Touch input device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

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

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

[0005] Based on the major axis of a conventional flexible display panel, the resistance R of a Metal Mesh touch sensor is about 1.2 k (ohm), and the capacitor C is about 250 pF.

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

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

[0008] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the output voltage of the CVA differs depending on the position of the pen 10 on the sensing line. That is, the closer the pen 10 is to the sensing circuit unit 50 side, the greater the output voltage of the CVA, and the farther away from the sensing circuit unit 50 side, the smaller the output voltage of the CVA.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a multifunctional touch input device capable of detecting a touch position, driving a stylus pen, and detecting the position of the stylus pen.

[0010] Also, to provide a touch input device capable of removing noise during touch position detection and improving touch position sensing sensitivity.

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0012] A touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a control unit electrically connected to the sensor unit. The sensor unit includes first to fourth patterns arranged together in the same layer. The first pattern has openings arranged in a large number along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and the second pattern is arranged inside the openings. The second pattern has an opening in which the third pattern is arranged. The third pattern has an opening in which the fourth pattern is arranged. The plurality of first patterns include a first odd pattern and a first even pattern arranged alternately along the first direction. The first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and the first even patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other. Among the plurality of second patterns, the second patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other. The second pattern arranged at the other end of the second patterns arranged along the first direction is electrically connected to the second pattern arranged along the second direction. Among the plurality of third patterns, the third patterns arranged along the second direction are electrically connected to each other. Among the plurality of fourth patterns, the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction are electrically connected to each other. The fourth pattern arranged at the other end of the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction is electrically connected to the fourth pattern arranged along the first direction.

[0013] A touch input device according to still another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a control unit electrically connected to the sensor unit. The sensor unit includes first to fourth patterns arranged together in the same layer. The first pattern has openings in which the second pattern is arranged, and is arranged in a large number along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other. The third pattern has a shape extending along the second direction, is arranged so as to surround the first pattern arranged along the second direction, and has an opening in which the fourth pattern is arranged. The plurality of first patterns include a first odd pattern and a first even pattern arranged alternately along the first direction. The first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and the first even patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other. Among the plurality of second patterns, the second patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other. The second pattern arranged at the other end of the second patterns arranged along the first direction is electrically connected to the second pattern arranged along the second direction. The other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other.

[0014] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a touch input device includes a sensor unit and a control unit electrically connected to the sensor unit. The sensor unit includes first to second patterns disposed together on a first layer, and third and fourth patterns disposed together on a second layer spaced apart from the first layer. The first pattern has openings arranged in a number along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, with the second pattern disposed inside. The third pattern has a shape extending along the second direction and has an opening with the fourth pattern disposed inside. The plurality of first patterns include a first odd pattern and a first even pattern alternately arranged along the first direction. The first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and the first even patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other. Among the plurality of second patterns arranged along the first direction, the second patterns are electrically connected to each other. The second pattern disposed at the other end among the second patterns arranged along the first direction is electrically connected to the second pattern arranged along the second direction. The other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] By using the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, there is an advantage that a touch position can be detected, a stylus pen can be driven, and the position of the stylus pen can be detected.

[0016] Also, there is an advantage that noise can be removed during touch position detection to improve touch position sensing sensitivity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

[0018]

Figure 2

[0019]

Figure 3

[0020]

Figure 4

[0021]

Figure 5

[0022]

Figure 6

[0023]

Figure 7

[0024]

Figure 8

[0025]

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

[0026]

Figure 12

[0027]

Figure 13

[0028]

Figure 14

[0029]

Figure 15

[0030]

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] The detailed description of the present invention that follows refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention are different from each other, but are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, the specific shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein may be embodied in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in relation to one embodiment. Also, it is to be understood that the position or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims together with all ranges equivalent to what the claims claim, provided that the claims are properly explained. Like reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or similar functions throughout the various aspects.

[0032] Touch input devices according to various embodiments of the present document may be touch input devices such as ordinary smartphones as electronic devices, may have a rectangular screen that is relatively larger than the screen of an ordinary smartphone, and may be touch input devices having a diagonal length between about 10 inches and 13 inches. For example, it may include at least one of a folder-type smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a vehicle display device, an e-book reader, a laptop personal computer, and a netbook computer.

