electrodes as shown in FIG. 2 or a plurality of receiving electrodes as shown in FIG.

[0153] When the control unit 220 applies a driving signal to a plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of first electrodes can become a plurality of driving electrodes, and when the control unit 220 applies a driving signal to a plurality of second electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes can become a plurality of receiving electrodes.

[0154] The multiple driving electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, ... and the multiple receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, ... may be arranged to cross each other. Each of the driving electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, ... may extend in a second axis direction, and each of the receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, ... may extend in a first axis direction different from the first axis direction. Here, the first axis direction may be perpendicular to the second axis direction.

[0155] Some of the driving electrodes Tx0a, Tx1a, Tx2a, Tx3a, ... among the multiple driving electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, ... may be arranged so that a mutual capacitance Cm is formed with some of the receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, ... that are even-numbered among the multiple receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx2, Rx4, Rx6, ..., and the remaining driving electrodes Tx0b, Tx1b, Tx2b, Tx3b, ... among the multiple driving electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, ... may be arranged so that a mutual capacitance Cm is formed with the remaining receiving electrodes Rx1, Rx3, Rx5, Rx7, ... that are odd-numbered among the multiple receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, ....

[0156] Some of the driving electrodes Tx0a, Tx1a, Tx2a, Tx3a, ... among the multiple driving electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, ... may be arranged immediately adjacent to some of the even-numbered receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, ... among the multiple receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, ..., and may be arranged at a predetermined distance away from the remaining odd-numbered receiving electrodes Rx1, Rx3, Rx5, Rx7, ... without being immediately adjacent to them.

[0157] Here, at least one other electrode may be disposed between some of the driving electrodes Tx0a, Tx1a, Tx2a, Tx3a, ... and the remaining odd-numbered receiving electrodes Rx1, Rx3, Rx5, Rx7, .... The other electrodes may be some of the even-numbered receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx2, Rx4, Rx6, ....

[0158] The remaining driving electrodes Tx0b, Tx1b, Tx2b, Tx3b, ... among the multiple driving electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, ... may be arranged immediately adjacent to the remaining odd-numbered receiving electrodes Rx1, Rx3, Rx5, Rx7, ... among the multiple receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, ..., and may be arranged not immediately adjacent to some of the even-numbered receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx2, Rx4, Rx6, ... but at a predetermined distance apart.

[0159] Here, at least one other electrode may be disposed between the remaining driving electrodes Tx0b, Tx1b, Tx2b, Tx3b, ... and some of the even-numbered receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx2, Rx4, Rx6, .... The other electrodes may be the remaining odd-numbered receiving electrodes Rx1, Rx3, Rx5, Rx7, ....

[0160] The drive signals applied to the remaining drive electrodes Tx0b, Tx1b, Tx2b, Tx3b, . . . may be inverted drive signals in which only the phase is inverted by 180 degrees from the drive signals applied to some of the drive electrodes Tx0a, Tx1a, Tx2a, Tx3a, .

[0161] For example, in the two drive electrodes Tx0a and Tx0b of the 0th drive electrode TX0, the drive signal applied to Tx0b is an inverted drive signal obtained by inverting the drive signal applied to Tx0a.

[0162] The touch input device shown in FIG. 14 is capable of multi-driving in which drive signals are simultaneously applied to all drive electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, ... of the touch sensor 150', and has the advantage that such multi-driving does not cause flicker problems in the display panel.

[0163] In addition, since all the driving electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, ... can be multi-driven, the driving time for performing mutual sensing can be reduced. Furthermore, the turn-on time of the analog front end (AFE) can also be reduced, further reducing power consumption.

[0164] FIG. 15 is a partial plan view of one embodiment of touch sensor 150' shown in FIG.

[0165] An embodiment of a touch sensor 150' shown in FIG. 15 has the same electrode structure as an embodiment of a touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. 3, but differs in that the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, and TX4 to which driving signals are applied and the receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, and RX3 to which receiving signals are output are configured in reverse.

[0166] 15, the controller 220 shown in FIG 14 may control a predetermined driving signal to be simultaneously applied to the connection patterns P0, P1, P2, P3, P4, ... of the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, TX3, TX4, .... Here, the driving signal applied to the second connecting pattern P0b of each connecting pattern P0 is an inverted driving signal whose phase is inverted by 180 degrees from the driving signal applied to the first connecting pattern P0a.

