Electronic device

Abstract

To provide an electronic device which does not require a separate sensor for driving or / and sensing a stylus pen.SOLUTION: Provided is an electronic device including a display panel having an active area and a dead space, a sensor unit including a plurality of patterns disposed to at least partially overlap the active area, and a controller configured to control the sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit includes an edge pattern disposed to overlap the dead space, disposed adjacent to the active area, and having both ends electrically connected to the controller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device that can sense both an object such as a finger that is in close proximity to or in contact with the device from the outside and a stylus pen, and can improve sensitivity degradation at the edge of the active area of ​​a display screen. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, smart phones and tablet PCs have become increasingly popular, and the development of technology for built-in contact position measuring devices has also progressed vigorously.

[0003] A smartphone or tablet PC is mainly equipped with a touch screen, and a user can specify specific coordinates on the touch screen using a finger or a stylus pen. By specifying specific coordinates on the touch screen, the user can input specific signals into the smartphone.

[0004] The touch screen can operate based on electrical, infrared, ultrasonic, etc., and examples of electrical operation methods include an R-type touch screen (resistive touch screen) and a C-type touch screen (capacitive touch screen).

[0005] Among touchscreens, R-type touchscreens, which can simultaneously recognize a user's finger and a stylus pen, have been widely used in the past. However, R-type touchscreens have had problems with reflection due to the air gap between the ITO layers. As a result, C-type touchscreens have recently become more popular. C-type touchscreens operate by detecting the difference in capacitance between transparent electrodes that occurs when an object touches them. However, C-type touchscreens have the disadvantage of being difficult to physically distinguish between an object such as a finger and a stylus pen, which can cause operational errors due to unintentional contact with the hand when using a stylus pen.

[0006] To overcome these drawbacks, conventionally, separate software has been used to distinguish between a hand and a pen according to the contact area, or an EMR (Electro Magnetic Resonance) position measurement device has been used in addition to a C-type touch screen to distinguish between a hand and a stylus pen. Here, the EMR method has the advantage of being insensitive to display and external noise by using a magnetic field instead of an electric field as the driving force when using the touch function with a stylus pen while the touch and display are operating.

[0007] However, the EMR generates a magnetic field and transmits it to the stylus pen, and in order to receive the magnetic field generated by the stylus pen again, an additional sensor film made of a separate FPCB must be attached to the underside of the display panel.

[0008] The constant sensor film is also called a digitizer, and when the position of the stylus pen that generates a magnetic field moves, the digitizer detects the change in the magnetic field that occurs through interaction with a separate EMR direct circuit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that does not require a separate sensor (e.g., a digitizer) for driving and / or sensing a stylus pen.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can sense both an object such as a finger that is in proximity to or in contact with the stylus pen from the outside.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can improve the deterioration of sensitivity of a stylus pen at the edge of the active area of ​​a display screen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel having an active area and a dead space, a sensor unit including a plurality of patterns arranged so that at least a portion of the patterns overlaps with the active area, and a controller configured to control the sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit includes edge patterns arranged so as to overlap with the dead space and adjacent to the active area, and both ends of the edge patterns are electrically connected to the controller.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes a display panel having an active area and a dead space; a sensor unit including a plurality of patterns arranged so that at least a portion of the sensor unit overlaps with the active area; and a controller configured to control the sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit is arranged so as to overlap with the dead space and includes a first edge pattern arranged adjacent to one side of the active area, the first edge pattern including a first-1 edge pattern having one end electrically floating and the other end electrically connected to the control unit, and a first-2 edge pattern arranged adjacent to the first-1 edge pattern, having one end electrically connected to the control unit and the other end electrically floating. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The use of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that a separate sensor (eg, a digitizer) for driving and / or sensing a stylus pen is not required.

[0015] Another advantage is that it can sense both an object such as a finger that is in close proximity to or in contact with the device from the outside and a stylus pen.

[0016] Another advantage is that the deterioration of the sensitivity of the stylus pen at the edge of the active area of ​​the display screen can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating a first mode (or touch sensing mode) for sensing an object by the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram illustrating a second mode (or edge mode) for driving a stylus pen in the electronic device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating a second mode (or edge mode) for driving a stylus pen in the electronic device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a third mode (or downlink mode) for the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 to sense a stylus pen. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram in which one or more edge channels UC1 and UC2 shown in FIG. 6 are added to the sensor unit 100'' shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sensor section of an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A to 10D are diagrams for explaining various embodiments of the sensor unit 100A shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 10A to 10D are diagrams for explaining various embodiments of the sensor unit 100A shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] 10A to 10D are diagrams for explaining various embodiments of the sensor unit 100A shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating various examples of a sensor unit of an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating various examples of a sensor unit of an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating various examples of a sensor unit of an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating various examples of a sensor unit of an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating various alternative examples of the remaining components of the sensor unit shown in FIGS. 6, 8 to 16, excluding one or more edge channels UC1, UC1', UC2, and UC2'. [Figure 18] 17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating various alternative examples of the remaining components of the sensor unit shown in FIGS. 6, 8 to 16, excluding one or more edge channels UC1, UC1', UC2, and UC2'. [Figure 19] 17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating various alternative examples of the remaining components of the sensor unit shown in FIGS. 6, 8 to 16, excluding one or more edge channels UC1, UC1', UC2, and UC2'. [Figure 20] 17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating various alternative examples of the remaining components of the sensor unit shown in FIGS. 6, 8 to 16, excluding one or more edge channels UC1, UC1', UC2, and UC2'. [Figure 21]17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating various alternative examples of the remaining components of the sensor unit shown in FIGS. 6, 8 to 16, excluding one or more edge channels UC1, UC1', UC2, and UC2'. [Figure 22] 17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating various alternative examples of the remaining components of the sensor unit shown in FIGS. 6, 8 to 16, excluding one or more edge channels UC1, UC1', UC2, and UC2'. [Figure 23] 17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating various alternative examples of the remaining components of the sensor unit shown in FIGS. 6, 8 to 16, excluding one or more edge channels UC1, UC1', UC2, and UC2'. [Figure 24] 17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating various alternative examples of the remaining components of the sensor unit shown in FIGS. 6, 8 to 16, excluding one or more edge channels UC1, UC1', UC2, and UC2'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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 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 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, if properly interpreted, are entitled. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate the same or similar functionality throughout the various aspects.

[0019] The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present document may be an electronic device such as a typical smartphone, or may be an electronic device having a rectangular screen that is relatively larger than the screen of a typical smartphone, with a diagonal length of between about 10 inches and 13 inches. For example, the electronic device may include at least one of a folder-type smartphone, a tablet PC (tablet personal computer), a vehicle display device, an e-book reader, a laptop PC (laptop personal computer), and a netbook computer.

[0020] In addition, electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present invention can not only detect the position of an object such as a finger placed on a 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 a signal emitted from the stylus pen.