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

[0034] Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

[0036] The touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be a portrait type touch input device. Such a portrait type touch input device has a width smaller than its height, and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the sensor unit 100 is disposed below the sensor unit 100. For example, it corresponds to the shape of a smartphone.

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

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

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

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

[0041] Two conductive patterns may be connected to the first pattern 101. One conductive pattern may be the electrical path of the first touch sensing receiving channel FRX_E, and the other conductive pattern may be the electrical path of the second touch sensing receiving channel FRX_O. One conductive pattern is electrically connected to the first odd pattern included in the first pattern 101, and the other conductive pattern is electrically connected to the first even pattern included in the first pattern 101. The first odd pattern and the first even pattern shall be described as shown in FIGS. 8 to 16. On the other hand, the two conductive patterns may be the electrical path of the stylus sensing channel SRX.

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

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

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

[0045] The third and fourth patterns 103 and 104 are arranged on the first and second patterns 101 and 102 and are arranged at a predetermined interval from the first and second patterns 101 and 102. On the other hand, although not shown in a separate drawing, the first to fourth patterns may be arranged in the same layer.

[0046] A number of first patterns 101 are arranged along the second direction x, and a number of second patterns 102 are also arranged along the second direction x. A number of third patterns 103 are arranged along the first direction y, and a number of fourth patterns 104 are also arranged along the first direction y.

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

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

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

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

[0051] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, one ends of two or more adjacent second patterns 102 among the number of second patterns 102 may be electrically connected via a conductive pattern. With such a configuration, the number of channels of the number of second patterns 102 can be reduced to half the number of channels of the number of first patterns 101.

[0052] Referring again to FIG. 4, since a number of third patterns 103 are arranged along the first direction y, the number of the number of third patterns 103 is larger than the number of the number of first patterns 101. Therefore, the number of channels of the number of third patterns 103 is larger than the number of channels of the number of first patterns 101.

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

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

[0055] In the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device shown in FIG. 4 like this, the number of the number of first patterns 101 and the number of the number of third patterns 103 basically sense the touch of an object like a finger. For this purpose, the number of the number of first patterns 101 may operate as touch drive electrodes to which touch drive signals are applied, and the number of the number of third patterns 103 may operate as touch sensing electrodes (or touch receiving electrodes) to which touch sensing signals are received. Of course, it can also operate in the opposite way.

[0056] For the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device shown in FIG. 4 to drive and sense the stylus pen, a number of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, 104 may be used as various combinations. The various combinations are as shown in below. In below, "1" indicates a number of first patterns 101, "2" indicates a number of second patterns 102, "3" indicates a number of third patterns 103, and "4" indicates a number of fourth patterns 104.

[0057]

Table 1

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

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

[0060] Two of the plurality of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, 104 can operate on a sensing electrode that senses a stylus pen signal emitted from the stylus pen. To sense the stylus pen signal, since both X-axis sensing and Y-axis sensing are required, two of the plurality of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, 104 are used. The X-axis sensing may be any one of the plurality of first patterns 101 and the plurality of second patterns 102, and the Y-axis sensing may be any one of the plurality of third patterns 103 and the plurality of fourth patterns 104.

[0061] In the above , the "size of the uplink signal" means the size of the drive signal for driving the stylus pen. If the same stylus pen drive signal is applied to the plurality of first patterns 101 and the plurality of second patterns 102 respectively and the sizes of the signals received by the stylus pen are compared, when the stylus pen drive signal is applied to the plurality of second patterns 102, the uplink signal is relatively larger than when the stylus pen drive signal is applied to the plurality of first patterns 101.

[0062] Because, for the plurality of second patterns 102, the other ends are electrically connected, and at least one current loop is formed if two or more second patterns to which the stylus pen drive signal is applied are appropriately selected, but the other ends of the plurality of first patterns 101 are not electrically connected to each other and no current loop can be formed. When current flows through each first pattern 101, the RC of each first pattern 101 is charged, so the current does not flow well from one end to the other end of each first pattern 101. Also, the stylus pen drive signal applied through the plurality of first patterns 101 is transmitted to the plurality of second patterns 101 in which a current loop is formed through capacitive coupling, but at this time, signal attenuation occurs due to capacitive coupling.

