Touch Input Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-function touch input device that can detect a touch position, drive a stylus pen, and detect the position of the stylus pen. A touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a control unit for controlling the sensor, the sensor unit including a plurality of patterns, the plurality of patterns including a first pattern extending along a first direction, a second pattern arranged adjacent to the first pattern, a third pattern extending along a second direction different from the first direction, and a fourth pattern arranged adjacent to the third pattern, wherein other ends of the plurality of first patterns are electrically connected to each other, and other ends of the third patterns are electrically connected to each other. [Representative diagram] Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating how an output voltage (Vout) of a CVA (Capacitor Voltage Amplitude) changes depending on the position of a stylus pen 10 on a conventional flexible display panel.

[0003] 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.

[0004] Based on the long axis of a conventional flexible display panel, the resistance R of a metal mesh touch sensor is about 1.2k (ohm) and the capacitance C is about 250pF.

[0005] Based on 10 distributed models, at a drive frequency of 300kHz, the impedance of the capacitor is about 200 times greater than the resistance (120(ohm) vs. 1 / (2=*300k*25pF)=21k(ohm)). Therefore, the capacitor is the main cause.

[0006] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining through current sensing that the output voltages (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA differ depending on the position of the pen 10 in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining through voltage sensing that the output voltages (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA differ depending on the position of the pen 10 in Figure 1.

[0007] 2 and 3, the output voltage of the CVA varies depending on the position of the pen 10 on the sensing line. That is, the closer the pen 10 is to the sensing circuit unit 50, the larger the output voltage of the CVA is, and the farther the pen 10 is from the sensing circuit unit 50, the smaller the output voltage of the CVA is. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function touch input device that can detect a touch position, drive a stylus pen, and detect the position of the stylus pen.

[0009] In addition, the present invention provides a touch input device that can solve the problem of the output voltage of the sensing circuit changing depending on the position of the stylus pen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit, the sensor unit including a first pattern extending along a first direction, a second pattern disposed adjacent to the first pattern and extending along the first direction, a third pattern disposed adjacent to the third pattern and extending along a second direction different from the first direction, and a fourth pattern disposed adjacent to the third pattern and extending along the second direction, the first and second patterns are arranged in a plurality of rows along the second direction, the third and fourth patterns are arranged in a plurality of rows along the first direction, one end of the plurality of first and third patterns is electrically connected to the control unit and the other end is electrically open, the other ends of the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other.

[0011] A touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit, the sensor unit including a first pattern including patterns 1a and 1b arranged alternately along a first direction, a second pattern arranged adjacent to the first pattern, a third pattern extending along a second direction different from the first direction, and a fourth pattern arranged adjacent to the third pattern and extending along the second direction, wherein the patterns 1a are electrically connected to each other, the patterns 1b are electrically connected to each other, the first and second patterns are arranged in a plurality of rows along the second direction, the third and fourth patterns are arranged in a plurality of rows along the first direction, the first and third patterns are electrically connected to the control unit and the other ends are electrically open, the other ends of the second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the other ends of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other.

[0012] In the touch input device according to another embodiment, the 1a pattern and the 1b pattern are connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in a touch sensing mode, and the control unit can sense a touch position based on a signal obtained by subtracting a first sensing signal received from the 1a pattern and a second sensing signal received from the 2a pattern in the touch sensing mode.

[0013] In the touch input device according to the other embodiment, among the 1a patterns arranged along the first direction, the 1a pattern farthest from the control unit may be connected to the control unit, and among the 1b patterns arranged along the first direction, the 1b pattern closest to the control unit may be connected to the control unit.

[0014] In the touch input device according to the one or other embodiments, the first pattern may have an opening within which the second pattern is disposed, and the third pattern may have an opening within which the fourth pattern is disposed.

[0015] In the touch input device according to the above or another embodiment, the controller may control the sensor unit to operate in one of a touch sensing mode, a stylus driving mode, and a stylus sensing mode.

[0016] In the touch input device according to the above or another embodiment, one end of the plurality of second patterns is connected to the control unit, and the control unit can apply a stylus driving signal in at least one of the plurality of second patterns in a stylus driving mode of the sensor unit.

[0017] In a touch input device according to the above or other embodiments, one end of the plurality of second patterns is electrically open, and the control unit can apply a stylus driving signal in at least one of the plurality of first patterns in a stylus driving mode of the sensor unit.

[0018] In the touch input device according to the above or another embodiment, one end of the plurality of second and fourth patterns is connected to the control unit, and the control unit can sense the position of a stylus pen from a stylus sensing signal received through the plurality of second and fourth patterns in a stylus sensing mode of the sensor unit.

[0019] In the touch input device according to the one or other embodiments, one end of the plurality of second and fourth patterns is electrically open, and the control unit can sense the position of a stylus pen from a stylus sensing signal received through the plurality of first and third patterns in a stylus sensing mode of the sensor unit.

[0020] In the touch input device according to the embodiment or other embodiments, the first and second patterns may be disposed on a layer different from the third and fourth patterns.

[0021] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a touch input device including a sensor unit and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit, the sensor unit including a plurality of first patterns arranged along a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, each having an opening formed therein, a plurality of second patterns arranged in the openings of the plurality of first patterns, a plurality of third patterns arranged in the same layer as the plurality of first patterns, each extending along the second direction and having an opening formed therein, and a plurality of fourth patterns arranged in the openings of the third patterns and extending along the second direction, the first patterns arranged along the first direction among the plurality of first patterns being conductive bridges. the first patterns arranged along the first direction may be electrically connected to each other through a conductive bridge, a first pattern arranged on one side of the first patterns arranged along the first direction may be connected to the controller and a first pattern arranged on the other side may be electrically open; the second patterns arranged along the first direction among the plurality of second patterns may be electrically connected to each other through a conductive bridge, a second pattern arranged on the other side of the second patterns arranged along the first direction may be electrically connected to another second pattern arranged along the second direction; one end of the plurality of third patterns may be electrically connected to the controller and the other end may be electrically open, and other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns may be electrically connected to each other.

[0022] In the touch input device according to still another embodiment, the controller may control the sensor unit to operate in any one of a touch sensing mode, a stylus driving mode, and a stylus sensing mode.

[0023] In the touch input device according to yet another embodiment, the control unit applies a stylus driving signal in any one of the first to fourth patterns in the stylus driving mode, and the control unit can sense the position of a stylus pen from a stylus sensing signal received via any one of the first to second patterns and any one of the third to fourth patterns in the stylus sensing mode.

[0024] In the touch input device according to yet another embodiment, one end of the plurality of fourth patterns is connected to the control unit, and a second pattern arranged on one side of the second patterns arranged along the first direction is electrically open, and the control unit can apply a stylus driving signal to at least one of the plurality of fourth patterns in a stylus driving mode of the sensor unit.

[0025] In the touch input device according to the further embodiment, the control unit may sense a position of a stylus pen from a stylus sensing signal received via the plurality of first and third patterns in a stylus sensing mode of the sensor unit.

[0026] In the touch input device according to yet another embodiment, one end of the plurality of fourth patterns is electrically open, and a second pattern arranged on one side of the second patterns arranged along the first direction is electrically open, and the control unit can apply a stylus driving signal to at least one of the plurality of third patterns in a stylus driving mode of the sensor unit.

[0027] In the touch input device according to the further embodiment, the control unit may sense a position of a stylus pen from a stylus sensing signal received via the plurality of first and third patterns in a stylus sensing mode of the sensor unit.

[0028] In the touch input device according to the further embodiment, an outer periphery of the second pattern or the fourth pattern may have a concave-convex structure, and an opening of the first pattern or the third pattern may have a shape corresponding to the concave-convex structure.

[0029] In the touch input device according to the further embodiment, the other ends of the second patterns and the other ends of the fourth patterns may be electrically connected to each other.

[0030] In the touch input device according to the further embodiment, a portion of the first pattern and a portion of the second pattern may be disposed to overlap each other in a vertical direction.

[0031] In the touch input device according to the further embodiment, a portion of the third pattern and a portion of the fourth pattern may be disposed to overlap each other in a vertical direction.

[0032] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a touch input device including a sensor unit and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit, the sensor unit including a first pattern extending along a first direction and having an opening formed therein, a second pattern disposed on the same layer as the first pattern and disposed in the opening of the first pattern and extending along the first direction, a third pattern disposed on a different layer than the first pattern, extending along a second direction different from the first direction and having an opening formed therein, a fourth pattern disposed on the same layer as the third pattern and disposed in the opening of the third pattern and extending along the second direction, and a fourth pattern disposed on the same layer as the first pattern and disposed so as to overlap a shape corresponding to a part of the third pattern. a fifth pattern electrically connected to the fourth pattern, and a sixth pattern disposed in the same layer as the third pattern, arranged to overlap a part of the first pattern in a shape corresponding to a part of the first pattern, and electrically connected to the second pattern, wherein the first and second patterns are arranged in a plurality of rows along the second direction, the third and fourth patterns are arranged in a plurality of rows along the first direction, and the fifth and sixth patterns are arranged in a plurality of rows along the first and second directions, one end of the plurality of first and third patterns is electrically connected to the controller and the other end is electrically open, other ends of the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other.

[0033] In the touch input device according to yet another embodiment, the first and third patterns may include a plurality of main pattern portions and a plurality of connecting pattern portions connecting the plurality of main pattern portions, the openings of the first and third patterns may be formed inside the plurality of main pattern portions and the plurality of connecting pattern portions, and the second and fourth patterns may have a shape corresponding to the openings of the first and third patterns.

[0034] In the touch input device according to yet another embodiment, the first and third patterns may include a plurality of main pattern portions and a plurality of connecting pattern portions connecting the plurality of main pattern portions, the openings of the first and third patterns may be formed inside the plurality of main pattern portions and the plurality of connecting pattern portions, and the second and fourth patterns may be bar patterns.

[0035] In the touch input device according to still another embodiment, the controller may control the sensor unit to operate in any one of a touch sensing mode, a stylus driving mode, and a stylus sensing mode.

[0036] In the touch input device according to yet another embodiment, the control unit applies a stylus driving signal in any one of the first to fourth patterns in the stylus driving mode, and the control unit can sense the position of a stylus pen from a stylus sensing signal received via any one of the first to second patterns and any one of the third to fourth patterns in the stylus sensing mode.