[0021] In addition, electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present invention include foldable devices in which at least one screen is foldable, and the foldable devices include not only smartphones but also tablet PCs, notebook PCs, and the like.

[0022] Various embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit 100 and a controller 200, and includes a number of traces electrically connecting the sensor unit 100 and the controller 200.

[0025] The sensor unit 100 is configured to be able to sense a conductive object such as a finger and to drive and / or sense a stylus pen.

[0026] The sensor unit 100 includes a number of patterns (or a number of electrodes). The number of patterns may include a number of first to third patterns 101, 102, and 103.

[0027] The first pattern 101 has a shape extending along a first direction (Y). The first direction (Y) may be perpendicular to the second direction (X). The first direction (Y) may be a minor axis direction of a display screen of the electronic device. The first pattern 101 may also be named an RX electrode (first touch electrode or touch receiving electrode).

[0028] One end of each of the first patterns 101 may be electrically connected to the controller 200 via a trace, and the other end may be electrically floating.

[0029] 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 called an SRX electrode (Stylus RX, first pen electrode, or pen receiving electrode).

[0030] One end of each of the second patterns 102 may be electrically connected via at least one trace 102c, and the other end may be electrically floating. Although not shown in the drawings, the other end may be electrically connected to the controller 200 in some cases.

[0031] The first and second patterns 101 and 102 may be arranged on different layers from the third pattern 103. In some cases, the first and second patterns 101 and 102 may be arranged on the same layer as the third pattern 103. The first and second patterns 101 and 102 are arranged at a predetermined distance from the third pattern 103.

[0032] The third pattern 103 has a shape extending along a second direction (X). The second direction may be the long axis direction of a display screen of the electronic device. The third pattern 103 may also be named a TX electrode (second touch electrode, touch drive electrode, or stylus drive electrode).

[0033] Both ends of the third pattern 103 are electrically connected to the controller 200 via traces. Here, one end and the other end of the third pattern 103 may be independently connected to different channels of the controller 200. In other words, one end and the other end of the third pattern 103 may not be electrically connected to each other, but may be connected to different terminals (or terminals) of the controller 200. More specifically, one end of the third pattern 103 may be connected to the first circuit unit 210 of the controller 200 via one trace (or trace pattern), and the other end may be connected to the second circuit unit 220 of the controller 200 via another trace (trace pattern). This method in which both ends of each of the multiple third patterns 103 are electrically connected to the controller 200 via traces is hereinafter referred to as a "double routing method."

[0034] The plurality of third patterns 103 are arranged along the first direction (Y). The plurality of first patterns 101 are arranged along the second direction (X), and the plurality of second patterns 102 are also arranged along the second direction (X).

[0035] Since the third patterns 103 extend along the second direction (X) and the first patterns 101 extend along the first direction (Y), and the first direction (Y) is shorter than the second direction (X), the number of the third patterns 103 is less than the number of the first patterns 101. Therefore, the number of channels of the third patterns 103 formed in the controller 200 is less than the number of channels of the first patterns 101. Here, the number of the first patterns 101 and the number of the third patterns 103 may increase or decrease depending on the screen size of the electronic device.

[0036] In the sensor unit 100 of FIG. 1, the third pattern 103 may be named the first pattern in the second direction (X), the first pattern 101 may be named the first pattern in the first direction (Y), and the second pattern 102 may be named the second pattern in the first direction (Y).

[0037] Of the two ends of the first pattern 101 arranged in the first direction (or the short axis direction), one end arranged closer to the controller 200 is electrically connected to the controller 200 via a trace, and the other end is electrically floating. Here, the one end of the first pattern 101 may be connected to the third circuit unit 230 of the controller 200.

[0038] Of both ends of the second pattern 102 arranged adjacent to the first pattern 101 and arranged in the first direction (or the minor axis direction), one end arranged closer to the controller 200 is electrically floating, and the other end is electrically connected to the other end of the other second pattern via one or more traces. Here, although not shown in a separate drawing, one end of the second pattern 102 may be electrically connected to the controller 200 in some cases. Also, two or more of the one ends of the multiple second patterns 102 may be electrically connected to each other and then electrically connected to the controller 200.

[0039] The touch controller 200 includes a first circuit unit 210, a second circuit unit 220, a third circuit unit 230, and a control unit 240.

[0040] The first circuit unit 210 and the second circuit unit 220 of the controller 200 may include a touch driving circuit unit that outputs a touch driving signal, a first driving circuit unit that outputs a first driving signal, a first inverse driving circuit unit that outputs an inverse signal of the first driving signal, a ground circuit unit, and a receiving circuit unit that receives a pen signal. The third circuit unit 230 may include a receiving circuit unit that receives a touch sensing signal or a pen signal.

[0041] The electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be a landscape type electronic device. The sensor unit 100 of the landscape type electronic device is configured such that its width in the second direction (X) is greater than its height in the first direction (Y), and a controller 200 that controls the sensor unit 100 is disposed below the sensor unit 100. The landscape type electronic device corresponds to the shape of, for example, a tablet PC or a foldable smartphone.

[0042] The electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which includes the sensor unit 100 and the controller 200, can detect the position of an object, such as a finger, placed on the screen of the electronic device, as well as drive a stylus pen that is in proximity to or in contact with the screen and detect the position of the stylus pen placed on the screen by sensing a signal emitted from the stylus pen. Furthermore, the number of channels between the sensor unit 100 and the controller 200 can be reduced. This will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 10.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a first mode (or touch sensing mode) for the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 to sense an object, FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining a second mode (or edge mode) for the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 to drive a stylus pen, and FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a third mode (or downlink mode) for the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 to sense (or detect) a stylus pen.

[0044] The controller 200 of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can sense a conductive object, such as a finger, that is in proximity to or in contact with the sensor unit 100 using a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality of third patterns 103 of the sensor unit 100.

[0045] 2, the controller 200 may use the third patterns 103 of the sensor unit 100 as touch driving electrodes TX to which touch driving signals are applied and the first patterns 101 as touch receiving electrodes RX to which touch receiving signals are output.

[0046] The control unit 240 of the controller 200 may control the first circuit unit 210 and the second circuit unit 220 to apply touch drive signals to the plurality of third patterns 103. To this end, each of the first circuit unit 210 and the second circuit unit 220 may be configured to output the touch drive signals in response to a control signal from the control unit 240.

[0047] The control unit 240 allows the first circuit unit 210 to apply touch driving signals to one end of the plurality of third patterns 103, and the second circuit unit 220 to simultaneously apply the touch driving signals to the other end of the plurality of third patterns 103. If the same touch driving signals are applied to both ends of each of the third patterns 103 in this manner, the position of maximum resistance in each of the third patterns 103 may be the center of the corresponding third pattern 103.

[0048] The controller 240 may receive touch sensing signals through the plurality of first patterns 101. Each of the received touch sensing signals includes information about a change in capacitance between the corresponding first pattern 101 and the third pattern 103. The controller 240 may determine the position of an object based on the change in capacitance.