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

[0064] In the above , the "downlink signal magnitude" means the magnitude of the stylus pen signal received from the stylus pen. When the same stylus pen signal is received through a large number of first patterns 101 and a large number of second patterns 102 respectively and the signal magnitudes are compared, when the stylus pen signal is received through a large number of second patterns 102, the downlink signal is relatively even larger than when the stylus pen signal is received through a large number of first patterns 101. The reason is that for a large number of second patterns 102, the other ends are electrically connected to form a current loop, while for a large number of first patterns 101, the other ends are not electrically connected to each other. In particular, since the stylus pen signal is transmitted from a large number of second patterns 101 where a current loop is formed through capacitive coupling to a large number of first patterns 101, at this time, attenuation of the downlink signal occurs.

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

[0066] In the above , the "stylus additional channel" means whether an additional channel for the stylus pen needs to be configured in addition to touch sensing. When a large number of second patterns 102 and / or a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used for driving and sensing the stylus pen, an additional channel is required (indicated as "yes" in ). On the contrary, when driving and sensing the stylus pen using a large number of first patterns 101 and / or third patterns 103 for touch sensing, an additional channel is not required (indicated as "no" in ).

[0067] Hereinafter, some examples among various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32) of the above will be described in detail below. Here, combinations not described will be sufficiently understandable to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description.

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

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

[0070] In No. 4, a number of first patterns 101 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object. A number of second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen while being used as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. A number of third patterns 103 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object. And a number of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal.

[0071] In the case of No.4, since a large number of second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large. Since a large number of second patterns 102 and a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large. And, since a large number of second patterns 102 are separately used as both stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and a large number of fourth patterns 104 are separately used as stylus sensing electrodes, separate additional channels for driving and sensing the stylus pen are required.

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

[0073] In the case of No.8, since a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large. Since a large number of second patterns 102 and a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large. And, since a large number of second patterns 102 are separately used as stylus sensing electrodes, and a large number of fourth patterns 104 are separately used as both stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, separate additional channels for driving and sensing the stylus pen are required.

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

[0075] In the case of No. 12, since a number of second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large. Since a number of second patterns 102 and a number of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large. And since a number of second patterns 102 are separately used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and a number of fourth patterns 104 are separately used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel for driving and sensing of the stylus pen is required.

[0076] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining No. 13 in Table 1 as a sensor unit 100'' which is a modification of the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

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

[0078] In the case of No. 13, since a number of first patterns 101 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small. Since a number of first patterns 101 and a number of third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small. And since a number of first patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes and a number of third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel for driving and sensing the stylus pen is not required.

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

[0080] In the case of No. 17, since a number of the third patterns 103 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small. Since a number of the first patterns 101 and a number of the third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small. And since a number of the first patterns 102 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, and a number of the third patterns 103 are used as both stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel for driving and sensing the stylus pen is not required.

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

[0082] In the case of No. 21, since a number of the first and third patterns 101, 103 are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small. Since a number of the first patterns 101 and a number of the third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small. And since a number of the first patterns 102 are used as both stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and a number of the third patterns 103 are used as both stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel for driving and sensing the stylus pen is not required.

[0083] Among the various combinations (Nos. 1 to 32) in above, Nos. 1, 5, 9, 25, and 29 have "driving" as "yes" and "sensing" as "no" in the column of "Stylus Additional Channel". The said Nos. 1, 5, 9, 25, and 29 use a number of first and third patterns 101, 103 to sense the stylus pen and a number of second and / or fourth patterns 102, 104 to drive the stylus pen. When driving the stylus pen, even when using a number of second and / or fourth patterns 102, 104, it may be somewhat difficult to form a magnetic field for resonating the stylus pen. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, one ends of two or more adjacent second patterns can be electrically connected. Similarly, one ends of two or more adjacent fourth patterns can be electrically connected. With such a configuration, there is an advantage that the additional channel for driving the stylus pen can be reduced.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sensor unit 100''' according to a modified example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. 4.