[0037] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller for controlling the sensor unit, the sensor unit including a first pattern extending along a first direction, a second pattern disposed adjacent to the first pattern and extending along the first direction, a third pattern disposed along a second direction different from the first direction, and a fourth pattern disposed adjacent to the third pattern and extending along the second direction, the first and second patterns are arranged in a plurality of patterns along the second direction, the third and fourth patterns are arranged in a plurality of patterns along the first direction, one end of each of the first and third patterns is electrically connected to the controller and the other end is electrically open, the other ends of the second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the other ends of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, the first to fourth patterns are arranged within an active area, and the sensor unit includes one end connected to the controller and the other end connected to the other ends of the second patterns, and one or more traces arranged in a non-active area other than the active area.

[0038] In the touch input device according to still another embodiment, the controller may control the sensor unit to operate in any one of a touch driving mode, a touch sensing mode, a stylus driving mode, and a stylus sensing mode.

[0039] In the touch input device according to yet another embodiment, one end of the plurality of second patterns is connected to the control unit, and the control unit applies a stylus driving signal through the plurality of second patterns and the trace in the stylus driving mode, and the control unit can sense the position of a stylus pen from a stylus sensing signal received through any one group of the plurality of first patterns, the plurality of second patterns, and the trace, and any one group of the plurality of third patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns in the stylus sensing mode.

[0040] A touch input device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit, the sensor unit including a plurality of first patterns arranged along a first direction and a plurality of second patterns arranged along a second direction different from the first direction, the first pattern arranged on one edge of the plurality of first patterns being connected to the control unit and the first pattern arranged on the other edge being connected to a capacitor, the second pattern arranged on one edge of the plurality of second patterns being connected to the control unit and the second pattern arranged on the other edge being connected to a capacitor. Effect of the Invention

[0041] Advantageously, the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention can detect the touch position, drive the stylus pen, and detect the position of the stylus pen.

[0042] Also, the problem of the output voltage of the sensing circuit varying depending on the position of the stylus pen can be solved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating how an output voltage (Vout) of a CVA (Capacitor Voltage Amplitude) changes depending on the position of a stylus pen 10 on a conventional flexible display panel. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining, through current sensing, that the output voltages (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA are different depending on the position of the pen 10 in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining, through voltage sensing, that the output voltages (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA differ depending on the position of the pen 10 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a touch input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 4 operates in a touch sensing mode (or a 2D sensing mode). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 4 operates in an antenna driving mode (or a stylus driving mode or a stylus uplink mode). [Figure 7] 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams illustrating various methods in which the control unit 500 applies a pen driving signal for driving a stylus pen to a plurality of second patterns 102 shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 4 operates in a stylus sensing mode (or a stylus downlink mode). [Figure 9] 9(a) to 9(f) are diagrams for roughly explaining the operation principle of the stylus sensing mode of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 10 operates in a touch sensing mode (or a 2D sensing mode). [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 10 operating in an antenna driving mode (or a stylus driving mode or a stylus uplink mode). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 10 operates in a stylus sensing mode (or a stylus downlink mode). [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a touch input device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 14 operates in a touch sensing mode (or a 2D sensing mode). [Figure 16]FIG. 16 illustrates the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 14 operating in an antenna driving mode (or a stylus driving mode or a stylus uplink mode). [Figure 17] FIG. 17 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 14 operates in a stylus sensing mode (or a stylus downlink mode). [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a table comparing the properties of the various embodiments shown in FIGS. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a plan view of a portion of a sensor unit 200 according to another embodiment that can replace the sensor unit 100 of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a portion of a sensor unit 200' according to still another embodiment that can replace the sensor unit 100 of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit 100 in FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit 100 in FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 27] 27(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining various methods for operating the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 in an antenna driving mode (driving) and a stylus sensing mode (receiving). [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining another example in which the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 is operated in the antenna driving mode. [Figure 29]FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining yet another example in which the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 is operated in the antenna driving mode. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating another example of operating the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 in a stylus sensing mode. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining yet another example in which the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 is operated in a stylus sensing mode. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining yet another example in which the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 is operated in a stylus sensing mode. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the fifth pattern 105 shown in FIG. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a modification of FIG. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a modification of FIG. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 in the sensor unit as shown in FIG. 23 or FIG. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 in the sensor unit as shown in FIG. 23 or FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] The following detailed description of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of example specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different from one another but are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a specific shape, structure, and characteristic described herein may be embodied in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims, together with the full scope of equivalents that such claims, if properly interpreted, are to be given. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate the same or similar features throughout the various aspects.

[0045] The touch input device according to various embodiments of the present document may include at least one of the following electronic devices: a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a vehicle display device, a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a laptop personal computer, a netbook computer, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. Here, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, a contact lens, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a textile or clothing integrated type (e.g., electronic clothing), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), or a biologically implanted type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

[0046] Various embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a touch input device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit 100 and a control unit 500.

[0049] The sensor unit 100 includes a number of patterns (or a number of electrodes).

[0050] The sensor unit 100 may include a number of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104.

[0051] The first pattern 101 has a shape extending along a first direction. In Fig. 4, the first direction is shown as a major axis, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first direction may be a minor axis.

[0052] The first pattern 101 may include a plurality of main pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion connecting two adjacent main pattern portions among the plurality of main pattern portions. Here, the main pattern portion may have a diamond shape, but is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes different from the connecting pattern portion.

[0053] The first pattern 101 may have an opening in which the second pattern 102 is disposed. The shape of the opening may correspond to the outer shape of the first pattern 101. The first pattern 101 may have a structure that surrounds the second pattern 102. The first pattern 101 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the second pattern 102.

[0054] The second pattern 102 is disposed inside the first pattern 101 .

[0055] The second pattern 102 may include a plurality of main pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion connecting two adjacent main pattern portions among the plurality of main pattern portions. Here, the main pattern portion may have a diamond shape, but is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes different from the connecting pattern portion.

[0056] The main pattern portion of second pattern 102 may have a shape corresponding to that of the main pattern portion of first pattern 101 , and the connecting pattern portion of second pattern 102 may have a shape corresponding to that of the connecting pattern portion of first pattern 101 .

[0057] A large number of first patterns 101 and second patterns 102 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0058] One end of the first patterns 101 is electrically connected to the control unit 500, and the other end is electrically open. Here, the one end is relatively close to the control unit 500, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 500. One ends of the first patterns 101 may be electrically connected to the control unit 500 and each other via conductive traces.

[0059] One end of the second patterns 102 is electrically connected to the control unit 500, and the other end is electrically connected via a conductive trace. One end is relatively close to the control unit 500, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 500. Here, if the other ends of the second patterns 102 are electrically connected to each other, the capacitance of each second pattern 102 is added, so that the overall impedance is reduced. Therefore, the effect is the same as if the other ends of the second patterns 102 were AC GND.

[0060] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the other ends of the plurality of second patterns 102 electrically connected to each other may be grounded.

[0061] Although not shown in the drawings, the other ends of the second patterns 102 may not be electrically connected to each other, but may be connected to a predetermined capacitor.

[0062] The first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 may be disposed in the same layer. The first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 can be formed in the same layer using a metal mesh.

[0063] The third pattern 103 has a shape extending along the second direction. In Fig. 4, the second direction is shown as the minor axis, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second direction may be the major axis.

[0064] The third pattern 103 may include a plurality of main pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion connecting two adjacent main pattern portions among the plurality of main pattern portions. Here, the main pattern portion may have a diamond shape, but is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes different from the connecting pattern portion.

[0065] The third pattern 103 may have an opening in which the fourth pattern 104 is disposed. The shape of the opening may correspond to the outer shape of the third pattern 103. The third pattern 103 may have a structure that surrounds the fourth pattern 104. The third pattern 103 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the fourth pattern 104.

[0066] The fourth pattern 104 is disposed inside the third pattern 103 .

[0067] The fourth pattern 104 may include a plurality of main pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion connecting two adjacent main pattern portions among the plurality of main pattern portions. Here, the main pattern portion may have a diamond shape, but is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes different from the connecting pattern portion.

[0068] The main pattern portion of fourth pattern 104 may have a shape corresponding to that of the main pattern portion of third pattern 103 , and the connecting pattern portion of fourth pattern 104 may have a shape corresponding to that of the connecting pattern portion of third pattern 103 .

[0069] A large number of third patterns 103 and fourth patterns 104 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0070] One end of each of the third patterns 103 is electrically connected to the control unit 500, and the other end is electrically open. Here, the one end is relatively close to the control unit 500, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 500. One ends of each of the third patterns 103 may be electrically connected to the control unit 500 and to each other via conductive traces.

[0071] One end of the fourth patterns 104 is electrically connected to the control unit 500, and the other end is electrically connected via a conductive trace. One end is relatively close to the control unit 500, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 500. If the other ends of the fourth patterns 104 are electrically connected to each other, the capacitance of each fourth pattern 104 is added, and the overall impedance is reduced. Therefore, the effect is the same as if the other ends of the fourth patterns 104 were AC GND.

[0072] Meanwhile, the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns 104 electrically connected to each other may be grounded.

[0073] Although not shown in the drawings, the other ends of the fourth patterns 104 may not be electrically connected to each other, but may be connected to a predetermined capacitor.

[0074] The third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 may be disposed in the same layer. The third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 may be formed in the same layer using a metal mesh. Here, the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 may be disposed in a layer different from the first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102. For example, the first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 may be disposed in a first layer, and the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 may be disposed in a second layer different from the first layer.

[0075] The controller 500 is electrically connected to the sensor unit 100 and may control the operation of the sensor unit 100. The controller 500 and the sensor unit 100 may be electrically connected to each other via a conductive trace.

[0076] The control unit 500 may include a number of driving circuits and a number of sensing circuits. The number of driving circuits may include a driving circuit for touch sensing and a driving circuit for driving a stylus. The number of sensing circuits may include a sensing circuit for touch sensing and a sensing circuit for stylus sensing. Here, some of the sensing circuits may perform both touch sensing and stylus sensing.