[0049] Meanwhile, although not shown in a separate drawing, in a so-called “self-sensing method,” the control unit 240 can control the first pattern 101 and the third pattern 103 to apply touch driving signals to each of them, and to output touch sensing signals from each of them.

[0050] The controller 200 of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can use a number of third patterns 103 to form a current loop for driving the stylus pen.

[0051] The controller 200 can cause the sensor unit 100 to form a current loop for driving the stylus pen in one of two ways described below with reference to FIGS.

[0052] 3, the controller 200 controls one or more third patterns 103 to cause a preset current to flow in a second direction (X), and simultaneously controls one or more other third patterns 103 to cause the current to flow in a second opposite direction (-X), which is the opposite direction of the second direction (X). Here, the controller 200 may select one or more third patterns and one or more other third patterns depending on the proximity or contact position of the stylus pen 10. Here, based on the position of the stylus pen 10, a third pattern arranged on an upper side may be the one or more third patterns, and a third pattern arranged on a lower side may be the one or more other third patterns.

[0053] The control unit 240 controls the first circuit unit 210 to apply a first driving signal to one end of one or more of the third patterns 103 among the plurality of third patterns 103, and controls the second circuit unit 220 to apply a first inverse driving signal, which is an inverse signal of the first driving signal, to the other end of the one or more third patterns, thereby allowing a current to flow in the second direction (X) from the one or more third patterns. Here, the first driving signal may be a pulse waveform signal or a sine waveform signal.

[0054] At the same time, the control unit 240 controls the first circuit unit 210 to apply a first inverse driving signal to one end of one or more other third patterns among the multiple third patterns 103, and controls the second circuit unit 220 to apply a first driving signal to the other end of the one or more other third patterns, so that a current in a second opposite direction (-X) flows through the remaining third patterns.

[0055] The current flowing in the second direction (X) through the part of the third patterns and the current flowing in the second opposite direction (-X) through the other part of the third patterns may form at least one current loop around the stylus pen 10. The formed current loop generates a magnetic field, which resonates a resonant circuit unit provided inside the stylus pen 10 to drive the stylus pen 10.

[0056] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 240 controls the first circuit unit 210 to apply a first driving signal to one end of some of the third patterns 103 among the multiple third patterns, and controls the second circuit unit 220 to ground the other end of some of the third patterns, thereby allowing current to flow in the second direction (X) from some of the third patterns.

[0057] At the same time, the control unit 240 controls the first circuit unit 210 to apply a first driving signal to one end of the remaining third pattern among the multiple third patterns 103, and controls the second circuit unit 220 to ground the other end of the remaining third pattern, thereby allowing a current to flow in a second opposite direction (-X) from the remaining third pattern.

[0058] The current flowing in the second direction (X) through some of the third patterns and the current flowing in the second opposite direction (-X) through the remaining third patterns may form at least one current loop around the stylus pen 10. The current loop generates a magnetic field, and the generated magnetic field resonates a resonant circuit unit provided inside the stylus pen 10, thereby driving the stylus pen 10.

[0059] The controller 200 of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention receives a stylus pen signal (hereinafter referred to as a pen signal) emitted from a stylus pen using a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality of third patterns 103, and can determine the position of the stylus pen based on the received pen signal.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, a number of first patterns 101 and a number of third patterns 103 can be used to sense pen signals.

[0061] The control unit 240 can control the third circuit unit 230 to receive a pen signal from each of the plurality of first patterns 101. The control unit 240 can determine the position of the stylus pen in the second direction (X) based on the pen signal received by the third circuit unit 230. Here, the reason that the pen signal can be received through the plurality of first patterns 101 is that an induced signal induced in the second pattern 102 is transmitted to the first pattern 101 disposed adjacent thereto through capacitive coupling formed between the first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 adjacent to each other.

[0062] In addition, the control unit 240 may control the first circuit unit 210 so that one end of each of the third patterns 103 is electrically grounded, and may control the second circuit unit 220 to receive a pen signal from the other end of each of the third patterns 103. The control unit 240 may determine the position of the stylus pen in the first direction (Y) based on the pen signal received by the second circuit unit 220.

[0063] In FIG. 5, the first circuit section 210 is configured to electrically ground one end of the multiple third patterns 103, and the second circuit section 220 is configured to receive pen signals from the other end of the multiple third patterns 103, but the configuration may be reversed.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0065] The sensor unit 100′ shown in Fig. 6 includes the multiple first patterns 101, multiple second patterns 102, and multiple third patterns 103 shown in the sensor unit 100 shown in Fig. 1, and further includes one or more edge channels UC1 and UC2. For reference, the multiple first patterns 101, multiple second patterns 102, and multiple third patterns 103 are represented by simple lines in Fig. 6, which is different from Fig. 1.

[0066] The plurality of first patterns 101, the plurality of second patterns 102, and the plurality of third patterns 103 are arranged in an active area (AA) of the display panel, while one or more edge channels UC1 and UC2 are arranged in a dead space (or bezel) of the display panel.

[0067] The display panel has an active area AA from which light is emitted and a dead space from which light is not emitted. The display panel may be an OLED panel or an LCD panel. The sensor unit 100' may be disposed on the display panel, or the sensor unit 100' may be disposed within the display panel. The active area AA of the display panel is disposed to overlap the sensor unit 100'. At least a part of the pattern of the sensor unit 100' may be disposed in the dead space of the display panel. The display panel may be driven by a display controller. The display controller may be configured separately from the above-mentioned controller or may be integrated into one.

[0068] Each of the one or more edge channels UC1 and UC2 may be arranged in the second direction (X), which is the same direction as the third patterns 103, and may include an edge pattern arranged adjacent to one side of the active area AA and a pair of connection patterns connecting both ends of the edge pattern to a pad (PAD). Here, the edge pattern and the connection pattern may be integrally formed.

[0069] The edge pattern of the first edge channel UC1 may be disposed above the multiple third patterns 103 in the XY plane, and the edge pattern of the second edge channel UC2 may be disposed below the multiple third patterns 103. Multiple third patterns 103 may be disposed between the edge pattern of the first edge channel UC1 and the edge pattern of the second edge channel UC2. Here, either the first edge channel UC1 or the second edge channel UC2 may be omitted.

[0070] In the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 1, when the stylus pen 10 approaches or contacts the upper or lower edge region of the active area AA, it is difficult to form a current loop around the stylus pen 10 because there are no separate patterns or traces through which current can flow in the dead space outside the active area AA.

[0071] However, the sensor unit 100' shown in Figure 6 has additional edge channels UC1 and UC2 arranged in the dead space, so that even if the stylus pen approaches or touches the upper or lower edge region of the active area AA, a predetermined current can be passed through the edge channels UC1 and UC2, thereby forming a current loop around the stylus pen.

[0072] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating another modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in Figure 1. The sensor unit 100'' shown in Figure 7 differs from the sensor unit 100' shown in Figure 6 in that it includes a plurality of second patterns 102' and a plurality of third patterns 103', and further includes a plurality of fourth patterns 104.