[0085] The sensor unit 100''' shown in FIG. 7 has differences in conductive patterns 102mu, 102mb for electrically connecting a number of second patterns 102 and conductive patterns 104ml, 104mr for electrically connecting a number of fourth patterns 104 as compared with the sensor unit 100'' shown in FIG. 6.

[0086] One ends of a number of second patterns 102 are electrically connected by the conductive pattern 102mb, and the other ends of the number of second patterns 102 are electrically connected by the conductive pattern 102mu. Therefore, the number of second patterns 102 can form a complete electrical loop.

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

[0088] Since the number of second patterns 102 and the number of fourth patterns 104 form a complete electrical loop, there is an advantage that the sensitivity of uplink signals and downlink signals can be further improved compared to FIG. 6.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] The touch input device shown in FIG. 8 may be an example in which the touch input device shown in FIG. 4 is embodied.

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

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

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

[0094] The first patterns 101a include a first odd pattern 101o and a first even pattern 101e. The number of first patterns 101a includes a number of first odd patterns 101o and a number of first even patterns 101e, and one first odd pattern 101o and one first even pattern 101e alternate with each other and are arranged along the first direction.

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

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

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

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

[0099] A number of first patterns 101a arranged along the first direction form the same electrical path as the first pattern 101 shown in FIG. 4. The number of first patterns 101a arranged along the first direction has two input / output channels (or terminals). One channel is a channel in which a number of first odd patterns 101o arranged along the first direction are electrically connected by a conductive pattern, and the remaining one channel is a channel in which a number of second even patterns 101e arranged along the first direction are electrically connected by a conductive pattern. The two channels may be electrically connected to the control unit 500 respectively.

[0100] The second pattern 102a is arranged at least one or more inside each of a number of first odd patterns 101o and a number of first even patterns 101e.

[0101] A number of second patterns 102a arranged along the first direction are electrically connected by a number of conductive patterns. Two second patterns adjacent to each other along the first direction may be electrically connected by one conductive pattern. Among a number of second patterns 102a arranged along the first direction, the second pattern arranged at one side end may be electrically connected to the control unit 500, and the second pattern 102a arranged at the other side end is electrically connected to a number of second patterns arranged along the second direction via the conductive pattern 102m. Through this, it may be configured in the same manner as the electrical connection path of the second pattern 102 shown in FIG. 4.

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

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

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

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

[0106] The third pattern 103a may have a structure surrounding the fourth pattern 104a. The third pattern 103a is arranged at a predetermined interval from the fourth pattern 104a. Through this, it is electrically insulated.

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

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

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

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

[0111] One end of a number of the fourth patterns 104a may be electrically open as shown in FIG. 8, or may be connected to the control unit 500 differently from FIG. 8. The other ends of a number of the fourth patterns 104a are electrically connected via the conductive pattern 104m. Here, the other ends electrically connected to each other may be grounded. If the other ends of a number of the fourth patterns 104a are electrically connected to each other, a capacitance for each fourth pattern 104a is added, so the overall impedance will decrease, and it may have an effect similar to when the other ends of a number of the fourth patterns 104a are grounded.

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

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

[0114] The control unit 500 may include a large number of drive circuit units and sensing circuit units.

[0115] The large number of drive circuit units may include a drive circuit unit for touch driving and a drive circuit unit for stylus driving.

[0116] The large number of sensing circuit units may include a sensing circuit unit for touch sensing and a sensing circuit unit for stylus sensing. Here, some of the large number of sensing circuit units can perform both touch sensing and stylus sensing.

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

[0118] The control unit 500 can electrically connect a large number of drive / sensing circuit units to the sensor unit 100a according to each mode. For this purpose, the control unit 500 may include a large number of switches for electrically connecting the large number of drive / sensing circuit units and the sensor unit 100a.

[0119] FIGS. 9 to 11 are drawings for explaining the use of the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8 as No. 1 in the above .

[0120] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the case where the touch input device shown in FIG. 8 operates in the touch drive / sensing mode (or, 2D sensing mode), FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the case where the touch input device shown in FIG. 8 operates in the antenna drive mode (or, stylus drive mode, or, stylus uplink mode), and FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the case where the touch input device shown in FIG. 8 operates in the stylus sensing mode (or, stylus downlink mode).