[0077] The controller 500 may control the sensor unit 100 to operate in any one of a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus sensing mode. The controller 500 may connect a plurality of driving / sensing circuits to the sensor unit 100 according to each mode, and control driving signals applied to the plurality of driving circuits. To this end, the controller 500 may include a plurality of switches for electrically connecting the plurality of driving / sensing circuits to the sensor unit 100.

[0078] Each mode will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0079] FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 4 operates in a touch sensing mode (or a 2D sensing mode).

[0080] 4 and 5, in a touch sensing mode, the controller 500 may electrically connect a number of driving circuits for touch sensing to the first pattern 101 of the sensor unit 100. The controller 500 may control a number of switches sw to electrically connect conductive traces connected to the first patterns 101 to a number of driving circuits.

[0081] In addition, the control unit 500 may electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuits for touch sensing to the third pattern 103 of the sensor unit 100. The control unit 500 may control a plurality of switches sw to electrically connect conductive traces connected to the plurality of third patterns 103 to a plurality of sensing circuits.

[0082] In the touch sensing mode, the controller 500 simultaneously or sequentially applies driving signals (or touch driving signals) for touch sensing to the plurality of first patterns 101, and receives sensing signals (or touch sensing signals) from the plurality of third patterns 103. The plurality of sensing circuits of the controller 500 electrically connected to the plurality of third patterns 103 may output capacitance change information included in the input sensing signal as a predetermined voltage value. The controller 500 may process the output voltage value to detect the touch position.

[0083] 5, the control unit 500 is not electrically connected to the second patterns 102, but the control unit 500 may be electrically connected to the second patterns 102 so that capacitive coupling between the first patterns 101 and the second patterns 102 does not occur. In this case, the control unit 500 may control the second patterns 102 to apply the same driving signal as the driving signal applied to the first patterns 101. Alternatively, the control unit 500 may control the second patterns 102 to apply a predetermined reference potential when a driving signal is applied to the first patterns 101.

[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 4 operates in an antenna driving mode (or a stylus driving mode or a stylus uplink mode).

[0085] 4 and 6, in the antenna driving mode, the control unit 500 can electrically connect a number of driving circuits for driving the antenna to a number of second patterns 102 of the sensor unit 100. The control unit 500 can electrically connect conductive traces connected to the number of second patterns 102 to a number of driving circuits by controlling a number of switches sw.

[0086] The control unit 500 can control driving signals (or pen driving signals) output from each driving circuit unit connected to the second patterns 102 .

[0087] For example, the control unit 500 may control the first driving circuit unit among the multiple driving circuit units connected to the multiple second patterns 102 to output a pulse signal of a predetermined frequency, control the second driving circuit unit not to output any pulse signal, and control the third driving circuit unit to output an inverted pulse signal having a phase opposite to that of the pulse signal output from the first driving circuit unit. In this case, a current loop is formed between the second pattern 102 electrically connected to the first driving circuit unit and the second pattern 102 electrically connected to the third driving circuit unit. A magnetic field is generated by the formed current loop, and a stylus pen close to the sensor unit 100 may be resonated and driven by the magnetic field.

[0088] The control unit 500 may control the driving circuit units so that mutually opposing pulse signals are output from any two of the driving circuit units electrically connected to the multiple second patterns 102. Therefore, the control unit 500 may change and set the size and position of the current loop in various ways. For example, when the control unit 500 detects the position of a stylus pen close to the sensor unit 100, it may control the driving circuit units so that mutually opposing pulse signals are output from the driving circuit units electrically connected to two second patterns around the position of the stylus pen, and when the control unit 500 cannot detect the position of the stylus pen, it may control the driving circuit units so that mutually opposing pulse signals are output from the driving circuit units electrically connected to two second patterns located on both sides of the multiple second patterns 102.

[0089] The control unit 500 can also form two or more current loops simultaneously. This will be described with reference to FIG.

[0090] 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams for explaining various methods in which the control unit 500 applies a pen driving signal for driving a stylus pen to a plurality of second patterns 102 shown in Fig. 4. For reference, in Fig. 7(a) to 7(c), one second pattern 102 shown in Fig. 4 is simply shown by one line (Ch), and each line (Ch) corresponds to one channel.

[0091] 7A shows a case where the stylus pen 50 is located at the center (not at the end) of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4, for example, on the fifth channel Ch5. In this case, the control unit 500 can control a number of driving circuits so that a pulse signal and an inverted pulse signal (or ground) are applied to the same number of channels (Ch2, Ch3, Ch4 / Ch6, Ch7, Ch8) on both sides of the position where the stylus pen 50 is located. Specifically, the control unit 500 can control so that a pulse signal is applied to three channels, Ch2, Ch3, Ch4, located on the left side of the stylus pen 50, and so that an inverted pulse signal is applied to three channels, Ch6, Ch7, Ch8, located on the right side of the stylus pen 50. Here, in FIG. 7A, a pulse signal and an inverted pulse signal (or ground) are applied to three channels on each side of the stylus pen 50, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in (a) of FIG. 7, a pulse signal and an inverted pulse signal (or ground) may be applied to two or one channels on each side of the stylus pen 50, or a pulse signal and an inverted pulse signal (or ground) may be applied to four or more channels.

[0092] FIG. 7(b) shows a case where the stylus pen 50 is located at the end of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4, for example, between the 0th channel Ch0 and the 1st channel Ch1. Compared to FIG. 7(a), the control unit 500 cannot apply a pulse signal and an inverted pulse signal (or ground) to the same number of channels on the left and right sides of the stylus pen 50. In this case, the control unit 500 can control the stylus pen 50 to apply a pulse signal and an inverted pulse signal (or ground) to different numbers of channels on the left and right sides of the stylus pen 50. Specifically, the control unit 500 can control the 0th channel Ch0 to apply a pulse signal and an inverted pulse signal to the 1st to 3rd channels Ch1, Ch2, and Ch3. Although not shown in the drawing, when the stylus pen 50 is located at the outermost edge on the left side of the 0th channel Ch0, the control unit 500 can also control the 0th to 2nd channels Ch0, Ch1, and Ch2 to be applied with inverted pulse signals.

[0093] In (a) and (b) of FIG. 7, the more channels (Ch0, Ch1...Ch19) there are, the more terminals of the control unit 500 for driving each channel are required, and the configuration of the driving circuit unit in the control unit 500 becomes complicated. Therefore, at least two or more channels (Ch0, Ch1...Ch19) that are close to each other can be electrically connected to be driven as one channel. Specifically, as shown in (c) of FIG. 7, two channels are electrically connected to configure one channel. In this configuration, the same signal is applied to the two electrically connected channels at the same time. (c) of FIG. 7 shows 20 channels (Ch0, Ch1...Ch19) electrically connected in pairs to configure 10 channels. Although not shown in the drawing, it is possible to configure 7 channels by electrically connecting three channels and electrically connecting the remaining two channels, or to configure 5 channels by electrically connecting four channels.

[0094] FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 4 operates in a stylus sensing mode (or a stylus downlink mode).

[0095] 4 and 8, in a stylus sensing mode, the controller 500 can electrically connect a number of sensing circuits for stylus sensing to the first pattern 102 and the third pattern 103 of the sensor unit 100. The controller 500 can control a number of switches sw to electrically connect conductive traces connected to the first pattern 101 and the third pattern 103 to a number of sensing circuits.

[0096] The touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention has an advantage that, in the stylus sensing mode, the output voltage values ​​of the multiple sensing circuits are almost unchanged depending on the position of the stylus pen on the sensor unit 100 due to the configuration of the sensor unit 100. The specific principle of this will be described with reference to (a) to (f) of FIG.

[0097] 9(a) to 9(f) are diagrams for roughly explaining the operation principle of the stylus sensing mode of FIG.

[0098] FIG. 9(a) is a circuit diagram that roughly models any one of the first patterns 101 shown in FIG. 8 and the sensing circuit section of the control unit 500 electrically connected thereto, and FIG. 9(b) is a circuit diagram that roughly models the second pattern 102 arranged inside any one of the first patterns 101.

[0099] FIG. 9(c) is a voltage distribution graph in the circuit diagram of FIG. 9(a), and FIG. 9(d) is a voltage distribution graph in the circuit diagram of FIG. 9(b).

[0100] Referring to (a) and (c) of Figure 9, when a stylus pen approaches any point A on the first pattern 101 that is as far away as possible from the sensing circuit unit, a voltage (Vemf, hereinafter referred to as "induced voltage") induced by the signal emitted from the stylus pen is generated at the point A.

[0101] If an induced voltage (Vemf) occurs at point A, the equivalent capacitance of the first pattern 101 viewed from the left side of point A becomes smaller, and the equivalent impedance becomes larger. Therefore, most of the induced voltage (Vemf) is applied to the left side of point A, and the voltage close to 0 (V) is applied to the right side of point A, and almost no current flows. In addition, the voltage close to 0 (V) on the right side of point A decreases further due to the equivalent resistance of the first pattern 101, and almost no voltage is applied to the input terminal of the sensing circuit unit.

[0102] 9(b) and (d), when an induced voltage (Vemf) occurs at point A, the other ends of the second patterns 102 on the left side of point A are electrically connected to each other, so the equivalent capacitance viewed from the left side of point A becomes large and the equivalent impedance approaches almost 0. Therefore, 0 (V) is applied to the left side of point A, and one end of the second pattern 102 on the right side of point A is open, so no voltage drop occurs due to the equivalent resistance and Vemf is applied as is.

[0103] 9(c) and (d), it can be seen that there is a potential difference of Vemf between the first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 at any position. The potential difference of Vemf between the first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 causes capacitive coupling between the first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102. Due to the capacitive coupling, a current flows from the second pattern 102 to the first pattern 101 as shown in FIG. 9(e). As shown in FIG. 9(a), the current generated from the first pattern 101 itself becomes smaller as the position of the stylus pen moves farther away from the sensing circuit unit of the control unit 500, but since a current flows from the second pattern 102 to the first pattern 101, the current output from the first pattern 101 to the sensing circuit unit of the control unit 500 becomes almost the same as the position of the pen. Therefore, the controller 500 can sense the position of the stylus pen through the sensing circuit unit electrically connected to the first pattern 101 .