[0073] Specifically, traces 102c' electrically connecting one ends of the second patterns 102' are disposed in the dead space outside the active area AA, and one end of each second pattern 102' is disposed in the dead space outside the active area AA. In addition, the other ends of the second patterns 102' are electrically connected to each other two by two and connected to one pad.

[0074] Each of the multiple third patterns 103′ has a shape extending along the second direction (X), one end of which may be connected to a pad via a trace arranged in a dead space outside the active area AA, and the other end of which may be electrically floating within the active area AA.

[0075] Among the multiple third patterns 103', the third patterns 103' arranged on the upper side with respect to the reference line CL located in the center of the active area AA have one end on the right and the other end on the left, while the third patterns arranged on the lower side with respect to the reference line CL have one end on the left and the other end on the right. Since the traces connecting one end of each third pattern 103' to the pad can be divided and arranged in the left and right dead spaces outside the active area AA, the width of the left and right dead spaces (bezels) can be reduced.

[0076] Here, the reference line CL may be a center line located at the center of a general display screen, or a folding line along which a foldable display screen is folded.

[0077] Each of the fourth patterns 104 extends in the second direction (X). The fourth patterns 104 correspond to the third patterns 103′ one-to-one, and a corresponding third pattern 103′ and a corresponding fourth pattern 104 are disposed adjacent to each other. Electrical capacitive coupling may be formed between the third pattern 103′ and the fourth pattern 104 disposed adjacent to each other.

[0078] One end of each of the fourth patterns 104 may be electrically connected via a trace 104c, and the other end may be electrically floating.

[0079] Among the multiple fourth patterns 104, the fourth patterns 104 arranged on the upper side with respect to the reference line CL located at the center of the active area AA have one end on the right and the other end on the left, while the fourth patterns arranged on the lower side with respect to the reference line CL have one end on the left and the other end on the right. Thus, a trace 104c connecting one end of the fourth patterns 104 arranged on the upper side with respect to the reference line CL and a trace connecting one end of the fourth patterns arranged on the lower side with respect to the reference line CL are arranged separately in the dead spaces on the left and right sides outside the active area AA.

[0080] FIG. 8 is a diagram in which one or more edge channels UC1 and UC2 shown in FIG. 6 are added to the sensor unit 100'' shown in FIG.

[0081] Each of the one or more edge channels UC1, UC2 may be arranged in a dead space outside the active area AA and may include an edge pattern arranged in the second direction (X), which is the same direction as the multiple third patterns 103′, and a pair of connecting traces connecting both ends of the edge pattern to a pad (PAD). Here, the edge pattern and the connecting trace may be integrally formed.

[0082] The edge pattern of the first edge channel UC1 may be disposed above the multiple third patterns 103' in the XY plane, and the edge pattern of the second edge channel UC2 may be disposed below the multiple third patterns 103'. The multiple third patterns 103' and the multiple fourth patterns 104 may be disposed between the edge pattern of the first edge channel UC1 and the edge pattern of the second edge channel UC2. Here, either the first edge channel UC1 or the second edge channel UC2 may be omitted.

[0083] The sensor unit 100''' has additional edge channels UC1 and UC2 arranged in the dead space. Therefore, even if a stylus pen approaches or touches the upper or lower edge region of the active area AA, a predetermined current flows through the edge channels UC1 and UC2, thereby forming a current loop around the stylus pen. This improves sensitivity degradation that may occur at the edges of the sensor unit 100'''.

[0084] FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sensor section of an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 9, in the sensor unit 100A, a number of patterns (not shown) are arranged within the active area AA, and edge channels UC1' and UC2' are arranged in the dead space outside the active area AA.

[0086] The multiple patterns (not shown) arranged within the active area AA may be the multiple first to third patterns 101, 102, and 103 shown in FIG. 1, or the multiple first to fourth patterns 101, 102', 103', and 104 shown in FIG. 7.

[0087] In the XY plane, a first edge channel UC1' is disposed above the active area AA, and a second edge channel UC2' is disposed below the active area AA, with the active area AA being disposed between the first edge channel UC1' and the second edge channel UC2'.

[0088] The first edge channel UC1' and / or the second edge channel UC2' differ in configuration from the first edge channel UC1 and / or the second edge channel UC2 in FIG. 6 or FIG.

[0089] Specifically, the first edge channel UC1' includes a first-first edge pattern UC1a and a first-second edge pattern UC1b.

[0090] A partial pattern of the first-1 edge pattern UC1a and a partial pattern of the first-2 edge pattern UC1b are arranged adjacent to each other, and when an electrical signal is applied to the first-1 edge pattern UC1a and the first-2 edge pattern UC1b by a controller (not shown), an electrical capacitive coupling C is generated between the partial pattern of the first-1 edge pattern UC1a and the partial pattern of the first-2 edge pattern UC1b. uc1 may be formed.

[0091] A portion of the 1-1 edge pattern UC1a may be arranged to extend in the second direction (X) above the active area AA in the XY plane, and the remaining portion of the 1-1 edge pattern UC1a may extend in the first direction (Y) from one end of the portion of the pattern to the left of the active area AA in the XY plane, and the other end of the remaining portion of the 1-1 edge pattern UC1a may be connected to the 1a pad PAD1a.

[0092] A portion of the 1-2 edge pattern UC1b may be arranged to extend in the second direction (X) above the active area AA in the XY plane, and the remaining portion of the 1-2 edge pattern UC1b may extend in the first direction (Y) from one end of the portion of the pattern to the right of the active area AA in the XY plane, and the other end of the remaining portion of the 1-2 edge pattern UC1b may be connected to the 1b pad PAD1b.

[0093] A partial pattern of the 1-2 edge pattern UC1b may be disposed adjacent to a partial pattern of the 1-1 edge pattern UC1a, and may be disposed between the partial pattern of the 1-1 edge pattern UC1a and the active area AA.

[0094] On the other hand, the second edge channel UC2' includes a 2-1 edge pattern UC2a and a 2-2 edge pattern UC2b.

[0095] A partial pattern of the 2-1 edge pattern UC2a and a partial pattern of the 2-2 edge pattern UC2b are arranged adjacent to each other, and when an electrical signal is applied to the 2-1 edge pattern UC2a and the 2-2 edge pattern UC2b by a controller (not shown), an electrical capacitive coupling C is generated between the partial pattern of the 2-1 edge pattern UC2a and the partial pattern of the 2-2 edge pattern UC2b. uc2 may be formed.

[0096] A portion of the 2-1 edge pattern UC2a may be arranged to extend in the second direction (X) below the active area AA in the XY plane, and the remaining portion of the 2-1 edge pattern UC2a may extend in the first direction (Y) from one end of the portion of the pattern to be arranged below the active area AA in the XY plane, and the other end of the remaining portion of the 2-1 edge pattern UC2a may be connected to the 2a pad PAD2a.