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

[0122] The control unit 500 can electrically connect the sensing circuit unit for touch sensing to a number of the first patterns 101a of the sensor unit 100a. Here, the number of the first patterns 101a arranged along the first direction includes a first odd pattern 101o and a second even pattern 101e, and the control unit 500 is electrically connected to each of the first odd pattern 101o arranged along the first direction and the second even pattern 101e arranged along the first direction.

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

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

[0125] So that capacitive coupling does not occur between the third pattern 103a and the fourth pattern 104a, the control unit 500 can control such that the same drive signal as that of the multiple third patterns 103a is applied to the multiple fourth patterns 104a. Or, the control unit 500 can also control such that a reference potential is applied to the multiple fourth patterns 104.

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

[0127] The control unit 500 can control the antenna drive signals output from the respective drive circuit units connected to the multiple second patterns 102a. For example, the control unit 500 controls such that a pulse signal of a predetermined frequency is output from the first drive circuit unit, controls such that no pulse signal is output from the second drive circuit unit, and can control such that a pulse signal opposite to the pulse signal output from the first drive circuit unit is output from the third drive circuit unit. In this case, a current loop is formed by at least one or more of the second patterns 102a electrically connected to the first drive circuit unit and at least one or more of the second patterns electrically connected to the third drive circuit unit. A magnetic field is generated by the formed current loop, and the proximity stylus pen can be resonated and driven by the magnetic field.

[0128] The control unit 500 can control such that pulse signals that are opposite to each other are output to any two or more drive circuit units among a number of drive circuit units electrically connected to a number of second patterns 102a. Therefore, the control unit 500 can variously change and set the magnitude and position of the current loop. For example, when the control unit 500 detects the position of a proximity stylus pen, it can control such that pulse signals that are opposite to each other are output from drive circuit units electrically connected to at least two second patterns around the position of the stylus pen. When the position of the stylus pen cannot be detected, it can also control such that pulse signals that are opposite to each other are output from drive circuit units electrically connected to two second patterns 102a located at the outermost edges on both sides among the number of second patterns 102a.

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

[0130] In the stylus sensing mode, if a stylus pen approaches an arbitrary position on the sensor unit 100a, an induced current is generated in a part of the first patterns 101a and a part of the third patterns 103a located around the stylus pen among the number of first patterns 101a and the number of third patterns 103a by a pen signal output from the stylus pen.

[0131] To explain the reason why a predetermined induced voltage is generated in some of the first patterns 101a located around the stylus pen, when the stylus pen approaches, due to the electromagnetic induction phenomenon caused by the pen signal emitted from the stylus pen, an induced current flows through some of the second patterns 102a located around the stylus pen. This is due to the fact that a large number of the second patterns 102a form a current loop. Then, due to the capacitive coupling between the first pattern 101a and the second pattern 102a, the induced current flowing through some of the second patterns 102a moves and flows into some of the first patterns 101a immediately adjacent to some of the second patterns 102a, and the induced voltage is generated.

[0132] Similarly, to explain the reason why a predetermined induced voltage is generated in some of the third patterns 103a located around the stylus pen, when the stylus pen approaches, due to the electromagnetic induction phenomenon caused by the pen signal emitted from the stylus pen, an induced current flows through some of the fourth patterns 104a located around the stylus pen. This is due to the fact that a large number of the fourth patterns 104a form a current loop. Then, due to the capacitive coupling between the third pattern 103a and the fourth pattern 104a, the induced current flowing through some of the fourth patterns 104a moves and flows into some of the third patterns 103a immediately adjacent to some of the fourth patterns 104a, and the induced voltage is generated.

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

[0134] In FIGS. 9 to 11, it shows that the touch position of the object was sensed using the sensor unit 100a of FIG. 8 by the method of No. 1 in the above , and the stylus pen was driven and sensed. However, the sensor unit 100a of FIG. 8 may be used by any one of the methods of No. 2 to No. 32 in the above .

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

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

[0137] Since the number of first and second patterns 101b, 102b has the same structure and arrangement form as the number of first and second patterns 101a, 102a of the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8, instead of the specific description above, the number of third and fourth patterns 103b, 104b will be described in detail below.

