Touch input device

Abstract

This invention provides a touch input device that detects the touch position, drives a stylus pen, and detects the position of the stylus pen. [Solution] The touch input device includes a sensor unit and a control unit, the sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and one end electrically connected to the control unit, a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first patterns, a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and one end electrically connected to the control unit, and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in a second direction and arranged adjacent to the third patterns, one end of which is electrically floating and the other ends of which are electrically connected to each other, the first patterns include a first a pattern and a first b pattern arranged along the first direction, and the second patterns include a second a pattern and a second b pattern arranged along the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multifunctional touch input device capable of detecting a touch position, driving a stylus pen, and detecting the position of the stylus pen.

Background Art

[0002] Various types of input devices are used for operating computing systems. For example, input devices such as buttons, keys, joysticks, and touch screens are used. Due to the easy and convenient operation of touch screens, the use of touch input devices having a touch screen is increasing when operating computing systems. Also, recently, a stylus pen can be additionally used when operating the touch input device.

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

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

[0005] Based on the long axis of a conventional flexible display panel, the resistance (R) of a Metal Mesh touch sensor is approximately 1.2k ohms, and the capacitance (C) is approximately 250pF.

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

[0007] Figure 2 is a diagram used to explain, via current sensing, that the output voltage of the CVA (Vout1, Vout2) differs depending on the position of the pen 10 in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a diagram used to explain, via voltage sensing, that the output voltage of the CVA (Vout1, Vout2) differs depending on the position of the pen 10 in Figure 1.

[0008] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the output voltage of CVA differs depending on the position of the pen 10 on the sensing line. That is, the closer the pen 10 is to the sensing circuit 50, the higher the output voltage of CVA, and the further away it is from the sensing circuit 50, the lower the output voltage of CVA. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a multifunctional touch input device that can detect the touch position, drive a stylus pen, and detect the position of the stylus pen.

[0010] Furthermore, the objective is to provide a touch input device that can widen the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch drive signal and pen drive signal when the screen of the touch input device is enlarged to the size of a tablet PC screen.

[0011] Furthermore, the objective is to provide a touch input device that can mitigate the attenuation of pen detection signals when the screen of the touch input device is enlarged to the size of a tablet PC screen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a control unit, the sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and one end electrically connected to the control unit, a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first patterns, a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and one end electrically connected to the control unit, and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and arranged adjacent to the third patterns, one end of which is electrically floating and the other ends of which are electrically connected to each other, the first patterns include a first a pattern and a first b pattern arranged along the first direction, and the second patterns include a second a pattern and a second b pattern arranged along the first direction.

[0013] Here, the other ends of the numerous second patterns of the numerous second a patterns are electrically connected to each other, and one end of each is electrically connected to the control unit in pairs adjacent to each other in the second direction, and the other ends of the numerous second b patterns of the numerous second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and one end of each is electrically connected to the control unit in pairs adjacent to each other in the second direction.

[0014] Here, the control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in one of the following modes: a touch drive / sensing mode for sensing the touch position of an object, an antenna drive mode for driving a stylus pen, and a stylus sensing mode for sensing the touch position of the stylus pen. In the touch drive / sensing mode, the control unit applies a touch drive signal using the numerous first patterns and receives a touch sensing signal via the numerous third patterns. In the antenna drive mode, the control unit applies a pen drive signal using the numerous second patterns to drive the stylus pen. In the stylus sensing mode, the control unit receives a pen sensing signal from the stylus pen via the numerous first and third patterns.

[0015] A touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a control unit, the sensor unit including a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and one end electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first patterns, one end electrically connected to the control unit and the other ends electrically connected to each other; a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and one end electrically connected to the control unit; and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and arranged adjacent to the third patterns, one end electrically floating and the other ends electrically connected to each other.

[0016] Here, the control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in one of the following modes: a touch drive / sensing mode for sensing the touch position of an object, an antenna drive mode for driving a stylus pen, and a stylus sensing mode for sensing the touch position of the stylus pen. In the touch drive / sensing mode, the control unit applies a touch drive signal using the numerous first patterns and receives a touch sensing signal via the numerous third patterns. In the antenna drive mode, the control unit applies a pen drive signal using the numerous second patterns to drive the stylus pen, and in the stylus sensing mode, the control unit receives a pen sensing signal from the stylus pen via the numerous second and third patterns.

[0017] A touch input device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a control unit, the sensor unit including a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and one end electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first patterns, one end of which is electrically floating and the other ends electrically connected to each other; a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and one end of which is electrically connected to the control unit; and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and arranged adjacent to the third patterns, one end of which is electrically connected to the control unit and the other ends electrically connected to each other.

[0018] Here, the control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in one of the following modes: a touch drive / sensing mode for sensing the touch position of an object, an antenna drive mode for driving a stylus pen, and a stylus sensing mode for sensing the touch position of the stylus pen. In the touch drive / sensing mode, the control unit applies a touch drive signal using the numerous first patterns and receives a touch sensing signal via the numerous third patterns. In the antenna drive mode, the control unit applies a pen drive signal using the numerous fourth patterns to drive the stylus pen. In the stylus sensing mode, the control unit receives a pen sensing signal from the stylus pen via the numerous first and fourth patterns. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] Using the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to detect the touch position, drive the stylus pen, and detect the position of the stylus pen.

[0020] Furthermore, when the screen of a touch input device is enlarged to the size of a tablet PC screen, there is the advantage of being able to widen the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch drive signal and pen drive signal.

[0021] Furthermore, when the screen of a touch input device is enlarged to the size of a tablet PC screen, it has the advantage of mitigating the attenuation of the pen detection signal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the output voltage (Vout) of the CVA (Capacitor Voltage Amplitude) changes depending on the position of the stylus pen 10 on the flexible display panel within a conventional touch input device. [Figure 2]It is a diagram for explaining, via current sensing, that the output voltages (Vout11, Vout2) of a CVA vary depending on the position of the pen 10 in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining, via voltage sensing, that the output voltages (Vout1, Vout2) of a CVA vary depending on the position of the pen 10 in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a schematic configuration diagram of the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a configuration diagram schematically showing an example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a configuration diagram schematically showing another example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a schematic configuration diagram of the sensor unit 100' of the touch input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a configuration diagram schematically showing an example of the sensor unit 100' shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a configuration diagram schematically showing another example of the sensor unit 100' shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] It is a configuration diagram schematically showing still another example of the sensor unit 100' shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] It is a configuration diagram schematically showing yet another example of the sensor unit 100' shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 12] It is a diagram embodying the touch input device shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining a method in which the control unit 300 of FIG. 12 applies a pen drive signal for driving a stylus pen to the plurality of second patterns 102A shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] (a) to (f) of FIG. 14 are diagrams for schematically explaining the operating principle of the stylus sensing mode of the touch input device of FIG. 12. [Figure 15] It is a diagram embodying the touch input device shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 16] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the touch input device shown. [Figure 17] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the touch input device shown. [Figure 18] This diagram schematically shows modified examples of the sensor units 100, 100' shown in Figure 4 or Figure 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] The detailed description of the present invention described herein refers to the accompanying drawings illustrating specific embodiments in which the present invention may be carried out. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to be sufficient for those skilled in the art to carry out the present invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are distinct from one another but do not necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. For example, certain shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein may be embodied in other embodiments in relation to one embodiment, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the position or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the detailed description described herein is not intended to be taken as restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims, along with all equivalent claims, if appropriately described. Similar reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or similar functions in various aspects.

[0024] The various embodiments of the touch input devices described in this document may be, as electronic devices, touch input devices such as ordinary smartphones, or touch input devices having a rectangular screen that is relatively larger than the screen of an ordinary smartphone, with a diagonal length of approximately 10 inches to 13 inches. For example, they may include at least one of the following: a foldable smartphone, a tablet PC (tablet personal computer), a vehicle display device, an e-book reader, a laptop PC (laptop personal computer), or a netbook computer.

[0025] Furthermore, the touch input devices according to various embodiments of the present invention can not only detect the position of an object such as a finger located on the screen, but also output a drive signal for driving a stylus pen and detect the position of the stylus pen located on the screen by sensing the signal emitted from the stylus pen.

[0026] Various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the sensor unit 100 of a touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a portrait-type touch input device. In such a portrait-type touch input device, the width is smaller than the height, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the sensor unit 100 is located below the sensor unit 100. For example, it corresponds to the shape of a smartphone.

[0029] The sensor unit 100 can not only detect the position of an object such as a finger located on the screen, but can also drive a stylus pen located on the screen, and can detect the position of the stylus pen located on the screen by sensing the signal emitted from the stylus pen.

[0030] The sensor unit 100 includes a large number of patterns (or a large number of electrodes).

[0031] The sensor unit 100 may include a number of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, 104.

[0032] The first pattern 101 has a shape that extends along an arbitrary first direction y. The first direction may be the long axis of the screen of the touch input device. The first pattern 101 may also be named ATX (Active TX).

[0033] The second pattern 102 has a shape that extends along the first direction y, is positioned adjacent to the first pattern 101, and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the first pattern 101. The second pattern 102 may also be named DTX (Dummy TX).

[0034] The third pattern 103 has a shape that extends along a second direction x that is different from the first direction. The second direction x may be perpendicular to the first direction y, and may be the short axis direction of the touch input device screen. The third pattern 103 may also be named ARX (Active RX).