[0104] 9(a) to 9(e), even if point A moves to the left or right, the potential difference between the first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 is constant as Vemf. Therefore, regardless of whether the position of the stylus pen on the sensor unit 100 is close or far from the sensing circuit unit, the control unit 500 can sense the stylus pen from a constant signal output from the sensing circuit unit.

[0105] 9(e), the current flowing from the second pattern 102 to the first pattern 101 is due to capacitive coupling, but this is not limited to this. For example, the current flowing from the second pattern 102 to the first pattern 101 can also be due to magnetic coupling.

[0106] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 10, a touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit 100' and a control unit 500'.

[0108] The sensor unit 100' includes a number of patterns. The number of patterns may include a pattern 1a 101a, a pattern 1b 101b, a pattern 2a 102a, a pattern 2b 102b, a third pattern 103, and a fourth pattern 104. Here, the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 have the same configuration as the third and fourth pattern units 103 and 104 of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] The 1a pattern 101a has a shape extending along a first direction (or a major axis).

[0110] The 1a pattern 101a may include an inverted triangular pattern portion, a triangular pattern portion, and a connecting pattern portion connecting the inverted triangular pattern portion and the triangular pattern portion.

[0111] The 1a pattern 101a may have an opening in which the 2a pattern 102a is disposed.

[0112] The 1a pattern 101a may have a structure surrounding the 2a pattern 102a. The 1a pattern 101a is disposed at a predetermined distance from the 2a pattern 102a, and is electrically insulated therebetween.

[0113] The 2a pattern 102a is disposed inside the 1a pattern 101a.

[0114] The 2a pattern 102a may include an inverted triangular pattern portion, a triangular pattern portion, and a connecting pattern portion connecting the inverted triangular pattern portion and the triangular pattern portion.

[0115] Pattern 1b 101b has a shape extending along a first direction (or a major axis).

[0116] Pattern 1b 101b may include an inverted triangular pattern portion, a triangular pattern portion, and a connecting pattern portion connecting the inverted triangular pattern portion and the triangular pattern portion.

[0117] The 1b pattern 101b may have an opening in which the 2b pattern 102b is disposed.

[0118] The pattern 1b 101b may have a structure surrounding the pattern 2b 102b, and is disposed at a predetermined distance from the pattern 2b 102b, thereby being electrically insulated from each other.

[0119] The 2b pattern 102b is disposed inside the 1b pattern 101b.

[0120] Pattern 2b 102b may include an inverted triangular pattern portion, a triangular pattern portion, and a connecting pattern portion connecting between the inverted triangular pattern portion and the triangular pattern portion.

[0121] The plurality of 1a patterns 101a and the plurality of 1b patterns 101b are alternately arranged along a first direction, the plurality of 1a patterns 101a are electrically connected to each other, and the plurality of 1b patterns 101b are also electrically connected to each other.

[0122] The 1a pattern 101a located at one end of the plurality of 1a patterns 101a is electrically connected to a control unit 500'.

[0123] The pattern 1b 101b located at one end of the plurality of patterns 1b 101b is electrically connected to a control unit 500'.

[0124] The plurality of 2a patterns 102a and the plurality of 2b patterns 102b are alternately arranged along a first direction and are electrically connected to each other. The plurality of 2a patterns 102a and the plurality of 2b patterns 102b may have a 2b pattern 102b located at one end electrically connected to the controller 500, and the 2a pattern 102a located at the other end electrically connected to another adjacent 2a pattern. Here, the other adjacent 2a pattern 102a located at the other end may be grounded.

[0125] The 1a pattern 101a, the 1b pattern 101b, the 2a pattern 102a, and the 2b pattern 102b may be disposed on the same layer. The 1a pattern 101a, the 1b pattern 101b, the 2a pattern 102a, and the 2b pattern 102b can be formed on the same layer using a metal mesh.

[0126] The control unit 500' has the same functions as the control unit 500 shown in FIG.

[0127] FIG. 11 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 10 operates in a touch sensing mode (or a 2D sensing mode).

[0128] 10 and 11, in a touch sensing mode, a controller 500′ may electrically connect a driving circuit unit for touch sensing to the third patterns 103 of a sensor unit 100′. One driving circuit unit may be electrically connected to each of the third patterns 103.

[0129] In addition, the control unit 500' can electrically connect a sensing circuit unit for touch sensing to the first and first patterns 101a and 101b of the sensor unit 100'.

[0130] In the touch sensing mode, the controller 500' applies driving signals for touch sensing to the plurality of third patterns 103 and receives sensing signals received from the plurality of 1a and 1b patterns 101a and 101b. The sensing circuit unit of the controller 500' electrically connected to the plurality of 1a and 1b patterns 101a and 101b can output a predetermined voltage value corresponding to capacitance change amount information included in the input sensing signal. The controller 500' can detect a touch position by processing the output voltage value. Here, the controller 500' can cancel display noise and LGM noise by subtracting the sensing signal received from the 1b pattern 101b from the sensing signal received from the 1a pattern 101a.

[0131] Here, in order to prevent capacitive coupling between the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104, the control unit 500' may control the same driving signal to be applied to the third patterns 103 and the fourth patterns 104. Alternatively, the control unit 500' may control the fourth patterns 104 to be applied with a reference potential.

[0132] FIG. 12 illustrates the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 10 operating in an antenna driving mode (or a stylus driving mode or a stylus uplink mode).

[0133] 10 and 12, in the antenna driving mode, the control unit 500' can electrically connect a driving circuit unit for driving the antenna to the second a and second b patterns 102a and 102b of the sensor unit 100'.

[0134] The control unit 500' may control the driving signals output from each driving circuit unit connected to the multiple 2a and 2b patterns 102a and 102b. For example, the control unit 500' may control the first driving circuit unit to output a pulse signal of a predetermined frequency, control the second driving circuit unit not to output any pulse signal, and control the third driving circuit unit to output a pulse signal opposite to the pulse signal output from the first driving circuit unit. In this case, a current loop is formed by the 2a and 2b patterns 102a and 102b electrically connected to the first driving circuit unit and the 2a and 2b patterns electrically connected to the third driving circuit unit. A magnetic field is generated by the formed current loop, and a nearby stylus pen may be resonated and driven by the magnetic field.

[0135] The control unit 500' may control the driving circuit units to output mutually opposing pulse signals to any two of the driving circuit units electrically connected to the multiple 2a and 2b patterns 102a and 102b. Therefore, the control unit 500' may change and set the size and position of the current loop in various ways. For example, when the control unit 500' detects the position of a nearby stylus pen, it may control the driving circuit units electrically connected to two 2 patterns around the position of the stylus pen to output mutually opposing pulse signals, and when the control unit 500' cannot detect the position of the stylus pen, it may control the driving circuit units electrically connected to two 2a and 2b patterns 102a and 102b located at the outermost edges on both sides of the multiple 2a and 2b patterns 102a and 102b to output mutually opposing pulse signals.

[0136] Meanwhile, although not shown in a separate drawing, the controller 500′ may control the application of driving signals to a number of the 1a pattern 101a, the 1b pattern 101b, or the 3rd pattern 103. In this case, there is an advantage that the total number of channels can be reduced.

[0137] FIG. 13 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 10 operates in a stylus sensing mode (or a stylus downlink mode).

[0138] 10 and 13, in a stylus sensing mode, the control unit 500' can electrically connect a sensing circuit unit for stylus sensing to the first and second patterns 101a and 101b and the third pattern 103 of the sensor unit 100', respectively.

[0139] In the stylus sensing mode, similar to the principle described through FIG. 8, when a stylus pen approaches any position of the sensor unit 100', a predetermined signal is output from the stylus pen, and the output signal generates an induced voltage in the 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3rd and 4th patterns 101a, 101b, 102a, 102b, 103 and 104.

[0140] Here, when the stylus pen is located far away from the control unit 500', the generation of the induced voltage causes almost no current to flow through the multiple 1a patterns 101a itself, but current flows in from the multiple 2a patterns 102a, so that the control unit 500' can detect the position of the stylus pen through a sensing circuit unit electrically connected to the multiple 1a patterns 101a. Here, the current flows in from the 2a pattern 102a to the 1a pattern 101a because a potential difference of the induced voltage is generated between the 1a pattern 101a and the 2a pattern 102a, and the current flows in from the 2a pattern 102a to the 1a pattern 101a because of capacitive coupling between the 1a pattern 101a and the 2a pattern 102a due to the generated potential difference.

[0141] Similarly, since almost no current flows through the multiple 1b patterns 101b themselves, but current flows in from the multiple 2b patterns 102b, the control unit 500' can detect the position of the stylus pen through a sensing circuit unit electrically connected to the multiple 1b patterns 101b.

[0142] Similarly, since almost no current flows through the third pattern 103 itself, but current flows in from the fourth pattern 104, the control unit 500' can detect the position of the stylus pen through a sensing circuit unit electrically connected to the third pattern 103.

[0143] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, unlike FIG. 13, the control unit 500' can also electrically connect the sensing circuit unit to a number of 2a patterns 102a, or 2b patterns 102b, or the fourth pattern 104 to detect the position of the stylus pen.

[0144] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a touch input device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] The sensor unit 100'' of the touch input device shown in FIG. 14 has the same structure as the sensor unit 100'' shown in FIG. 10 in terms of patterns 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3rd and 4. The difference is that among the multiple 1b patterns 101b electrically connected to each other along the first direction, the pattern 1b located on one side (lower side) is electrically connected to the controller 500'' via a conductive trace, and among the multiple 1a patterns 101a electrically connected to each other along the first direction, the pattern 1a located on the other side (upper side) is electrically connected to the controller 500'' via a conductive trace.

[0146] FIG. 15 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 14 operates in a touch sensing mode (or a 2D sensing mode).

[0147] The explanation of the touch sensing mode is the same as that explained in FIG. 11, so it will be omitted.

[0148] FIG. 16 illustrates the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 14 operating in an antenna driving mode (or a stylus driving mode or a stylus uplink mode).

[0149] The explanation of the antenna driving mode is the same as that explained in FIG. 12, and therefore will be omitted.