[0138] The third pattern 103b is arranged in a number along the first direction and the second direction. The third pattern 103b is arranged one by one on both sides with respect to one first pattern 101b. The third pattern 103b may be arranged one by one on both sides with the connection pattern portion of the first pattern 101b as the center.

[0139] The third pattern 103b has a shape of a rectangle, a polygon, a circle or an ellipse. The third pattern 103b has an opening in which one fourth pattern 104b is arranged inside. The third pattern 103b may be in a closed curve shape in which the opening is formed inside.

[0140] A number of third patterns 103b arranged along the second direction are electrically connected via conductive patterns. Two third patterns adjacent to each other along the second direction may be electrically connected by one conductive pattern. On the other hand, a number of third patterns 103b arranged along the first direction are not electrically connected to each other. A number of third patterns arranged along another second direction adjacent to the first direction side are also electrically connected via conductive patterns.

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

[0142] A number of fourth patterns 104b arranged along the second direction are electrically connected via conductive patterns. Two fourth patterns adjacent to each other along the second direction may be electrically connected by one conductive pattern. Among a number of fourth patterns 104b arranged along the second direction, the fourth pattern disposed at one side end may be electrically connected to the control unit shown in FIG. 8, and the fourth pattern 104b disposed at the other side end is electrically connected to a number of fourth patterns arranged along the first direction via a conductive pattern 104m. It may be configured in the same way as the electrical connection path of the fourth pattern 104 shown in FIG. 4 through this.

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

[0144] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a modified example of the sensor unit 100b shown in FIG. 12.

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

[0146] The difference between the sensor unit 100b' shown in FIG. 13 and the sensor unit 100b shown in FIG. 12 is a conductive pattern 101om that electrically connects two first odd patterns 101o adjacent to each other in the first direction and two first even patterns 101e adjacent to each other in the first pattern 101b.

[0147] The conductive pattern 101om is arranged to detour without intersecting the third and fourth patterns 103b, 104b. Also, the conductive pattern 101om may be arranged to intersect with a conductive pattern that electrically connects two adjacent third and fourth patterns 103b, 104b along the second direction.

[0148] In the sensor unit 100b of FIG. 12, the conductive pattern that electrically connects two first odd patterns 101o adjacent to each other in the first direction and two first even patterns 101e adjacent to each other has a shape in which the remaining part except both ends extends linearly in the first direction. Therefore, it comes to have a portion overlapping with the third and fourth patterns 103b and 104b. A predetermined capacitance may be formed between the conductive pattern and the third and fourth patterns 103b and 104b in the overlapping portion. The predetermined capacitance may affect touch sensing or stylus sensing sensitivity and can also affect the operating frequency bandwidth.

[0149] On the other hand, the conductive pattern 101om of FIG. 13 is arranged so as to bypass the third pattern 103b without overlapping with the third and fourth patterns 103b and 104b. Therefore, the above-described capacitance is not formed, and it has the advantages of being able to reduce the influence on touch sensing or stylus sensing sensitivity and also being able to reduce the influence on the operating frequency bandwidth.

[0150] On the other hand, since the conductive pattern of FIG. 12 is shorter in length than the conductive pattern 101om of FIG. 13, the resistance of the conductive pattern of FIG. 12 is further smaller than that of the conductive pattern 101om of FIG. 13.

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

[0152] Referring to FIG. 14, the sensor unit 100c includes a number of first to fourth patterns 101c, 102c, 103c, and 104c. The number of first to fourth patterns 101c, 102c, 103c, and 104c are arranged together in the same layer, identically to the sensor units 100b and 100b' shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0153] Since the structures and arrangements of the multiple third and fourth patterns 103c and 104c are the same as those of the multiple third and fourth patterns 103b and 104b of the sensor unit 100b shown in FIG. 12, instead of a specific description, the following will detail the multiple first and second patterns 101c and 102c in place of the above-described content.

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

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

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

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

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

[0159] The first pattern 101c includes a first odd pattern 101o arranged in odd numbers along the first direction and a first even pattern 101e arranged in even numbers along the first direction.