[0167] 14 can receive reception signals having information on the change in mutual capacitance from a plurality of reception electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, ..., and output a differential signal from the received reception signals. It can also integrate the differential signal to reconstruct the reception signals received from the plurality of reception electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, ..., and can determine the touch position of an object based on information on the change in mutual capacitance obtained by processing the sign of the reconstructed reception signals.

[0168] FIG. 16 is a partial plan view of an alternative embodiment of touch sensor 150' shown in FIG.

[0169] Another embodiment of the touch sensor 150' shown in FIG. 16 has the same electrode structure as the embodiment of the touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. 2, but differs in that the drive electrodes to which the drive signals are applied and the receiving electrodes to which the received signals are output are configured in reverse.

[0170] 16, the controller 220 shown in FIG 14 may control a predetermined driving signal to be simultaneously applied to the connection patterns P0, P1, P2, P3, P4, ... of the plurality of driving electrodes TX0', TX1', TX2', TX3', TX4', .... Here, the driving signal applied to the second connecting pattern P0b of each connecting pattern P0 is an inverted driving signal whose phase is inverted by 180 degrees from the driving signal applied to the first connecting pattern P0a.

[0171] The control unit 220 shown in FIG. 14 can receive reception signals having information on the amount of change in mutual capacitance from a plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, ..., and output a differential signal from the received reception signals.

[0172] Then, the differential signals can be integrated to reconstruct the received signals from the multiple receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, ..., and the touch position of an object can be determined based on information about the amount of change in mutual capacitance obtained by processing the sign of the reconstructed received signals.

[0173] FIG. 17 is a partial plan view of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 150' shown in FIG.

[0174] Another embodiment of the touch sensor 150' shown in FIG. 17 has the same electrode structure as another embodiment of the touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. 9, but differs in that the driving electrodes to which the driving signals are applied and the receiving electrodes to which the receiving signals are output are configured in reverse.

[0175] 17, the controller 220 shown in FIG 14 can control a predetermined driving signal to be simultaneously applied to the connection patterns P0', P1', P2', P3', P4'... of the driving electrodes TX0', TX1', TX2', TX3', TX4'.... Here, the driving signal applied to the second connecting pattern P0b of each connecting pattern P0' is an inverted driving signal whose phase is inverted by 180 degrees from the driving signal applied to the first connecting pattern P0a.

[0176] The control unit 220 shown in FIG. 14 can receive reception signals having information on the amount of change in mutual capacitance from a plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, ..., and output a differential signal from the received reception signals.

[0177] Then, the differential signals can be integrated to reconstruct the received signals from the multiple receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, ..., and the touch position of an object can be determined based on information about the amount of change in mutual capacitance obtained by processing the sign of the reconstructed received signals.

[0178] FIG. 18 is a partial plan view of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 150' shown in FIG.

[0179] Another embodiment of the touch sensor 150' shown in FIG. 18 has the same electrode structure as another embodiment of the touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. 11, but differs in that the driving electrodes to which the driving signals are applied and the receiving electrodes to which the receiving signals are output are configured in reverse.

[0180] 18, the controller 220 shown in FIG 14 can control a predetermined driving signal to be simultaneously applied to the connection patterns P0'',P1'',P2'',P3'',... of the plurality of driving electrodes TX0''',TX1''',TX2''',TX3''',... Here, the driving signal applied to the second connecting pattern P0b of each connecting pattern P0'' is an inverted driving signal whose phase is inverted by 180 degrees from the driving signal applied to the first connecting pattern P0a.

[0181] The control unit 220 shown in FIG. 14 can receive reception signals having information on the amount of change in mutual capacitance from a plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, ..., and output a differential signal from the received reception signals.

[0182] Then, the differential signals can be integrated to reconstruct the received signals from the multiple receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, ..., and the touch position of an object can be determined based on information about the amount of change in mutual capacitance obtained by processing the sign of the reconstructed received signals.

[0183] FIG. 19 is a partial plan view of yet another embodiment of touch sensor 150' shown in FIG.

[0184] Another embodiment of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 19 has the same electrode structure as another embodiment of the touch sensor shown in FIG. 18, but differs in that the driving electrodes to which the driving signals are applied and the receiving electrodes to which the receiving signals are output are configured in reverse.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 19, the touch controller 200 shown in FIG. 14 may control a predetermined driving signal to be simultaneously applied to the first driving electrode unit Tx0a and the second driving electrode unit Tx0b of the plurality of driving electrodes TX0.