[0150] FIG. 17 illustrates a case where the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 14 operates in a stylus sensing mode (or a stylus downlink mode).

[0151] The stylus sensing mode of FIG. 17 is different from the stylus sensing mode of FIG.

[0152] When a stylus pen is brought close to any position on the sensor unit 100'' and then driven to emit a signal from the stylus pen, a predetermined signal is output from the stylus pen, and an induced voltage is generated in the 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3rd and 4th patterns 101a, 101b, 102a, 102b, 103 and 104 due to the output signal.

[0153] Here, when the stylus pen is located far away from the control unit 500', the induced voltage causes almost no current to flow through the multiple 1b patterns 101b itself, but current flows in from the multiple 2b patterns 102b as well as the multiple 1a patterns 101a, so that the control unit 500' can detect the position of the stylus pen through a sensing circuit unit electrically connected to the multiple 1b patterns 101b. Here, the reason why the current flows from the 2b pattern 102b and the 1a pattern 101a to the 1b pattern 101b is that a potential difference of the induced voltage is generated between the 1b pattern 101b and the 2b pattern 102b and between the 1b pattern 101b and the 1a pattern 101a, and the generated potential difference causes capacitive coupling between the 1b pattern 101b and the 2b pattern 102b and between the 1b pattern 101b and the 1a pattern 101a.

[0154] Here, the reason why the current flows from the 1a pattern 101a to the 1b pattern 101b is because a relatively large current flows through the multiple 1a patterns 101a itself, unlike in Fig. 13. This is because the direction of the conductive trace connected to the multiple 1a patterns 101a is opposite to the direction of the conductive trace connected to the multiple 1b patterns 101b. In other words, when the stylus pen is located far away from the sensing circuit unit connected to the multiple 1b patterns 101b, the stylus pen is located closer to the sensing circuit unit connected to the multiple 1a patterns 101a.

[0155] Similarly, since almost no current flows through the third pattern 103 itself, but current flows in from the fourth pattern 104, the control unit 500' can detect the position of the stylus pen through a sensing circuit unit electrically connected to the third pattern 103.

[0156] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, unlike FIG. 17, the control unit 500'' can also detect the position of the stylus pen by electrically connecting the sensing circuit unit to a number of 2a patterns 102a, or 2b patterns 102b, or the fourth pattern 104.

[0157] FIG. 18 is a table comparing the properties of the various embodiments shown in FIGS.

[0158] 18, the embodiment of FIG. 4 can be configured with a total of 70 to 80 channels. Specifically, the driving electrodes TX used in the touch sensing mode can be configured with 20 channels, the receiving electrodes RX can be configured with 40 channels, and the antenna driving electrodes TX used in the antenna driving mode can be configured with 10 to 20 channels. Here, when the antenna driving mode is configured with 10 channels, this means that two adjacent channels are connected in parallel.

[0159] 4 may also be configured with 20 conductive traces on the left side and 20 conductive traces on the right side along the second direction (short axis), thus allowing the width of the bezel of the touch input device to remain the same as before.

[0160] The embodiment of Fig. 10 can be configured with a total of 90 to 100 channels. Specifically, the driving electrodes TX used in the touch sensing mode can be configured with 40 channels, the receiving electrodes RX can be configured with 40 channels, and the antenna driving electrodes TX used in the antenna driving mode can be configured with 10 to 20 channels. Here, when the antenna driving mode is configured with 10 channels, this means that two adjacent channels are connected in parallel.

[0161] 10 may also be configured with 20 conductive traces on the left side and 20 conductive traces on the right side along the second direction (short axis), thus allowing the width of the bezel of the touch input device to remain the same as before.

[0162] The embodiment of Fig. 14 can be configured with a total of 90 to 100 channels. Specifically, the driving electrodes TX used in the touch sensing mode can be configured with 40 channels, the receiving electrodes RX can be configured with 40 channels, and the antenna driving electrodes TX used in the antenna driving mode can be configured with 10 to 20 channels. Here, when the antenna driving mode is configured with 10 channels, this means that two adjacent channels are connected in parallel.

[0163] Also, the embodiment of FIG. 14 may be configured with 30 left conductive traces and 30 right conductive traces along the second direction (short axis).

[0164] FIG. 19 is a plan view of a portion of a sensor unit 200 according to another embodiment that can replace the sensor unit 100 of FIG.

[0165] 19, a sensor unit 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of first patterns and a plurality of second patterns. Hereinafter, the plurality of first patterns will be described as a plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ..., and the plurality of second patterns will be described as a plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, .... Conversely, although not shown in the drawing, the plurality of first electrodes may be a plurality of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, ..., and the plurality of second electrodes may be a plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ....

[0166] The multiple driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... have a shape extending along a first direction (or horizontal direction), and the multiple receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, ... have a shape extending along a second direction (or vertical direction) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0167] A certain capacitance is formed between the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ... and the receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, ..., particularly at their intersections. This capacitance changes when a touch input occurs at or around that point. Therefore, the presence or absence of a touch and the touch input can be detected by detecting the amount of change in capacitance from signals output from the receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, ....

[0168] Each of the plurality of driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, . . . shown in FIG.

[0169] The first driving pattern unit 211 has a diamond or rhombus shape and has an opening O that is open inside. The opening O has a diamond or rhombus shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the first driving pattern unit 211. The opening O allows the first driving pattern unit 211 to have a diamond or rhombus strip shape. In the drawings, the first driving pattern unit 211 is shown in a diamond or rhombus shape, but this is merely an example and the first driving pattern unit 211 may have a shape such as a polygon or a rectangle.

[0170] The second drive pattern portion 213 is disposed within the opening O of the first drive pattern portion 211 .

[0171] The second drive pattern portion 213 has a diamond or rhombus shape. The external shape of the second drive pattern portion 213 corresponds to that of the first drive pattern portion 211. Unlike the first drive pattern portion 211, the second drive pattern portion 213 may not have an opening formed therein.

[0172] The first driving pattern unit 211 and the second driving pattern unit 213 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0173] A plurality of first driving pattern units 211, each having a second driving pattern unit 213 disposed therein, are arranged along a first direction (or horizontal direction). A connection pattern 215 disposed between the plurality of first driving pattern units 211 electrically connects the plurality of first driving pattern units 211 to each other.

[0174] The connecting pattern 215 connects two adjacent first driving pattern units 211. One end of the connecting pattern 215 is connected to the first driving pattern unit 211 arranged on one side, and the other end of the connecting pattern 215 is connected to the first driving pattern unit 211 arranged on the other side. The connecting pattern 215 may be in a bar shape, but is not limited thereto, and may connect two adjacent first driving pattern units 211 in various shapes.

[0175] The multiple first driving pattern units 211, the multiple second driving pattern units 213, and the multiple connection patterns 215 are disposed together in the same layer. The multiple first driving pattern units 211, the multiple second driving pattern units 213, and the multiple connection patterns 215 may be formed of the same material. For example, the multiple first driving pattern units 211, the multiple second driving pattern units 213, and the multiple connection patterns 215 may be formed of a metal mesh. The metal mesh is patterned according to the shapes of the multiple first driving pattern units 211, the multiple second driving pattern units 213, and the multiple connection patterns 215, thereby forming the multiple driving electrodes TX0, TX1, TX2, ....

[0176] 19, the second driving pattern unit 213 is disposed within the opening O inside the first driving pattern unit 211, but the driving electrodes of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the first driving pattern unit 211 and the second driving pattern unit 213 may have other shapes other than a diamond or rhombus shape. The first driving pattern unit 211 and the second driving pattern unit 213 may be combined with each other in various shapes to form one driving electrode.

[0177] The second driving pattern units 213 of the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, and TX2 are electrically connected to each other. For example, the second driving pattern units 213 of the driving electrodes TX0, TX1, and TX2 may be electrically connected to each other through a bridge and a via.

[0178] The first driving pattern units 211 located at the other edge of each driving electrode TX0, TX1, TX2 are electrically open, and the second driving pattern units 213 located at the other edge of each driving electrode TX0, TX1, TX2 are electrically connected to each other. For example, the second driving pattern units 213 of each driving electrode TX0, TX1, TX2 may be electrically connected to each other through a bridge and a via. Here, the other side refers to the side of the first and second driving pattern units 211, 213 of each driving electrode TX0, TX1, TX2 that is farthest from the control unit 500 of FIG. 4.

[0179] Each of the multiple receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2 includes a first receiving pattern portion 231 and a second pattern portion 233. The shapes of the first receiving pattern portion 231 and the second receiving pattern portion 233 are the same as the first driving pattern portion 211 and the second driving pattern portion 213, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0180] A plurality of first receiving patterns 231 are arranged along a second direction (or a vertical direction). The plurality of first receiving patterns 231 are electrically connected to each other. For example, the plurality of first receiving patterns 231 may be electrically connected to each other through bridges and vias.

[0181] A plurality of second receiving pattern units 233 are arranged in the second direction (or the vertical direction) inside the first receiving pattern unit 231. The plurality of second receiving pattern units 233 are electrically connected to each other. For example, the plurality of second receiving pattern units 233 may be electrically connected to each other through bridges and vias.

[0182] The first receiving pattern parts 231 located at the other edge of each of the receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, and RX2 are electrically open, and the second receiving pattern parts 233 located at the other edge of each of the receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, and RX2 are electrically connected to each other. For example, the second receiving pattern parts 233 may be electrically connected through a bridge and a via. Here, the other side refers to the side of the first and second receiving pattern parts 231 and 233 of each of the receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, and RX2 that is farthest from the control unit 500 of FIG. 4.

[0183] The multiple first receiving pattern units 231 and the multiple second receiving pattern units 233 are arranged together in the same layer. Here, the multiple first receiving pattern units 231 and the multiple second receiving pattern units 233 may be arranged together with the multiple first driving pattern units 211, the multiple second driving pattern units 213, and the multiple connecting patterns 215 in the same layer.

[0184] The multiple first receiving pattern parts 231 and the multiple second receiving pattern parts 233 may be formed of the same material. For example, the multiple first receiving pattern parts 231 and the multiple second receiving pattern parts 233 may be formed of a metal mesh. The metal mesh is patterned according to the shapes of the multiple first receiving pattern parts 231 and the multiple second receiving pattern parts 233, thereby forming the multiple receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, and RX2.