[0097] A portion of the 2-2 edge pattern UC2b may be arranged to extend in the second direction (X) below the active area AA in the XY plane, and the remaining portion of the 2-2 edge pattern UC2b may extend in the first direction (Y) from the other end of the portion of the pattern to be arranged below the active area AA in the XY plane, and the other end of the remaining portion of the 2-2 edge pattern UC2b may be connected to the 2b pad PAD2b.

[0098] A partial pattern of the 2-1 edge pattern UC2a may be disposed adjacent to a partial pattern of the 2-2 edge pattern UC2b, and may be disposed between the partial pattern of the 2-2 edge pattern UC2b and the active area AA.

[0099] The sensor unit 100A shown in FIG. 9 includes one or more edge channels UC1', UC2' like the sensor unit in FIG. 6 or FIG. 8, and therefore can improve sensitivity degradation that may occur at the edges of the sensor unit 100A.

[0100] Each of the edge channels UC1′ and UC2′ of the sensor unit 100A shown in FIG. 9 is configured to include two or more edge patterns, different from the edge channels of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 8, and some patterns of the two or more edge patterns are arranged adjacent to each other. When driven by the controller, a capacitive coupling C uc1 ,C uc2 is formed.

[0101] The first edge channel UC1 of the sensor unit shown in Fig. 6 or 8 is disposed to surround three sides of the rectangular active area AA, and the length of the edge channel is relatively long, which may result in a relatively large resistance. On the other hand, the edge channel UC1' of the sensor unit 100A shown in Fig. 9 is disposed to surround two sides of the rectangular active area AA, which may result in a relatively reduced length of the edge channel, which has the advantage of reducing resistance.

[0102] 10 to 12 are diagrams for explaining various embodiments of the sensor unit 100A shown in FIG.

[0103] The sensor unit 100A' shown in FIG. 10 is based on the sensor unit 100'' shown in FIG. 7, but has two edge channels. Specifically, in the XY plane, the first edge channel UC1' shown in FIG. 9 is used above the active area AA, and the second edge channel UC2 shown in FIG. 8 is used below the active area AA.

[0104] The sensor unit 100A'' shown in FIG. 11 is based on the sensor unit 100'' shown in FIG. 7, but has two edge channels. Specifically, in the XY plane, the first edge channel UC1 shown in FIG. 8 is used above the active area AA, and the second edge channel UC2' shown in FIG. 9 is used below the active area AA.

[0105] The sensor unit 100A''' shown in FIG. 12 is based on the sensor unit 100'' shown in FIG. 7, but has two edge channels. Specifically, in the XY plane, the first edge channel UC1' shown in FIG. 9 is used above the active area AA, and the second edge channel UC2' shown in FIG. 9 is used below the active area AA.

[0106] 13 to 16 are diagrams illustrating various examples of a sensor unit of an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] The electronic device according to the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 is a portrait-type electronic device corresponding to the landscape-type electronic device shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 described above.

[0108] The active area AA' of the portrait-type electronic device is configured so that its width in the second direction (X) is smaller than its height in the first direction (Y). A controller (not shown) that controls the sensor unit 100B of the portrait-type electronic device is disposed below the sensor unit 100B. The portrait-type electronic device corresponds to the shape of a typical smartphone, for example.

[0109] The sensor unit 100B of FIG. 13 is a modified version of the landscape-type sensor unit 100''' shown in FIG. 8, modified to a portrait type. Except for the shape of the active area AA', which has been modified to a portrait type, the remaining configuration is the same as the configuration of the sensor unit 100''' of FIG. 8, and therefore the detailed description thereof will be superseded by that previously described.

[0110] The sensor unit 100B' in Fig. 14 is a portrait-type version of the landscape-type sensor unit 100A' shown in Fig. 10. Except for the shape of the active area AA' being changed to a portrait type, the remaining configuration is the same as the configuration of the sensor unit 100A' in Fig. 10, and therefore the detailed description thereof will be superseded by that given above.

[0111] The sensor unit 100B'' in FIG. 15 is a modified version of the landscape-type sensor unit 100A'' shown in FIG. 11, modified to a portrait type. Except for the shape of the active area AA' being modified to a portrait type, the remaining configuration is the same as the configuration of the sensor unit 100A'' in FIG. 11, and therefore the detailed description thereof will be superseded by that given above.

[0112] The sensor unit 100B''' in FIG. 16 is a modified version of the landscape-type sensor unit 100A''' shown in FIG. 12, modified to a portrait type. Except for the shape of the active area AA', which has been modified to a portrait type, the remaining configuration is the same as that of the sensor unit 100A''' in FIG. 12, and therefore the detailed description thereof will be omitted as previously described.

[0113] 17 to 24 are diagrams illustrating various alternative examples that can replace the remaining configurations of the sensor units shown in Figures 6, 8 to 16, excluding one or more edge channels UC1, UC1', UC2, and UC2'. In other words, one or more edge channels UC1, UC1', UC2, and UC2' shown in Figures 6, 8 to 16 may be applied to the sensor units of Figures 17 to 24 described below.

[0114] The sensor unit 100C shown in FIG. 17 includes first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104.

[0115] The multiple first patterns 101 and multiple second patterns 102 replace the multiple first patterns 101 and multiple second patterns 102 shown in Fig. 6. The multiple third patterns 103 include some third patterns connected to one side traces 101cl for connection to a controller (not shown) and other some third patterns connected to the other side traces 101cr. The some third patterns and the other some third patterns are alternately arranged one by one along the first direction (Y).

[0116] The plurality of fourth patterns 104 also includes some fourth patterns connected to one side traces 102cl for connection to a controller (not shown) and other fourth patterns connected to the other side traces 102cr, and the some fourth patterns and the other fourth patterns are alternately arranged one by one along the first direction (Y).

[0117] If the left end of any one of the multiple third patterns 103 is connected to trace 103cl', then any one of the fourth patterns 104 arranged adjacent to any one of the third patterns 103 may have the right end of its both ends connected to trace 104cr.

[0118] The traces 103cl, 103cr connecting the multiple third patterns 103 of the sensor unit 100C shown in Figure 17 to the controller (not shown) are arranged alternately, once on the left side and once on the right side, along the first direction (Y), which has the advantage that the numbers of traces arranged on the left and right sides are the same or similar, thereby maintaining uniformity.

[0119] A controller (not shown) can sense a touch of an object such as a finger (first mode), drive a stylus pen (second mode), and sense a pen signal from the stylus pen (third mode) using the sensor unit 100C shown in Fig. 17. Specifically, how the controller (not shown) drives the sensor unit 100C in each mode will be described with reference to Table 1 below.

[0120] [Table 1]

[0121] Referring to both FIG. 17 and Table 1, the controller (not shown) can operate the sensor unit 100C in the first mode (Touch).

[0122] As an example of the first mode (Touch), a controller (not shown) may apply a touch driving signal to at least one of the third patterns 103 of the sensor unit 100C and receive touch sensing signals from the first patterns 101. Here, the controller (not shown) may differentially generate the touch sensing signals received from the first patterns 101.