[0186] Here, the drive signal applied to the first drive electrode unit Tx0a is an inverted drive signal whose phase is inverted by 180 degrees from the drive signal applied to the second drive electrode unit Tx0b.

[0187] The touch controller 200 shown in FIG. 14 can receive reception signals having information on the amount of change in mutual capacitance from a plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, ..., and output a differential signal from the received reception signals.

[0188] Then, the differential signals can be integrated to reconstruct the received signals from the multiple receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, RX3, ..., and the touch position of an object can be determined based on information about the amount of change in mutual capacitance obtained by processing the sign of the reconstructed received signals.

[0189] 20A and 20B are diagrams for explaining multi-driving of the touch sensor 150 shown in FIG.

[0190] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a touch controller in the touch input device shown in FIG. 2, which includes a driving and sensing unit 210 and a control unit 220.

[0191] The driving and sensing unit 210 includes a codebook table 211, a first register 212, a DMA 213, a driving signal generating unit 214, and a plurality of sensing sensors 215, and the control unit 220 includes a processor 221, an external serial interface 222, a general-purpose input / output unit 223, and a second register 224.

[0192] FIG. 22 shows an output waveform of the driving signal generating unit in the driving and sensing unit shown in FIG. 21 and a codebook matrix corresponding thereto.

[0193] FIG. 23 shows an output waveform of the driving signal generating unit in the driving and sensing unit shown in FIG. 21 and a codebook table corresponding thereto.

[0194] FIG. 24 shows an output waveform of a driving signal generating unit that operates according to exemplary values ​​of the codebook table in the driving and sensing unit shown in FIG.

[0195] The operation of the touch controller according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0196] As shown in (a) of FIG. 20, the multi-driving of the touch sensor 150 shown in FIG. 2 can be achieved by simultaneously applying a predetermined drive signal to four drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3 in a predetermined first time period (Touch Scan 1), simultaneously applying the drive signal to the other four drive electrodes Tx4, Tx5, Tx6, and Tx7 in a second time period after the first time period (Touch Scan 2), and simultaneously applying the drive signal to four more drive electrodes Tx8, Tx9, Tx10, and Tx11 in a third time period after the second time period (Touch Scan 3).

[0197] In addition, in a fourth time period after the third time period, the driving signal is simultaneously applied to four other driving electrodes Tx12, Tx13, Tx14, and Tx15 (Touch Scan 4), and in a fifth time period after the fourth time period, the driving signal is simultaneously applied to four other driving electrodes Tx16, Tx17, Tx18, and Tx19 (Touch Scan 5).

[0198] In FIG. 20(a), for ease of explanation, each touch scan area represents an area of ​​four driving electrodes to which four driving signals are simultaneously applied during the same time period.

[0199] 20(b) is an example of a driving signal applied simultaneously to four driving electrodes in each touch scan. Each of the driving signals may have a vector value expressed as any one or more of -1, 0, and 1 for each predetermined time period (t1, t2, t3, t4) that is equal to the number of the driving electrodes.

[0200] For example, in the first time interval t1, drive signals having vector values ​​(1,1,1,-1) are simultaneously applied to the drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3, in the second time interval t2, drive signals having vector values ​​(1,1,-1,1) are simultaneously applied to the drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3, in the third time interval t3, drive signals having vector values ​​(1,-1,1,1) are simultaneously applied to the drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3, in the fourth time interval t4, drive signals having vector values ​​(-1,1,1,1) are simultaneously applied to the drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3, etc. At this time, as shown in Fig. 22, the vector value "1" and the vector value "-1" are vector values ​​of each row and each column constituting the codebook matrix, and the vector value "1" maintains the phase of the drive signal, and the vector value "-1" inverts the phase of the drive signal.

[0201] In this embodiment, for ease of understanding, the number of time intervals and driving electrodes is exemplified as four, but they can be set to five or more, and therefore the rows and columns of the codebook matrix may be stored in 5×5 or more.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 23, the codebook table 211 stores a plurality of codes programmed by firmware built into the processor 221, matching each of the codes with a plurality of addresses.

[0203] Here, the codebook table is a table that can store data in internal and external memories or logic registers of a touch controller such as SRAM and NVM, and is a collection of code vectors for encoding and / or decoding data.