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

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

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

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

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

[0165] The sensor unit 100c shown in FIG. 14 can replace the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, the sensor unit 100c shown in FIG. 14 can also sense the touch position of an object and drive and sense a stylus pen in various ways described in the above . Specifically, if the sensor unit 100a shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 is replaced with the sensor unit 100c shown in FIG. 14, the touch input device having the sensor unit 100c and the control unit 500 shown in FIG. 14 can perform the same touch drive / sensing mode of FIG. 9, the antenna drive mode of FIG. 10, and the stylus sensing mode of FIG. 11 described above. Further, the sensor unit 100c in FIG. 14 may be used in any one of the methods No. 2 to No. 32 in the above .

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

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

[0168] The first pattern 101d is arranged in a number along the first direction and the second direction perpendicular to each other. Here, the first direction may be the long axis direction of the screen of the touch input device, and the second direction may be the short axis direction of the screen of the touch input device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0175] The second pattern 102d is arranged with at least one or more inside each of a number of first odd patterns 101o and a number of first even patterns 101e.

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

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

[0178] Each of the third patterns 103d located at an odd position in the first direction among a number of third patterns 103d has a number of openings in which a number of first odd patterns 101o arranged along the second direction are arranged. One first odd pattern 101o is arranged in each opening.

[0179] Each of the third patterns located at an even position in the first direction among a number of third patterns 103d has a number of openings in which a number of first even patterns 101e arranged along the second direction are arranged. One first even pattern 101e is arranged in each opening.

[0180] Each third pattern 103d may include a third external pattern 103o, a number of third internal patterns 103i, and a number of third connection patterns 103c.

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

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

[0183] The number of third connection patterns 103c electrically connect the spaces between the number of third internal patterns 103i arranged along the second direction, and electrically connect between the third internal patterns respectively located at both ends among the number of third internal patterns 103i arranged along the second direction and the first external pattern 103o.

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

[0185] The other ends of the number of fourth patterns 104d are electrically connected by the conductive pattern 104m.

[0186] Each fourth pattern 104d is arranged within one third pattern 103d. More specifically, the fourth pattern 104d may be arranged in an opening (or, inner opening) defined by the third external pattern 103o, the number of third internal patterns 103i, and the number of third connection patterns 103c of the third pattern 103d.

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

[0188] The fourth upper pattern 104u and the fourth lower pattern 104l may extend along a first direction and be electrically connected by a conductive pattern that intersects the third connection pattern 103c.

[0189] The sensor unit 100d shown in FIG. 15 can replace the sensor unit 100a shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, the sensor unit 100d shown in FIG. 15 can also sense the touch position of an object and drive and sense a stylus pen in various ways described in the above .

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

[0191] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a modification of the sensor unit 100d shown in FIG. 15.

[0192] The structures and shapes of the first to fourth patterns 101d, 102d, 103d, and 104d of the sensor unit 100d' shown in FIG. 16 are the same as those of the first to fourth patterns 101d, 102d, 103d, and 104d of the sensor unit 100d shown in FIG. 15. Therefore, the description of the structures and shapes of the first to fourth patterns 101d, 102d, 103d, and 104d is replaced by the content described above.

[0193] The difference between the sensor unit 100d' shown in FIG. 16 and the sensor unit 100d shown in FIG. 15 is that there are a conductive pattern 101om that electrically connects two first odd patterns 101o adjacent to each other in the first direction of the first pattern 101d, and a conductive pattern that electrically connects two first even patterns 101e adjacent to each other.

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

[0195] In the sensor unit 100d of FIG. 15, the conductive pattern 101om that electrically connects two first odd patterns 101o adjacent to each other in the first direction of the first pattern 101d and the conductive pattern that electrically connects two first even patterns 101e adjacent to each other have a shape that extends linearly in the first direction, so they have a portion that overlaps with the second pattern 102d. A predetermined capacitance may be formed between the conductive pattern and the second pattern 102d in the overlapping portion. The predetermined capacitance may affect touch sensing or stylus sensing sensitivity and can also affect the operating frequency bandwidth.

[0196] On the contrary, since the conductive pattern 101om in FIG. 15 does not overlap with the second pattern 102d and is arranged to detour around the second pattern 102d, the above-described capacitance is not formed, which has the advantage of being able to reduce the influence on touch sensing or stylus sensing sensitivity and also reduce the influence on the operating frequency bandwidth.