[0035] The fourth pattern 104 has a shape that extends along the second direction x, is positioned adjacent to the third pattern 103, and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the third pattern 103. The fourth pattern 104 may also be named DRX (dummy RX).

[0036] The third and fourth patterns 103 and 104 are arranged on the first and second patterns 101 and 102, and are positioned at a predetermined distance from the first and second patterns 101 and 102. On the other hand, the sensor section in which the first to fourth patterns are arranged on the same layer will be explained in detail in Figure 15.

[0037] Numerous first patterns 101 are arranged along the second direction x, and numerous second patterns 102 are also arranged along the second direction x. Numerous third patterns 103 are arranged along the first direction y, and numerous fourth patterns 104 are also arranged along the first direction y.

[0038] The first pattern 101 extends along the first direction y, and the third pattern 103 extends along the second direction x. Since the first direction y is longer than the second direction x, the number of multiple first patterns 101 is less than the number of multiple third patterns 103. Therefore, the number of channels in the multiple first patterns 101 is less than the number of channels in the multiple third patterns 103.

[0039] Here, the number of multiple first patterns 101 and the number of multiple third patterns 103 may increase or decrease depending on the size of the touch input device screen.

[0040] The number of second patterns 102 may be the same as the number of first patterns 101. The other end of each of the second patterns 102 is electrically connected to one another via a conductive pattern. Here, the conductive pattern may be a metal mesh or a silver trace.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, two or more adjacent second patterns 102 may be electrically connected via a conductive pattern. With this configuration, the number of channels in the numerous second patterns 102 may be reduced to half the number of channels in the numerous first patterns 101.

[0042] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, each end of the numerous second patterns 102 may be individually connected to a single conductive pattern.

[0043] Referring again to Figure 4, since a large number of third patterns 103 are arranged along the first direction y, the number of third patterns 103 is greater than the number of first patterns 101. Therefore, the number of channels in the numerous third pattern 103 is greater than the number of channels in the numerous first pattern 101.

[0044] The number of fourth patterns 104 may be the same as the number of third patterns 103. The other end of each of the fourth patterns 104 is electrically connected via a conductive pattern.

[0045] In the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device shown in Figure 4, the numerous first patterns 101 and numerous third patterns 103 basically sense the touch of an object such as a finger. For this purpose, the numerous first patterns 101 can operate as touch driving electrodes to which a touch driving signal is applied, and the numerous third patterns 103 can operate as touch sensing electrodes (or touch receiving electrodes) to which a touch sensing signal is received. Of course, they can also operate in the opposite way.

[0046] In order for the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device shown in Figure 4 to drive the stylus pen and perform sensing, a number of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 may be used in various combinations. The various combinations are as shown in Table 1 below. In Table 1 below, "1" refers to a number of first patterns 101, "2" refers to a number of second patterns 102, "3" refers to a number of third patterns 103, and "4" refers to a number of fourth patterns 104. [Table 1]

[0047] Referring to Table 1 above, in various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32), the numerous first patterns 101 and numerous third patterns 103 sense the touch of an object such as a finger. Specifically, the numerous first patterns 101 act as touch driving electrodes, and the numerous third patterns 103 act as touch receiving electrodes.

[0048] One or two of the numerous first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 can act as stylus drive electrodes for driving a stylus pen. A current loop for driving a stylus pen can be formed using one or two of the first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104. X-axis driving may be one of the numerous first patterns 101 and numerous second patterns 102, and Y-axis driving may be one of the numerous third patterns 103 and numerous fourth patterns 104. Driving the stylus pen is possible with either X-axis driving or Y-axis driving, or both.

[0049] Two of the numerous first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 can be operated by sensing electrodes that sense the stylus pen signal emitted from the stylus pen. Since both X-axis sensing and Y-axis sensing are required to sense the stylus pen signal, two patterns from the numerous first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 are used. X-axis sensing may be either the numerous first pattern 101 or the numerous second pattern 102, and Y-axis sensing may be either the numerous third pattern 103 or the numerous fourth pattern 104.

[0050] In Table 1 above, "uplink signal magnitude" refers to the magnitude of the drive signal used to drive the stylus pen 10. When the same stylus pen drive signal is applied to a number of first patterns 101 and a number of second patterns 102, respectively, and the magnitude of the signals received by the stylus pen is compared, the uplink signal is relatively larger when the stylus pen drive signal is applied to a number of second patterns 102 than when the stylus pen drive signal is applied to a number of first patterns 101.

[0051] This is because, while multiple second patterns 102 have their other ends electrically connected and at least one current loop is formed if two or more second patterns to which the stylus pen drive signal is applied are appropriately selected, the other ends of multiple first patterns 101 are not electrically connected to each other and therefore no current loop can be formed. When current flows through each first pattern 101, the RC of each first pattern 101 is charged, so the current cannot flow as well from one end to the other of each first pattern 101. Furthermore, the stylus pen drive signal applied via multiple first patterns 101 is transmitted to multiple second patterns 102, to which a current loop is formed, via capacitive coupling, but at this time, signal attenuation occurs due to the capacitive coupling.

[0052] Similarly, when a stylus pen drive signal is applied to a large number of fourth patterns 104, the uplink signal is relatively larger than when a stylus pen drive signal is applied to a large number of third patterns 103.

[0053] In Table 1 above, "downlink signal magnitude" refers to the magnitude of the stylus pen signal received from the stylus pen 10. When comparing the magnitudes of the signals received by the same stylus pen signal through multiple first patterns 101 and multiple second patterns 102, the downlink signal is relatively larger when the stylus pen signal is received through multiple second patterns 102 than when the stylus pen signal is received through multiple first patterns 101. The reason for this is that the other ends of the multiple second patterns 102 are electrically connected, forming a current loop, while the other ends of the multiple first patterns 101 are not electrically connected to each other. In particular, the stylus pen signal is transmitted from the multiple second patterns 102, where a current loop is formed via capacitive coupling, to the multiple first patterns 101, and at this time, attenuation of the downlink signal occurs.

[0054] Similarly, when the stylus pen signal is received via a large number of fourth patterns 104, the downlink signal is relatively larger than when the stylus pen signal is received via a large number of third patterns 103.

[0055] In Table 1 above, "Stylus Additional Channel" refers to whether an additional channel must be configured for the stylus pen in addition to touch sensing. An additional channel is required (indicated as "Yes" in Table 1) when multiple second patterns 102 and / or multiple fourth patterns 104 are used for driving and sensing the stylus pen. Conversely, an additional channel is not required (indicated as "No" in Table 1) when multiple first patterns 101 and / or third patterns 103 for touch sensing are used for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0056] Below, we will describe in detail some examples of the various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32) shown in Table 1 above. Combinations not described here should be easily understood by those skilled in the art through the detailed explanations provided below.

[0057] In No. 1, numerous first patterns 101 are used as touch-driving electrodes for object touch sensing, while also being used as stylus-sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals. Numerous second patterns 102 are used as stylus-driving electrodes for driving the stylus pen. Numerous third patterns 103 are used as touch-sensing electrodes for object touch sensing, while also being used as stylus-sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals. Numerous fourth patterns 104 are electrically floating.

[0058] In case No. 1, since a large number of second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large. Since a large number of first patterns 101 and a large number of third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small. Furthermore, since a large number of second patterns 102 are used separately as stylus driving electrodes, an additional channel is required for driving the stylus pen, but an additional channel is not required for sensing the stylus pen.

[0059] In No. 4, numerous first patterns 101 are used as touch drive electrodes for object touch sensing. Numerous second patterns 102 are used as stylus drive electrodes to drive a stylus pen, and also as stylus sensing electrodes to sense the stylus pen signal. Numerous third patterns 103 are used as touch sensing electrodes for object touch sensing. And numerous fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes to sense the stylus pen signal.

[0060] In the case of No. 4, since a large number of second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large. Since a large number of second patterns 102 and a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large. Furthermore, since a large number of second patterns 102 are used separately as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used separately as stylus sensing electrodes, an additional channel is required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0061] In No. 8, numerous first patterns 101 are used as touch drive electrodes for object touch sensing. Numerous second patterns 102 are used as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals. Numerous third patterns 103 are used as touch sensing electrodes for object touch sensing. And numerous fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus drive electrodes to drive the stylus pen, while also being used as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals.

[0062] In the case of No. 8, since a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large. Since a large number of second patterns 102 and a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large. Furthermore, since a large number of second patterns 102 are used separately as stylus sensing electrodes, and a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used separately as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, an additional channel is required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0063] In No. 12, a number of first patterns 101 are used as touch drive electrodes for touch sensing of objects. A number of second patterns 102 are used as stylus drive electrodes to drive a stylus pen, and also as stylus sensing electrodes to sense the stylus pen signal. A number of third patterns 103 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of objects. And a number of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus drive electrodes to drive a stylus pen, and also as stylus sensing electrodes to sense the stylus pen signal.

[0064] In the case of No. 12, since a large number of second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large. Since a large number of second patterns 102 and a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large. Furthermore, since a large number of second patterns 102 are used separately as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used separately as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0065] In No. 13, numerous first patterns 101 are used as touch drive electrodes for object touch sensing, as stylus drive electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals. Numerous third patterns 103 are used as touch sensing electrodes for object touch sensing and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals. Numerous second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are electrically floating.