[0185] A bridge for electrically connecting the second driving pattern units 213 of each driving electrode TX0, TX1, TX2 and a bridge for electrically connecting the first and second receiving pattern units 231, 233 of each receiving electrode RX0, RX1, RX2 may be formed on a layer different from the layer on which the first and second driving pattern units 211, 213, the connecting pattern 215, and the first and second receiving pattern units 231, 233 are formed.

[0186] The sensor unit 200 shown in Fig. 19 may be driven in any one of a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus sensing mode, as shown in Figs. 5 to 9, under the control of the controller 500. In particular, in the touch sensing mode, the controller 500 controls the touch driving signals to be applied to ATX1, ATX2, and ATX3, and may receive touch receiving signals from ARX1, ARX2, and ARX3 to sense a touch position. In the antenna driving mode, the controller 500 may apply pen driving signals to DTX1, DTX2, and DTX3, or may apply pen driving signals to DRX1, DRX2, and DRX3. In the stylus sensing mode, the controller 500 may receive pen receiving signals from ATX1, ATX2, and ATX3, and may sense a position of a stylus pen.

[0187] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a portion of a sensor unit 200' according to still another embodiment that can replace the sensor unit 100 of FIG.

[0188] The sensor unit 200' of Fig. 20 includes a number of driving electrodes TX0', TX1', TX2', ... and a number of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, .... Here, the number of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, ... are the same as the number of receiving electrodes RX0, RX1, RX2, ... shown in Fig. 10, and the number of driving electrodes TX0', TX1', TX2', ... are the same as the third and fourth patterns 103 and 104 shown in Fig. 4. Although not shown in the drawing, the opposite case is also possible.

[0189] The sensor unit 200' in Fig. 20 can further reduce the number of bridges compared to the sensor unit 200 in Fig. 19. This is due to the shapes of the many driving electrodes TX0', TX1', TX2', . . .

[0190] The sensor unit 200' shown in Fig. 20 may be driven in any one of a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus sensing mode, as shown in Figs. 5 to 9, under the control of the controller 500. In particular, in the touch sensing mode, the controller 500 controls the touch driving signals to be applied to ATX1, ATX2, and ATX3, and may receive touch receiving signals from ARX1, ARX2, and ARX3 to sense a touch position. In the antenna driving mode, the controller 500 may apply pen driving signals to DTX1, DTX2, and DTX3, or may apply pen driving signals to DRX1, DRX2, and DRX3. In the stylus sensing mode, the controller 500 may receive pen receiving signals from ATX1, ATX2, and ATX3 and ARX1, ARX2, and ARX3 to sense a position of a stylus pen.

[0191] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0192] 21, the structures of the main pattern portions of first to fourth pattern portions 101', 102', 103', and 104' are different from those of FIG.

[0193] In FIG. 21, the outer contour of the second pattern portion 102' or the fourth pattern portion 104' is formed with a concave-convex structure, and the opening of the first pattern portion 101' or the fourth pattern portion 104' has a shape corresponding to the outer contour structure of the second pattern portion 102' or the fourth pattern portion 104'.

[0194] This structure has an advantage that the mutual capacitance Cm value between the first pattern unit 101' and the second pattern unit 102' in the same layer can be improved, and the mutual capacitance Cm value between the third pattern unit 103' and the fourth pattern unit 104' in the same layer can be improved. The higher the mutual capacitance Cm is, the higher the voltage value output from the sensing circuit unit of the control unit 500 in the stylus sensing mode can be. Therefore, the stylus sensing sensitivity can be improved.

[0195] Here, the modified example shown in FIG. 21 can be applied to FIGS. 19 and 20 as it is.

[0196] FIG. 22 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0197] The sensor unit 100 ″ shown in FIG. 22 further includes a plurality of fifth pattern portions 105 and a plurality of sixth pattern portions 106 , compared to the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0198] The fifth patterns 105 are formed in the same layer (2 nd The electrodes are arranged in a multi-layer configuration along the first and second directions.

[0199] Each fifth pattern 105 is a layer of another layer ( st The fifth pattern 105 includes a shape that corresponds to and overlaps a part of the main pattern portion of the third pattern 103 arranged in another layer (1 st The second pattern 104 is electrically connected to the fourth pattern 104 disposed on the second layer through a via.

[0200] The fifth patterns 105 may form a mutual capacitance Cm in a vertical direction with the third patterns 103. In addition, since the fifth pattern 105 is electrically connected to the fourth pattern 104 inside the third pattern 103, the third pattern 103 may form a mutual capacitance Cm not only with the fourth pattern 104 but also with the fifth pattern 105.

[0201] The sixth pattern portions 106 are formed in the same layer (first layer) as the third pattern portions 103. st The electrodes are arranged in a multi-layer configuration along the first and second directions.

[0202] Each sixth pattern portion 106 is a layer including the other layers (2 nd The sixth pattern portion 106 corresponds to a part of the main pattern portion of the first pattern 101 arranged on another layer (2 nd The second pattern 102 disposed on the second insulating layer 104 is electrically connected to the second pattern 102 through a via.

[0203] The sixth pattern portions 106 may form a mutual capacitance Cm in a vertical direction with the first patterns 101. In addition, since the sixth pattern portion 106 is electrically connected to the second pattern 102 inside the first pattern 101, the first pattern 101 may form a mutual capacitance Cm not only with the second pattern 102 but also with the sixth pattern 105.

[0204] 22 has an advantage that the first pattern 101 can form mutual capacitance not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction, and the third pattern 103 can form mutual capacitance not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the stylus sensing mode, the voltage value output from the sensing circuit unit of the control unit 500 can be increased, thereby improving the stylus sensing sensitivity.

[0205] FIG. 23 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit 100 in FIG.

[0206] In the sensor unit 100''' shown in FIG. 23, a portion of a second pattern 102' is disposed on a different layer from the remaining portion of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, the second pattern 102' includes a plurality of main pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion connecting two adjacent main pattern portions among the plurality of main pattern portions, and the plurality of main pattern portions of the second pattern 102' are disposed on a different layer from the plurality of connecting pattern portions of the second pattern 102'. The plurality of main pattern portions of the second pattern 102' are disposed on the same layer as the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104, and the plurality of connecting pattern portions of the second pattern 102' are disposed on the same layer as the first pattern 101, as in FIG. 4.

[0207] 23 may be driven by the control unit 500 in a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, or a stylus pen sensing mode, similar to the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0208] FIG. 24 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit 100 in FIG.

[0209] Compared to the sensor unit 100''' shown in FIG. 23, the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 24 has a part of a fourth pattern 104' arranged on a different layer from the remaining part. Specifically, the fourth pattern 104' includes a plurality of main pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion connecting two adjacent main pattern portions among the plurality of main pattern portions, and the plurality of main pattern portions of the fourth pattern 104' are arranged on a different layer from the plurality of connecting pattern portions of the fourth pattern 104'. The plurality of main pattern portions of the fourth pattern 104' are arranged on the same layer as the first pattern 101, and the plurality of connecting pattern portions of the fourth pattern 104' are arranged on the same layer as the plurality of main pattern portions of the second pattern 102' and the third pattern 103.

[0210] 24, first pattern 101, a number of connecting pattern portions of second pattern 102', and a number of main pattern portions of fourth pattern 104' are arranged on a first layer, and third pattern 103, a number of connecting pattern portions of fourth pattern 104', and a number of main pattern portions of second pattern 102' are arranged on a second layer. Here, the first layer and the second layer are different layers, and one may be arranged above the other in a different positional relationship.

[0211] 24 may be driven by the control unit 500 in a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, or a stylus pen sensing mode, similar to the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0212] FIG. 25 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0213] The sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 25 is a modified version of the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 24. Compared to the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 24, the sensor unit 100'''''' shown in FIG. 25 has a different second pattern 102'' and a fourth pattern 104''.

[0214] Specifically, the second pattern 102'' includes a plurality of main pattern portions 102a'' and a plurality of connecting pattern portions 102b', and the size of the main pattern portion 102a'' is larger than that of the main pattern portion of the second pattern 102' of the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 24. The size and shape of the main pattern portion 102a'' may correspond to those of the main pattern portion of the first pattern 101.

[0215] In addition, the fourth pattern 104'' includes a plurality of main pattern portions 104a'' and a plurality of connecting pattern portions 104b', with the main pattern portion 104a'' being larger than the main pattern portion of the fourth pattern 104' of the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 24. The main pattern portion 104a'' may have a size and shape corresponding to the main pattern portion of the third pattern 103.

[0216] 24, the main pattern portion 102a'' of the second pattern 102'' is larger than the main pattern portion of the second pattern 102' of FIG. 24, and therefore the corresponding area with the first pattern 101 is wider, thereby further improving the mutual capacitance Cm between the second pattern 102'' and the first pattern 101. Therefore, the stylus sensing sensitivity can be further improved in the stylus sensing mode.

[0217] In addition, since the main pattern portion 104a'' of the fourth pattern 104'' is larger than the main pattern portion of the fourth pattern 104' of Fig. 24, the corresponding area with the third pattern 103 is increased, thereby further improving the mutual capacitance Cm between the fourth pattern 104'' and the third pattern 104. Therefore, the stylus sensing sensitivity in the stylus sensing mode can be further improved.

[0218] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0219] 26. In comparison with the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4, the other ends of the plurality of second patterns 102 and the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns 104 in the sensor unit 100'''''' shown in FIG. 26 are electrically connected to each other.

[0220] In this configuration, when the sensor unit 100' is operated in a stylus sensing mode, one fourth pattern 104 is electrically connected to not only another fourth pattern but also a plurality of second patterns 102, which has the advantage of further reducing impedance.

[0221] The sensor unit 100 shown in Fig. 4 can implement an antenna driving mode and a stylus sensing mode in various ways, which will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 27.

[0222] 27(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining various methods for operating the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 in an antenna driving mode (driving) and a stylus sensing mode (receiving).

[0223] FIG. 27(a) is a diagram showing conductive traces connected to the first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 of the sensor unit 100 of FIG. 4, and FIG. 27(b) is a table for explaining how to operate the sensor unit shown in FIG. 27(a) in antenna driving mode (driving) and stylus sensing mode (receiving).