[0123] As another example of the first mode (Touch), the controller (not shown) may apply a touch driving signal to at least one of the first patterns 101 of the sensor unit 100C and receive touch sensing signals from the third patterns 103. Here, the controller (not shown) may differentially generate touch sensing signals received from the third patterns 103. When the controller (not shown) differentially generates touch sensing signals, the controller (not shown) may differentially generate touch sensing signals output from the Nth third pattern 103 and the (N+2)th third pattern 103n from the top of the third patterns 103.

[0124] The controller (not shown) can operate the sensor unit 100C in a second mode (Stylus / driving). For example, the controller (not shown) can apply a pen driving signal to at least one of the multiple second patterns 102 of the sensor unit 100C.

[0125] A controller (not shown) can operate the sensor unit 100C in the third mode (Stylus / reception).

[0126] As an example of the third mode (Stylus / reception), a controller (not shown) may receive pen sensing signals from a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality of third patterns 103 of the sensor unit 100C. The pen sensing signal output from each first pattern 101 is transferred from a second pattern 102 adjacent to the first pattern 101 via capacitive coupling. The pen sensing signal output from each third pattern 103 is transferred from a fourth pattern 104 adjacent to the third pattern 103 via capacitive coupling. Here, the controller (not shown) may differentially generate pen sensing signals received from the plurality of first patterns 101 (or the plurality of third patterns 103). When the controller (not shown) differentiates the pen sensing signals, the controller (not shown) may differentially generate pen sensing signals output from an Nth third pattern 103 and an (N+2)th third pattern 103n from the top of the plurality of third patterns 103.

[0127] In another example of the third mode (Stylus / reception), a controller (not shown) may receive pen sensing signals from a plurality of third patterns 103 and a plurality of second patterns 102 of the sensor unit 100C. The pen sensing signals output from each third pattern 103 are transmitted via capacitive coupling from the fourth pattern 104 adjacent to the third pattern 103. The pen sensing signals output from the plurality of second patterns 102 are signals directly induced by pen signals from an external stylus pen, and are not signals transmitted via capacitive coupling. Here, the controller (not shown) may differentially differentiate the pen sensing signals received from the plurality of third patterns 103 (or the plurality of second patterns 102). When the controller (not shown) differentiates the pen sensing signals, the controller (not shown) may differentially differentiate the pen sensing signals output from the Nth third pattern 103 and the (N+2)th third pattern 103n from the top of the plurality of third patterns 103.

[0128] Although not shown in a separate drawing, when one electrically floating end of the plurality of fourth patterns 104 of the sensor unit 100C shown in Fig. 17 is electrically connected to a controller (not shown), the controller (not shown) can operate the sensor unit in a third mode (Stylus / reception). When operating in the third mode, the controller (not shown) can receive pen sensing signals from the plurality of fourth patterns and the plurality of first patterns of the sensor unit, and can also receive pen sensing signals from the plurality of fourth patterns and the plurality of second patterns.

[0129] The sensor unit 100C′ shown in FIG. 18 includes first to fourth patterns 101′, 102, 103, and 104.

[0130] The sensor unit 100C' in FIG. 18 differs from the sensor unit 100C in FIG. 17 in that it has a large number of first patterns 101'.

[0131] Each of the multiple first patterns 101' includes a 1-1 pattern 101-1 and a 1-2 pattern 101-2 arranged adjacent to each other.

[0132] The first pattern 101-1 includes a plurality of main pattern portions 101-1a arranged along the first direction (Y) and a connecting pattern portion 101-1c connecting two adjacent main pattern portions 101-1a among the plurality of main pattern portions 101-1a. Each main pattern portion 101-1a of the first pattern 101-1 may have a square, rhombus, or diamond shape and may have an opening therein in which each main pattern portion 101-2a of the first pattern 101-2 may be disposed.

[0133] The first-second pattern 101-2 includes a plurality of main pattern portions 101-2a arranged along the first direction (Y) and a connecting pattern portion 101-2c connecting two adjacent main pattern portions 101-2a among the plurality of main pattern portions 101-2a. Each main pattern portion 101-2a of the first-second pattern 101-2 may have a square, rhombus, or diamond shape. Each main pattern portion 101-2a of the first-second pattern 101-2 may have a shape corresponding to each main pattern portion 101-1a of the first-first pattern 101-1.

[0134] Each main pattern portion 101-1a of 1-1 pattern 101-1 is disposed relatively closer to third pattern 103 than each main pattern portion 101-2a of 1-2 pattern 101-2.

[0135] Each of the plurality of first patterns 101' includes a first pattern 101-1 and a first pattern 101-2, which are respectively connected to a controller (not shown). Therefore, compared to the sensor unit 100C shown in FIG. 17, the number of pins (PICs) for the plurality of first patterns 101' in the controller (not shown) is doubled. However, the controller (not shown) applies a touch driving signal to the plurality of third patterns 103 in the first mode (touch driving mode) and differentiates two touch sensing signals output from the first pattern 101-1 and the first pattern 101-2, respectively. This can offset display noise acting on the sensor unit 100C' and low ground mass (LGM) due to poor grounding of the object, thereby improving sensing sensitivity.

[0136] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the 1-1 pattern 101-1 and the 1-2 pattern 101-2 shown in FIG.

[0137] 19, pattern 1-1' includes a plurality of main pattern portions 101-1a' and 101-1b' arranged along the first direction (Y) and a connecting pattern portion 101-1c' connecting two adjacent main pattern portions 101-1a' and 101-1b' among the plurality of main pattern portions 101-1a' and 101-1b'. Each of main pattern portions 101-1a' and 101-1b' of pattern 1-1' may include a first main pattern portion 101-1a' and a second main pattern portion 101-1b'. First main pattern portion 101-1a' and second main pattern portion 101-1b' may have symmetrical shapes relative to each other with respect to the second direction (X). For example, first main pattern portion 101-1a' may have an inverted triangular shape, and second main pattern portion 101-1b' may have an inverted triangular shape. First main pattern portion 101-1a' and second main pattern portion 101-1b' may be electrically connected to each other.

[0138] The first-second pattern 101-2' includes a plurality of main pattern portions 101-2a' and 101-2b' arranged along the first direction (Y) and a connecting pattern portion 101-2c' connecting two adjacent main pattern portions 101-2a' and 101-2b' of the plurality of main pattern portions 101-2a' and 101-2b'. Each of the main pattern portions 101-2a' and 101-2b' of the first-second pattern 101-2' may include a first main pattern portion 101-2a' and a second main pattern portion 101-2b'. The first main pattern portion 101-2a' and the second main pattern portion 101-2b' may have symmetrical shapes relative to each other with respect to the second direction (X). For example, the first main pattern portion 101-2a' may have an inverted triangular shape, and the second main pattern portion 101-2b' may have an inverted triangular shape. The first main pattern portion 101-2a' and the second main pattern portion 101-2b' may be electrically connected to each other.