[0197] On the one hand, since the conductive pattern in FIG. 15 is shorter in length than the conductive pattern 101om in FIG. 16, the conductive pattern in FIG. 15 has the advantage that its resistance is even smaller than that of the conductive pattern 101om in FIG. 16.

[0198] As described above, the features, structures, effects, etc. described in the embodiments are included in one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by those with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, the content related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0199] Also, as described above, the embodiments have been mainly described, but this is merely an example and does not limit the present invention. It will be understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention belongs that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiment can be implemented with modifications. And the differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

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

Claims

1. A touch input device including a sensor unit and a control unit electrically connected to the sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit includes first to fourth patterns arranged together on the same layer, the first pattern has openings arranged in a large number along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and the second pattern is arranged inside the openings, the third pattern has openings arranged at least one on each side with reference to the first pattern, and the fourth pattern is arranged inside the openings, the large number of first patterns include first odd patterns and first even patterns arranged alternately along the first direction, the first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and the first even patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, among the large number of second patterns, the second patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected to each other, and the second pattern arranged at the other end among the second patterns arranged along the first direction is electrically connected to the second pattern arranged along the second direction, among the large number of third patterns, the third patterns arranged along the second direction are electrically connected to each other, among the large number of fourth patterns, the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction are electrically connected to each other, and the fourth pattern arranged at the other end among the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction is electrically connected to the fourth pattern arranged along the first direction. Touch input device.

2. The sensor unit further includes a conductive pattern for electrically connecting the first odd patterns arranged along the first direction to each other, wherein the conductive pattern extends along the first direction and is arranged such that at least a part thereof overlaps with the third and fourth patterns. The touch input device according to claim 1.

3. The sensor unit further includes a conductive pattern for electrically connecting the first odd patterns arranged along the first direction to each other, wherein the conductive pattern is arranged to bypass the third pattern so as not to overlap with the third and fourth patterns. The touch input device according to claim 1.

4. The first pattern includes 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. The opening of the first pattern has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the first pattern. The second pattern has a shape corresponding to the opening of the first pattern. The touch input device according to claim 1, wherein the third pattern has a rectangular, polygonal, circular or elliptical shape.

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

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

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

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

9. The third pattern includes a third external pattern, a plurality of third internal patterns, and a plurality of third connection patterns. The third external pattern has a shape corresponding to the outer contour shape of the third pattern, and is in the shape of a closed curve extending along the second direction. The multiple third internal patterns are arranged along the second direction within one of the third external patterns. The multiple third connection patterns electrically connect the spaces between the multiple third internal patterns arranged along the second direction, and electrically connect between the third internal patterns respectively located at both ends among the multiple third internal patterns arranged along the second direction and the third external pattern. The touch input device according to claim 8.

10. The fourth pattern includes a fourth upper pattern and a fourth lower pattern that are electrically connected to each other. The fourth upper pattern is disposed in an upper opening defined by the upper part of the third external pattern, the multiple third internal patterns, and the multiple third connection patterns. The fourth lower pattern is disposed in a lower opening defined by the lower part of the third external pattern, the multiple third internal patterns, and the multiple third connection patterns. The touch input device according to claim 9.

11. The first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected by a conductive pattern. The conductive pattern extends along the first direction and is arranged such that at least a part thereof overlaps with the second pattern. The touch input device according to claim 8.

12. The first odd patterns arranged along the first direction are electrically connected by a conductive pattern. The conductive pattern extends along the first direction and is arranged to bypass the second pattern such that at least a part thereof does not overlap with the second pattern. The touch input device according to claim 8.

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

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

15. The first pattern includes an inverted triangle pattern portion, a triangle pattern portion, and a connection pattern portion connecting between the inverted triangle pattern portion and the triangle pattern portion, The opening of the first pattern has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the first pattern, The second pattern has a shape corresponding to the opening of the first pattern, The third pattern includes a plurality of diamond pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion that connects between two adjacent diamond pattern portions among the plurality of diamond pattern portions, The opening of the third pattern has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the third pattern, The fourth pattern has a shape corresponding to the opening of the third pattern. The touch input device according to claim 14.

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

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