[0066] In the case of No. 13, since a large number of first patterns 101 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small. Since a large number of first patterns 101 and a large number of third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small. Furthermore, since a large number of first patterns 101 are used as both stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and a large number of third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel for driving and sensing the stylus pen is unnecessary.

[0067] In No. 17, numerous first patterns 101 are used as touch-driving electrodes for object touch sensing and as stylus-sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals. Numerous third patterns 103 are used as touch-sensing electrodes for object touch sensing, as stylus-driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus-sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals. Numerous second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are electrically floating.

[0068] In the case of No. 17, since a large number of third patterns 103 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small. Since a large number of first patterns 101 and a large number of third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small. Furthermore, since a large number of first patterns 101 are used as stylus sensing electrodes and a large number of third patterns 103 are used as both stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel for driving and sensing the stylus pen is unnecessary.

[0069] In No. 21, numerous first patterns 101 are used as touch drive electrodes for object touch sensing, as stylus drive electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals. Numerous third patterns 103 are used as touch sensing electrodes for object touch sensing, as stylus drive electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals. Numerous second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are electrically floating.

[0070] In the case of No. 21, since a large number of first and third patterns 101 and 103 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small. Since a large number of first patterns 101 and a large number of third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small. Furthermore, since a large number of first patterns 101 are used as both stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and a large number of third patterns 103 are used as both stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel for driving and sensing the stylus pen is unnecessary.

[0071] Of the various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32) in Table 1 above, No. 1, 5, 9, 25, and 29 have "Driving" enabled and "Sensing" disabled in the "Stylus Additional Channel" column. No. 1, 5, 9, 25, and 29 use multiple first and third patterns 101 and 103 to sense the stylus pen, and multiple second and / or fourth patterns 102 and 104 to drive the stylus pen. When driving the stylus pen, even with multiple second and / or fourth patterns 102 and 104, it can be somewhat difficult to form a magnetic field to resonate the stylus pen. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, one end of two or more adjacent second patterns can be electrically connected. Similarly, one end of two or more adjacent fourth patterns can be electrically connected. This configuration has the advantage of reducing the number of additional channels required to drive the stylus pen.

[0072] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the sensor section 100' of a touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] A touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is a landscape-type touch input device. In such a landscape-type touch input device, the width is greater than the height, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the sensor unit 100' may be located below the sensor unit 100'. For example, such a touch input device corresponds to the shape of a tablet PC.

[0074] The configuration of the sensor unit 100' of the touch input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 4, with only the direction rotated by 90 degrees.

[0075] The sensor section 100' of the touch input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104. The first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 are arranged adjacent to each other and have a shape that extends along one direction. The third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 are arranged adjacent to each other and have a shape that extends along a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned one direction. The other ends of the plurality of second patterns 102 are electrically connected to each other, and the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns 104 are also electrically connected to each other.

[0076] If the sensor unit 100' of the touch input device according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 7 is configured to be approximately 10 to 14 inches, which is the size of a landscape-type tablet PC screen, and is embodied in example No. 1 in Table 1 above, the number of total channels and the number of drive trace channels of the sensor unit 100' can be roughly summarized as shown in Table 2 below. [Table 2]

[0077] In Table 2 above, the number of channels in Stylus TX is the number of multiple first patterns 101 divided by 2. This is because, although the number of multiple second patterns 102 is the same as the number of multiple first patterns 101, as shown in Figure 8, two adjacent ends of the multiple second patterns 102 are electrically connected to each other, reducing the number of channels by half.

[0078] In Table 2 above, the number of TX Trace channels is the sum of the number of Finger TX channels and the number of Stylus TX channels. The number of TX Trace channels is a major factor in determining the thickness of the widthwise bezel of the touch input device according to the second embodiment. This is because, in the touch input device according to the second embodiment, the control unit (not shown) is located below (or above) the sensor unit 100'. The more the number of TX Trace channels is reduced, the thinner the widthwise bezel of the touch input device can be.

[0079] On the other hand, there is no particular problem when the screen size of the touch input device shown in Figure 7 is the size of a smartphone screen, for example, 6.9 inches. However, when the screen size of the touch input device shown in Figure 7 increases to the size of a tablet PC screen, such as 11 inches or 12.9 inches, the lengths of the first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 of the sensor unit 100' also increase, thus increasing the resistance and capacitance values ​​of the sensor unit 100'. This increase in resistance and capacitance values ​​narrows the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch drive signal applied to the touch drive electrode and the stylus drive signal for driving the stylus pen, which can lead to the problem of not being able to obtain the operating frequency bandwidth required for the design. To solve this problem, it is possible to consider reducing the resistance and capacitance values ​​of the sensor unit 100', but there is a limit to how much these values ​​can be reduced, and even if these values ​​are reduced to the maximum extent, the above-mentioned problem still cannot be solved.

[0080] Furthermore, the stylus pen signal received from the stylus pen and input to the control unit is also attenuated as the size of the sensor unit 100' increases. In particular, in the first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 of the sensor unit 100', the stylus pen sensing signal at the part furthest from the control unit is attenuated during the transmission process to the control unit, resulting in a problem where the voltage value required for the design cannot be output.

[0081] The above-mentioned problems can be solved by using a large number of second patterns 102 as stylus sensing electrodes to sense the stylus pen signal, as in the examples of No. 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, 20, 23, 24, 27, 28, 31, and 32 in Table 1 above, or by using a large number of fourth patterns 104 as stylus sensing electrodes to sense the stylus pen signal, as in the examples of No. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 in Table 1 above. In the above examples, since the large number of second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 directly receive the electromotive force via magnetic induction by the stylus pen, there is no signal attenuation from the second pattern 102 to the first pattern 101, and from the fourth pattern 104 to the third pattern 103 via capacitive coupling.

[0082] As a specific example, if the sensor unit 100' of the touch input device according to the second embodiment is configured to be approximately 10 to 14 inches, which is the size of a landscape-type tablet PC screen, and is embodied in example No. 3 in Table 1 above, the number of total channels and the number of TX trace channels of the sensor unit 100' are summarized in Table 3 below. [Table 3]

[0083] In Table 3 above, the number of channels in Stylus TX is the same as the number of multiple second patterns 102. This is because the number of multiple second patterns 102 is the same as the number of multiple first patterns 101, and as shown in Figure 9, each end of the multiple second patterns 102 is individually connected to one conductive pattern.

[0084] In Table 3 above, the number of TX Trace channels is the sum of the number of Finger TX channels and the number of Stylus TX channels. The number of TX Trace channels is a major factor in determining the thickness of the short-axis bezel of the touch input device. The fewer TX Trace channels there are, the thinner the short-axis bezel of the touch input device can be.

[0085] The example in Table 3 above has the disadvantage of a slightly increased number of channels compared to Table 2 above, but it has the advantage of receiving a larger voltage value of the stylus sensing signal received by the control unit because it receives the pen sensing signal from the stylus pen via multiple second patterns 102 rather than multiple first patterns 101. The applicant has confirmed through experiments that the voltage value of the stylus sensing signal received by the control unit is approximately twice as large compared to Table 2.

[0086] Furthermore, since each of the numerous second patterns 102 consists of one channel, when multiple second patterns 102 are used as stylus drive electrodes (Stylus TX), the spacing between channels is halved compared to the example in Table 2, which has the advantage of improving the resolution during stylus driving.

[0087] As another specific example, if the sensor unit 100' of the touch input device according to the second embodiment is configured to be approximately 10 to 14 inches, which is the size of a landscape-type tablet PC screen, and is embodied in example No. 8 in Table 1 above, the number of total channels and the number of TX trace channels of the sensor unit 100' are summarized in Table 4 below. [Table 4]

[0088] In Table 4 above, the number of channels in Stylus TX is the same as the number of multiple 4th patterns 104. This is because the number of multiple 4th patterns 104 is the same as the number of multiple 3rd patterns 103, and as shown in Figure 10, each end of the multiple 4th patterns 104 is individually connected to one conductive pattern.

[0089] In Table 4 above, the number of TX Trace channels is the same as the number of Finger TX channels. The number of TX Trace channels is a major factor in determining the thickness of the short-axis bezel of the touch input device. The fewer TX Trace channels there are, the thinner the short-axis bezel of the touch input device can be.

[0090] Table 4 above has the disadvantage of a slightly increased total number of channels compared to the example in Table 2 above, but it has the advantage of receiving pen sensing signals from the stylus pen via multiple fourth patterns 104, resulting in a larger voltage value for the pen sensing signals received by the control unit.

[0091] Furthermore, since each of the numerous fourth patterns 104 consists of one channel, when multiple fourth patterns 104 are used as drive electrodes (Stylus TX), the spacing between channels is halved compared to the example in Table 2 above, which has the advantage of improving the drive resolution.

[0092] Furthermore, the number of TX trace channels can be reduced to 1 / 4 or 1 / 3 of the example in Table 2 above, which has the advantage of reducing the thickness of the bezel B in the width direction of the touch input device.

[0093] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing yet another example of the sensor unit 100' shown in Figure 7.

[0094] In Figure 11, the sensor unit 100'' has each first pattern 101' which includes at least two first a pattern 101a and first b pattern 101b, and each second pattern 102' which includes at least two second a pattern 102a and second b pattern 102b. The numerous third and fourth patterns 103, 104 are identical to those of the sensor unit 100 in Figure 7.