[0204] In this case, the plurality of codes may be formed by binary data of a driving signal scanned for each time slot, the binary data being composed of a predetermined number of bits.

[0205] The first register 212 (or SRAM) may store in advance the number of codes x (number of Txs x 2).

[0206] For example, when the number of TXs is set to 20 and the number of codes is set to 128, the length of the codes is 128×40.

[0207] Each drive signal channel TX CH is assigned 2 bits, allowing the code combination to be controlled.

[0208] For example, the signals may be set as 00b: a LOW level signal, 01b: a pulse signal, 10b: a HIGH level signal, and 11b: an inverse pulse signal, and stored in the first register 212.

[0209] As shown in FIG. 23, when “...11010101b” is already stored at address [0] in the codebook table 211, binary values ​​

[01] ,

[01] ,

[01] , and

[11] are applied to the drive electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3 in two-bit increments, respectively.

[0210] As a result, a pulse, a pulse, a pulse, and an inverse pulse are applied as matched and set in the first register 212, which is a codebook register, and the same waveform as that shown at the top of Figure 23 is output to the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, and TX3 in each time slot.

[0211] Meanwhile, in FIG. 21, a first register 212 temporarily stores a plurality of addresses and data matching each address in a codebook table 211.

[0212] A DMA (Direct Memory Access) 213 directly accesses the first register 212 in the peripheral device and fetches necessary data without going through the processing of the built-in processor 221 .

[0213] The drive signal generating unit 214 receives a plurality of codes already stored in the codebook table 211 according to each scan mode, generates a drive signal (or a Tx signal), and outputs the drive signal to the drive electrode (Tx electrode) of the touch sensor 150.

[0214] For example, assuming that two bits are assigned to each of a plurality of drive electrode channels, the drive signal may include a low level signal, a pulse signal, a high level signal, and an inverse pulse signal.

[0215] The plurality of detection sensors 215 detects a user's touch through the plurality of receiving electrodes and outputs a detection signal.

[0216] The processor 221 sets a start codebook address when scanning according to a scan mode through the built-in firmware, and programs each code with a combination of predetermined bits. Also, the processor 221 can read and write a corresponding code in the codebook table 211 every time it controls the first register 212.

[0217] For example, every time touch driving is performed, a corresponding code is read from the codebook table 211, and the codebook address is automatically incremented for each time slot.

[0218] The codebook table 211 can store various kinds of codes in advance according to the scan mode, and the start codebook address for scanning can be set.

[0219] The external serial interface 222 (ESI) is an input / output interface that transmits data calculated by the processor 221 to the host and receives data from the host and transmits it to the processor 221 .

[0220] A general-purpose input / output (GPIO) unit 223 has input and output operations controlled by the user at run time.

[0221] The second register 224 temporarily stores data input or output via the general-purpose input / output unit 223 .

[0222] Through this, the present invention recognizes which address to start from each time scanning is performed according to each scan mode, and various operations are possible depending on the driving signal information stored by matching it to the corresponding address, and it is possible to control the driving signals at the same time regardless of the number of driving signals.

[0223] In this manner, the present invention allows a touch input device to perform various touch sensing operations using a single touch controller by storing various code values ​​in a code book in advance according to a touch scan mode.

[0224] This reduces the touch actuation and sensing time of the touch input device without the need for additional firmware calculations each time the touch input device is touch actuated or whenever a code change is required.

[0225] In particular, when the code is changed, the central processing unit is able to perform different important operations, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the central processing unit, reducing power consumption, and preventing a drop in reporting rate.

[0226] In the above, the features, structures, effects, etc. described in the 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 having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the embodiment belongs. Therefore, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0227] In addition, although the above description focuses on the embodiment, this is merely an example and does not limit the present invention. A person having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention belongs will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. For example, each component specifically illustrated in the embodiment can be modified and implemented. The differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0228] 100, 100': Display panel 150, 150': Touch sensor 200: Touch controller 210: Drive and sensing unit 220: Control unit 300: Display controller 310: Gate drive circuit 320: Display control unit 330: Data driving circuit

Claims

1. A touch sensor; A control unit that controls the touch sensor, the touch sensor includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes; The first electrode is disposed along a first direction, The second electrodes are arranged along a second direction different from the first direction, and include a second a electrode pattern arranged to be immediately adjacent to the first electrodes, and a second b electrode pattern arranged at a predetermined distance from the first electrodes without being immediately adjacent to the first electrodes, The control unit is Matching a plurality of codes programmed by the built-in firmware with a plurality of addresses, respectively, and storing the codes in a code book table; a touch sensor that detects a touch position of an object located on the touch sensor by receiving the stored codes according to a scan mode, generating driving signals and outputting the driving signals to the second electrodes, and receiving sensing signals outputted from the first electrodes. Touch input device.