[0139] The main pattern portions 101-1a' and 101-1b' of the 1-1 pattern 101-1' and the main pattern portions 101-2a' and 101-2b' of the 1-2 pattern 101-2' are alternately arranged one by one along the first direction (Y).

[0140] The sensor unit 100C'' shown in FIG. 20 includes first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103', and 104.

[0141] The sensor unit 100C'' in FIG. 20 differs from the sensor unit 100C in FIG. 17 in that it has a large number of third patterns 103'.

[0142] Each of the multiple third patterns 103' includes a 3-1 pattern 103-1 and a 3-2 pattern 103-2.

[0143] The 3-1 pattern 103-1 includes a plurality of main pattern portions 103-1a arranged along the second direction (X) and a connecting pattern portion 103-1c connecting two adjacent main pattern portions 103-1a among the plurality of main pattern portions 103-1a. Each main pattern portion 103-1a of the 3-1 pattern 103-1 may have a square, rhombus, or diamond shape and may have an opening therein in which each main pattern portion 103-2a of the 3-2 pattern 103-2 may be disposed.

[0144] The 3-2 pattern 103-2 includes a plurality of main pattern portions 103-2a arranged along the second direction (X) and a connecting pattern portion 103-2c connecting two adjacent main pattern portions 103-2a among the plurality of main pattern portions 103-2a. Each main pattern portion 103-2a of the 3-2 pattern 103-2 may have a square, rhombus, or diamond shape. Each main pattern portion 103-2a of the 3-2 pattern 103-2 may have a shape corresponding to each main pattern portion 103-1a of the 3-1 pattern 103-1.

[0145] Each main pattern portion 103-1a of the 3-1 pattern 103-1 is disposed relatively closer to the first pattern 101 than each main pattern portion 103-2a of the 3-2 pattern 103-2.

[0146] Each of the multiple third patterns 103' includes a 3-1 pattern 103-1 and a 3-2 pattern 103-2, which are respectively connected to a controller (not shown). Therefore, compared to the sensor unit 100C shown in FIG. 17, the number of pins (PICs) for the multiple third patterns 103' in the controller (not shown) is doubled. However, when the controller (not shown) applies a touch drive signal to the 3-1 pattern 103-1 and simultaneously applies a touch drive signal with a 180-degree phase inversion of the touch drive signal to the 3-2 pattern 103-2 in the first mode (touch drive mode), flickering in a display panel including the sensor unit 100C'' can be reduced or eliminated. The flickering occurs when touch drive signals simultaneously applied to at least two or more of the multiple third patterns 103 shown in FIG. 17 affect the display panel. In the sensor unit 100C'' of FIG. 20, two touch driving signals with opposite phases are simultaneously applied to each third pattern 103'. Therefore, even if the two touch driving signals are added together, the sum becomes "0", which has the advantage of not affecting the display panel and not causing the flicker phenomenon.

[0147] Meanwhile, although not shown in a separate drawing, the 3-1 pattern 103-1 and the 3-2 pattern 103-2 of each of the third patterns 103' may have the pattern shape shown in FIG.

[0148] The sensor unit 100C''' shown in FIG. 21 includes first to fourth patterns 101', 102, 103', and 104.

[0149] The sensor unit 100C''' in FIG. 21 differs from the sensor unit 100C in FIG. 17 in that it has a plurality of first patterns 101' and a third pattern 103'. The plurality of first patterns 101' are the same as the plurality of first patterns 101' shown in FIG. 18, and the plurality of third patterns 103' are the same as the plurality of third patterns 103' shown in FIG. 20.

[0150] Although the use of the sensor unit 100C''' of FIG. 21 has the disadvantage of slightly increasing the number of pins of the controller (not shown), the technical effects of the sensor units 100C' and 100C'' of FIGS. 18 and 20 can both be achieved. That is, display noise acting on the sensor unit 100C''' and low ground mass (LGM) due to poor grounding of the object can be offset, thereby improving sensing sensitivity and reducing or eliminating flicker in a display panel equipped with the sensor unit 100C'''.

[0151] The sensor unit 100D shown in FIG. 22 includes a first pattern 101, a second pattern 102, and a third pattern 103'.

[0152] The sensor unit 100D shown in FIG. 22 differs from the sensor unit 100' shown in FIG. 6 in that it has a large number of third patterns 103'.

[0153] Each of the multiple third patterns 103' includes a 3-1 pattern 103l and a 3-2 pattern 103r. The 3-1 pattern 103l and the 3-2 pattern 103r are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction (X). The 3-1 pattern 103l and the 3-2 pattern 103r are physically spaced apart from each other and configured to form capacitive coupling between them.

[0154] One end (left end) of the 3-1 pattern 103l is electrically connected to a controller (not shown) via a trace 103cl, and the other end (right end) of the 3-2 pattern 103r is electrically connected to a controller (not shown) via a trace 103cr.

[0155] The 3-1 pattern 103l includes a plurality of main pattern portions 103-1a arranged along the second direction (X) and a connecting pattern portion 103-1c connecting two adjacent main pattern portions 103-1a among the plurality of main pattern portions 103-1a. Each main pattern portion 103-1a of the 3-1 pattern 103l may have a square, rhombus, or diamond shape and may have an opening within which each main pattern portion 103-2a of the 3-2 pattern 103r can be disposed.

[0156] The 3-2 pattern 103r includes a plurality of main pattern portions 103-2a arranged along the second direction (X) and a connecting pattern portion 103-2c connecting two adjacent main pattern portions 103-2a among the plurality of main pattern portions 103-2a. Each main pattern portion 103-2a of the 3-2 pattern 103r may have a square, rhombus, or diamond shape. Each main pattern portion 103-2a of the 3-2 pattern 103r may have a shape corresponding to each main pattern portion 103-1a of the 3-1 pattern 103l.

[0157] Each main pattern portion 103-1a of the 3-1 pattern 103l is disposed relatively closer to the first pattern 101 than each main pattern portion 103-2a of the 3-2 pattern 103r.

[0158] Each of the plurality of third patterns 103' includes a 3-1 pattern 103l and a 3-2 pattern 103r, and the 3-1 pattern 103l and the 3-2 pattern 103r are connected to a controller (not shown) via traces 103cl and 103cr, respectively. Therefore, compared to the sensor unit 100' shown in FIG. 6, the number of pins (PICs) for the plurality of third patterns 103' in the controller (not shown) is doubled. However, when the controller (not shown) is driven in the first mode (touch drive mode), it applies a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns 101 and differentiates two touch sensing signals output from the 3-1 pattern 103l and the 3-2 pattern 103r, respectively. This advantageously allows display noise acting on the sensor unit 100D and low ground mass (LGM) due to poor grounding of the object to be offset, thereby improving sensing sensitivity.

[0159] Meanwhile, although not shown in a separate drawing, the 3-1 pattern 103l and the 3-2 pattern 103r of each of the third patterns 103' may have the pattern shape shown in FIG.