[0095] Pattern 1a 101a and Pattern 1b 101b are arranged along the extension direction of Pattern 101'. Pattern 2a 102a and Pattern 2b 102b are arranged along the extension direction of Pattern 2 102'.

[0096] The other ends of the numerous 2a patterns 102a are electrically connected, and the other ends of the numerous 2b patterns 102b are electrically connected. Here, the other ends of the numerous 2a patterns 102a and the other ends of the numerous 2b patterns 102b face each other.

[0097] One end of the numerous seconda patterns 102a may be electrically connected to two or more adjacent seconda patterns. Similarly, one end of the numerous secondb patterns 102b may be electrically connected to two or more adjacent secondb patterns. Here, one end of the numerous seconda patterns 102a and one end of the numerous secondb patterns 102b may each be individually electrically connected to a conductive pattern, as shown in Figure 9.

[0098] As a specific example, if the sensor unit 100'' shown in Figure 11 is composed of approximately 10 to 14 inches, which is the screen size of a landscape-type tablet PC, and is configured as example No. 1 in Table 1 above, the number of total channels and the number of TX trace channels in the sensor unit 100'' are summarized in Table 5 below. [Table 5]

[0099] In Table 5 above, the number of channels in Stylus TX is the number of multiple second patterns 102' divided by 2. This is because the number of multiple second patterns 102' is the same as the number of multiple first patterns 101', and the multiple second patterns 102' are the result of two adjacent second patterns being electrically connected to each other.

[0100] In Table 5 above, the number of TX Trace channels is the sum of the number of Finger TX channels and the number of Stylus TX channels. The number of TX Trace channels is a major factor in determining the thickness of the widthwise bezel of the touch input device. The fewer TX Trace channels there are, the thinner the bezel on the short axis of the touch input device can be.

[0101] Table 5 above has the disadvantage of a slightly increased number of channels compared to the example in Table 2 above, but it has the advantage of reducing the resistance and capacitance values ​​of the sensor section 100'' because the length of each first pattern 101' and second pattern 102' is halved, thereby widening the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch drive signal applied to the touch drive electrode and the pen drive signal for driving the stylus pen.

[0102] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the touch input device shown in Figure 8.

[0103] Referring to Figure 12, the touch input device 500 may include a sensor unit 100A and a control unit 300 for controlling the sensor unit 100A.

[0104] Sensor unit 100A is an example of sensor unit 100' shown in Figure 8. Therefore, sensor unit 100A includes a number of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A, 103A, 104A.

[0105] The first pattern 101A has a shape that extends along a first direction (width direction). The first direction may be the long axis L of the screen of the touch input device 500. The first pattern 101A may also be named ATX (Active TX).

[0106] The first pattern 101A may include a number of main pattern sections and connecting pattern sections that connect two adjacent main pattern sections. Here, the main pattern sections may have a diamond shape, but are not limited to this, and may have a variety of shapes different from the connecting pattern sections.

[0107] The first pattern 101A may have an opening in which the second pattern 102A is placed. The shape of the opening can correspond to the outer shape of the first pattern 101A. The first pattern 101A may have a structure that surrounds the second pattern 102A. The first pattern 101A is placed at a predetermined distance from the second pattern 102A.

[0108] The second pattern 102A has a shape that extends along the first direction, is positioned adjacent to the first pattern 101A, and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the first pattern 101A. The second pattern 102A may also be named DTX (Dummy TX).

[0109] The second pattern 102A is placed inside the first pattern 101A.

[0110] The second pattern 102A may include a number of main pattern sections and connecting pattern sections that connect two adjacent main pattern sections. Here, the main pattern sections may have a diamond shape, but are not limited to this, and may have a variety of shapes different from the connecting pattern sections.

[0111] The main pattern portion of the second pattern 102A may have a shape corresponding to the main pattern portion of the first pattern 101A, and the connecting pattern portion of the second pattern 102A may have a shape corresponding to the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern 101A.

[0112] The third pattern 103A has a shape that extends along a second direction different from the first direction. The second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction, and may be the short axis S of the touch input device screen. The third pattern 103A may also be named ARX (Active RX).

[0113] The third pattern 103A may include a number of main pattern sections and connecting pattern sections that connect two adjacent main pattern sections. Here, the main pattern sections may have a diamond shape, but are not limited to this, and may have a variety of shapes different from the connecting pattern sections.

[0114] The third pattern 103A may have an opening in which the fourth pattern 104A is placed. The shape of the opening can correspond to the outer shape of the third pattern 103A. The third pattern 103A may have a structure that surrounds the fourth pattern 104A. The third pattern 103A is placed at a predetermined distance from the fourth pattern 104A.

[0115] The fourth pattern 104A has a shape that extends along the second direction, is positioned adjacent to the third pattern 103A, and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the third pattern 103A. The fourth pattern 104A may also be named DRX (dummy RX).

[0116] The fourth pattern 104A is placed inside the third pattern 103A.

[0117] The fourth pattern 104A may include a number of main pattern sections and connecting pattern sections that connect two adjacent main pattern sections. Here, the main pattern sections may have a diamond shape, but are not limited to this, and may have a variety of shapes different from the connecting pattern sections.

[0118] The main pattern portion of the fourth pattern 104A may have a shape corresponding to the main pattern portion of the third pattern 103A, and the connecting pattern portion of the fourth pattern 104A may have a shape corresponding to the connecting pattern portion of the third pattern 103A.

[0119] The third and fourth patterns 103A and 104A are arranged on the first and second patterns 101A and 102A, and are positioned at a predetermined distance from the first and second patterns 101A and 102A. On the other hand, the sensor section in which the first to fourth patterns are arranged on the same layer will be explained in detail in Figure 15.

[0120] One end of each of the numerous first patterns 101A, although not shown in the drawing, is electrically connected to the control unit 300, while the other end is electrically open. Here, one end is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0121] Each of the numerous first patterns 101A may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 via conductive patterns, although this is not shown in the drawings. The conductive patterns connecting the numerous first patterns 101A and the control unit 300 may be arranged inside the widthwise bezel B of the touch input device 500.

[0122] One end of each of the numerous second patterns 102A may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 via the second conductive pattern, after two adjacent ends are electrically connected by a first conductive pattern. The other ends of the numerous second patterns 102A are electrically connected to each other via conductive patterns. One end is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0123] The second conductive pattern connecting the numerous second patterns 102A and the control unit 300 may be arranged inside the widthwise bezel B of the touch input device 500, as shown in Figure 9. Here, the second conductive pattern connecting the numerous second patterns 102A and the control unit 300 may be arranged inside the widthwise bezel B of the touch input device 500 together with the conductive pattern (not shown) connecting the numerous first patterns 101A and the control unit 300.

[0124] If the other ends of multiple second pattern 102A connections are electrically linked to each other, the capacitance of each second pattern 102A is added, thus reducing the overall impedance. Therefore, it has the same effect as if the other ends of multiple second pattern 102A connections were connected to AC GND.

[0125] On the other hand, although not shown in the drawings, the other ends of multiple second patterns 102A that are electrically connected to each other may be grounded. Also, although not shown in the drawings, the other ends of multiple second patterns 102A may not be electrically connected to each other, and a predetermined capacitor may be connected to the other end of each second pattern 102A.

[0126] Multiple first patterns 101A and multiple second patterns 102A may be arranged in the same layer. Multiple first patterns 101A and multiple second patterns 102A can be formed in the same layer using a metal mesh.

[0127] One end of each of the multiple third patterns 103A is electrically connected to the control unit 300, and the other end is electrically open. Here, one end is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 300. The ends of each of the multiple third patterns 103A may be electrically connected to each other via conductive patterns.

[0128] One end of each of the multiple fourth patterns 104A may be electrically open. Here, the other ends of each of the multiple fourth patterns 104A may be electrically connected, similar to the multiple second patterns 102A. Here, one end is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0129] On the other hand, although not shown in the drawings, the other ends of multiple fourth patterns 104A that are electrically connected to each other may be grounded. Alternatively, the other ends of multiple fourth patterns 104A may not be electrically connected to each other, and a predetermined capacitor may be connected to the other end of each fourth pattern 104A.

[0130] Multiple third patterns 103A and multiple fourth patterns 104A may be arranged on the same layer. Multiple third patterns 103A and multiple fourth patterns 104A can be formed on the same layer using a metal mesh. Here, multiple third patterns 103A and multiple fourth patterns 104A may be arranged on different layers from multiple first patterns 101A and multiple second patterns 102A. For example, multiple third patterns 103A and multiple fourth patterns 104A may be arranged on the first floor, and multiple first patterns 101A and multiple second patterns 102A may be arranged on a second layer different from the first floor. On the other hand, a sensor section in which the first to fourth patterns are arranged on the same layer will be explained in detail in Figure 15.

[0131] The control unit 300 is electrically connected to the sensor unit 100A and can control the operation of the sensor unit 100A. The control unit 300 and the sensor unit 100A may be electrically connected via a number of conductive patterns.

[0132] The control unit 300 may include a number of drive circuit units 310 and a number of sensing circuit units 330.