[0224] In FIG. 27(a), a first pattern 101 corresponds to ATX, a second pattern 102 corresponds to DTX, a third pattern 103 corresponds to ARX, and a fourth pattern 104 corresponds to DRX.

[0225] Referring to (b) of FIG. 27, in the first embodiment, DTX or / and DRX are used in the antenna driving mode, and ATX and ARX are used in the stylus sensing mode. In the second embodiment, DTX or / and DRX are used in the antenna driving mode, and DTX and DRX are used in the stylus sensing mode. In the third embodiment, ATX or / and ARX are used in the antenna driving mode, and ATX and ARX are used in the stylus sensing mode. In the fourth embodiment, ATX or / and ARX are used in the antenna driving mode, and DTX and DRX are used in the stylus sensing mode. In the fifth embodiment, ATX or / and DRX are used in the antenna driving mode, and ATX and ARX are used in the stylus sensing mode. In the sixth embodiment, ATX or / and DRX are used in the antenna driving mode, and DTX and DRX are used in the stylus sensing mode. In the seventh embodiment, DTX or / and ARX are used in the antenna driving mode, and ATX and ARX are used in the stylus sensing mode. In the eighth embodiment, DTX or / and ARX are used in the antenna driving mode, and DTX and DRX are used in the stylus sensing mode.

[0226] 4 is used in an antenna driving mode, only one of the first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 may be used, only one of the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 may be used, or one of the first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 and one of the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 may be used together. On the other hand, when the sensor unit 100 of FIG. 4 is used in a stylus sensing mode, one of the first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 and one of the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 may be used together.

[0227] Meanwhile, the various driving methods shown in FIG. 27(b) can also be applied to the sensor units shown in FIGS. 10, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26.

[0228] FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining another example of operating the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 in the antenna driving mode.

[0229] In FIG. 6, when the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 is operated in antenna driving mode, only a number of second patterns 102 are used, but in FIG. 28, not only a number of second patterns 102 but also a number of fourth patterns 104 are used in the antenna driving mode.

[0230] The control unit 500 may control the pen driving signal to be applied to both the second patterns 102 and the fourth patterns 104, or may control the pen driving signal to be applied to the second patterns 102 and then to the fourth patterns 104. The opposite case is also possible.

[0231] FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining yet another example in which the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 is operated in the antenna driving mode.

[0232] In FIG. 6, when the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 is operated in antenna driving mode, only a number of second patterns 102 are used, whereas in FIG. 29, a number of first patterns 101 and a number of third patterns 103 are used together in antenna driving mode.

[0233] The control unit 500 may control the pen driving signal to be applied to both the first patterns 101 and the third patterns 103, or may control the pen driving signal to be applied to the first patterns 101 and then to the third patterns 103. The opposite case is also possible.

[0234] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating another example of operating the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 in a stylus sensing mode.

[0235] In FIG. 8, when the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 is operated in a stylus sensing mode, a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality of third patterns 103 are used, whereas in FIG. 30, a plurality of second patterns 102 and a plurality of fourth patterns 104 are used together in the stylus sensing mode.

[0236] In the stylus sensing mode, the controller 500 may detect the position of the stylus pen by sensing pen reception signals received from the second patterns 102 and the fourth patterns 104 .

[0237] FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining yet another example in which the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 is operated in a stylus sensing mode.

[0238] In FIG. 30, when the sensor unit 100 is operated in the stylus sensing mode, a plurality of second patterns 102 and a plurality of fourth patterns 104 are used, whereas in FIG. 31, when the sensor unit 100 is operated in the stylus sensing mode, a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality of second patterns 102 are both used.

[0239] In the stylus sensing mode, the controller 500 may detect the position of the stylus pen by sensing pen reception signals received from the first patterns 101 and the third patterns 103 .

[0240] FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining yet another example in which the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 is operated in a stylus sensing mode.

[0241] In FIG. 8, when the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 is operated in a stylus sensing mode, a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality of third patterns 103 are used, whereas in FIG. 32, a plurality of second patterns 102 and a plurality of third patterns 103 are both used in the stylus sensing mode.

[0242] In the stylus sensing mode, the control unit 500 can detect the position of the stylus pen by detecting pen reception signals received from the plurality of second patterns 102 and the plurality of third patterns 103. In addition, in the stylus sensing mode, the control unit 500 can detect the position of the stylus pen by detecting pen reception signals received from the plurality of first patterns 101 and the plurality of fourth patterns 104.

[0243] FIG. 33 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0244] The sensor unit 100''''''' shown in Figure 33 differs from the sensor unit 100 shown in Figure 4 in that it has a second pattern 102' and a fourth pattern 104', further includes a plurality of fifth patterns 105' and a plurality of sixth patterns 106', and further includes a capacitor cap electrically connected to the fifth patterns 105' and the sixth patterns 106'. As the remaining configuration is the same, the remaining parts will be described in detail below.

[0245] The second pattern 102' may be a bar pattern disposed inside the first pattern 101 and extending in the second direction. Here, the second pattern 102' may have a constant width. The second pattern 102' may be formed in the same layer (two layers) as the first pattern 101. nd layer).

[0246] The fourth pattern 104' may be a bar pattern disposed inside the third pattern 103 and extending in the first direction. Here, the fourth pattern 104' may have a constant width. The fourth pattern 104' may be disposed in the same layer (first layer) as the third pattern 103. st layer).

[0247] The fifth patterns 105' are formed in the same layer (2) as the first patterns 101. nd The plurality of fifth patterns 105' may be arranged between the plurality of first patterns 101 in a multi-layer arrangement along the first and second directions.

[0248] Each fifth pattern 105' is formed on the other layer (1 st The fifth pattern 105′ includes a shape that corresponds to and overlaps with the main pattern portion of the third pattern 103 arranged in another layer (1 st The second pattern 104' is electrically connected to the fourth pattern 104' disposed in the second layer through a via.

[0249] The fifth pattern 105' electrically connected to one of the fourth patterns 104' among the fifth patterns 105' is arranged along the second direction. Here, a predetermined capacitor cap is connected to the fifth pattern 105' arranged at the other edge among the fifth patterns 105' arranged along the second direction. The capacitor cap may be grounded. Here, the fifth pattern 105' arranged at the other edge among the fifth patterns 105' arranged along the second direction means a pattern electrically connected farthest from the control unit 500 shown in FIG. 4. Although not shown in a separate drawing, the capacitor cap may be connected between the fifth pattern 105' and an ELVSS of a display panel (not shown). Also, the capacitor cap has one end connected to the fifth pattern 105' and the other end connected to another layer (104') on which the third pattern 103, the fourth pattern 104', and the sixth pattern 106' are arranged. st layer).

[0250] The fifth patterns 105' may form a mutual capacitance Cm in a vertical direction with the third patterns 103. Also, since the fifth pattern 105' is electrically connected to the fourth pattern 104' inside the third pattern 103, the third pattern 103 may form a mutual capacitance Cm not only with the fourth pattern 104' but also with the fifth pattern 105'.

[0251] The sixth patterns 106' are formed in the same layer as the third patterns 103. stThe sixth patterns 106′ may be arranged in a multiplicity between the third patterns 103 in the first and second directions.

[0252] Each sixth pattern 106' is formed by forming a layer nd The sixth pattern 106' corresponds to the main pattern portion of the first pattern 101 arranged in another layer (2 nd The second pattern 102' is electrically connected to the second pattern 102' disposed on the second layer through a via.

[0253] The sixth patterns 106' electrically connected to one of the second patterns 102' among the sixth patterns 106' are arranged in a first direction. Here, a certain capacitor cap is connected to the sixth pattern 106' arranged at the other edge of the sixth patterns 106' arranged in the first direction. The capacitor cap may be grounded. Here, the sixth pattern 106' arranged at the other edge of the sixth patterns 106' arranged in the first direction means a pattern electrically connected farthest from the control unit 500 shown in FIG. 4. Although not shown in a separate drawing, the capacitor cap may be connected between the sixth pattern 106' and an ELVSS of a display panel (not shown). Also, the capacitor cap has one end connected to the sixth pattern 106' and the other end connected to another layer (second layer) on which the first pattern 101, the second pattern 102', and the fifth pattern 105' are arranged. nd layer).

[0254] The sixth patterns 106' may form a mutual capacitance Cm in a vertical direction with the first patterns 101. In addition, the sixth patterns 106' are electrically connected to the second patterns 102' inside the first patterns 101, so that the first patterns 101 can form a mutual capacitance Cm not only with the second patterns 102' but also with the sixth patterns 106'.

[0255] 33 has an advantage that mutual capacitance can be formed in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction of the first pattern 101, and mutual capacitance can be formed in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction of the third pattern 103. Therefore, in the stylus sensing mode, the voltage value output from the sensing circuit unit of the control unit 500 can be increased, thereby improving the stylus sensing sensitivity.

[0256] In addition, unlike the second pattern 102 and the fourth pattern 104 of the sensor unit 100 of Figure 4, the second pattern 102' and the fourth pattern 104' do not have a diamond-shaped main pattern portion, and therefore have the advantage that when a display panel is positioned under the sensor unit 100'''''''', visibility can be further improved compared to the sensor unit 100 of Figure 4.

[0257] FIG. 34 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0258] In the case of the sensor unit 100 of Fig. 4, when the stylus pen 50 is positioned on the right edge (or the left edge) of the sensor unit 100, it may be difficult for the stylus pen 50 to provide a sufficient magnetic field signal, and a problem may occur in which the signal emitted from the stylus pen 50 cannot be large enough. To solve this problem, the sensor unit 100'''''''' shown in Fig. 34 further includes a first trace t1 and a second trace t2 in addition to the sensor unit 100 shown in Fig. 4.

[0259] The first trace t1 and the second trace t2 are directly connected to a conductive trace to electrically connecting the other ends of the multiple second patterns 102, and are arranged in a non-active area outside the active area tp (or touch area) of the touch input device. Here, at least a part of the conductive trace to may also be arranged outside the active area tp. The active area tp means an area that may be directly touched by an object, such as a finger or a stylus pen 50, and a non-active area is arranged around the active area tp. The non-active area may be, for example, a bezel area.