2. The plurality of first electrodes are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of second electrodes.

2. The touch input device of claim 1.

3. a touch controller that stores a plurality of codes and outputs a predetermined code from among the plurality of codes to the plurality of second electrodes through a touch scan; Further comprising:

2. The touch input device of claim 1.

4. The touch controller comprises: the control unit performing the touch scan such that a driving signal is applied to at least two of the second electrodes; a driving and sensing unit that matches the predetermined code with the at least two second electrodes in response to a control of the control unit by the touch scan, and outputs the predetermined code; Characterized in that it comprises 4. The touch input device of claim 3.

5. The driving and sensing unit includes: a codebook table for storing the plurality of codes programmed by firmware built in the control unit in a manner that matches each of the plurality of addresses; a driving signal generating unit configured to receive the stored codes according to a scan mode, generate driving signals, and output the driving signals to the second electrodes; a plurality of sensing sensors receiving sensing signals output from the plurality of first electrodes; Characterized in that it comprises 5. The touch input device of claim 4.

6. a display panel including a plurality of scan lines; a touch sensor including a plurality of drive electrodes and a plurality of receiving electrodes arranged in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of drive electrodes; a touch controller that stores a plurality of codes and outputs a predetermined code from among the plurality of codes to the plurality of drive electrodes by touch scanning; Characterized in that it comprises Touch input device.

7. The touch controller comprises: a control unit that performs the touch scan so that a driving signal is applied to at least two of the driving electrodes; a driving and sensing unit that matches the predetermined code to the at least two driving electrodes in response to a control of the control unit by the touch scan, and outputs the predetermined code; Characterized in that it comprises 7. The touch input device of claim 6.

8. The driving and sensing unit includes: a codebook table for storing the plurality of codes programmed by firmware built in the control unit in a manner that matches each of the plurality of addresses; a driving signal generating unit configured to receive the stored codes in accordance with a scan mode, generate driving signals, and output the driving signals to the driving electrodes; a plurality of sensing sensors for receiving sensing signals output from the plurality of receiving electrodes; Characterized in that it comprises 8. The touch input device of claim 7.

9. The driving and sensing unit includes: The method further includes a first register for temporarily storing the addresses and data matched to each address in the codebook table.

9. The touch input device of claim 8.

10. The control unit is a processor for setting a start codebook address for scanning according to a scan mode through the firmware and programming the plurality of codes; an external serial interface for transmitting data calculated by the processor to a host; a second register for temporarily storing data input or output via the general-purpose input / output unit; Characterized in that it comprises 8. The touch input device of claim 7.

11. The control unit is The touch scan is performed sequentially a number of times for all of the driving electrodes.

8. The touch input device of claim 7.

12. Each of the drive signals is A vector value expressed by any one or more of -1, 0, and 1 for each predetermined time period is continuous for the number of the driving electrodes.

8. The touch input device of claim 7.

13. The processor, Each time the driving and sensing unit is touch-driven, the code is read from the codebook table, and a codebook address is incremented for each time slot.

9. The touch input device of claim 8.

14. a gate driving circuit that sequentially outputs display scan signals to the plurality of scan lines to control driving timings of the plurality of sub-pixels; a data driving circuit for receiving image data and converting the image data into an analog data voltage; a display control unit that transmits the video data and controls the gate driving circuit and the data driving circuit; Further comprising:

7. The touch input device of claim 6.

15. The display panel comprises: a plurality of data lines arranged in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of scan lines; Further comprising: The plurality of sub-pixels are located in an area where the plurality of scan lines and the plurality of data lines intersect.

10. The touch input device of claim 9.

16. The data driving circuit includes: and outputting a data voltage to each of the plurality of data lines in accordance with a timing at which a scan signal is applied through the plurality of scan lines, thereby driving each of the plurality of sub-pixels to display a brightness according to image data.

10. The touch input device of claim 9.

17. The codebook table includes: A table that collects code vectors for encoding and decoding data stored in internal and external memories or registers of the touch controller.

9. The touch input device of claim 8.

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