[0133] The multiple drive circuit units 310 may include drive circuit units that provide touch drive signals for sensing the touch position of an object such as a finger to multiple first patterns 101A, and drive circuit units that provide pen drive signals for driving a stylus pen.

[0134] The multiple sensing circuit units 330 receive sensing signals via multiple third patterns 103A and may include sensing circuit units for detecting the touch position of an object such as a finger and sensing circuit units for sensing a stylus pen. Here, some of the multiple sensing circuit units can perform both touch position sensing and stylus pen sensing.

[0135] The control unit 300 can control the sensor unit 100A to operate in one of three modes: touch drive / sensing mode, antenna drive mode, and stylus pen sensing mode. Depending on the mode, the control unit 300 can selectively electrically connect and control a number of drive / sensing circuit units 310, 330 with the sensor unit 100A. For this purpose, the control unit 300 may include a number of switches that electrically connect the number of drive / sensing circuit units 310, 330 with the sensor unit 100A according to commands from the control unit 300.

[0136] The operating modes of the touch input device 500 shown in Figure 12 will be explained in detail. Here, Figure 12 is shown as example No. 1 in Table 1 above, so the explanation will be based on this.

[0137] In touch-driven / sensing mode, the control unit 300 can electrically connect multiple drive circuit units 310 to multiple first patterns 101A of the sensor unit 100A for sensing the touch position of an object such as a finger. The control unit 300 can control multiple switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the multiple first patterns 101A to multiple drive circuit units 310.

[0138] Furthermore, the control unit 300 can electrically connect a number of sensing circuit units 330 for sensing the touch position to a number of third patterns 103A of the sensor unit 100A. The control unit 300 can control a number of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the number of third patterns 103A to a number of sensing circuit units 330.

[0139] In this touch-driven / sensing mode, the control unit 300 simultaneously or sequentially applies drive signals (or touch drive signals) for touch sensing to a plurality of first patterns 101A and receives sensing signals (or touch sensing signals) from a plurality of third patterns 103A. The plurality of sensing circuits of the control unit 300, which are electrically connected to the plurality of third patterns 103A, can output information on the capacitance change amount included in the input sensing signal at a predetermined voltage value. The control unit 300 can process the output voltage value to detect the touch position.

[0140] On the other hand, in touch-driven / sensing mode, the control unit 300 can electrically connect the numerous drive circuit units 310 to the numerous second patterns 102A to prevent capacitive coupling from occurring between the numerous first patterns 101A and the numerous second patterns 102A. In this case, the control unit 300 can control the application of the same drive signal to the numerous second patterns 102A as the drive signal applied to the numerous first patterns 101A. Alternatively, the control unit 300 can control the application of a predetermined reference potential to the numerous second patterns 102A when a drive signal is applied to the numerous first patterns 101A.

[0141] In antenna drive mode (or stylus drive mode, or stylus uplink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a number of drive circuit units 310 for antenna drive to a number of second patterns 102A of the sensor unit 100A. The control unit 300 can control a number of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the number of second patterns 102A to a number of drive circuit units 310.

[0142] The control unit 300 can control the drive signals (or pen drive signals) output from each drive circuit unit 310 connected to the numerous second patterns 102A. For example, the control unit 300 can control the first drive circuit unit to output a pulse signal of a predetermined frequency, the second drive circuit unit to output no pulse signal, and the third drive circuit unit to output an inverted pulse signal that is in phase with the pulse signal output from the first drive circuit unit. In this case, a current loop is formed between the second pattern electrically connected to the first drive circuit unit and the second pattern electrically connected to the third drive circuit unit. A magnetic field is generated by the formed current loop, and the stylus pen approaching the sensor unit 100A may be driven by the magnetic field.

[0143] The control unit 300 can control the drive circuits 310, which are electrically connected to a number of second patterns 102A, so that opposing drive signals are output from any two of the drive circuits 310. Therefore, the control unit 300 can change and set the size and position of the current loop in various ways. For example, if the control unit 300 detects the position of a stylus pen close to the sensor unit 100A, it can control the drive circuits 310, which are electrically connected to two second patterns around the position of the stylus pen, so that opposing pulse signals are output. If the position of the stylus pen cannot be detected, it can also control the drive circuits 310, which are electrically connected to two second patterns located at the outermost edges on both sides of the number of second patterns 102A, so that opposing pulse signals are output.

[0144] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating how the control unit 300 in Figure 12 applies pen drive signals to multiple second patterns 102A to drive a stylus pen. For reference, in Figure 13, one second pattern 102A shown in Figure 12 is simplified and represented by one line Ch, and each line Ch represents one channel.

[0145] As shown in Figure 13, two adjacent second patterns are electrically connected to form a single channel. In this configuration, the same signal is applied simultaneously to the two electrically connected second patterns. Figure 13 shows 84 second patterns connected in pairs to form 42 channels Ch0, Ch1, ..., Ch41.

[0146] For example, if the stylus pen 50 is located between the second channel Ch2 and the third channel Ch3 among the 42 channels Ch0, Ch1, ..., Ch41, the control unit 300 can control the output of a pen drive signal on one or more channels located on the second channel Ch2 side with respect to the stylus pen 50, and control the output of a pen drive signal having an inverted phase of the pen drive signal on one or more channels located on the third channel Ch3 side with respect to the stylus pen 50.

[0147] In stylus sensing mode (or stylus downlink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a number of sensing circuit units 330 for stylus sensing to a number of first patterns 101A and a number of third patterns 103A of the sensor unit 100A. The control unit 300 can control a number of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the number of first patterns 101A and a number of third patterns 103A to a number of sensing circuit units 330.

[0148] The touch input device 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that, due to the configuration of the sensor unit 100A, the output voltage values ​​of the numerous sensing circuit units 330 are not substantially changed by the position of the stylus pen on the sensor unit 100A in stylus sensing mode. The specific principle for this will be explained with reference to Figures 14(a) to (f).

[0149] Figures 14(a) through (f) are diagrams that schematically illustrate the operating principle of the touch input device shown in Figure 12 in stylus sensing mode.

[0150] Figure 14(a) is a schematic circuit diagram modeling one of the first patterns 101A shown in Figure 12 and the sensing circuit section 330 of the control unit 300 electrically connected thereto, and Figure 14(b) is a schematic circuit diagram modeling a second pattern 102A arranged inside one of the first patterns 101A. Figure 14(c) is a voltage distribution graph in the circuit diagram of Figure 14(a), and Figure 14(d) is a voltage distribution graph in the circuit diagram of Figure 14(b).

[0151] Referring to Figures 14(a) and (c), when the stylus pen approaches any point A on the first pattern 101A as far away as possible from the sensing circuit section 330, a voltage (Vemf, hereinafter referred to as "induced voltage") is generated at point A by the signal emitted from the stylus pen. When an induced voltage (Vemf) is generated at point A, the equivalent capacitance of the first pattern 101A viewed to the left of point A decreases, and the equivalent impedance increases. Therefore, almost the entire induced voltage (Vemf) is applied to the left of point A, and the voltage to the right of point A is close to 0 (V), so that almost no current flows. Moreover, the voltage to the right of point A, which is close to 0 (V), is gradually reduced further by the equivalent resistance of the first pattern 101A, and almost no voltage is applied to the input terminal of the sensing circuit section.

[0152] Referring to Figures 14(b) and (d), if an induced voltage (Vemf) is generated at point A, the other ends of each second pattern 102A on the left side of point A are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the equivalent capacitance viewed on the left side of point A increases, and the equivalent impedance approaches 0. Consequently, 0 (V) is applied to the left side of point A, and on the right side of point A, one end of the second pattern 102A is open, so there is no voltage drop across the equivalent resistance, and Vemf is applied directly.

[0153] Comparing Figures 14(c) and (d), it can be confirmed that a potential difference of approximately Vemf exists between the first pattern 101A and the second pattern 102A at any position. This potential difference of approximately Vemf between the first pattern 101A and the second pattern 102A causes capacitive coupling between them. Due to this capacitive coupling, current flows from the second pattern 102A to the first pattern 101A, as shown in Figure 14(e). As the stylus pen moves further away from the sensing circuit section 330 of the control unit 300, the current generated by the first pattern 101A itself gradually decreases. However, because current flows from the second pattern 102A to the first pattern 101A, the current output from the first pattern 101A to the sensing circuit section 330 of the control unit 300 becomes almost the same as that of the pen's position. Therefore, the control unit 300 can sense the position of the stylus pen via the sensing circuit unit 330 which is electrically connected to the first pattern 101A.

[0154] As can be seen through Figures 14(a) to (e), the potential difference between the first pattern 101A and the second pattern 102A remains constant as Vemf even if point A moves to the left or right. Therefore, regardless of whether the stylus pen is close to or far from the sensing circuit on the sensor unit 100A, the control unit 300 can sense the stylus pen from the constant signal output from the sensing circuit unit 330.

[0155] On the other hand, while the explanation for Figure 14(e) states that the current flowing from the second pattern 102A to the first pattern 101A is due to capacitive coupling, this is not the only possible explanation. For example, the current flowing from the second pattern 102A to the first pattern 101A can also be due to magnetic coupling.