[0160] On the other hand, a controller (not shown) can use a large number of second patterns 102 to operate in a second mode (edge ​​mode).

[0161] Also, the controller (not shown) can operate a third mode (downlink mode) using a plurality of third patterns 103′ and a plurality of first patterns 101. Here, the controller (not shown) may be configured to receive pen signals transmitted from the second pattern 102 to the first pattern 101 by capacitive coupling. Meanwhile, the controller (not shown) may be configured to directly receive pen signals induced to a plurality of third patterns 103′.

[0162] The sensor unit 100D′ shown in FIG. 23 includes a first pattern 101′, a second pattern 102, and a third pattern 103.

[0163] The sensor unit 100D' shown in Fig. 23 differs from the sensor unit 100' shown in Fig. 6 in that it has a large number of first patterns 101'. A detailed description of these will be given in place of the description in Fig. 18.

[0164] The sensor unit 100D' shown in FIG. 23 has twice the number of pins (PICs) for the multiple first patterns 101' in the controller (not shown) compared to the sensor unit 100' shown in FIG. 6. However, when the controller (not shown) applies a touch drive signal to the 1-1 pattern 101-1 during driving in the first mode (touch drive mode), and simultaneously applies a touch drive signal with a phase that is 180 degrees inverted from the touch drive signal to the 1-2 pattern 101-2, it is possible to reduce or eliminate flicker occurrence in a display panel including the sensor unit 100D'.

[0165] The sensor unit 100D'' shown in FIG. 24 includes a first pattern 101', a second pattern 102, and a third pattern 103'.

[0166] The sensor unit 100D'' in FIG. 24 differs from the sensor unit 100' in FIG. 6 in that it has a plurality of first patterns 101' and a third pattern 103'. The plurality of first patterns 101' are the same as the plurality of first patterns 101' shown in FIG. 23, and the plurality of third patterns 103' are the same as the plurality of third patterns 103' shown in FIG. 22.

[0167] Although the use of the sensor unit 100D'' of FIG. 24 has the disadvantage of slightly increasing the number of pins of the controller (not shown), the technical effects of the sensor units 100D and 100D' of FIGS. 22 and 23 can both be achieved. That is, it is possible to cancel out display noise acting on the sensor unit 100D'' and low ground mass (LGM) due to poor grounding of the object, thereby improving sensing sensitivity and reducing or eliminating flicker in a display panel equipped with the sensor unit 100D''.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

Claims

1. a display panel having an active area and a dead space; a sensor portion including a number of patterns arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of the active area; a controller configured to control the sensor unit; The sensor unit is arranged to overlap the dead space and adjacent to the active area, and includes an edge pattern whose both ends are electrically connected to the controller.

2. The control unit The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is configured to apply a drive signal for driving a stylus pen to a pattern among the multiple patterns that is arranged in a direction parallel to the edge pattern, and to the edge pattern.

3. the edge pattern includes a first edge pattern and a second edge pattern, The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the active area is disposed between the first edge pattern and the second edge pattern.

4. a display panel having an active area and a dead space; a sensor portion including a number of patterns arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of the active area; a controller configured to control the sensor unit; the sensor unit is disposed to overlap the dead space and includes a first edge pattern disposed adjacent to one side of the active area; The first edge pattern is a first edge pattern having one end electrically floating and the other end electrically connected to the control unit; and a first-second edge pattern disposed adjacent to the first-first edge pattern, one end of which is electrically connected to the control unit and the other end of which is electrically floating.

5. The control unit The electronic device according to claim 4 , wherein a driving signal for driving a stylus pen is applied to a pattern among the multiple patterns that is arranged in a direction parallel to the first edge pattern and to the first edge pattern.

6. 5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein capacitive coupling is formed between the first edge pattern and the first edge pattern when an electrical signal is applied to the first edge pattern and the first second edge pattern by the control unit.

7. The electronic device according to claim 4 , wherein the sensor portion is arranged to overlap the dead space and includes a second edge pattern arranged adjacent to the other side of the active area.

8. The second edge pattern is a second edge pattern having one end electrically floating and the other end electrically connected to the control unit; 8. The electronic device of claim 7, further comprising: a second-2 edge pattern disposed adjacent to the second-1 edge pattern, one end of which is electrically connected to the control unit and the other end of which is electrically floating.

9. The multiple patterns include: a plurality of first patterns, each arranged in a first direction and having one end electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns, each arranged in the first direction, adjacent to one of the first patterns, and electrically connected to each other at one end; The electronic device according to claim 1 or 4, further comprising: a plurality of third patterns each arranged in the second direction and each having both ends electrically connected to the control unit.

10. the third pattern includes a 3-1 pattern having one end electrically connected to the control unit and the other end electrically floating, and a 3-2 pattern having one end electrically floating and the other end electrically connected to the control unit, The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the third-1 pattern is disposed relatively closer to the first pattern than the third-2 pattern.

11. the first pattern includes a first-1 pattern and a first-2 pattern that are electrically insulated from each other; The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the first pattern is disposed relatively closer to the third pattern than the first pattern.

12. The multiple patterns include: a plurality of first patterns, each arranged in a first direction and having one end electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns, each arranged in the first direction, adjacent to one of the first patterns, and electrically connected to each other at one end; a plurality of third patterns, each arranged in the second direction and having one end electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of fourth patterns, each of which is disposed in the second direction, adjacent to one of the third patterns, and electrically connected to one another at one end; 5. The electronic device of claim 1 or 4, comprising:

13. The sensor unit a connection pattern connected to one end of the plurality of second patterns, disposed in the dead space adjacent to the active area, and electrically connected at both ends to the control unit; the connecting pattern is disposed between the edge pattern and the active area; 13. The electronic device of claim 12.

14. the plurality of third patterns include some third patterns having one end electrically connected to the controller and other third patterns having the other end electrically connected to the controller, The electronic device according to claim 12 , wherein the part of the third patterns and the other part of the third patterns are arranged alternately one by one along the first direction.

15. the plurality of fourth patterns include some fourth patterns having one end electrically connected to one another and other fourth patterns having the other end electrically connected to one another, The electronic device according to claim 12 , wherein the part of the fourth patterns and the other part of the fourth patterns are arranged alternately one by one along the first direction.

16. the third pattern includes a third-1 pattern and a third-2 pattern that are electrically insulated from each other; The electronic device of claim 12 , wherein the third-1 pattern is disposed relatively closer to the first pattern than the third-2 pattern.

17. the first pattern includes a first-1 pattern and a first-2 pattern that are electrically insulated from each other; The electronic device of claim 12 , wherein the first pattern is disposed relatively closer to the third pattern than the first pattern.

18. The active area has a landscape shape in which the horizontal length is longer than the vertical length, The electronic device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the edge patterns are arranged in the lateral direction.

19. 20. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the display panel is configured to be folded about the lateral reference line that crosses a center of the active area.

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