[0260] Specifically, the first trace t1 may be disposed in a non-active area outside the active area tp, one end of which may be directly connected to the conductive trace to, and the other end of which may be connected to the driving circuit unit of the control unit 500 via a switch sw in any one of a touch driving mode, a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus sensing mode.

[0261] The second trace t2 is disposed in a non-active area outside the active area tp, and one end may be directly connected to the conductive trace to, and the other end may be connected to the drive circuit section of the control section 500 via a switch sw when in the antenna drive mode.

[0262] The first trace t1 may be disposed in a non-active area surrounding one of the left and right sides of the active area tp, and the second trace t2 may be disposed in a non-active area surrounding the other side of the active area tp.

[0263] The first trace t1 and the second trace t2 can provide a sufficient magnetic field signal to the stylus pen 50 even if the stylus pen 50 is located at one edge of the active area tp when the sensor unit 100'''''''' is driven in the same antenna driving mode as in FIG. 6. Therefore, in the touch input device including the sensor unit 100'''''''' shown in FIG. 34, the stylus pen 50 can receive a sufficient magnetic field signal and emit a sufficient signal no matter where the stylus pen 50 is located in the active area tp.

[0264] Each of the first and second traces t1 and t2 of the sensor unit 100'''''''' shown in FIG. 34 corresponds to one channel in FIG. 7, and the driving method such as (a) to (c) of FIG. 7 may be applied as is.

[0265] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the fifth pattern 105 shown in FIG.

[0266] Referring to FIG. 35, the fifth pattern 105' is disposed on a layer different from the layer on which the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 are disposed.

[0267] The fifth pattern 105' may have a shape corresponding to the third pattern 103. For example, the fifth pattern 105' may have a diamond shape with a diamond-shaped opening therein.

[0268] A portion of the fifth pattern 105' may be arranged so as to overlap with the third pattern 103 in the vertical direction, and another portion may be arranged so as to overlap with the fourth pattern 104 in the vertical direction. For example, an outer edge portion of the fifth pattern 105' may be overlapped with an inner edge portion of the third pattern 103 arranged in another layer. An inner edge portion of the fifth pattern 105' may be overlapped with an outer edge portion of the fourth pattern 104 arranged in another layer.

[0269] The fifth pattern 105′ is electrically connected to the fourth pattern 104 disposed in another layer through conductive vias v. Here, the number of vias v may be multiple and may be disposed on the outer edge portion of the fourth pattern 104.

[0270] The fifth pattern 105' may form a mutual capacitance Cm in the vertical direction with the third pattern 103 disposed in another layer. Also, since the fifth pattern 105' is electrically connected to the fourth pattern 104 inside the third pattern 103 through the via v, the third pattern 103 may form a mutual capacitance Cc_tx not only with the fourth pattern 104 disposed in the same layer, but also with the fifth pattern 105' disposed in another layer.

[0271] Although not shown in a separate drawing, the sixth pattern portion 106 shown in FIG. 22 may have the same shape as the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIG. 35. In this case, the outer edge portion of the sixth pattern (not shown) may overlap with the inner edge portion of the first pattern 101 arranged in another layer, and the inner edge portion of the sixth pattern (not shown) may overlap with the outer edge portion of the second pattern 102 arranged in another layer. The sixth pattern (not shown) may be electrically connected to the second pattern 102 arranged in another layer through a conductive via. Similarly, such a sixth pattern (not shown) may also form a mutual capacitance in a vertical direction with the first pattern 101, and since the sixth pattern (not shown) is electrically connected to the second pattern 102 inside the first pattern 101, the first pattern 101 can eventually form a mutual capacitance Cm not only with the second pattern 102 but also with the sixth pattern (not shown).

[0272] 35 can form mutual capacitance not only in the horizontal direction of the third pattern 103 but also in the vertical direction, and the sensor unit including the modified sixth pattern (not shown) can also form mutual capacitance not only in the horizontal direction of the first pattern 101 but also in the vertical direction. Therefore, the voltage value output from the sensing circuit unit of the control unit in the stylus sensing mode can be increased, thereby improving the stylus sensing sensitivity.

[0273] FIG. 36 is a modification of FIG.

[0274] FIG. 35 shows the fifth pattern 105' disposed below the third and fourth patterns 103, 104, while FIG. 36 shows the opposite, the fifth pattern 105' disposed above the third and fourth patterns 103, 104.

[0275] The structure of the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 may be applied to the sensor units according to the various embodiments described above.

[0276] FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIG.

[0277] 37, a fifth pattern 105'' has the same shape and position as the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIG. 35. The fifth pattern 105'' differs from the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIG. 35 in that the fifth pattern 105'' is electrically connected to the third pattern 103 arranged in another layer through a conductive via v. The via v is arranged at the inner edge portion of the third pattern 103.

[0278] Since the fifth pattern 105'' is electrically connected to the third pattern 103 arranged in another layer, the fourth pattern 104 can form a mutual capacitance Cc_Tx with the fifth pattern 105'' in the vertical direction.

[0279] The sensor portion including the modified fifth pattern 105'' shown in FIG. 37 also has the advantage that mutual capacitance can be formed not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction.

[0280] FIG. 38 is a modification of FIG.

[0281] FIG. 37 shows the fifth pattern 105'' disposed below the third and fourth patterns 103, 104, while FIG. 38 shows the opposite, the fifth pattern 105'' disposed above the third and fourth patterns 103, 104.

[0282] The structure of the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIGS. 37 to 38 may be applied to the sensor units according to the various embodiments described above.

[0283] 39 and 40 are diagrams for explaining modified examples of the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 in the sensor unit as shown in FIG. 23 or 24. In FIG.

[0284] 39 and 40, the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 according to the modified example are arranged on different layers, and a part of the third pattern 103 and a part of the fourth pattern 104 are arranged to overlap in the up-down direction (or vertical direction). For example, the inner edge part of the third pattern 103 may be arranged to overlap in the vertical direction with the outer edge part of the fourth pattern 104. In FIG. 39, the third pattern 103 is arranged above the fourth pattern 104, and in FIG. 40, the third pattern 103 is arranged below the fourth pattern 104.

[0285] The sensor unit including the third and fourth patterns 103 and 104 shown in Figures 39 and 40 may form a mutual capacitance Cc_Tx in the vertical direction rather than the horizontal direction. Although not shown in a separate drawing, the first and second patterns 101 and 102 shown in Figures 23 and 24 may also have the structure shown in Figures 39 and 40.

[0286] The modified structures shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 may be applied to the sensor units according to the various embodiments described above.

[0287] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above embodiments are included in one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified in other embodiments by a person having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the embodiment belongs. Therefore, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0288] In addition, although the above description has focused on the embodiment, this is merely an example and does not limit the present invention. A person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiment can be modified and implemented. Differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sensor unit and a control unit that controls the sensor unit, The sensor unit includes: A first pattern extending along a first direction; a second pattern disposed adjacent to the first pattern and extending along the first direction; a third pattern extending along a second direction different from the first direction; a fourth pattern disposed adjacent to the third pattern and extending along the second direction, The first and second patterns are arranged in a plurality of patterns along the second direction, The third and fourth patterns are arranged in a large number along the first direction, One end of each of the first and third patterns is electrically connected to the control unit and the other end is electrically open; the other ends of the second patterns are electrically connected to each other; the other ends of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, the multiple first patterns and the multiple second patterns have a one-to-one correspondence; The plurality of third patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns have a one-to-one correspondence.

2. The first pattern includes patterns 1a and 1b arranged alternately along a first direction; The 1a patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the 1b patterns are electrically connected to each other. The touch input device of claim 1 .

3. The first pattern is disposed in the same layer as the third pattern. The touch input device of claim 1 .

4. The first pattern is disposed in the same layer as the second pattern, The third pattern is disposed in a layer different from that of the first pattern and in the same layer as that of the fourth pattern. The touch input device of claim 1 .

5. A fifth pattern arranged in the same layer as the first pattern, arranged to overlap a part of the third pattern in a shape corresponding to the third pattern, and electrically connected to the fourth pattern; a sixth pattern disposed in the same layer as the third pattern, overlapping a part of the first pattern in a shape corresponding to the first pattern, and electrically connected to the second pattern; The fifth and sixth patterns are arranged in a large number along the first and second directions. The touch input device of claim 4.

6. A sensor unit and a control unit that controls the sensor unit, The sensor unit includes: A first pattern extending along a first direction; a second pattern disposed adjacent to the first pattern and extending along the first direction; a third pattern extending along a second direction different from the first direction; a fourth pattern disposed adjacent to the third pattern and extending along the second direction, The first and second patterns are arranged in a plurality of patterns along the second direction, The third and fourth patterns are arranged in a large number along the first direction, One end of each of the first and third patterns is electrically connected to the control unit and the other end is electrically open; the other ends of the second patterns are electrically connected to each other; the other ends of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, the multiple first patterns and the multiple second patterns have a one-to-one correspondence; the plurality of third patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns correspond one-to-one to each other; the first through fourth patterns are disposed within an active region; The sensor portion includes one or more traces having one end connected to the control portion and another end connected to the other ends of the plurality of second patterns, the traces being disposed in a non-active area outside the active area.

7. A sensor unit and a control unit that controls the sensor unit, The sensor unit includes: a first pattern extending along a first direction and having an opening formed therein; a second pattern disposed adjacent to the first pattern, extending along the first direction, and disposed in an opening of the first pattern; a third pattern extending along a second direction different from the first direction and having an opening formed therein; and a fourth pattern disposed adjacent to the third pattern, extending along the second direction, and disposed in an opening of the third pattern; Including, The first and second patterns are arranged in a plurality of patterns along the second direction, The third and fourth patterns are arranged in a large number along the first direction, one end of each of the first and third patterns is electrically connected to the control unit and the other end is electrically open; the multiple first patterns and the multiple second patterns have a one-to-one correspondence; the plurality of third patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns correspond one-to-one to each other; the other ends of the second patterns are connected to a capacitor; The other ends of the fourth patterns are coupled to a capacitor.

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