[0156] The principles of Figure 14(a) to (e) described above can be directly applied to either of the third pattern 103 and fourth pattern 104 in the second direction. They can also be directly applied to the touch input device according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0157] Figure 14(f) is a voltage distribution graph when the sensing circuit 330 is connected to the right-hand open terminal of the modeled circuit diagram of the second pattern 102A shown in Figure 14(b). That is, the voltage distribution graph in Figure 14(f) illustrates the case when one end of the second pattern 102A is connected to the sensing circuit 330 of the control unit 300. Comparing Figure 14(f) and (d), in Figure 14(f), a voltage drop occurs due to the equivalent resistance as you move to the right of point A. Therefore, in the case of Figure 14(f), the potential difference between the first pattern and the second pattern, as shown in Figure 14(e), cannot be maintained, and current cannot be transferred from the second pattern to the first pattern. Consequently, the further the pen is from the control unit 300, the less current is output from the first pattern. In stylus sensing mode, it is preferable to leave one end of the second pattern 102A open and float it.

[0158] While there are no particular problems when the screen size of the touch input device shown in Figure 12 is the size of a smartphone screen, for example, 6.9 inches, when the screen size of the touch input device shown in Figure 12 increases to the size of a tablet PC screen, approximately 10 inches to 14 inches, the sensor unit 100A also increases in size, resulting in an increase in the resistance and capacitance values ​​of the sensor unit 100A. This increase in resistance and capacitance values ​​causes the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch drive signal applied to the touch drive electrode and the pen drive signal for driving the stylus pen to become much narrower than when it is a smartphone (6.9 inches), resulting in the problem that the operating frequency bandwidth required for the design cannot be obtained.

[0159] Furthermore, the pen detection signal received from the stylus pen is attenuated due to the increased size of the sensor unit 100A. In particular, the pen detection signal from the part of the sensor unit 100A furthest from the control unit 300 is attenuated during transmission to the control unit 300, resulting in a problem where the voltage value required for the design cannot be output.

[0160] The following describes a touch input device that can solve the problems mentioned above.

[0161] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the touch input device shown in Figure 9.

[0162] Referring to Figure 15, the touch input device 500'' may include a sensor unit 100A'' and a control unit 300 for controlling the sensor unit 100A''.

[0163] The sensor unit 100A'' includes a number of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A'', 103A, 104A. Here, the number of first, third, and fourth patterns 101A, 103A, 104A are identical to the number of first, third, and fourth patterns 101A, 103A, 104A shown in Figure 12, so their explanation is omitted.

[0164] The following describes numerous examples of the second pattern 102A'', but for convenience, explanations for parts identical to the numerous examples of the second pattern 102A in Figure 12 will be omitted.

[0165] Each end of the numerous second patterns 102A'' may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 by a conductive pattern. This part differs from the numerous second patterns 102A in Figure 12.

[0166] The other ends of numerous second patterns 102A'' are electrically connected via conductive patterns. One end is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0167] The operating modes of the touch input device 500'' shown in Figure 15 will be explained in detail.

[0168] In touch-driven / sensing mode, the control unit 300 can electrically connect multiple drive circuit units 310 to multiple first patterns 101A of the sensor unit 100A'' for sensing the touch position of an object such as a finger. The control unit 300 can control multiple switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the multiple first patterns 101A to multiple drive circuit units 310.

[0169] Furthermore, the control unit 300 can electrically connect a number of sensing circuit units 330 for sensing the touch position to a number of third patterns 103A of the sensor unit 100A''. The control unit 300 can control a number of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the number of third patterns 103A to a number of sensing circuit units 330.

[0170] In this touch-driven / sensing mode, the control unit 300 simultaneously or sequentially applies drive signals (or touch drive signals) for touch sensing to a plurality of first patterns 101A and receives sensing signals (or touch sensing signals) from a plurality of third patterns 103A. The plurality of sensing circuits of the control unit 300, which are electrically connected to the plurality of third patterns 103A, can output information on the capacitance change amount included in the input sensing signal at a predetermined voltage value. The control unit 300 can process the output voltage value to detect the touch position.

[0171] In antenna drive mode (or stylus drive mode, or stylus uplink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a number of drive circuit units 310 for antenna drive to a number of second patterns 102A'' of the sensor unit 100A''. The control unit 300 can control a number of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the number of second patterns 102A'' to a number of drive circuit units 310.

[0172] The control unit 300 can control the drive signals (or pen drive signals) output from each drive circuit unit 310 connected to the numerous second patterns 102A''. The control unit 300 can control any two of the numerous drive circuit units 310 electrically connected to the numerous second patterns 102A'' so that opposing pulse signals are output from each other. Therefore, the control unit 300 can change and set the size and position of the current loop in various ways.

[0173] In stylus sensing mode (or stylus downlink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a number of sensing circuit units 330 for stylus sensing to a number of second patterns 101A'' and a number of third patterns 103A'' of the sensor unit 100A''. This part differs from the stylus sensing mode of the touch input device shown in Figure 12.

[0174] The control unit 300 can control a number of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to a number of second patterns 101A'' and a number of third patterns 103A with a number of sensing circuit units 330.

[0175] The touch input device 500'' shown in Figure 15 differs from the touch input device shown in Figure 12 in its configuration of connecting the numerous second patterns 102A'' of the sensor unit 100A'' to the control unit 300. Specifically, in Figure 12, two adjacent second patterns 102A are electrically connected by a first conductive pattern, and then connected to the control unit 300 via the second conductive pattern. However, in Figure 15, each of the numerous second patterns 102A'' is connected to the control unit 300 by a conductive pattern. Due to these configuration features, the touch input device 500'' shown in Figure 15 has the disadvantage of having more channels than the touch input device 500 in Figure 12, but it has the advantage of reducing power consumption because, in the antenna drive mode for driving the stylus pen, the pen drive signal can be applied only to the specific part where the stylus pen is positioned.

[0176] Furthermore, in the touch input device 500 shown in Figure 12, the pattern for sensing the signal emitted from the stylus pen in stylus sensing mode is a large number of first patterns 101A in the long axis direction L and a large number of third patterns 103A in the short axis direction S. On the other hand, in the touch input device 500'' shown in Figure 15, the pattern for sensing the signal emitted from the stylus pen in stylus sensing mode is a large number of second patterns 102A'' in the long axis direction L and a large number of third patterns 103A in the short axis direction S.

[0177] In the touch input device 500'' shown in Figure 15, if the pattern in the long axis direction L that senses the signal emitted from the stylus pen during stylus sensing mode is changed from a large number of first patterns 101A to a large number of second patterns 102A'', the coupling capacitance between the first pattern 101A and the second pattern 102A'' can be reduced compared to the touch input device 500 shown in Figure 12. This improves the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch drive signal and touch sensing signal for sensing the touch position, and also improves the operating frequency bandwidth of the pen drive signal for driving the stylus pen.

[0178] Furthermore, in stylus sensing mode, the control unit 300 receives the pen sensing signal from the stylus pen via numerous second patterns 102A'', which has the advantage of a relatively high voltage value for the received pen sensing signal. In particular, in the long axis direction L, the voltage value of the pen sensing signal received at the point furthest from the control unit 300 is relatively even higher than in the case of Figure 12, which has the advantage of improved sensing sensitivity. This is because capacitive coupling between the first pattern 101A and the second pattern 102A does not need to be considered. Specifically, in the case of Figure 12, as described above in Figure 14(e), current flows from the second pattern 102A to the first pattern 101A due to capacitive coupling between the first pattern 101A and the second pattern 102A, so there is attenuation of the pen sensing signal input to the control unit 300 via the first pattern 101A. However, since the touch input device 500'' in Figure 15 is input directly to the control unit 300 via the second pattern 102A'' instead of the first pattern 101A without capacitive coupling, no attenuation of the pen sensing signal due to capacitive coupling occurs.

[0179] Furthermore, since each of the numerous second patterns 102A'' consists of one channel, when multiple second patterns 102A'' are used as drive electrodes (Stylus TX), the spacing between channels is halved compared to the touch input device in Figure 12, which has the advantage of improving the drive resolution.

[0180] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the touch input device shown in Figure 10.

[0181] Referring to Figure 16, the touch input device 500''' may include a sensor unit 100A''' and a control unit 300 for controlling the sensor unit 100A'''.

[0182] The sensor unit 100A''' includes a number of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A''', 103A, 104A'. Here, the number of first and third patterns 101A, 103A are identical to the number of first and third patterns 101A, 103A shown in Figure 12, so their explanation is omitted.

[0183] The following describes numerous second and fourth patterns 102A' and 104A', but for convenience, explanations for parts identical to the numerous second and fourth patterns 102A and 104A in Figure 12 will be omitted.

[0184] One end of each of the numerous second patterns 102A''' may be floating, and the other ends of each of the numerous second patterns 102A''' may be electrically connected via a conductive pattern. One end is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0185] Each of the numerous fourth patterns 104A' is electrically connected to the control unit 300 by a conductive pattern, and the other ends of the numerous fourth patterns 104A' are electrically connected via conductive patterns. One end is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0186] The operating modes of the touch input device 500'' shown in Figure 16 will be explained in detail.

[0187] In touch-driven / sensing mode, the control unit 300 can electrically connect multiple drive circuit units 310 to multiple first patterns 101A of the sensor unit 100A'' for sensing the touch position of an object such as a finger. The control unit 300 can control multiple switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the multiple first patterns 101A to multiple drive circuit units 310.

[0188] Furthermore, the control unit 300 can electrically connect a number of sensing circuit units 330 for sensing the touch position to a number of third patterns 103A of the sensor unit 100A'''. The control unit 300 can control a number of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the number of third patterns 103A to a number of sensing circuit units 330.

[0189] In this touch-driven / sensing mode, the control unit 300 simultaneously or sequentially applies drive signals (or touch drive signals) for touch sensing to a plurality of first patterns 101A and receives sensing signals (or touch sensing signals) from a plurality of third patterns 103A. The plurality of sensing circuits of the control unit 300, which are electrically connected to the plurality of third patterns 103A, can output information on the capacitance change amount included in the input sensing signal at a predetermined voltage value. The control unit 300 can process the output voltage value to detect the touch position.

[0190] In antenna drive mode (or stylus drive mode, or stylus uplink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a number of drive circuit units 310 for antenna drive to a number of fourth patterns 104A' of the sensor unit 100A'''. The control unit 300 can control a number of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the number of fourth patterns 104A' to a number of drive circuit units 310.

[0191] The control unit 300 can control the drive signals (or pen drive signals) output from each drive circuit unit 310 connected to the numerous fourth patterns 104A'. The control unit 300 can control any two of the numerous drive circuit units 310 electrically connected to the numerous fourth patterns 104A' so that opposing pulse signals are output from each other. Therefore, the control unit 300 can change and set the size and position of the current loop in various ways.

[0192] In stylus sensing mode (or stylus downlink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a number of sensing circuit units 330 for stylus sensing to a number of first patterns 101A and a number of fourth patterns 104A' of the sensor unit 100A''''. This part differs from the stylus sensing mode of the touch input device shown in Figure 12.

[0193] The control unit 300 can control a number of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to a number of first patterns 101A and a number of fourth patterns 104A' to a number of sensing circuit units 330.

[0194] The touch input device 500''' shown in Figure 16 differs from the touch input device shown in Figure 12 in that numerous second patterns 102A''' of the sensor section 100A''' are electrically floating and not used, and the stylus pen is driven via numerous fourth patterns 104A'. Due to these configuration features, the touch input device 500''' shown in Figure 16 has the disadvantage of having more channels than the touch input device 500 in Figure 12, but because numerous second patterns 102A are not used, there are no conductive patterns connected to one end of the numerous second patterns 102A. Therefore, it has the advantage of being able to significantly reduce the thickness of the left / right bezel B compared to Figure 12.

[0195] The touch input device shown in Figure 16 has the disadvantage of a slightly increased total number of channels compared to the touch input device in Figure 12, but it has the advantage of receiving a larger voltage value of the pen sensing signal received by the control unit 300 because it directly receives the pen sensing signal from the stylus pen via multiple fourth patterns 104A'. The voltage value of the pen sensing signal received by the control unit 300 of the touch input device in Figure 12 is approximately twice as large.

[0196] Furthermore, since each of the numerous fourth patterns 104A' consists of one channel, when multiple fourth patterns 104A' are used as drive electrodes (Stylus TX), the spacing between channels is halved compared to the touch input device in Figure 12, resulting in the advantage of improved drive resolution.

[0197] Furthermore, the number of TX trace channels can be reduced to 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of that of the touch input device shown in Figure 12, which has the advantage of reducing the thickness of bezel B.

[0198] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the touch input device shown in Figure 11.

[0199] Referring to Figure 17, the touch input device 500' may include a sensor unit 100A'' and a control unit 300 for controlling the sensor unit 100A''.

[0200] The sensor unit 100A'' includes a number of first to fourth patterns 101A', 102A', 103A, and 104A. Here, the number of third and fourth patterns 103A and 104A are identical to the number of third and fourth patterns 103A and 104A shown in Figure 12, so their explanation is omitted.

[0201] The following describes numerous first and second patterns 101A' and 102A', but for convenience, explanations of the parts identical to the numerous first and second patterns 101A and 102A in Figure 12 will be omitted.

[0202] The first pattern 101A' has a shape that extends along a first direction. The first direction may be the long axis L of the screen of the touch input device. The first pattern 101A' includes the first a pattern 101a' and the first b pattern 101b'. The first a pattern 101a' and the first b pattern 101b' are arranged along the first direction and positioned at a predetermined distance from each other. The first pattern 101A', which includes the first a pattern 101a' and the first b pattern 101b', may also be named ATX (Active TX).

[0203] The second pattern 102A' has a shape that extends along the first direction, is positioned adjacent to the first pattern 101A', and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the first pattern 101A'. The second pattern 102A' includes the second a pattern 102a' and the second b pattern 102b'. The second a pattern 102a' and the second b pattern 102b' are arranged along the first direction and positioned at a predetermined distance from each other. The second pattern 102A', which includes the second a pattern 102a' and the second b pattern 102b', may also be named DTX (Dummy TX).

[0204] In the numerous first patterns 101A', one end of the numerous first a patterns 101a' is electrically connected to the control unit 300, and the other end is electrically open. Similarly, one end of the numerous first b patterns 101b' is electrically connected to the control unit 300, and the other end is electrically open. Here, one end is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0205] Each of the numerous first a patterns 101a' may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 via conductive patterns. The conductive patterns connecting the numerous first a patterns 101a' and the control unit 300 may be arranged inside the bezel B of the touch input device 500 along the short axis S.

[0206] Each end of the numerous first b patterns 101b' may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 via a conductive pattern. The conductive patterns connecting the numerous first b patterns 101b' and the control unit 300 may be arranged inside the bezel B of the touch input device 500 along the short axis S.

[0207] In a plurality of second patterns 102A', one end of a plurality of second a patterns 102a' is electrically connected to the control unit 300 via the second conductive pattern, after two adjacent ends are electrically connected to each other by a first conductive pattern, and the other end of a plurality of second a patterns 102a' is electrically connected via a conductive pattern. Similarly, one end of a plurality of second b patterns 102b' is electrically connected to the control unit 300 via the second conductive pattern, after two adjacent ends are electrically connected to each other by a first conductive pattern, and the other end of a plurality of second b patterns 102b' is electrically connected via a conductive pattern. Here, one end is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0208] The second conductive pattern connecting the numerous seconda and secondb patterns 102a', 102b' and the control unit 300 may be arranged in the short axis direction S inside the bezel B of the touch input device 500'. Here, the second conductive pattern connecting the numerous seconda and secondb patterns 102a', 102b' and the control unit 300 may be arranged inside the bezel B of the touch input device 500 together with a conductive pattern (not shown) connecting the numerous first patterns 101A' and the control unit 300.

[0209] If the other ends of multiple 2a patterns 102a' are electrically connected to each other, the capacitance of each 2a pattern 102a' is added, thus reducing the overall impedance. Therefore, this has the same effect as if the other ends of multiple 2a patterns 102a' were connected to AC GND. Similarly, if the other ends of multiple 2b patterns 102b' are electrically connected to each other, the capacitance of each 2b pattern 102b' is added, thus reducing the overall impedance. Therefore, this has the same effect as if the other ends of multiple 2b patterns 102b' were connected to AC GND.

[0210] The operating modes of the touch input device 500' shown in Figure 17 will be explained in detail.

[0211] In touch-driven / sensing mode, the control unit 300 can electrically connect multiple drive circuit units 310 to multiple first patterns 101A' of the sensor unit 100A' for sensing the touch position of an object such as a finger. The control unit 300 can control multiple switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the multiple first patterns 101A' to multiple drive circuit units 310.

[0212] Furthermore, the control unit 300 can electrically connect a number of sensing circuit units 330 for sensing the touch position to a number of third patterns 103A of the sensor unit 100A'. The control unit 300 can control a number of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the number of third patterns 103A to a number of sensing circuit units 330.

[0213] In this touch-driven / sensing mode, the control unit 300 simultaneously or sequentially applies drive signals (or touch drive signals) for touch sensing to a number of first patterns 101A' and receives sensing signals (or touch sensing signals) from a number of third patterns 103A. The numerous sensing circuits of the control unit 300, which are electrically connected to the number of third patterns 103A, can output information on the capacitance change amount included in the input sensing signal at a predetermined voltage value. The control unit 300 can process the output voltage value to detect the touch position.

[0214] In antenna drive mode (or stylus drive mode, or stylus uplink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a number of drive circuit units 310 for antenna drive to a number of second a patterns 102a' and a number of second b patterns 102b' of the sensor unit 100A'. The control unit 300 can control a number of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the number of second a patterns 102a' and a number of second b patterns 102b' to the number of drive circuit units 310.

[0215] The control unit 300 can control the drive signals (or pen drive signals) output from each drive circuit unit 310 connected to the numerous second a patterns 102a' and numerous second b patterns 102b'. The control unit 300 can control any two of the numerous drive circuit units 310 electrically connected to the numerous second a patterns 102a' and numerous second b patterns 102b' so that mutually opposing pulse signals are output from each other. Therefore, the control unit 300 can change and set the size and position of the current loop in various ways.

[0216] In stylus sensing mode (or stylus downlink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a number of sensing circuit units 330 for stylus sensing to a number of first patterns 101A' and a number of third patterns 103A' of the sensor unit 100A'. The control unit 300 can control a number of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the number of first patterns 101A' and a number of third patterns 103A to a number of sensing circuit units 330.

[0217] The touch input device 500' shown in Figure 17 has configuration differences compared to the touch input device shown in Figure 12 in the numerous first and second patterns 101A', 102A' of the sensor unit 100A'. Specifically, the numerous first and second patterns (101A', 102A') are half the number of the first and second patterns 101A, 102A in Figure 12, and therefore there are more than twice as many as the numerous first and second patterns 101A, 102A in Figure 12.

[0218] Due to these configuration features, the touch input device 500' shown in Figure 17 has the disadvantage of having more channels than the touch input device 500 in Figure 12, but it has the advantage of reducing power consumption because, in antenna drive mode for driving the stylus pen, the pen drive signal can be applied only to the specific part where the stylus pen is positioned.

[0219] Furthermore, while the touch input device shown in Figure 17 has the disadvantage of having a slightly increased number of channels compared to the touch input device in Figure 12, it has the advantage of being able to widen the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch drive signal applied to the touch drive electrode of the sensor unit 100A' and the pen drive signal for driving the stylus pen, because the length of each first pattern 101A' and second pattern 102A' is halved, resulting in lower resistance and capacitance values.

[0220] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing modified examples of the sensor units 100, 100' shown in Figure 4 or Figure 7.

[0221] The sensor unit 100B shown in Figure 18 may be used as the sensor unit for the various embodiments of the present invention described above. Therefore, the specific structure and shape of the sensor unit 100B will be described below, and the driving method for the touch input device including the sensor unit 100B will be the same as described above.

[0222] Referring to Figure 18, the sensor unit 100B includes a number of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A, 103B, and 104B. The number of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A, 103B, and 104B are arranged together on the same layer.

[0223] The first pattern 101A has a shape that extends along a first direction (width direction). The first direction may be the long axis direction of the screen of the touch input device. The first pattern 101A may also be named ATX (Active TX).

[0224] The first pattern 101A may include a number of main pattern sections and connecting pattern sections that connect two adjacent main pattern sections from among the number of main pattern sections. Here, the main pattern section may have a diamond shape, but is not limited to this; it may have a variety of shapes, including shapes different from the connecting pattern section.

[0225] The first pattern 101A may have an opening in which the second pattern 102A is placed. The shape of the opening can correspond to the outer shape of the first pattern 101A. The first pattern 101A may have a structure that surrounds the second pattern 102A. The first pattern 101A is placed at a predetermined distance from the second pattern 102A.

[0226] The second pattern 102A has a shape that extends along the first direction, is positioned adjacent to the first pattern 101A, and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the first pattern 101A. The second pattern 102A may also be named DTX (Dummy TX).

[0227] The second pattern 102A is placed inside the first pattern 101A.

[0228] The second pattern 102A may include a number of main pattern sections and connecting pattern sections that connect two adjacent main pattern sections from among the number of main pattern sections. Here, the main pattern sections have a diamond shape, but are not limited to this, and may have a variety of shapes different from the connecting pattern sections.

[0229] The main pattern portion of the second pattern 102A may have a shape corresponding to the main pattern portion of the first pattern 101A, and the connecting pattern portion of the second pattern 102A may have a shape corresponding to the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern 101A.

[0230] Multiple second patterns 102A are electrically connected to each other at their other ends by second conductive patterns D2.

[0231] The third pattern 103B is arranged one above and one below one of the connecting pattern sections of the first pattern 101A. The third pattern 103B may have a diamond shape, but is not limited to this, and may have a variety of shapes different from the connecting pattern section. The third pattern 103B may have an opening in which the fourth pattern 104B is arranged. The shape of the opening can correspond to the outer shape of the third pattern 103B. The third pattern 103B may have a structure that surrounds the fourth pattern 104B. The third pattern 103B is arranged at a predetermined distance from the fourth pattern 104B. The third pattern 103B may also be named ARX (Active RX), and the fourth pattern 104B may also be named DRX (Dummy RX).

[0232] Among the numerous third patterns 103B, those arranged along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction are electrically connected by the third conductive pattern D3. Therefore, the third patterns arranged along the second direction are electrically connected by the numerous third conductive pattern D3, and their electrical connection direction may be the same as that of the third pattern 103 shown in Figure 4 or Figure 7.

[0233] The third conductive pattern D3 is positioned so as to intersect the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern 101A, which is located between two adjacent third patterns.

[0234] Among the numerous fourth patterns 104B, those arranged along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction are electrically connected by the fourth conductive pattern D4. Therefore, the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction are electrically connected by the numerous fourth conductive patterns D4, and their electrical connection direction may be the same as that of the fourth pattern 104 shown in Figure 4 or Figure 7.

[0235] The fourth conductive pattern D4 is positioned so as to intersect the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern 101A, which is located between two adjacent fourth patterns. Furthermore, the fourth conductive pattern D4 is positioned furthest away from the numerous fourth patterns 104B in the control section and electrically connects the fourth patterns 104B arranged along the first direction.

[0236] Multiple first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A, 103B, and 104B may be arranged together in the first layer, which is the same layer, and second to fourth conductive patterns D2, D3, and D4 may be arranged together in the second layer, which is the same layer. Here, the first layer and the second layer are physically and electrically separated from each other.

[0237] In the foregoing, the features, structures, and effects described in the embodiments are included in one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to just one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, and effects exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiment belongs. Therefore, the content related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0238] Furthermore, although the above description has focused on embodiments, these are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the present invention. Anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible, as long as they do not deviate from the essential characteristics of these embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. Such differences in modifications and applications should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0239] 100: Sensor unit 300: Control Unit 101: Pattern 1 102: Pattern 2 103: Third Pattern 104: Pattern 4

Claims

1. Including a sensor unit and a control unit, The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and one end electrically connected to the control unit, a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first patterns, a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and one end electrically connected to the control unit, and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and arranged adjacent to the third patterns, one end of which is electrically floating and the other ends of which are electrically connected to each other. The first pattern includes a first a pattern and a first b pattern arranged along the first direction, The touch input device includes a second pattern and a second b pattern arranged along the first direction.

2. The other ends of the numerous second patterns of the aforementioned numerous second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and one end of each is electrically connected to the control unit by being electrically connected in pairs adjacent to each other in the second direction. The touch input device according to claim 1, wherein the other ends of the numerous second patterns of the numerous second b patterns are electrically connected to each other, and one end of each is electrically connected to the control unit by electrically connecting two adjacent second patterns in the second direction.

3. The control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in one of the following modes: a touch drive / sensing mode for sensing the touch position of an object, an antenna drive mode for driving a stylus pen, and a stylus sensing mode for sensing the touch position of the stylus pen. In the touch drive / sensing mode, the control unit applies a touch drive signal using the plurality of first patterns and receives a touch sensing signal via the plurality of third patterns. In the antenna driving mode, the control unit applies pen driving signals to drive the stylus pen in the plurality of second patterns. The touch input device according to claim 1, wherein in the stylus sensing mode, the control unit receives a pen sensing signal from the stylus pen via the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns.

4. Including a sensor unit and a control unit, The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction, one end of which is electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction, arranged adjacent to the first patterns, one end of which is electrically connected to the control unit, and the other ends of which are electrically connected to each other; a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, one end of which is electrically connected to the control unit; and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction, arranged adjacent to the third patterns, one end of which is electrically floating, and the other ends of which are electrically connected to each other.

5. The control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in one of the following modes: a touch drive / sensing mode for sensing the touch position of an object, an antenna drive mode for driving a stylus pen, and a stylus sensing mode for sensing the touch position of the stylus pen. In the touch drive / sensing mode, the control unit applies a touch drive signal using the plurality of first patterns and receives a touch sensing signal via the plurality of third patterns. In the antenna driving mode, the control unit applies pen driving signals to drive the stylus pen in the plurality of second patterns. The touch input device according to claim 4, wherein in the stylus sensing mode, the control unit receives a pen sensing signal from the stylus pen via the plurality of second patterns and the plurality of third patterns.

6. Including a sensor unit and a control unit, The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and one end electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first patterns, with one end electrically floating and the other ends electrically connected to each other; a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and one end electrically connected to the control unit; and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and arranged adjacent to the third patterns, with one end electrically connected to the control unit and the other ends electrically connected to each other.

7. The control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in one of the following modes: a touch drive / sensing mode for sensing the touch position of an object, an antenna drive mode for driving a stylus pen, and a stylus sensing mode for sensing the touch position of the stylus pen. In the touch drive / sensing mode, the control unit applies a touch drive signal using the plurality of first patterns and receives a touch sensing signal via the plurality of third patterns. In the antenna driving mode, the control unit applies pen driving signals to drive the stylus pen in the plurality of fourth patterns. The touch input device according to claim 6, wherein in the stylus sensing mode, the control unit receives a pen sensing signal from the stylus pen via the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns.

8. Each of the first and second patterns includes a number of main pattern sections and a connecting pattern section that connects two adjacent main pattern sections from among the number of main pattern sections. The first pattern has an opening inside which the second pattern is placed. Each of the third and fourth patterns includes a number of main pattern sections and a connecting pattern section that connects two adjacent main pattern sections from among the number of main pattern sections. The third pattern has an opening inside which the fourth pattern is placed. The touch input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second patterns are arranged on the third and fourth patterns.

9. The touch input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the diagonal length of the screen on which the sensor unit is located is 10 inches or more and 14 inches or less.

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